Redesigned Kindergarten ACCESS Is Coming in 2025-26
Redesigning Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs is a multi-year project to transform the assessment so that it incorporates the WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition. The redesigned Kindergarten ACCESS will be ready for the 2025-26 ACCESS testing year. It will still be individually administered to students in an interactive, paper-based format. The redesigned assessment will feature
- A single, brand-new storyline (farewell, Erika the giraffe – parting is such sweet sorrow)
- Streamlined design with fewer cards and materials
- New test item types that reflect classroom practices
- Revised expectations for test items based on the WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition
- Revised scoring protocols and rubrics for Speaking and Writing tasks
- A revamped training course for test administrators
Did you know? We’re also revising ACCESS for ELLs Online and Paper to incorporate the 2020 Edition. Learn about that project on the Revised ACCESS for ELLs Is Coming in 2025-26 page.
As part of the work to redesign Kindergarten ACCESS, WIDA must host several test development events. So far, we’ve held bias, sensitivity and content reviews and carried out cognitive labs, pilot testing and field testing. A big WIDA thank you to all the educators across the WIDA Consortium who were involved in those events.
Project Timeline
2023-2024
October 2023
Kindergarten ACCESS cognitive labs at select sites throughout the WIDA Consortium
February – March 2024
- Kindergarten ACCESS pilot testing at select sites throughout the WIDA Consortium
- Kindergarten ACCESS special study for students with low vision at select sites throughout the WIDA Consortium
2025-2026
January – March 2025
Kindergarten ACCESS field test at sites selected from those that sign up to participate
December 2025 through April 2026 (and beyond)
- Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs gets a name change: WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten
- Redesigned Kindergarten ACCESS is used by all sites in the WIDA Consortium
Introducing... Fun stuff!
That’s right, we said “fun stuff!” At WIDA, test development is a serious business, but we also know that we can’t be serious all the time...
We present... a bit of Kindergarten ACCESS Field Test whimsy! When was the last time you put on a puppet show with stick puppets or finger puppets? The Kindergarten ACCESS field test puppets gave a stellar performance as field test champions. Now it's your turn! Take a moment to wallow in whimsy and download, print, color and play with the Kindergarten ACCESS Field Test puppet and puppet theater templates.