Alaska

  1. Memberships and Programs
  2. WIDA Consortium
  3. Alaska

Member of the WIDA Consortium since 2011.

Assessments

Alaska uses Kindergarten W-APT, WIDA MODEL, and WIDA Screener to identify English learners (ELs). ACCESS for ELLs is given to all identified ELs during the annual testing window, which takes place from early February through late March.

Testing Dates

10/28/19-11/22/19 Test materials ordering in AMS (LEAs)
12/16/19-3/31/20 WIDA AMS test setup available for test sessions
1/14/20 Districts receive test materials
2/3/20-3/31/20 Test Window
1/14/20-3/20/20 Additional test materials ordering window in AMS
4/7/20 Deadline for shipping completed test materials to DRC
5/28/20 Districts receive reports – Online
6/8/20 Districts receive reports - Printed

Resources and Requirements

See the sections below for state-specific information and resources related to EL assessments, including your state’s ACCESS for ELLs Checklist, where you can find each step in the ACCESS testing process from beginning to end.

ACCESS for ELLs Online Checklist ACCESS for ELLs Paper Checklist State-Specific Directions Identification and Placement Guidance

State Testing Requirements

For the 2018-19 school year, Alaska's ELs in Grades 1-12 will take either the paper-based or online version of ACCESS for ELLs.

Note: Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs and the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs will remain paper-based tests.

Test Preparation and Training

Your District Test Coordinator manages enrollment for the ACCESS for ELLs online test administrator training course. Please contact that individual to request an account.

  • Test Administrators are required to take the Test Administrator training quizzes.
  • You must receive a passing score of 80% on all applicable quizzes.
  • You will need to retake the training quizzes each year for recertification. 

Manuals, Guides and Test Materials

Guidance for EL Student Identification, Assessment & Data Reporting

Professional Learning

Beginning September 1st, 2019, educators in Alaska have access to WIDA's self-paced eWorkshops. View the eWorkshop flyer for full descriptions and intended audiences.

All eWorkshops are free and available in the eLearning Center in the WIDA Secure Portal. To get a Secure Portal account for eLearning, contact WIDA at help@wida.us or call (866) 276-7735. You can also contact Kelsey Smiley at Kelsey.smiley@alaska.gov or Rachel Schweissing at Rachel.schweissing@alaska.gov. 

Contacts

Alaska Department of Education & Early Development

Kelsey Smiley
Program Manager, Title IIIA Lead
(907) 465-8679
Kelsey.smiley@alaska.gov

Rachel Schweissing
District Test Coordinator Liaison
(907) 465-8433
Rachel.schweissing@alaska.gov

Isaac Paulson
Assessments Administrator
(907) 465-8431
isaac.paulson@alaska.gov  ​

WIDA Client Services Center
Contact us for questions about training materials or test administration procedures, classroom resources, or for problems with your WIDA Secure Portal account.

help@wida.us
(866) 276-7735

Logging In

WIDA Secure Portal

Use the WIDA Secure Portal to access test training manuals and resources, as well as Online Professional Learning modules.

  • To obtain a new login, contact your District Test Coordinator.
  • New District Test Coordinators should contact Rachel Schweissing at rachel.schweissing@alaska.gov to create their account.
  • For assistance with your account, contact the WIDA Client Services Center at help@wida.us or call (866) 276-7735.

WIDA Assessment Management System (WIDA AMS)

WIDA AMS is managed by our partner company Data Recognition Corporation (DRC). You can order ACCESS materials, manage your student and test information, and find technology resources and testing software through WIDA AMS.

  • To obtain a new login, contact your District Test Coordinator.
  • New District Test Coordinators should contact Rachel Schweissing at rachel.schweissing@alaska.gov to create their account.
  • For assistance accessing your account, contact DRC Customer Service at wida@datarecognitioncorp.com or call (855) 787-9615.