Bureau of Indian Education
Member of the WIDA Consortium since 2016.
Assessments
BIE uses WIDA Screener for Kindergarten, WIDA MODEL for Kindergarten, and WIDA Screener (for Grades 1-12) to identify English language learners (ELLs). ACCESS for ELLs is given to all ELLs during the annual testing window, which typically takes place in February.
Testing Dates
| 9/12/24 | Receive WIDA Alternate ACCESS Reports and Data Files – Online in WIDA AMS |
|---|---|
| 9/30/24 - 10/4/24 | Receive WIDA Alternate ACCESS Reports - Printed |
| 10/15/24 - 11/15/24 | Test Materials Ordering via WIDA AMS (LEAs/Schools) |
| 12/27/24 - 2/13/25 | WIDA AMS Test Setup Available for Registrations |
| 1/8/25 - 1/14/25 | Districts Receive Test Materials |
| 1/13/25 - 2/13/25 | Test Window |
| 1/8/25 - 2/6/25 | Additional Test Material Ordering Window in WIDA AMS |
| 2/20/25 | Deadline for Shipping Completed Test Materials to DRC (Postmark date) |
| 3/10/25 - 3/21/25 | Pre-Reporting Data Validation – LEAs/Schools in WIDA AMS |
| 4/28/25 | Schools Receive Reports and Data - Posted in WIDA AMS |
| 5/7/25 - 5/13/25 | Printed Reports Received in Districts |
| 6/4/25 | Updated ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS Data - Posted in WIDA AMS |
Resources and Requirements
See below for state-specific information and resources related to ELL assessment, 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 ChecklistIdentification and Placement Guidance
- Agency Testing Requirements
Use the BIE Home Language Survey (HLS) at initial enrollment to determine the presence of other languages that may impact students’ academic performance. Refer to the Identification and Placement Guidance document for additional next steps.
BIE Home Language Survey Example
BIE Pre-K Home Language Survey (HLS)
Home Language Survey Information
Continuing Student Parent Notification Letter
New Student Parent Notification Letter
BIE English Language Academic Plan (ELAP) for SY 2023-2024
Understanding the ELAP, A Guide for Parents and Caregivers of English Learners
Professional Learning
Self-Paced Workshops
Starting Sept. 1, 2024, BIE educators have access to WIDA’s Self-Paced Workshops 2024-2025 offerings. View the flyer for full workshop descriptions and intended audiences.
All Self-Paced Workshops are free and available in the Professional Learning section of the WIDA Secure Portal. Don’t have a WIDA Secure Portal account? For teachers, contact your school's WIDA test coordinator. WIDA test coordinators contact: Pamela.Speaks@bie.edu