Delaware
Founding member of the WIDA Consortium since 2003.
Assessments
Delaware uses WIDA MODEL for Kindergarten and WIDA Screener Online (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 from early February to late March.
Testing Dates
| 12/19/19 | SEA loads Pre-ID file into AMS |
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| 1/24/20-3/27/20 | WIDA AMS test setup available for test sessions |
| 1/23/20 | Districts receive test materials |
| 2/3/20-3/20/20 | Test Window |
| 1/23/20-3/13/20 | Additional test materials ordering window in AMS |
| 3/27/20 | Deadline for shipping completed test materials to DRC |
| 5/11/20 | Districts receive reports – Online |
| 5/21/20 | Districts receive reports - Printed |
Requirements and Resources
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 Checklist
State-Specific Directions Identification and Placement Guidance
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State Testing Requirements
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Delaware's ELLs in Grades 1–12 will take ACCESS for ELLs Online in 2018-19. The Delaware Department of Education requires ELLs take the online version except in cases where online testing is not technologically feasible, or if the paper version is needed as an accommodation. If there is a reason a district will need to consider the paper version (i.e. district lacks the necessary technology infrastructure for a successful administration), a district must submit a KACE Help Desk ticket through their district or charter test coordinator for permission.
Note: Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs and the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs will remain paper-based.
In 2018-19, Delaware's 4th and 5th grade students will keyboard their responses to the Writing test.
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Test Preparation and Training
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- Administrators of the paper-based test should note that if they are scoring Speaking, they will need to complete the Speaking scoring training and quiz(zes).
- To access the Test Administrator Training Course, please contact your District ESL Coordinator or DDOE Office of Assessment for help setting up your account.
- For Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs, ACCESS for ELLs (Online and Paper), and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs, there have been no changes for the 2018-19 testing year. The Delaware DOE requires you to re-take the Test Administrator Training Quizzes before administering any or all assessments.
- A passing score of 80% is required on all Test Administrator Training Quizzes for the test you are required to administer.
- You do not need to show proof to the District ESL Coordinator or DOE that you passed your quizzes – they are able to view your training history in the WIDA Secure Portal.
Professional Learning
Starting Sept. 1, 2019, educators in Delaware have access to WIDA’s self-paced eWorkshops. View the eWorkshops flyer for full descriptions and intended audiences.
All eWorkshops are free and available in the eLearning Center in the WIDA Secure Portal. Don’t have a WIDA Secure Portal account? Contact Maria Paxson at (302) 735-4175 or maria.paxson@doe.k12.de.us.