Kentucky
Member of the WIDA Consortium since 2006.
Assessments
Kentucky uses WIDA Screener 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 from the beginning of January through early February.
Testing Dates
| 9/29/23-10/25/23 | Test materials ordering available in AMS (LEAs) |
|---|---|
| 11/30/23-2/16/24 | WIDA AMS test setup available for registrations |
| 12/5/23 | Districts receive test materials |
| 12/5/23-2/9/24 | Additional test materials ordering window in AMS |
| 1/4/24-2/16/24 | Test Window |
| 3/1/24 | Deadline for shipping completed test materials to DRC |
| 3/20/24-4/3/24 | Pre-reporting data validation – LEAs in AMS |
| 4/26/24 | Districts receive reports – Online |
| 5/8/24 | Districts receive reports – Printed |
| 5/7/24-5/21/24 | Post-reporting data validation - SEA in AMS |
| 9/11/24 | Districts receive WIDA Alternate ACCESS reports - Online |
| 9/26/24 | Districts receive WIDA Alternate ACCESS 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 Identification and Placement Guidance
- State Testing Requirements
The Kentucky State Department of Education strongly encourages Grades 1-12 ELs be administered the online version of ACCESS for ELLs.
Kindergarten and WIDA Alternate ACCESS will remain paper-based.
Writing Domain (Testing Online)
- For Grades 1-3, the prompts and responses will be entered in the test booklet
- For Grades 4-12, the prompts and responses will be entered online
- Test Preparation and Training
Test Administrators must complete the ACCESS for ELLs Online Training Course and pass the certification quiz with an 80% or higher. The course is located in the WIDA Secure Portal.
If you don’t yet have an account to access the Secure Portal, please contact your state facilitator: Chris Williams, (502) 564-4394 x4750, chris.williams@education.ky.gov
- You must take the Test Administrator Training Quizzes and receive a passing score of 80% on all applicable quizzes in order to administer ACCESS.
- For ACCESS for ELLs Online (Grades 1-12), you must recertify annually by taking and passing the appropriate certification quiz.
- For Kindergarten and Alternate ACCESS, you must recertify annually by taking the appropriate certification quiz.
Professional Learning
Starting September 1, 2023, educators in Kentucky have access to WIDA's Self-Paced Workshops. View the Workshops flyer for full descriptions and intended audiences.
All Self-Paced Workshops are free and available in the WIDA Secure Portal. Don't have a WIDA Secure Portal account? Contact Chris Williams, WIDA Assessment Coordinator: (502) 564-4394 ext. 4750; chris.williams@education.ky.gov.