Maryland
Member of the WIDA Consortium since 2011.
Assessments
Maryland uses WIDA Screener for Kindergarten and WIDA Screener (for Grades 1-12) to identify English learners (ELs). ACCESS for ELLs and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs are given to ELs during the annual testing window, which typically takes place from early January through late February.
Testing Dates
| 12/9/22-3/3/23 | WIDA AMS test setup available for test sessions |
|---|---|
| 1/6/23 | Districts receive test materials |
| 1/6/23-2/24/23 | Additional test materials ordering window in AMS |
| 1/9/23-3/3/23 | Test window (Make-up window: 2/21-3/3) |
| 3/7/23 | Deadline for shipping completed test materials to DRC |
| 5/10/23 | Districts receive reports — Online |
| 5/26/23 | Districts receive reports — Printed |
Requirements and Resources
See below for state-specific information and resources related to EL assessment, including your state’s ACCESS for ELLs Checklist, where you can find each step in the testing process from beginning to end.
ACCESS for ELLs Online Checklist ACCESS for ELLs Paper Checklist
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State Testing Requirements
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- ACCESS for ELLs Online is administered for English learners (ELs) in Grades 1-12. ELs in Grades 1-3 continue to take the Writing domain in paper booklets.
- Kindergarten and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs remain paper-based assessments.
- ELs with special needs may take ACCESS for ELLs Paper if indicated in their IEP or 504 Plan.
- ELs in Grades 4-5 keyboard their Writing responses. For newly arrived ELs and/or ELs who have considerable difficulty in keyboarding, local school systems may order handwriting response booklets in the additional materials ordering window. (Handwriting response booklets for Grades 4-12 will not be sent to schools/local school systems with the initial shipment.)
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Test Preparation and Training
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- The online training courses for ACCESS for ELLs can be found in the WIDA Secure Portal. The ESOL Office in your county will need to set up an account for you.
- All Test Administrators must take the applicable training courses and pass the included certification quiz in the WIDA Secure Portal in order to administer ACCESS for ELLs.
- Check with your ESOL Coordinator to find out whether you must recertify for ACCESS for ELLs. If administering ACCESS for ELLs Paper, you must certify on the Speaking scoring training each year.
- Your Local Accountability Coordinator (LAC) will be able to view past training history, but check with your ESOL Coordinator to find out whether you must turn in physical proof of your certification each year.
The EL/Title III Office in the Maryland State Department of Education will offer training and the information will be shared directly with the LACs and ESOL Coordinators
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English Learners with Disabilities
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ACCESS for ELLs accommodations are available ONLY for ELs with disabilities when they are listed in an approved IEP and 504 Plan. Please refer to the Maryland Content Tests vs ACCESS for ELLs for ELSWD Crosswalk for additional information.
The Unique Accommodations Request Form should be completed in rare or unique situations when a request is made for an English learner (EL) with a disability to receive an accommodation that is not part of Maryland's approved list of accommodations for ACCESS for ELLs.
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State Entry and Exit Criteria
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See Maryland's EL Entry and Exit Criteria for minimum scores for placement and exit from EL services.
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Maryland Spoiled Test Booklet Procedures
Standards and Instructional Support
In the spring of 2021, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) rolled out the updated standards resource documents and training that accompany the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Framework, 2020 Edition.
- To download the 2020 Edition of ELD Framework, visit the WIDA ELD Standards Framework website
For more information about the ELD Standards and implementation, please visit MSDE English Learners: English Language Development Standards website.
Professional Learning
Educators in Maryland public schools have access to WIDA’s self-paced workshop offerings. View the flyer for full workshop descriptions and intended audiences.
All WIDA virtual workshops are free and available in the WIDA Secure Portal. Don’t have a WIDA Secure Portal account? Contact the ESOL office in your school system to obtain the WIDA Secure Portal log-in.
Early Years Membership
WIDA Early Years Member State since 2019.
For state-specific information about WIDA Early Years professional learning, resources, and other member benefits, visit the Early Years Member States page.