Michigan
Member of the WIDA Consortium since 2013.
Assessments
Michigan uses WIDA Screener for Kindergarten and WIDA Screener (for Grades 1-12) to identify English learners (ELs). ACCESS for ELLs is given to all ELs during the annual testing window, which typically lasts from early February through late March.
For WIDA assessment related questions, see Michigan’s WIDA webpage.
Testing Dates
When available, please review the WIDA List of Important Dates on Michigan's WIDA webpage for the most up to date information about testing dates.
Additional information about testing dates for the WIDA Screener for Kindergarten and the WIDA Screener can be found in the Michigan Guide to the WIDA Screener on Michigan’s WIDA webpage.
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 ACCESS testing process from beginning to end.
ACCESS for ELLs Online Checklist ACCESS for ELLs Paper ChecklistIdentification and Placement Guidance
- State Testing Requirements
- Districts and schools that are not yet ready to make the transition to online assessments must submit an Online Testing Waiver through the OEAA Secure Site. Dates by when these requests must be submitted can be found by reviewing the WIDA List of Important Dates on Michigan’s WIDA webpage.
- Schools who are administering ACCESS for ELLs Online may still have students who need to be assessed with the paper version. Refer to the guidance found on Michigan’s WIDA webpage for more information.
- Students in Grades 4-12 who are taking the online test will keyboard their Writing domain responses by default. If needed, LEAs can order Writing Response Booklets during the Additional Materials ordering window if they would like to have students handwrite their responses.
- Test Preparation and Training
- Technology Coordinators, Test Administrators and Test Coordinators should review available materials when they are alerted via email from the Office of Educational Assessment and Accountability, the Michigan Department of Education's Spotlight on Student Assessment and Accountability, or from the WIDA Assessment Management System (WIDA AMS).
- District staff may also check with their Intermediate School District (ISD) or Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) for current training offerings.
- All educators should follow the required training guidance found in the Preparing Yourself and Staff as a Building Coordinator.
- Manuals, Guides and Test Materials
Refer to Michigan’s WIDA webpage for the most up to date Michigan specific materials.
Standards and Instructional Support
The WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition, was released in December 2020. To learn more about Michigan’s timeline for rollout and implementation of the 2020 Edition, please visit the Michigan Department of Education's English Learner Resources webpage.
For EL, immigrant, identification, programming and instructional services, see Michigan’s Office of Educational Supports.
Professional Learning
Professional learning opportunities for Michigan educators can be found by reviewing announcements in the Assessment and Accountability Spotlight Newsletter as well as communications from the Office of Educational Supports. If you have specific needs for professional learning, please contact MDE’s staff using the contact information provided on this page.
Educators can also check this year’s Professional Learning Calendar to view offerings and register for events.