Montana
Member of the WIDA Consortium since 2011.
Assessments
Montana uses Kindergarten W-APT, 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 lasts from early December through late January.
Testing Dates
| 10/25/19 | Test materials ordering via Pre-ID file (SEA) |
|---|---|
| 11/1/19-1/29/20 | WIDA AMS test setup available for test sessions |
| 11/22/19 | Districts receive test materials |
| 12/4/19-1/29/20 | Test Window |
| 11/22/19-1/22/20 | Additional test materials ordering window in AMS |
| 2/5/20 | Deadline for shipping completed test materials to DRC |
| 4/24/20 | Districts receive reports – Online |
| 5/5/20 | 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 Checklist State-Specific Directions
Identification and Placement Guidance
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State Testing Requirements
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- Montana uses ACCESS for ELLs Online. Alternate and Kindergarten ACCESS are paper-based assessments.
- Students in Grades 4-5 keyboard their responses to the Writing test, but districts may change to a handwriting response mode if more appropriate for their students.
- ACCESS training courses are available through the WIDA Secure Portal. System Test Coordinators create accounts for Test Administrators to access these training courses.
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Test Preparation and Training
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- ACCESS for ELLs training materials can be found on the WIDA Secure Portal. Contact your System Test Coordinator if you do not have an account on the Secure Portal.
- Kindergarten W-APT and WIDA Screener training and test materials can be accessed through the WIDA Secure Portal. Contact your System Test Coordinator if you need additional permissions to view these materials.
- To be certified to administer WIDA assessments, including ACCESS, you must complete the applicable training modules and receive a passing score of 80% or higher on the relevant quiz(zes).
- You may view your current certifications on your Training Certificate page in the WIDA Secure Portal. Contact your System Test Coordinator to find out whether a physical copy is needed for their records.
- Once you are certified, you do not need to retake the quizzes unless the assessment changes. Check your state’s ACCESS Checklist each fall to find out if you need to recertify. OPI recommends that Test Administrators review the training materials prior to administration, especially for components where the TA will be scoring the responses.
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Manuals, Guides and Test Materials
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- Montana’s ELLs: Guidance for School Districts – This guide contains state specific information regarding identification and placement, ELL programs and services, ELL assessments in Montana, and state reporting requirements.
- ELL Assessment Guidance
Professional Learning
Starting Sept. 1, 2019, educators in Montana 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 the Montana OPI Assessment Team at 1.844.867.2569.