North Carolina

Member of the WIDA Consortium since 2008.

Assessments

North Carolina 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 lasts from late January through mid-March.

Testing Dates

12/20/23-3/8/24WIDA AMS Test Setup Available for Registrations
1/5/24Districts Receive Test Materials
1/5/24-3/1/24Additional Test Material Ordering Window in WIDA AMS
1/22/24-3/8/24Test Window
3/15/24Deadline for Shipping Completed Test Materials to DRC
4/2/24-4/15/24Pre-Reporting Data Validation - LEAs in AMS
5/17/24ACCESS Reports and Data Files Available - Online in WIDA AMS
6/10/24ACCESS Reports Available in District - Printed
9/18/24WIDA Alternate ACCESS Reports and Data Files Available - Online in WIDA AMS
10/11/24WIDA Alternate ACCESS Reports Available in District - 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 Identification and Placement Guidance

Professional Learning

The NCDPI ESL/Title III Team is dedicated to growing the success of multilingual learners (MLs) by sustaining statewide implementation of the ELD Standards, ensuring program compliance, and coordinating efforts, resources, and professional learning to build stakeholder capacity.

Contacts

Susan Walz
ESL/Title III Consultant
Area of Expertise: EL records in PowerSchool, State Pre-ID file, ACCESS Data Validation
(984) 236-2847
susan.walz@dpi.nc.gov

Molly Britt
Education Testing/Accountability Consultant
Area of Expertise: Testing Accommodations
(984) 236-2732
molly.britt@dpi.nc.gov

Wendy Wooten
Education Testing/Accountability Consultant
Area of Expertise: Testing Policy for test administrations
(984) 236-2729
wendy.wooten@dpi.nc.gov

WIDA Client Services Center
Contact us for questions about training materials or test administration procedures, classroom resources, or for problems with your WIDA Secure Portal account.

help@wida.us
(866) 276-7735

Logging In

WIDA Secure Portal
Use the WIDA Secure Portal to access test training manuals and resources, as well as Online Professional Learning modules.

  • To obtain a new login, contact your District Test Coordinator.
  • New District Test Coordinators should contact their Regional Accountability Coordinator (RAC) to create an account. If RAC is unknown, contact Wendy Wooten at wendy.wooten@dpi.nc.gov for assistance.
  • For assistance with your account, contact the WIDA Client Services Center at help@wida.us or call (866) 276-7735.

WIDA Assessment Management System (WIDA AMS) 
WIDA AMS is managed by our partner company Data Recognition Corporation (DRC). You can order ACCESS materials, manage your student and test information, and find technology resources and testing software via WIDA AMS.

  • To obtain a new login, contact your District Test Coordinator.
  • New District Test Coordinators should contact their local Regional Accountability Coordinator (RAC) to create an account. If RAC is unknown, contact Wendy Wooten at wendy.wooten@dpi.nc.gov for assistance.
  • For assistance accessing your account, contact DRC Customer Service at wida@datarecognitioncorp.com or call (855) 787-9615.