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

9/18/24WIDA Alternate ACCESS Reports and Data Files Available - Online in WIDA AMS
10/11/24WIDA Alternate ACCESS Reports Available in District - Printed
12/20/24 - 3/14/25WIDA AMS Test Setup Available for Registrations
1/6/25 - 1/7/25Districts Receive Test Materials
1/13/25 - 3/14/25Test Window
1/6/25 - 3/7/25Additional Test Material Ordering Window in WIDA AMS
3/21/25Deadline for Shipping Completed Test Materials to DRC (Postmark date)
5/12/25Districts Receive Reports and Data - Posted in WIDA AMS
5/30/25 - 6/2/25Districts Receive Print Reports
7/8/25Updated ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS Data - Posted in WIDA AMS

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

Standards and Instructional Support

NCDPI ML/Title III Website

ELD Standards Resource Hub

Professional Learning

The NCDPI ML/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
ML/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.