North Dakota
Member of the WIDA Consortium since 2006.
Assessments
North Dakota uses WIDA MODEL for Kindergarten and WIDA Screener for Grades 1-12 to identify English learners (ELs). All English learners must participate in the annual ND English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessment (ACCESS for ELLs) during the testing schedule below.
Testing Dates
| 11/30/22 | NDDPI submits the student pre-ID file to DRC |
|---|---|
| 12/8/22-2/17/23 | WIDA AMS test setup available for test sessions |
| 1/3/23-1/4/23 | Districts receive test materials |
| 1/3/23-2/10/23 | Additional test materials ordering window in AMS |
| 1/9/23-2/17/23 | Test Window |
| 2/23/23 | Deadline for shipping completed test materials to DRC |
| 3/10/23-3/23/23 | Pre-reporting data validation – LEAs in AMS |
| 4/28/23 | Districts receive reports – Online |
| 5/4/23-5/5/23 | 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 ACCESS testing process from beginning to end.
ACCESS for ELLs Checklist Identification and Placement Guidance
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State Testing Requirements
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- All potential English learners must be screened using the ND English language proficiency (ELP) screener assessment (WIDA Screener).
- All English learners must participate in the annual ELP summative assessment (ACCESS for ELLs).
- All English learners in grades 3-8, 10 must participate in the ND State content assessment.
- Newly arrived English learners may qualify for a one-time exemption of the RLA portion of the state content assessment within the first 12 months of enrollment in a U.S. school.
Attainment (exit) is primarily based on ND ELP scores. To qualify for reclassification, a student must meet English language proficiency comparable to their native English-speaking peers determined by one of the following options:
- General: Minimum 5.0 composite ELP and minimum 3.5 proficiency level (PL) in each domain.
- ALT: Minimum P2 composite on ALT ACCESS for two consecutive years and documented approval of the ILP/IEP teams.
- Exempt Domain: Minimum 4.5 adapted composite ELP, minimum 3.5 PL in each non-exempt domain, and documented approval of the ILP/IEP teams.
- Plateau: Documented high-quality English language development (ELD) instruction with no ELP growth for a minimum of 3 consecutive years, minimum composite ELP of 4.0 and documented assurances and approval of the ILP/IEP teams.
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Test Preparation and Training
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- All personnel who contact WIDA assessments must be trained and certified ANNUALLY on those assessments with which they have access. This is important to maintain the security and reliability of the assessments.
- Staff who contact the assessment but do not administer any portions must review and sign the security agreement available under “ACCESS for ELLs Test Security” on the NDDPI website or in the EL Coordinator Team.
- The training/certification for the WIDA Screener and ACCESS assessments is completed through training modules in the WIDA Secure Portal.
- To administer any paper-based version of WIDA Screener or ACCESS, educators must hold a ND EL endorsement.
- District Test Coordinators (DTCs) must update/maintain WIDA and DRC accounts for all applicable personnel to ensure permissions and trainings are current and accurate. The district test coordinator must annually verify this information to the NDDPI. If you did not receive the verification form, please contact the EL Programs Office.
- All personnel who contact WIDA assessments must be trained and certified ANNUALLY on those assessments with which they have access. This is important to maintain the security and reliability of the assessments.
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Manuals, Guides and Test Materials
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- State-specific guidance can be found on the NDDPI website and in the Office 365 EL Coordinator or EL Educator Teams.
- Additional test manuals and guides can be found in the WIDA Secure Portal.
Standards and Instructional Support
The WIDA English Language Development Standards, 2020 Edition, is slated to be implemented in ND in the fall of 2023. To learn more about the 2020 Edition, please visit the 2020 Standards page on the WIDA website.
Professional development options are listed on the NDDPI website and in the EL Coordinator Team.
Professional Learning
The NDDPI has selected to offer the following WIDA Self-Paced Workshops for the 2022-23 school year:
- Classroom Teachers: Engaging Multilingual Newcomers
- Making Language Visible: Exploring the Key Language Uses
- Social Studies: Engaging Multilingual Learners through Inquiry
- Reframing Education for Long-term English Learners
- Engaging Multilingual Learners in Science: Making Sense of Phenomena
- Developing Language for Learning in Mathematics
- Home Languages in the Classroom
- The WIDA ELD Standards Framework: A Collaborative Approach
Learn more on the eLearning webpage where you can find course descriptions, a promotional flyer and PowerPoint slide to help spread the word to colleagues, and more. Districts can use them individually or in collaborative groups. So, when you’re ready, grab a laptop, a cup of tea, and take advantage of free high-quality Professional Learning with WIDA Self-Paced Workshops!
Please visit the North Dakota EL Coordinator or EL Educator Teams to learn more about professional development opportunities. If you are not a member of a Team, please contact the EL Programs Office.