Oklahoma
Member of the WIDA Consortium since 2006.
Assessments
Oklahoma uses WIDA Screener for Kindergarten, WIDA MODEL for Kindergarten, and WIDA Screener (for Grades 1-12) to identify English language learners (ELLs). ACCESS for ELLs, Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs, and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs are given to all ELLs during the annual testing window, which typically lasts from late January through late March.
Testing Dates
| 12/15/21-3/25/22 | WIDA AMS test setup available for test sessions |
|---|---|
| 1/7/22 | Districts receive test materials |
| 1/7/22-3/18/22 | Additional test materials ordering window in AMS |
| 1/10/22-3/25/22 | Test Window |
| 4/1/22 | Deadline for shipping completed test materials to DRC |
| 4/18/22-5/6/22 | Pre-reporting data validation – LEAs in AMS |
| 5/24/22 | Districts receive reports – Online |
| 6/9/22 | 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 Identification and Placement Guidance
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State Testing Requirements
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- ACCESS for ELLs Online is administered for English learners (ELs) in Grades 1-12.
- ELs in Grades 1-3 will assess the Writing domain using paper booklets.
- ELs in Grades 4-5 may opt to assess the Writing domain using paper booklets.
- Kindergarten and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs remain as fully paper-based assessments.
- ELs with special needs may take the paper-based ACCESS for ELLs if so indicated in their IEP or 504 Plan.
- For newly arrived ELs and/or ELs who have considerable difficulty in keyboarding, local school systems may order handwriting response booklets in the additional test materials ordering window (see the “Testing Dates” timeline on the Oklahoma state WIDA page for window dates).
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Test Preparation and Training
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- The WIDA Secure Portal account provides access to WIDA Screener for Kindergarten, WIDA Screener, and all ACCESS training materials.
- If district staff are administering ACCESS for ELLs Online, Kindergarten ACCESS, or Alternate ACCESS, recertification is not required. However, OSDE strongly recommends that test administrators refresh their knowledge with training resources available on the WIDA Secure Portal.
- To administer a specific WIDA assessment, test administrators must complete the associated training course and pass the assessment certification quiz.
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Manuals, Guides and Test Materials
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English Learner Process and Practice Frequently Asked Questions (EL FAQ)
This document contains comprehensive information on all aspects of identifying, serving, and testing English learners in Oklahoma public schools.
Professional Learning
Please contact the Oklahoma State Department of Education's Office of English Language Proficiency at 405-522-5073 for information on available state EL professional development offerings. Interested parties may also consult OSDE's English Learners Page, and/or contact OELP@sde.ok.gov to request to be added to OSDE's EL listserv. This listserv is OSDE's primary means of communication with districts regarding all things EL/WIDA, including registration information for state EL PD offerings.