South Dakota
Member of the WIDA Consortium since 2008.
Assessments
South Dakota uses WIDA Screener for Kindergarten and WIDA Screener (for grades 1-12) to identify English language learners. ACCESS for ELLs is given to all ELLs during the annual testing window, which typically lasts from late January through early March.
Testing Dates
| 1/5/26 - 2/27/26 | WIDA AMS Test Setup Available for Registrations |
|---|---|
| 1/7/26 - 1/9/26 | Districts Receive Test Materials |
| 1/27/26 - 2/27/26 | Test Window |
| 1/7/26 - 2/20/26 | Additional Test Material Ordering Window in WIDA AMS |
| 3/9/26 | Deadline for Shipping Completed Test Materials to DRC - Postmark date |
| 5/5/26 | Districts Receive ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS Reports and Data - Posted in WIDA AMS |
| 5/11/26 - 5/13/26 | Districts Receive Printed Reports |
| 6/11/26 | Updated ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS Data - Posted in WIDA AMS for SEA and Districts |
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 Online Checklist ACCESS for ELLs Paper ChecklistIdentification and Placement Guidance
- State Testing Requirements
- South Dakota administers ACCESS for ELLs Online for students in Grades 1-12. The paper-based version of ACCESS for ELLs can be used for students who require it, as an accommodation as part of their IEP or 504 Plan.
- Kindergarten and Alternate ACCESS tests remain paper-based assessments.
- Students in Grades 4-5 keyboard their Writing domain responses.
- SEA approval is required to order any Writing response booklets for Grades 4-12.
- Test Preparation and Training
- ACCESS training courses are available on the WIDA Secure Portal. Contact your District Test Coordinator to obtain an account.
- To be considered certified to administer WIDA assessments, including ACCESS for ELLs and WIDA Screener, Test Administrators must be a certified educator, review applicable training course in the WIDA Secure Portal, and pass the appropriate certification quiz with a score of 80% or higher.
- Test Administrators are required to certify annually for WIDA Screener and ACCESS for ELLs administration.
- Manuals and Test Materials
WIDA Screener for Kindergarten and WIDA Screener training and test materials are located in the WIDA Secure Portal. Contact your District Test Coordinator to obtain an account.
Professional Learning
For information on additional available state assessment professional development offerings, please click the Events/PD link on DOE homepage, and/or contact Shari Lord for more information. Registration for Professional Learning opportunities.