Tennessee

Member of the WIDA Consortium since 2014.

Assessments

Tennessee uses WIDA Screener for Kindergarten and WIDA Screener (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 February through early April.

Testing Dates

12/20/23-3/22/24WIDA AMS Test Setup Available for Registrations
2/1/24Districts Receive Test Materials
2/1/24-3/22/24Additional Test Material Ordering Window in WIDA AMS
2/5/24-3/29/24Test Window
4/2/24Deadline for Shipping Completed Test Materials to DRC
4/12/24-4/18/24Pre-Reporting Data Validation – LEAs in WIDA AMS 
5/8/24Reports and Data Files Available - Online 
5/22/24Reports Available in District - Printed
9/17/24Alternate ACCESS Reports and Data Files Available - Online
10/3/24Alternate 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

Standards and Instructional Support

Tennessee uses WIDA language development standards and provide instructional support through professional development and guidance documents.

Professional Learning

For the following professional development opportunities, check with your district EL Coordinator.

  • Access for ELLs Test Coordinator Training (1/2 day)
  • Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Training
  • WIDA Screener Overview (e-workshop)
  • WIDA AMS for Screener (1/2 day)

Contacts

Nancy Williams
Special Populations Coordinator, MSAA & WIDA
(615) 795-7981
Nancy.E.Williams@tn.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 Nancy Williams at Nancy.E.Williams@tn.gov to create their account.
  • 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 Nancy Williams at Nancy.E.Williams@tn.gov to create an account.
  • For assistance accessing your account, contact DRC Customer Service at wida@datarecognitioncorp.com or call (855) 787-9615.