Resources/Recursos

This Focus Bulletin describes how WIDA approaches the design and development of language proficiency tests for kindergarten multilingual learners. We describe some of the design principles that underlie WIDA kindergarten tests, including the use of task models, scaffolds, and stopping rules. The aim of these design principles is to provide young multilingual learners the opportunity to show what they can do with their rapidly developing language skills in an assessment context.

Released February 2026

In this WIDA Webinar recording, learn how WIDA MODEL test scores can support instructional planning. WIDA MODEL is a flexible, on-demand interim language proficiency assessment that can be administered any time during the school year, depending on the needs of the student, school or district. The recording provides you with resources to help you better understand and use test scores, including using them to help predict scores on ACCESS and to support instruction for multilingual learners in grades K-12. The webinar was presented by assessment specialist Katie Schultz and WIDA researchers Mark Chapman and David MacGregor.

Released February 2026

Review this rubric before administering WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten to understand the expectations for each speaking task.

Released September 2025

Use this rubric to assign a score to writing responses on WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten.

Released September 2025

This accessibility manual was developed to guide the selection and administration of Test Administration Considerations, Universal Tools, and Accommodations for individual English Language Learners (ELLs) in order to produce valid assessment results.

Released April 2025

This comprehensive document explains the types of scores reported by ACCESS for ELLs for students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Released February 2025

Student Roster Reports show individual students' domain, composite and overall scores. There are separate reports for each grade.

Released February 2025

School frequency reports show the number of students who've tested at each proficiency level for all domains. There are separate reports for each grade.

Released February 2025

State Frequency Reports show the number and percentage of tested students who scored at each proficiency level. There are separate reports for each grade.

Released February 2025

This report provides information about the student’s scores on the ACCESS for ELLs English language proficiency test. This test is based on the WIDA English Language Development Standards and is used to measure students’ progress in learning English. Scores are reported as Language Proficiency Levels and as Scale Scores.

Released February 2025

District Frequency Reports show the number and percentage of tested students who scored at each proficiency level. There are separate reports for each grade.

Released January 2025

This study examines decision makers, criteria and procedures of kindergarten English learner identification within a U.S. state, in view of WIDA Screener for Kindergarten.

Released December 2023

Checklist for IEP teams to prepare for administering WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten.

Released June 2023

This letter, available in many languages, contains general information about ACCESS for ELLs and is meant to accompany ACCESS for ELLs score reports as an explanation for parents and guardians. It is provided in an editable format to allow districts and schools to include additional information regarding test administration dates and state policy.

Released December 2020

This technical report aids WIDA Consortium members and stakeholders in producing imputed overall composite scale scores and proficiency levels for students who are missing scores in one or two domains due to a disability. 

Published September 2020 
Author: Narek Sahakyan

Released September 2020

Send this handout, available in multiple languages, home with students as an introduction to ACCESS when testing is scheduled or as a reminder before scores are shared. This flyer explains what ACCESS is and why students take this kind of assessment. Use this resource to help parents understand annual language proficiency testing.

Note: For family handouts that explain English learner status and language testing, refer to the What Is WIDA Screener? and What Is WIDA Alternate Screener? handouts.

Released July 2020

Send this flyer home with students along with the ACCESS for ELLs Individual Student Report. This flyer explains each piece of score information included in the report. Use this guide, available in several languages, to help parents understand what scores mean and how they are used.

Released July 2020