Revised ACCESS for ELLs Is Coming in 2025-26
Revised ACCESS for ELLs is a multi-year project to integrate the WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition into ACCESS Online, Paper and Kindergarten ACCESS. Plus, we're taking this opportunity to fully redesign Kindergarten ACCESS for the first time in 10 years. These updated tests will be ready for the 2025-26 ACCESS testing year.
WIDA is improving the tests so that they better match the language instruction happening in your classroom every day. We will be inviting you to get involved in the process by participating in test development events and activities.
Throughout the project, use this page as your go-to spot to learn about what we’re working on and when it’s happening. As we add more information to this page, we will notify you via WIDA communication vehicles, like WIDA News. Please visit our News Signup page to make sure you’re signed up to receive messages from WIDA.
What's Happening
Timeline
Fall through Winter 2023
Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs cognitive labs at select sites throughout the WIDA Consortium
Winter 2023 through Spring 2024
- ACCESS for ELLs Paper field test in the state of Florida only
- ACCESS for ELLs Online field test content is embedded in the test
- Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs pilot testing at select sites throughout the WIDA Consortium
Winter 2024 through Spring 2025
- ACCESS for ELLs Online field test content is embedded in the test
- Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs field test at sites that sign up to participate
Winter 2025 through Spring 2026 (and beyond)
Revised ACCESS for ELLs and redesigned Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs are used by all sites in the WIDA Consortium
Get Involved
Participate in an ACCESS Online, Paper or Kindergarten test development event, like bias, sensitivity and content reviews or cognitive labs!
Learn more about the test development process, including key terms, and then fill out the assessment events participation survey on the Building an Assessment page.
