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. Learn more about our work to fully redesign Kindergarten ACCESS on the Redesigned Kindergarten ACCESS Is Coming in 2025-26 webpage. 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.
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 (Note: Field test content is always embedded in ACCESS Online)
- 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
Video
Watch Revising ACCESS: The Impact of the Standards Framework, 2020 Edition (five minutes) to learn about
- how ACCESS for ELLs connects to the WIDA English Language Development Standards
- key elements of the WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition
WIDA tip: This video gives a solid intro to ACCESS and the 2020 Edition. Share it with content area educators or anyone who needs a refresher on what ACCESS is and how it connects to the ELD Standards Framework.