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 Screening for English Language Proficiency & Screeners

 2016-2017 ACCESS for ELLs 2.0

 2015-2016 ACCESS for ELLs 2.0
  • Announcement
    • For 2015-16, the regular ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 testing window will be from January 11, 2016, to March 4, 2016.
    • School Year 2015-16 will be the first operational year for ACCESS for ELLs 2.0. It will be administered primarily via computer. A paper version of ACCESS will be available for accommodated administrations and/or where local circumstances make online testing impractical at this time. The following portions of ACCESS will continue to be paper-only:
      • Kindergarten ACCESS
      • Alternate ACCESS
      • ACCESS Writing Test in grades 1-3
    • Important note – The speaking portion of ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 requires that a microphone be provided for each student. The microphone may be either a stand-alone unit or part of a headset.
  • 2016 ACCESS for ELLs and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 CalendarPDF Document
  • 2016 ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Alternate testing window

    ISBE is no longer using paper forms for this process. For districts wanting to choose an alternate testing window for ACCESS 2.0, please check the SIS webinar that explains how to request alternate testing dates. No reason for the request needs to be entered, but if the number of waiver requests is very large, districts may be asked to provide additional information regarding their request.

  • Updated Procedure for ACCESS 2.0 Student Transfer during the TestingPDF Document
  • 2015-16 Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Participation GuidancePDF Document
  • ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Accessibility and Accommodations Guidelines and Resources

    There are a number of ACCESS 2.0 accommodations available to English Learners who are IEPs. The following five accommodations need to be arranged prior to testing. Those accommodations for paper should be ordered in WIDA-AMS during the test materials ordering window. The online accommodations can be turned on in WIDA-AMS any time prior to the test administration after ISBE has uploaded the Pre-ID file to DRC. Note that test tickets for the online format should be created after selecting these accommodations in WIDA-AMS.

    Paper Format Online Format
    • Large Print
    • Braille
    • Extended Time for Speaking Response (ES)
    • Manual Control of Audio (MC)
    • Repeat Item Audio (RA)

    Other support options are available for ACCESS 2.0. Some require an IEP, others do not. The following links have more information.

  • ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Fall Webinars

    Beginning Sept. 23, 2015, WIDA will be conducting a series of webinars to help prepare school districts for this year’s ACCESS administration. Click here for announcements and resources about the transition to ACCESS for ELLs 2.0.

  • ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Updates - 2015 Bilingual Program Directors’ Meeting PresentationPDF Document
  • ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Site File setup via SIS - due Sept. 30, 2015

    Data Recognition Corp. (DRC), the new material vendor for ACCESS for ELLs 2.0, requested that schools and districts in Illinois that will be participating in the ACCESS 2.0 and ordering materials provide a Site File by Sept. 30, 2015.

    • The Site File identifies contact information for key staff who will facilitate the assessment.
    • ISBE will use the Student Information System (SIS) to collect this information and will transfer the Site File to DRC on Oct. 1, 2015.
    • DRC will create district accounts in its online administration management system called WIDA-AMS.
    • District coordinator(s) reported in the SIS Site File will be notified by email once those accounts are ready to use.
  • ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Material Ordering Window is Open Until Nov. 13, 2015

    For 2015-16, the ACCESS for ELLs test is available in either electronic or paper format. The window for ordering paper materials is now open. The last day to place orders is Nov. 13, 2015.

    The new ACCESS vendor, DRC, has issued user accounts for its new website, www.wida-ams.us, where materials are ordered and electronic test sessions are set up. For each district that participated in ACCESS or Alternate ACCESS testing during 2014-15, at least one account was issued. The default user is the district superintendent unless alternate contact information was entered into SIS during September (refer to the announcement for ACCESS 2.0 Site File Set Up via SIS above).

    If you need assistance accessing your WIDA-AMS account, you may contact Barry Pedersen at ISBE (866-317-6034, bpederse@isbe.net) or DRC Customer Support (855-787-9615, wida@datarecognitioncorp.com).

  • Additional ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 test materials ordering window: January 6 - February 5, 2016

    The Additional ACCESS test material ordering is available for IL from January 6 to February 5.  District must use their WIDA-AMS account for test materials ordering.  Please use the overage materials that have been sent before ordering additional materials.  For more in-depth instructions on ordering, please refer to the WIDA AMS User Guide Part 1,PDF Document which is available on the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Training Course on the WIDA website (www.wida.us). The Test Administration Manuals also provide an overview of the steps for the ordering and receiving materials process.

    Please do not hesitate to contact DRC Customer Service with any questions at WIDA@datarecognitioncorp.com or 1-855-787-9615.

  • ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Test Materials Delivery – Shipment 1

    For districts that completed the test materials ordering via WIDA AMS by November 13, 2015, the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 test materials will be delivered to districts on or before Tuesday, January 19, 2016. For questions regarding delivery, please call DRC Customer Service at 1-855-787-9615.

  • ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Test Setup Window Opening: 12/17/2015 - 2/26/2016

    The WIDA Assessment Management System (WIDA-AMS) Test Setup window for ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 will take place beginning Monday, December 7, 2015 through the end of the testing window.  District test coordinators will have the ability to view students in the system as well as to view and modify test sessions.  If districts are testing ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 online, they must make sure that students are entered in appropriate test sessions.

    For more in-depth instructions on Test Setup, please refer to the Manage Students and Test Session Creation modules and/or the WIDA AMS User Guide Part 2,PDF Document which are available on the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Training Course on the WIDA website (www.wida.us).

    Please do not hesitate to contact DRC Customer Service with any questions at WIDA@DataRecognitionCorp.com or 1-855-787-9615.

  • What is WIDA-AMS?PDF Document
  • WIDA Assessment Management System (WIDA-AMS) Getting Started

    WIDA-AMS is a companion website to www.wida.us. It is managed by the new ACCESS vendor DRC. You will use it to order paper materials, and manage the online testing process for your district. Once your WIDA-AMS user account has been set up, you will receive an email with a link to WIDA-AMS (www.wida-ams.us) and instructions for signing-in. Someone with a District Coordinator user account in WIDA-AMS can add users and assign permissions to user accounts.

    Training and reference materials for using WIDA-AMS are available on the WIDA website (www.wida.us). Log-in and click on “My Account and Secure Portal” at the top right. Select the training course for “Online Grades 1-12” to open the “Online Test Administrator Checklist”. As part of the checklist, you will be able to review the WIDA-AMS User Guide Part 1PDF Documentand Part 2,PDF DocumentACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Online Test Administration Manual,PDF Document and the following WIDA-AMS training modules:

  • Clarifications about WIDA Accounts regarding ACCESS for ELLs 2.0
    WIDA User Account WIDA Assessment Management System (AMS) Account
    Required to access for ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 training and other resources related to test administration.

    Must log in with your personal WIDA user account at www.wida.us.    		 Required to order tests and manage test administration.

    Note: This is a different user name and password than the personal WIDA user account log-in.
    Questions or Help:
    For account set up or questions about training, contact district test coordinator or WIDA client services center (866-276-7735, help@wida.us).    		 Questions or Help:
    Contact Barry Pedersen at ISBE (866-317-6034, bpederse@isbe.net)
     or
    DRC (855-787-9615, wida@datarecognitioncorp.com).
  • ACCESS Re-training requirements summary
    Assessment Re-training Requirements
    ACCESS for ELLs Re-training requirements for test administrators  who previously certified
    ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 paper
    (Grade 1-12)     		Re-training is not required for listening, reading and writing, but need to complete the training and quiz for Speaking.
    ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 online
    (Grade 1-12)     		All administrators are required to complete trainings for four domains.  There is no quiz for the online test training.

    Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs Re-training is not required.
    Alternate ACCESS (Grade 1-12) Re-training is not required.
    • Anyone training to administer test for the first time must complete all required trainings.
    • More information about trainings can be found from “How do I get trained to administer the ACCESS for ELLs, W-APT Screener, and WIDA MODEL?” under ACCESS for ELLs FAQs on this page.
    • The District Coordinator/Test Administrator checklists below cover most of the important training materials.
    • Online Test Administrator/Coordinator Checklist at https://www.wida.us/ACCESSTraining/Online/index.aspx.
    • Paper Test Administrator/Coordinator Checklist at https://www.wida.us/ACCESSTraining/paper.
  • W-APT Training for EL Screening – a new WIDA training module

    There is a new training module in webinar format at www.wida.us for those who are interested in being trained to administer the W-APT for EL screening. The training for the annual ACCESS for ELLS assessment formerly was considered to be sufficient for the W-APT as well. That is no longer the case.

    • Now that the ACCESS 2.0 listening and speaking domains will be administered from an audio recording, a separate training module created specifically for the W-APT is more appropriate.
    • Those who have already passed the ACCESS for ELLs training do not need to retrain to administer the W-APT.
    • Anyone training for the first time to administer the W-APT should use the new module, which covers all four domains.
    • The new W-APT training module does not conclude with a quiz or award a certificate of completion. Also, completion of the new W-APT module is not tracked or recorded by either ISBE or WIDA.
    • Note that completing the new W-APT module does not qualify someone to administer ACCESS 2.0 for the annual state assessment. Training modules for ACCESS 2.0, both on paper and online, will be released soon.
    • Training to screen at the kindergarten level remains the same as in the past. If you have questions, contact ISBE at (866) 317-6034.
  • ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Overview
  • FAQs
  • Technology
  • Implementation Resources​​

 ACCESS for ELLs FAQs

School districts must annually assess the English language proficiency, including aural comprehension (listening), speaking, reading, and writing skills, of ALL children of limited English-speaking ability in kindergarten and any of grades 1 through 12  (Section 14C-3 of the School Code) using the English language proficiency assessment prescribed by the State Superintendent of Education.

​​
  1. Why is an annual assessment of English Language Proficiency required?

    An annual English Language Proficiency test is required under No Child Left Behind legislation passed in 2001. NCLB indicates that all K-12 English Language Learners must be assessed annually for English proficiency growth (Title III) and academic progress (Title I). School districts receiving Title III grant resources will be held accountable under the Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives (AMAOs) provision of NCLB. In addition, the Illinois Administrative Code, Part 228PDF Document, Section 228.15(e) and 228.25(c) outlines detailed information regarding the English language proficiency required in Illinois.

  2. What is ACCESS for ELLs?

    ACCESS for ELLs is a standards-based, criterion referenced English language proficiency test designed to measure English language learners' social and academic proficiency in English. It assesses social and instructional English as well as the language associated with language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies within the school context across the four language domains. The secure full-scale ACCESS for ELLs is an annual assessment will be distributed at no cost to public schools.

  3. What is the difference between ACCESS for ELLs, W-APT screener and MODEL?

    The W-APT and MODEL are modeled after the ACCESS for ELLs, but their purposes differ in important ways. The W-APT and MODEL are screening instruments designed to assess English language proficiency primarily to determine eligibility to assess student progress in achieving English language proficiency. For more information on how these tests differ visit: http://www.wida.us/assessment/comparing.aspx.

  4. Who needs to take ACCESS for ELLs?

    All public school districts are required to assess annually all identified English Language Learners (ELLs)/Limited English Proficient (LEP) students in grades K-12 using the ACCESS for ELLs assessment until the students test as English language proficient. This includes all identified students whose parents have refused language support services. All LEP students must be tested until they achieve the state prescribed minimum score to be considered English language proficient.

  5. What proficiency level score does a student have to obtain to be considered English language proficient?

    As of January 1, 2014, students who obtain an overall composite proficiency level of 5.0 as well as a reading proficiency level of 4.2 and a writing proficiency level of 4.2 on the annually administered state approved English language proficiency test, ACCESS for ELLs, are to be considered English language proficient.

    Districts with additional questions regarding​ the determination of English language proficiency are encouraged to call the Division of English Language Learning at 312-814-3850.

  6. Who can administer the ACCESS for ELLs, W-APT Screener, and WIDA MODEL assessment?
  7. How do I get trained to administer the ACCESS for ELLs, W-APT Screener, and WIDA MODEL?

    Each school district in WIDA’s user account system has a District Test Coordinator (DTC). The DTC’s roles include creating new WIDA training accounts for district staff and monitoring that district staff have completed WIDA training modules. If you need assistance with a WIDA account, contact WIDA Client Services, 866-276-7735, help@wida.us.

    • Training for W-APT:

      Educators who desire training for the W-APT should thoroughly review the W-APT webinar at http://www.wida.us/. Logging into a user account is required to access this webinar. There is no quiz associated with it, and its completion is not recorded anywhere. Anyone who trained to administer ACCESS for ELLs prior to 2015-16, does not need to re-train to administer the W-APT. Note that training for the W-APT does not qualify someone to administer ACCESS for ELLs 2.0.

    • Training for ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Online:

      The ACCESS 2.0 in online format is new for 2015-16. Anyone who desires to administer ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 online must complete the four training modules. They are less than 10 minutes each. They do not have a quiz to pass. Certificate is awarded upon completion of each module.

    • Training for ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 in Paper:

      It is quite similar to the ACCESS for ELLs administered in 2014-15 for the domains of Listening, Reading, and Writing. Re-training for those domains is not required. Anyone training for the first time to administer these domains should use the new ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 training modules for the paper format. These modules do not have an associated quiz. A certificate is awarded upon completion of each module and its completion is recorded at www.wida.us. However, the Speaking domain in the paper format is significantly different for 2015-16. Anyone who intends to administer the ACCESS 2.0 Speaking test will need to complete the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 speaking module to be released in October 2015. The average time to complete the training is 90 minutes, but could be a long as 2 hours, depending upon the number of grade clusters. This speaking training module requires passing a quiz for completion, and a certificate of completion will be issued upon passing. Completion of the Speaking module will be recorded at www.wida.us.

  8. Are private schools required to give ACCESS for ELLs?

    The Local Educational Agency (LEA) is required to consult with private schools regarding Title III, Part A specifically to determine how their ELL/LEP students will be identified and served. The LEA is responsible for assessing the English language proficiency of private school students and may be able to use Title III Part A funds to pay for initial LEP assessments for these students. (Please note: funds cannot supplant other federal, state and/or local funds.)

    Private schools are NOT required to use ACCESS for ELLs as recipients of Federal Title III program services. However, private schools seeking Title III program services, through their Local Educational Agency (LEA), must demonstrate that the English language proficiency of all students they report to their LEAs is assessed annually and that each student is limited English proficient. Private schools can identify students in need of EL services by using a WIDA ACCESS™ Placement Test (for grades 1-12) available free of charge at the WIDA website. Kindergarten students must be screened using the WIDA MODEL for Kindergarten, which is purchased from WIDA. Private school staff administering the screener must be trained to administer and score the W-APT Screener and/or WIDA MODEL.​​

  9. Updated Procedure for ACCESS 2.0 Student Transfer during the Testing windowPDF Document

 ACCESS for ELLs Resources

 PARCC Assessment Resources for ELLS

 Access for ELLs Assessment Archive

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