See the table below for grade specific information about the screener
| Grade |
Screener |
Cut Score |
| Prekindergarten ages 3-5 |
Multiple vendors and procedures
(IL Admin Code 228.10 )
|
Fluent English Speaker (FES) |
| 1st semester of Kindergarten |
WIDA MODEL (listening and speaking) (Required Screener) |
5.0 oral language proficiency |
| 2nd Semester of K-1st Semester of 1st grade |
WIDA MODEL (all four domains) (Required Screener) |
Overall Composite 5.0 & Composite Literacy 4.2 (reading/writing) |
| 2nd Semester of 1st grade - 12th grade |
WIDA Screener (online or paper) (Required Screener) |
Overall Composite 5.0
|
Determining the Appropriate Grade-Level Cluster for Screening Potential English Learners
The appropriate grade‐level cluster form to administer to students depends on the time of year when the test is administered and the current grade level of the student. For students in the first semester of the first year in a grade‐level cluster, WIDA recommends the option of administering a lower grade cluster form (see figure below). For example, students in the first semester of sixth grade may take the 4–5 grade cluster form. The Grades 6–8 form should be administered to students in their second semester of sixth grade through the first semester of ninth grade.
This guidance also means that a student in the first semester of first grade should be given a Kindergarten test form. Currently, the Kindergarten option available in Illinois is the K MODEL.
Illinois has made this guidance based WIDA’s recommendation and on the knowledge that students just entering a new grade level cluster have not yet been exposed to the language proficiency standards and content topics at the beginning of the school year. Students must not be administered a grade cluster test that is above the student’s current grade level. The following figure shows the appropriate grade‐level cluster test form for students, depending on the semester and grade level when the test is administered.
| Grade |
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
| Semester |
1
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
| Grade-Cluster Form |
K
|
1
|
2-3
|
4-5
|
6-8
|
9-12
|
Source: WIDA, Online Test Administration Manual
Preschool-Age
- Prescribed Screening Procedures
Prescribed screening procedures defined in IL Admin Code 228.10 for children entering Preschool, ages 3 to kindergarten enrollment age as defined in Section 10-20.12 of the School Code [105 ILCS 5/10-20.12] to determine students' English language proficiency and to identify students eligible to receive English Learner services. Multiple vendors offer an English language screening instrument.
- Using Scores to Determine Placement
For prescribed screening instruments, districts should use guidance that the vendor includes in the product for purposes of placing students (Fluent English Speaker score equivalent). All potential ELs identified with the prescribed screening procedures that qualify for EL services need to be rescreened with the WIDA MODEL upon entering Kindergarten.
- Training to Administer a Vendor’s Screening Instrument
Online training for administering a specific vendor’s screening instrument can be found at their respective websites or literature found in the instrument’s packaging.
- Ordering a Vendor’s Screening Instrument
For information about ordering a commercial screening instrument consult their respective websites. Some vendors that offer normed English language screeners for preschool aged children may be found below:
Kindergarten
-
Prescribed Screening Instrument
Measure of Developing English Language (MODEL) The WIDA MODEL must be used as a screener for students entering Kindergarten and the first semester of first grade to determine students' English language proficiency and to identify students eligible to receive EL services. NOTE: All students identified through the Home Language Survey, including students previously screened when enrolled in preschool, must be screened using the MODEL K prior to entering kindergarten.
-
Using Scores to Determine Placement
As of January 1, 2014, any child entering the first semester of kindergarten who is administered the MODEL and who scores below a 5.0 oral language composite (speaking/listening) proficiency level is considered an EL and is eligible for EL services. A student entering the first semester of kindergarten who achieves a 5.0 or above in the oral language composite (speaking/listening) proficiency level is considered English proficient.
-
Training for MODEL Test Administration
The MODEL is to be administered by certificated instructional personnel (teachers including bilingual teachers and ESL teachers) and certificated non-instructional personnel (coordinators, program directors, school psychologists, speech and language therapists, assistant principals, principals, assistant superintendents and superintendents) who have completed the new Kindergarten Component of the ACCESS for ELLs Training, passed the online quizzes and meet certification requirements to administer
ACCESS for ELLs.
-
Ordering WIDA MODEL
Information about ordering and administering the WIDA MODEL is available on the WIDA website.
Grades 1 (2nd Semester) - 12
The WIDA screener, in online and paper format, is a placement test aligned to WIDA's standard setting. The online version will function similarly to the online version of ACCESS 2.0, using the WIDA AMS website and DRC software components. However, the online system will only score the listening and reading domains. Writing and speaking will be scored by local district staff. The online WIDA Screener is available at no cost to IL districts. The paper version is available for purchase in the
WIDA Store .
Information about trainings for the WIDA screener can be found on the WIDA website.
Illinois will continue to use the WIDA MODEL for screening in Kindergarten and the 1st semester of 1st grade.
-
Prescribed Screening Instrument
Beginning June 30th, 2017, the screening tool for 1st grade, 2nd semester through grade 12 is the WIDA Screener. The MODEL is now only for use at Kindergarten and 1st grade, 1st semester.
-
Using Scores to Determine Placement
As of January 1, 2014, any child entering the first semester of kindergarten who is administered the MODEL and who scores below a 5.0 oral language composite (speaking/listening) proficiency level is considered an EL and is eligible for EL services. A student entering the first semester of kindergarten who achieves a 5.0 or above in the oral language composite (speaking/listening) proficiency level is considered English proficient.
-
Training for W-APT or the MODEL Test Administration
The WIDA Screener is to be administered by certificated instructional personnel (teachers including bilingual teachers and ESL teachers) and certificated non-instructional personnel (coordinators, program directors, school psychologists, speech and language therapists, assistant principals, principals, assistant superintendents and superintendents) who have completed the
WIDA Screener training and passed the online quizzes.
-
How to get the WIDA Screener
The WIDA Screener is available either online or on paper. The WIDA Screener Online is used via WIDA AMS. It is built into ACCES 2.0 software, and functions similarly. That software may be downloaded, at no cost, from the WIDA AMS website. An account is required. A paper version of the WIDA Screener may be purchased from the WIDA Store .
For information about ordering and administering the WIDA MODEL see Kindergarten above.
