ACCESS for ELLs

ELL Assessment Update: ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Test Administration Survey

To:	Principals, District ELL Program Directors, ACCESS for ELLs Test Coordinators, and ACCESS for ELLs Technology Coordinators
From:	Dan Wiener, Administrator of Inclusive Assessment Alexis Glick, ELL Assessment Coordinator
Date:	March 2, 2016

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0: LEA Survey

The ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 test administration window concluded on February 12, with a small number of schools continuing to test through February 26. Approximately 34,000 ELLs completed the computer-based test and another 48,000 completed the paper-based tests. While testing went smoothly for many, we acknowledge that there were also areas in need of improvement. In order to improve testing for next year, WIDA has prepared a survey to gather information from schools about their 2016 ACCESS 2.0 test administration experiences, on the topics of training, technical assistance, technology, customer service, and accommodations. The data in this survey will be used by WIDA to inform future enhancements and improvements. Here is the link to the survey: ACCESS for ELLs 2.0: LEA Survey Please contact the WIDA Client Services Center with any questions about the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0: LEA Survey at help@wida.us or 866-276-7735.

Now Available: Newly Released WIDA Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition

The WIDA Can Do Descriptors highlight what language learners can do at various stages of language development as they engage in teaching and learning in academic contexts. The grade level clusters have been changed to align with those used for ACCESS for ELLs 2.0, and include one booklet each for Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grades 2–3, 4–5, 6–8, and 9–12. In addition, the new Early Years Can Do Descriptors are designed for use with dual language learners aged 2.5 to 5.5 years. The WIDA Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition provides examples of the uses of academic language for four specific communicative purposes, referred to as Key Uses: Recount, Explain, Argue, and Discuss. The Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition are available on the WIDA website. Spiral-bound, hard copy versions of the booklets are available through the WIDA Store.

WIDA Can Do Descriptors Recorded WebEx

WIDA has made available a recorded webinar in which authors Margo Gottlieb and Ruslana Westerlund explain how to use the WIDA Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition. You can view this webinar at WIDA Can Do Descriptors page.

Updated 2014 and 2015 ACCESS Data Now Available

Data indicating whether each ELL student "made progress" learning English in 2014 and 2015 is now available on the Security Portal. Data for school and district ELL students are located in DropBox Central in the "ACCESS Data 2014" and "ACCESS Data 2015" folder. As you may recall, preliminary ACCESS results were posted to your DropBox last June and are now updated to reflect the new measure of "growth-to-proficiency" that was approved for Massachusetts by the US Department of Education last summer. Your district directory administrator can provide assistance in accessing the Security Portal, as needed. Additionally, reports have been regenerated and posted to Edwin Analytics to reflect this updated information. This includes:

ACCESS for ELLs District and School Summary (EL327)
ACCESS for ELLs Student Roster (EL627)
Student Profile Report (PR600)
Assessment History Summary (PE613)

Please contact Alexis Glick in Student Assessment Services with any questions about the information in this update at ACCESS@doe.mass.edu or by phone at 781-338-3625.

Last Updated: March 4, 2016