ACCESS for ELLs

ELL Assessment Update: Data Validation for paper-based and computer-based ACCESS for ELLs

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 22, 2016

Greetings and congratulations on completing the 2016 ACCESS for ELLs test administration earlier this winter. Test results will be made available electronically and in print on or about May 20.

Demographic Data Correction Window

Between March 30 – April 8, Test Coordinators will be asked to log on to WIDA AMS to correct any discrepancies in their student data. In preparation for reporting the 2016 ACCESS results, we request that Test Coordinators plan to review and, if necessary, correct your school's online demographic data, as described below, to ensure that reports for students in your school contain accurate information. Data Validation is required for schools that administered either paper- or computer-based ACCESS tests.

Correcting Student Records

The data validation process is designed to allow schools to identify student demographic, accommodation, and test result records that may contain errors and provide schools with the opportunity to correct inaccuracies before results are reported. You will be asked to review and, if needed, edit the following fields:

Student Demographic Information
- First Name
- Last Name
- SASID
- District
- School
- Birthdate
- Enrolled Grade
Individual Student Accommodations
Test Results / Do Not Score Code

Please make sure that all demographic information is also correct in your March 2016 SIMS, which will be the official source for reporting.

Data Validation Resources and WebEx / Q & A Sessions

Instructions for viewing and editing student data can be found in the WIDA AMS User Guide #3 on the WIDA website. This resource provides important information on:

Reviewing and correcting student demographics records, student accommodation records, and student test records
Viewing student reports, data files, and online results

Additionally, a Training Module for WIDA AMS: Accessing Score Reports provides information on how to validate student data and download test results from WIDA AMS. WIDA will offer Data Validation Q & A Sessions. The days and times are listed below. Wednesday, March 23, 2–3 pm : Join Friday, March 25, 3–4 pm : Join WIDA will host additional data validation webinars on March 28, 12 – 1 PM and March 30, 2 – 3 PM. To join these events go to the WIDA website.

Thank you for your attention to this important information. Please contact Alexis Glick at 781-338-3625 if you have questions.

Last Updated: March 23, 2016