ACCESS for ELLs

ELL Assessment Update: ACCESS for ELLs Test Materials Window Closing and 2016 Data Releases

Ordering ACCESS for ELLs Test Materials

ACCESS test coordinators must order test materials for their school between October 24 and November 10, using the WIDA Assessment Management System (AMS). Data Recognition Corporation (DRC), the ACCESS for ELLs testing contractor, sent an email to each school and district ACCESS test coordinator during the week of October 17 to remind them of the test materials ordering window. ACCESS test coordinators from last year (2015—2016) should have received their login and password information to access the WIDA AMS. ACCESS test coordinators who received login and password information can and should create accounts for other individuals who will assist or replace them in that role. New district test coordinators, may email ACCESS@doe.mass.edu to get their accounts set up and must complete the Test Materials Ordering training module prior to ordering test materials.

The WIDA AMS User Guide provides information on creating AMS accounts.

Materials should only be ordered in the format that has been selected. Do not order a paper and an online test for the same student. For students who cannot take all four test domains online, such as those who are unable to use a computer, plan to have those students take all four domains on paper and order materials accordingly.

Ordering Paper-based Test Materials

Paper tests must be ordered by grade cluster and test tier (A, B, or C) for each ELL student using the WIDA AMS. Therefore, it will be important to determine beforehand the number of students to be tested in each grade cluster and tier. Instructions for assigning students to appropriate test tiers are provided in the Principal's Pre-Administration Manual for ACCESS for ELLs: Tasks to be Completed in Fall 2016 . The W-APT screener may also be used to determine the test tier, particularly for students who have recently entered the school. (Please note that students taking the online (computer-based) test will not require a test tier.)

Writing Test Materials for Students Taking Computer-based Tests

For students taking the computer-based (online) Writing test, DRC will automatically send paper-based Writing test booklets in a variety of tiers for all students in grades 1—3. Keyboarding responses is the default Writing test format for students in grades 4—12, but students in those grades may be given the option to hand-write their responses. Schools giving the computer-based tests must decide before the start of testing which students will hand-write their responses on the Writing test. Those students must be placed in a handwriting session in WIDA AMS and the test coordinator must place an "additional materials" order for handwriting booklets.

WIDA Training Modules

WIDA training modules are available for Test Coordinators and Test Administrators who will access the training modules and checklists through their WIDA personal accounts. Technology Coordinators can access the training materials and checklists through the WIDA AMS. Information regarding training requirements for each of these roles is provided in the Principal's Pre-Administration Manual for ACCESS for ELLs: Tasks to be Completed in Fall 2016 .

Recorded WIDA Webinars and Department Training Materials

WIDA has an extensive calendar of webinars and Q&A sessions available for Test Coordinators, Test Administrators, and Technology Coordinators. Additionally, the PowerPoint from the Department's recent face-to-face Test Coordinator training sessions can be found on the Massachusetts state page on the WIDA website, under the Professional Development tab.

Updating your school's contact information

Test Coordinators will be prompted to update their school's contact information when ordering materials through the WIDA AMS. Please remember to ensure that updated contact information is also reflected in the Department's School and District Profiles, through your District Directory Administrator.

Final ACCESS for ELLs 2016 Results and Rosters Are Now Available Online

On the Department's Security Portal, ACCESS test results are located in DropBox Central in the "ACCESS Data 2016" folder. Edwin reports are also available on the Department's Security Portal, for district/school summaries (EL 327) and student level roster reports (EL 627).

These files have been updated since preliminary ACCESS results were posted to the drop boxes last June. Your District Directory Administrator can provide assistance in accessing the Security Portal, as needed.

ACCESS for ELLs 2016 School and District Results are now posted on the ESE web page.

Please contact Student Assessment Services with any questions about ACCESS for ELLs testing at ACCESS@doe.mass.edu or by phone at 781-338-3625.

Thank you for your attention to this important information.