ACCESS for ELLs

EL Assessment Update: WIDA Screener and Website

In an effort to support the intake of incoming potential ELs, WIDA has recently made available the following resources:

• WIDA Screener Interpretive Guide for Score Reports is now available on the WIDA website. The document can be found under the Scores and Reports tab on both the Online and Paper Screener websites.

• Let's Get Going Infographics (Paper and Online versions) helps educators navigate the steps of preparing to give the WIDA Screener.

• WIDA and DRC are offering live Q&A webinars on the WIDA Screener. The webinars are available in two versions - one for online administration and one for paper administration. The webinar schedule and log-in information are available on the WIDA Screener webpage.

• "My Child is an ELL" Infographic helps educators explain the EL identification process to parents and family members.

• Identification and Placement Guidance document

Supported System Requirements for ACCESS for ELLs and WIDA Screener

The system requirements for the DRC INSIGHT Online Testing System and the Testing Site Manager (TSM) have been updated for June September 2018. You can find the updated specifications at ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Summative Assessment: Technology. This system requirements document is scheduled to be updated again in October, with only minor changes planned for that time. The major change included in this release is the discontinuation of iPad 4th Generation support as this device is not capable of running iOS 10.x or newer releases.

New WIDA Public Website

WIDA is launching its new public website on August 15, 2018.

• The new WIDA public website url is wida.wisc.edu (users will automatically be redirected from wida.us for one year).
• The menu at the top of the new site takes you where you need to go quickly!
• Access the Massachusetts WIDA state page by clicking Members/States at the top of the page.
• The WIDA Secure Portal remains unchanged; however, all ACCESS-related materials/training will be available in the WIDA Secure Portal only.
• All Test Administrators and Test Coordinators will need WIDA Secure Portal/Personal accounts. If you do not currently have an account, follow these instructions to create a WIDA personal account.
• A 4-minute overview video of the new website can help users become more familiar with the new website.

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.