ACCESS for ELLs
(Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners)
Background
Federal and state laws require that English learner (EL) students be assessed annually to measure their proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English, as well as the progress they are making in learning English. In fulfillment of these laws, EL students are required to participate in ACCESS for ELLs tests, which replaced MEPA tests beginning in the 2012-2013 school year.
ACCESS for ELLs are administered once annually in January-February.
WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards on which ACCESS for ELLs tests are based
Participation Requirements for EL Students, including EL students with disabilities, in MCAS
Massachusetts Web Page on the WIDA Website
Materials and Resources Available on the WIDA Website
ELL Update: New Exit Criteria, Equivalent Proficiency Levels, and Recommended Amount of Language Instruction
Guide to Understanding the Title III Reporting Elements for English Learners in Massachusetts for 2017 and Beyond
Participation Guidelines: Which Students Should Take the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs?
ACCESS for ELLs and WIDA Screener General Resources
EL Assessment Updates
Instructions for Creating WIDA Personal Accounts
ACCESS for ELLs Test Administration Resources
School and District ACCESS for ELLs Planning Guide During COVID-19
Mode Adjustments for ACCESS Testing 2016–2019
Assessment Best Practices during COVID-19
Principal's Pre-Administration Manual: Tasks to be Completed in 2020-2021 — updated December 10, 2020
Massachusetts State-Specific Directions ACCESS for ELLs Administration 2020-2021 — updated December 10, 2020
WIDA AMS Supplement — Submit Incomplete Domain
Service Now Form: Test Regeneration Request
Instructions for Student Transfers During Testing
Service Now Form: Tier Override Request
Guidance to Students Prior to Taking the Online Speaking Test
WIDA Accessibility and Accommodations Supplement
Service Now Form: ACCESS for ELLs Irregularity Reporting
Service Now Form: Request Permission to Test a Student in an Alternate Setting (ACCESS for ELLs)
About the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs
Service Now Form: Test Discrepancies - Request a Scoring Appeal or Test Booklet Search
ACCESS for ELLs Interpretive Guide for Score Reports 2020
Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Interpretive Guide for Score Reports 2020
Guide to Assigning Scores for Missing Domains on ACCESS for ELLs Tests (for English Learners with Disabilities)
Last Updated: April 13, 2021