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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
Bridgette Kelly, Educational Specialist
Date:March 1, 2017
Greetings and congratulations on completing the 2016 ACCESS for ELLs test administration. Test results will be made available electronically and in print on or about May 31.

Action Step: Demographic Data Correction Window

Between March 27–April 5, Data Validation will be required for schools that administered either paper- or computer-based ACCESS tests. In preparation for reporting accurate 2017 ACCESS results, Test Coordinators will be asked to log on to WIDA AMS to review and, if necessary, correct any discrepancies in their student data. Data corrections made after the April 5 deadline will be available only at school or district expense. The procedure for correcting your school's student records is described below.

Instructions for 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, correct 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 any changes to a student's demographic information are also made in your school's March 2017 SIMS, which will be the official source for reporting.

Data Validation Resources and Webinar

Instructions for viewing and editing student records can be found in the WIDA AMS User Guide: Data Validation Supplement on the WIDA website. This resource provides important information on reviewing and correcting student demographic records, accommodation records, and "do not score" test records. As part of the required training for test coordinators, WIDA also has made available an ACCESS for ELLs 2.0: Data Validation training module. WIDA will offer a Data Validation webinar on:

WIDA Feedback Webinar

WIDA will be facilitating a discussion with Test Coordinators, Technology Coordinators and Test Administrators across the WIDA consortium to obtain feedback regarding the 2017 ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 test administration on: These webinars are included in the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 webinar schedule.

WIDA Feedback Survey

Additionally, WIDA would like to gather feedback from educators in Massachusetts regarding their experience administering the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 assessment. The ACCESS 2.0 Test Experience Survey contains questions specifically for Test Coordinators, Test Administrators, and Technology Coordinators and focuses on WIDA/DRC customer service, training, and technology. WIDA will use the results to help make decisions regarding future enhancements.

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 information.



Last Updated: March 1, 2017



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