WIDA Assessments

The WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment) assessments help teachers understand whether students have the language skills they need to fully participate in the classroom.

First, the WIDA Screener is administered to potential English language learner (ELL) students to determine if they may benefit from English language (EL) instructional support services. Student skills are reviewed in the areas of listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Further information on the WIDA Screener assessment can be found here.

The WIDA ACCESS is an English language test that helps determine ELL students’ progress in listening, reading, speaking, and writing in English. Each student identified as an English language learner is expected to participate in this annual assessment. When a student demonstrates proficiency in all four areas (listening, reading, speaking, and writing), English language instructional support services are no longer needed. Further information on the WIDA ACCESS can be found here.  

Help your student get ready for testing. The WIDA Test Demo, Sample Items and Test Practice will help you see what the test will be like for your students and will help your students become familiar with the format and technology of the test. The practice test can be taken as many times as needed. Please encourage your students to explore all the buttons and assistance available to help them to do their best on the WIDA ACCESS test.  

For more information on the WIDA assessments, please visit the WIDA website. 

The attachments to this article will help staff and families understand more about the WIDA Screener and WIDA ACCESS assessments. Additional information is provided to help families navigate to the Test Practice and Sample Items for the WIDA assessments.