English Language Acquisition Assessments

Overview/Purpose:
As part of federal requirements, districts are required to identify incoming students who qualify as English Language Learners (ELLs). Screening within the first 30 calendar days of school or 15 days from enrollment date if enrollment is after the first 30 days of school.

Testing Population:
Grade K-12 
*potential ELs

1st Semester Kindergarten: WIDA Screener for Kindergarten (Listening & Speaking domains only) 

2nd Semester Kindergarten through 1st Semester First Grade: WIDA Screener for Kindergarten (all domains) 

First Grade (2nd Semester) through 12th Grade: WIDA Screener Online

WIDA Alternate Screener

DESE EL Newcomer Kit

Data Use and Dissemination:
Every student identified as a potential English Learner (EL) by the Language Use Survey (LUS), without a previous WIDA score, are required to be screened. Once the district has determined if a student is eligible for the Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP), parents/guardians must be notified. Qualifying students must be coded as RCV in the SIS/MOSIS.

Estimated Assessment Time Required:
WIDA Screener for Kindergarten (Listening & Speaking only): 30 minutes

WIDA Screener for Kindergarten (all domains) 45 minutes

WIDA Screener Online: 90 minutes

WIDA Alternate Screener: 30 minutes

DESE EL Newcomer Kit: 15 minutes

Assessment Window(s):
On-going 

Overview/Purpose:
As part of the state assessment plan, the annual assessment evaluates student English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing for English Language Learner (ELL) students.

Testing Population:
Grade K-12 
* Students eligible for ELL services

Data Use and Dissemination:
Data are returned to districts in the spring of the school year. Student score reports are provided to families. Data are used at the state level for accountability and at the district /school/classroom level to monitor and improve instructional programs.

Estimated Assessment Time Required:
Kindergarten ACCESS: 1 hour

ACCESS for ELLs Online: 5 hours

WIDA Alternate ACCESS: 2 hours

Assessment Window(s):
Winter