OSPI adopted with WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELL in 2018 to assess the language proficiency of English Learners (ELs) with the most significant cognitive disabilities. The Alternate ACCESS is available for grades 1 through 12. In Washington, Kindergarten students who are eligible for the Alternate ACCESS take the grade 1–2 assessment. You'll find information to support schools and districts in administering the assessment here including key dates, resources, and training.

Important Dates

• Testing Window: January 30, March 24
• Pre-Identification: December 09, 2022 (Please note that pre-identification for this test happens in the Washington Assessment Management System, more commonly known as WAMS)
• Testing Materials arrive in district: Two weeks before testing
• Additional Materials Order Window: Two weeks before testing begins to one week before testing ends  
  NOTE: each district has ONE order of "additional" materials before associated costs are assumed
• Materials Return: One week after close of window 
  NOTE: materials must be picked up by the courier on or before the last day to ship.

Resources

• Guidance for determining ELs' participation in an alternate language assessment (page 12)
• Guidance on Domain Exemptions
• Accessibility and Accommodation Manual
• District and School Test Coordinator (Available in the WIDA Secure Portal)
• Disability Crosswalk
• Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Interpretive Guide
• FAQ for Alt ELP Assessment

The following resources can be found by searching "manual" in the Resources section of the WIDA Secure Portal. 

• ACCESS for ELLs District and School Test Coordinator Manual 
• ACCESS for ELLs Test Administrator Essentials 
• ACCESS for ELLs Test Administrator Manual

Training

All Test Administrators for the WIDA Alternate ACCESS are required to complete TA training annually. Training is available on the WIDA Secure Portal under Assessment Training. District Assessment Coordinators can create accounts and assign permissions in the WIDA Secure Portal.