Alternate English Language Proficiency Assessment

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OSPI adopted with WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs in 2018 to assess the language proficiency of Multilingual Learners (MLs) with the most significant cognitive disabilities. In 2024 WIDA is releasing a new version of the test and abbreviating the name to WIDA Alternate ACCESS. This new test is available to eligible students in grades K–12. Guidance to help IEP teams make assessment decisions can be found in the Guidelines for Statewide Accountability Assessments. You'll find information below to support schools and districts in administering the assessment here including key dates, resources, and training.

Important Dates

  • Testing Window: January 27 to March 21, 2025
  • Pre-Registration: December 08, 2023 (Please note that pre-registration 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.

Exit Criteria

WIDA introduced a new version of its Alternate ACCESS assessment in the 2023-24 school year.  Results for this assessment will be delayed. OSPI plans to establish exit criteria for the Alternate ACCESS in the fall of 2024 that will apply to testing in the spring of 2025.

Resources

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. In 2024 WIDA is launching a new version of the test, and the trainings for test administrators have also been updated. 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.