Alternate English Language Proficiency Assessment

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OSPI adopted the WIDA Alternate ACCESS in 2018 to assess the English language proficiency of Multilingual Learners (MLs) with the most significant cognitive disabilities. WIDA released an updated version of the WIDA Alternate ACCESS in 2024, and this new version is available to eligible students in grades K-12. IEP teams identify which assessment pathway students will take during their annual English language proficiency assessment.

Important Dates

  • Pre-Registration: December 11, 2024 (Please note that pre-registration for this test happens in the Washington Assessment Management System, more commonly known as WAMS)
  • Testing Window: January 27 to March 21, 2025
  • Testing Materials Arrive in District: January 21-22, 2025
  • Additional Materials Order Window: January 21-March 14, 2025
    (Please note that each district has ONE order of “additional” materials before associated costs are assumed).
  • Materials Return: March 28, 2025 (Please note that materials must be picked up by the courier on or before the last day to ship)

WIDA Alternate ACCESS 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.

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.

Resources for WIDA Alternate ACCESS

WIDA Alternate ACCESS Test Administration

WIDA Alternate ACCESS Accessibility and Accommodations Guidance

WIDA Alternate ACCESS Scores and Reporting

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