English Language Proficiency Annual Assessments

Contact Information

ELP Assessments

Sharon Coward

English Language Proficiency Assessment Coordinator
564-669-4777

Washington utilizes the WIDA ACCESS tests as the English language proficiency (ELP) annual assessments to determine continued eligibility for English Language Development (ELD) services for Multilingual (ML) students. Measuring proficiency across the four domains of language, there are four types of WIDA annual assessments available for use depending on student need and grade level: 

  • WIDA ACCESS Online: The WIDA ACCESS Online is given to MLs in grades 1-12 who receive ELD services. 
  • WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten: The WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten is given to MLs in kindergarten who receive ELD services. 
  • WIDA ACCESS Paper: The WIDA ACCESS Paper is a paper-based assessment that is given to MLs in grades 1-12 who receive ELD services and require paper accommodation based on an IEP or 504. 
  • WIDA Alternate ACCESS: The WIDA Alternate ACCESS is given to MLs in grades 1-12 with the most significant cognitive disabilities who receive ELD services. Eligibility is determined by a student’s IEP or 504 team. 

The ELP assessment test administration window typically opens in January and closes in March. Throughout the year, users have a variety of tasks to complete before test administration begins, during test administration, and after test administration closes. 

Timeline of ELP Assessment Dates for 2025-26

Before Test Administration:

  • Finalize Pre-Identification for WIDA Alternate ACCESS and WIDA ACCESS Paper in WAMS: December 5, 2025. 
  • Student Management Opens in WIDA AMS: January 2, 2026 
  • Districts Receive Initial Materials Order from DRC: January 20-21, 2026 
  • Additional Materials Window Opens in WIDA AMS: January 20, 2026 

During Test Administration:

  • Test Administration Window: January 26 - March 20, 2026 
  • Cut-Off Date for Newly-Enrolled Student to Test on the WIDA Screener and the WIDA ACCESS Assessment: February 20, 2026
  • Additional Materials Window Closes: March 13, 2026 
  • Student Management Window Closes: March 20, 2025

After Test Administration:

  • Deadline to Ship Materials to DRC: March 27, 2026 
  • Pre-Reporting Data Validation: April 22 - 30, 2026 
  • Deadline to Pre-Identify Domain Exemptions in WAMS: April 24, 2026
  • Scores Posted in WIDA AMS: May 18, 2026 
  • Printed Individual Student Reports Delivered to Districts: June 9 - 10, 2026 
  • Post-Reporting Data Validation: June 11 - 25, 2026 
  • Updated Scores Posted in WIDA AMS: July 9, 2026 

WIDA ACCESS Exit Criteria

To exit ELD services, students must achieve a minimum overall composite score on the WIDA ACCESS, which varies by grade level and test type. Additionally, there is a secondary data element that is considered for students who take the SBA ELA test.

Grade Level Minimum Overall Score Notes
Grades K-1 4.0  
Grades 2-12 4.7 Students in Grades 3-8 and Grades 10-12 who score between a 4.3 and 4.6 on the WIDA ACCESS and score a Level 3 or 4 on the SBA ELA can exit ELD services.

WIDA Alternate ACCESS
Grades K-12

 4.0 New in 2024-25 and applied to subsequent test administration years.