Understanding the WIDA ACCESS

What is ACCESS for ELLs?

ACCESS for ELLs is an English language proficiency test that measures students’ academic English language skills. Your child was identified as an English learner, which means your child can have instruction to help them learn academic English in addition to taking other classes. English learners take the ACCESS for ELLs English language proficiency test every year during the spring semester.

How are ACCESS for ELLs Scores Used?

Your child’s ACCESS for ELLs results help teachers understand how best to teach your child and help them learn. Test scores also help teachers track your child’s progress in learning academic English and help schools decide what English language support services to provide. You can use test information to advocate for your child at school.

What is a Language Proficiency Level?

A language proficiency level measures where students are in the ongoing process of building language skills. When students reach the highest levels of language proficiency, they no longer need language support services. In Virginia, students who have an overall composite score of 4.4 or higher no longer need language support services.

What does the Composite Score on ACCESS for ELLs mean?

The ACCESS for ELLs Composite Score determines your child’s English Language Proficiency level.  The table below explains how composite scores on ACCESS for ELLs correlate to each English Language Proficiency Level.

Students with composite scores of 4.4 or above are considered Level 6 and no longer qualify for direct language support services.