ACCESS Testing for ELLs

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Pennsylvania uses the WIDA Screener for Kindergarten and WIDA MODEL to identify English Learners (ELs) in kindergarten and the WIDA Screener or WIDA MODEL (for Grades 1-12) to identify ELs in grades 1-12. ACCESS for ELLs is given to all ELs during the annual testing window, which typically lasts from January through mid-February. The ACCESS is a state assessment designed to measure student mastery of English Language Proficiency standards. Assessment of all students in English Language Development (ELD) programs is required by the federal Title III statute and Chapter 4 of the state education code. Students who qualify as English Learners but opt out of ELD instruction must participate in the ACCESS assessment until they reach proficiency.