January 17, 2023

Federal legislation requires that all students identified as English learners (ELs) are assessed annually to monitor their progress and proficiency in English. In Virginia, all divisions use the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs for this purpose. 

The WIDA ACCESS for ELLs is aligned with the WIDA English Language Development standards and assesses English in the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The assessment will: 

• Determine students’ English language proficiency level and eligibility for EL services and testing accommodations.  
• Help students and families understand students’ current level of English language proficiency along a developmental continuum.  
• Provide teachers with information they can use to plan for and support student learning.  
• Determine whether ELs have met English language proficiency criteria and will be designated former ELs.

All ELs, including those who have opted out of EL services, participate annually in the ELP assessment until they reach the English language proficiency criteria (ELP level 6). Alternate assessment formats are available for certain students with disabilities.

Mountain View High School will be conducting the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs starting Thursday, February 9-17, including all make-ups.  

If you have questions about the annual ELP assessment, please contact Michelle Miller, the school’s test coordinator, for more information at (703) 227-2316.