Current federal legislation requires that all English learners (ELs) participate annually in an English language proficiency assessment.  In Virginia, all divisions use the WIDA Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State for English Language Learners®2.0 (ACCESS for ELLs® 2.0) to monitor students' progress in acquiring academic English.  ACCESS for ELLs® 2.0 is administered annually to all kindergarten ELs and all students in grades 1-12 with an English language proficiency (ELP) level of 1-5. 

ACCESS for ELLs® 2.0 is aligned with the WIDA English language development standards and assesses the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  The assessment will:

• Determine students’ English proficiency level and eligibility for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services and testing accommodations.
• Help students and families understand students’ current level of ELP along the developmental continuum.
• Provide teachers with information to plan for and support student learning.
• Assist in determining whether ELs have attained the language proficiency needed to participate meaningfully in content area classrooms without ESOL support.

Students participate annually in the ACCESS for ELLs® 2.0, even if ESOL services are declined until they reach the criteria for ELP level 6 and are designated English proficient.

This year, the ACCESS for ELLs® 2.0, the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs®, or the ELP Checklists will be given at Mountain View HS from Monday, February 5, 2024, to Wednesday, February 7, 2024. It will be helpful if you can avoid appointments that may take your child out of school during this time.  

Additional information can be found on the FCPS ELP Assessment Parent Notification - WIDA and WIDA Screener page. If you have questions about WIDA testing, please contact your student’s school counselor or our Assessment Coach, Michelle Miller.