All Active English Learners (ELs) in Grades K–12 are required to participate annually in either the WIDA ACCESS or the WIDA Alternate ACCESS assessment. This fulfills both federal and state requirements for measuring English Learners’ progress in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.

There are no exemptions from testing for Active EL students, including students that opt-out of Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP) services. However, if an Active EL student with an IEP or 504 Plan is unable to access a specific domain (e.g., Listening), an ACCESS Domain Exemption Request may be submitted in the SAER System.

Assessment Window

  • The ACCESS assessment window runs from January 20–February 27.
  • Testing administrators should review the WY WIDA ACCESS Checklist and visit the WY WIDA State webpage for testing steps, key dates, professional development, and updates.
  • The WIDA ACCESS and WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten were revised this year. All Test Administrators must complete annual certification for all WIDA tests in the WIDA Secure Portal for each test administered.     

Security Requirements

All staff must sign the WY Assessment Security Agreement. ACCESS test administrators must also sign a WIDA Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDUA). See the Assessment Security Guide for details.

  • All EL students must have an Individual English Learner Plan (IELP) with documented testing accommodations (see the EL Guidebook for guidance on EL services and supports). Assessment security and administration must follow the guidelines in the Assessment Security Guide and WIDA’s ACCESS test security and administration requirements at wida.wisc.edu.

For more information, contact Antoinette Hallam, Education Consultant – English Learner, at antoinette.hallam@wyo.gov or 307-777-5217.

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