Tests for English Learners/Multilingual Learners

New students who speak languages other than English at home take the WIDA Screener. The WIDA Screener tests students’ English language skills and determines if they are an English learner and entitled to supports and services to learn English.

Students take the WIDA Screener within their first thirty days of school.  

The WIDA Screener Assesses each of the four language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing

The WIDA Screener platform automatically scores the Listening and Reading domains during administration. A trained local rater scores the Speaking and Writing domains.

The school in which your child is enrolled will mail a parent notification letter that will indicate the score and any additional actions that you need to take.

Educators use the results of the test to determine if your child is an English Learner.

The WIDA ACCESS for ELLs is given to all students who are identified as English Learners. The purpose of the test is to determine how well they are learning English. All English Learners in kindergarten through grade 12 take the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs every year.

School year 2020-21 administration dates are from December 2 to February 26th. 

Assesses the four language domains of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing

The WIDA online test engine automatically scores Listening and Reading during test administration.

WIDA's test delivery partner scores the Speaking and Writing domains in the spring.

The results are reported in scale scores and proficiency levels. Proficiency levels are divided into 6 levels to show how students are progressing in their English language development.

The results are reported in scale scores and proficiency levels. Proficiency levels are divided into 6 levels to show how students are progressing in their English language development.

Reaching Level 6

• Students function fluently in listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
• Students' skills are equal to those of native English speakers at their appropriate grade level.
• These students have gained the skills necessary to participate in an English-speaking classroom.

Bridging Level 5

• Students function almost fluently in listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
• Students' skills are close to those of native English speakers at their appropriate grade level.
• These students are nearly ready to fully participate in an English-speaking classroom without support.

Expanding Level 4

• Students are able to use English at a higher level than developing students.
• They may still make errors with more complex vocabulary and grammar.

Developing Level 3

• Students have intermediate English skills but still make significant errors in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Beginning Level 2

• Students need supports and structures to improve academic language skills.

Entering Level 1

• Students are at the beginning stage in all four language skill areas.
• These students' English skills are minimal.

Students will continue to receive English Language Development services until their scores on the WIDA ACCESS show that they have learned English well enough to participate fully in their English-only classes. Educators also use students’ WIDA ACCESS scores to help decide which instructional standards to focus on, and to evaluate programs.

Currently a score of 4.7 is considered proficient in the state of Montana. Based on research, the OPI has determined that students growing at least 0.5 points on the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs each year should attain English Language Proficiency within 5 years. The OPI's definition of progress is any student who shows a 0.5 point growth on their composite score from the previous year.