As schools prepare for the transition to WIDA, one important update involves how English learners with significant cognitive disabilities will be assessed. The new WIDA Alternate ACCESS will take the place of the previous NYSESLAT for these students, creating a more accurate and supportive way to measure English language development.
What Is the WIDA Alternate ACCESS?
WIDA Alternate ACCESS is a specialized English language assessment designed for multilingual learners who also qualify for the New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA).
Unlike the regular WIDA ACCESS, this test is paper-based for all grades and adapted to meet the needs of students who require alternate assessment methods.
It measures language growth across the four essential domains — listening, speaking, reading, and writing — but in ways that match the learner’s individual abilities and learning profile.
Why This Change Matters
In the past, students with the most significant cognitive disabilities took the NYSESLAT alongside other English learners. However, this did not always provide a clear picture of their language abilities or progress.
The WIDA Alternate ACCESS is specifically built to:
- Reflect each student’s communication strengths
- Provide meaningful information about language development
- Support teachers in creating individualized instruction plans
This change ensures that every multilingual learner — regardless of disability — has an assessment that recognizes their learning path and growth.
What Teachers Should Know
Here are a few key things for educators to keep in mind:
- The Alternate ACCESS is a paper-based test for all grade levels.
- It uses adapted test materials designed to support accessibility and engagement.
- Results will show language proficiency progress that aligns with WIDA’s English Language Development (ELD) standards.
- ENL and special education teachers will work closely to prepare students and interpret results together.
Training and guidance will be available for educators before the test is implemented, ensuring that everyone understands how to administer it effectively.
Supporting Growth Beyond the Test
The WIDA Alternate ACCESS isn’t just a new test — it’s part of a larger effort to make assessment more inclusive, fair, and meaningful.
By using tools that reflect students’ real communication abilities, teachers can make better instructional decisions and celebrate progress that might have been overlooked before.
This aligns with WIDA’s core belief: language growth can and should be measured for every learner.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning to the WIDA Alternate ACCESS is a positive step toward recognizing the abilities and achievements of all English learners, including those with significant cognitive disabilities.
With the right tools, training, and collaboration, teachers can ensure that every student’s language growth is valued and supported — no matter their starting point.
Source
Based on publicly available information from the New York State Education Department and WIDA Consortium materials.