Starting soon, schools will begin using WIDA ACCESS instead of the NYSESLAT to check English language development. This new assessment marks a big step forward in how we measure progress for multilingual learners across grade levels.
What Is WIDA ACCESS?
WIDA ACCESS is a set of English language assessments designed to measure how well students understand and use English in school. It looks at the four main language areas — listening, speaking, reading, and writing — and helps teachers see how students are growing each year.
Students in grades 1 through 12 will take WIDA ACCESS on a computer, while kindergarten students will complete a paper version that matches their developmental level.
Unlike the NYSESLAT, which was used only in one state, WIDA ACCESS is part of a national system used by dozens of states across the country. This means English learners will now be measured using tools that are consistent, research-based, and widely recognized.
What’s the Purpose?
The main goal of WIDA ACCESS is to help schools understand each student’s English language proficiency level — from beginners to advanced learners. The results show how students are progressing and what kind of language support they still need.
For teachers, the results can guide lesson planning, identify areas where students need more help, and celebrate language growth over time.
Why the Change?
The shift from NYSESLAT to WIDA ACCESS isn’t just about testing — it’s about aligning with a larger framework for language development. The WIDA system connects assessment with instruction, giving teachers a clearer picture of how language and academic skills work together.
Students will benefit from a test that’s better matched to classroom learning and reflects real academic language use in subjects like math, science, and social studies.
What Teachers Can Expect
- WIDA ACCESS is computer-based, making it more interactive and efficient.
- There are different versions for kindergarten, alternate assessments, and new student screeners.
- The test focuses on language growth, not just scores — showing progress over time.
- Training and online resources will be available to help teachers understand the process and use the results effectively.
Final Thoughts
This new assessment system gives educators a stronger foundation for supporting multilingual learners. By using WIDA ACCESS, schools can better track student progress and ensure that language learning connects meaningfully to content learning.
The transition may take time, but it represents a positive step toward equity, consistency, and quality in language education.
Source
Based on publicly available information from the New York State Education Department and WIDA Consortium materials.