ACCESS for English Language Learners (ELLs)

Maine administers the annual English language proficiency assessment, ACCESS (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners) in grades K-12 to students who have been identified as multilingual learners (MLs).  This assessment is administered in a computer-based format for grades 1-12, in paper-based format for kindergarten, and is also available in paper-based format as an accommodation, if indicated on the student's Individualized Education Plan. 

* Please note, while the assessment name is ACCESS for ELLs, in Maine the term multilingual learners, or MLs, is used to describe bilingual and multilingual students who are in the process of learning English. (Honoring and Celebrating All Languages Spoken by Maine Students with the Shift to Multilingual Learners Terminology)

ACCESS for ELLs assesses each of the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading and writing.  It also measures language proficiency within different content areas, including reading, math, and science.  ESOL coordinators and service providers can use ACCESS data in triangulation with other data points to inform the development of local Lau Plans, establish multi-tiered systems of support, and allocate resources for services of multilingual learners (MLs)

Alternate ACCESS for ELLs 

The Alternate ACCESS for ELLs (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners) is Maine’s assessment of English language proficiency (ELP) assessment for students in grades 1-12 who are identified as English learners and have the most significant cognitive disabilities.

All students identified as multilingual learners must be assessed annually for ELP, including students who receive special education services. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act also mandates that students with disabilities participate in statewide and district-wide assessment programs, including alternate assessments with appropriate accommodations, as documented in their Individualized Education Plan. For this reason, Maine uses the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs to meet federal accountability requirements and to provide educators with a measure sensitive to ELP growth of English learners with the most significant cognitive disabilities. 

It is important to note that the decision for a student to participate in alternate assessments must be made utilizing state guidance resources and via the IEP Team process. 

SY 24-25 Assessment Timeline

Preparing for Assessment

Together with the Maine Learning Results, the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition forms the foundation for ESOL programs in the state of Maine. All school administrative units (SAUs) are to implement the ELD standards as an essential part of the core instructional program for students who are multilingual learners.

The WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework 2020 Edition: Kindergarten – Grade 12 is a document that provides a foundation for curriculum, instruction and assessment for multilingual learners in kindergarten through grade 12. The ELD Standards Framework is centered on equity and fosters the assets, contributions, and potential of multilingual learners. The 2020 Edition serves as a resource for planning and implementing language instruction and assessment for multilingual learners as they learn academic content.

State Coordinator/Maine Department of Education will facilitate the initial order for materials using SAU enrollment data. Please ensure enrollment data including ML Start Date is accurate for all multilingual learners in Synergy state enrollment. For students who require paper-based materials per the IEP or 504 Plan, a completed Paper Materials Request must be submitted to the State Coordinator: Mechelle.Ganglfinger@maine.gov

Assessment Training

The test administrators must pass WIDA certification requirements for the assessments they are responsible for administering.

Test Preparation and Training

In Maine, ACCESS Test Coordinators and Administrators must utilize their WIDA Secure Portal account provides access to WIDA ACCESS training materials.  Maine DOE recommends that Test Administrators certify or recertify annually before administering ACCESS assessments, by completing the appropriate trainings courses below:

• Online ACCESS for ELLs: Administration
• Paper ACCESS for ELLs: Administration
• Speaking for Grades 1-5 (and/or 6-12): Scoring ACCESS Paper and WIDA Screener
• Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs: Administration and Scoring
• WIDA Alternate ACCESS: Administration and Scoring

WIDA Trainings

All Maine PreK-12 educators have free unlimited access to twelve WIDA Self-Paced e-Learning Workshops that offer relevant, practical content that will build capacity in supporting multilingual learners: All Self-Paced Workshops are accessible via the WIDA Secure Portal. To obtain a WIDA Secure Portal account, contact WIDA Client Services directly at help@wida.us or (866) 276-7735.

WIDA ACCESS with our Assessment Team

• Overview of ACCESS for New Test Coordinators (all coordinators welcome)
  • Slides
• Alternate ACCESS for MLs: An Overview
  • Slides
• ​​​Accessibility Features and Accommodations on the ACCESS Assessment on Monday, December 2, 2024, 3-4pm
  • Presentation Description: Participants will be provided with guidance on the selection and administration of Administrative Considerations, Universal Tools, and Accommodations available on the ACCESS assessment.
  • Intended Audience: ACCESS Assessment Test Coordinators, Test Administrators, and ESOL teachers.
  • Registration Link: Accessibility Features and Accommodations on the ACCESS Assessment

 

Assessment Security

A WIDA Secure Portal login is required to login to the WIDA Secure Portal. Once logged into the portal information may be found related to:

• Assessment Training
• Professional Learning
• Webinars - live and recorded

If you need assistance setting up a WIDA secure portal account, please contact: WIDA Client Services at 866-276-7735 or WIDA help at help@wida.us

Technical Assistance

Technical assistance for Local Educational Agencies (in Maine, SAUs) around the state-required assessments is a federal requirement for all State Education Agencies (SEA). The SEA is required in statute to establish a system of statewide content assessments as well to provide technical assistance to the local districts in the administration of these assessments to ensure that student results are valid and reliable. In Maine, one of the ways the Assessment Team provides technical assistance is in the form of assessment observations. 

Maine SAUs are encouraged to reach out to the Assessment Team if they have specific technical needs around state assessments. 

Assessment Team Technical Assistance/Professional Learning Request Form

Assessment Scoring & Reports

The Interpretive Guide for Score Reports is a comprehensive document explaining the types of scores reported for students in grades K-12 who take ACCESS for ELLs assessments.

Report Accessibility: The ACCESS for ELLs: Understanding Your Student's Score resource is available in 13 languages. To request this resource in an alternative language, please reach out to your student's school.

Do you need access to your students ACCESS report in an alternate format? If so, please contact the assessment team with the specifics of your request.