WIDA ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 is the District of Columbia's annual assessment of English proficiency. Students that qualify for ELL services are assessed in the four domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through an English language screener proficiency test to determine their level of English proficiency. Students who score from Level 1 to Level 4.9 on the screener test are eligible for services and will participate in the annual language proficiency test, ACCESS for ELLs (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State for English Language Learners), each spring until they score an English Language proficiency level of 5, which indicates the student is proficient in English.

To learn more about WIDA ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 and resources available to educators and families, please explore the resources below.

Test Design

The WIDA assessment is administered online and includes four domains: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Additional information can be found on WIDA’s ACCESS for ELLs 20.0 FAQs page.

Practice Tests and Tutorials

The WIDA ACCESS for ELLS 2.0 website includes sample test items. Below are additional resources that provide insight into the process for identifying students who will receive ELL services.

OSSE Home Language Survey
English Language Learner (ELL) Identification and Screening Guidance
Identification and Placement Process for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Students
OSSE Approved English Language Proficiency Assessments (pre-K through grade 12)

Accessibility for All Students

OSSE is committed to providing equitable assessment opportunities for students in the District of Columbia. For details about how the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs supports accessibility, please read the Accessibility and Accommodations Supplement [PDF] on the WIDA website. More information can be found on OSSE’s Testing Accommodations page.