Multilingual learner assessments

WIDA MODEL (Measure of Developing English Language)

The WIDA MODEL is the screener given to our newly enrolled kindergarten students as an identification and placement assessment. It assesses the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  Test items are based on WIDA’s five English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards: Social and Instructional Language, Language of Language Arts, Language of Mathematics, Language of Science, and Language of Social Studies. MODEL is and adaptive testing allowing flexible placement within sections of the test based on student performance.

WIDA Screener

The WIDA Screener is given to our newly enrolled first through twelfth graders. It an identification and placement assessment.  It assesses the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Test items are based on WIDA’s five English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards: Social and Instructional Language, Language of Language Arts, Language of Mathematics, Language of Science, and Language of Social Studies. MODEL is and adaptive testing allowing flexible placement within sections of the test based on student performance. 

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0

The ACCESS for ELLs is the standardized English Language proficient assessment administered to kindergarten through 12th grade students who have been identified as English Learners.  It is given annually to all ELs in the state of Minnesota.  It is aligned to the WIDA English Language Development Standards and assesses each of the four domains of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The results of this assessment determine whether a student is eligible to exit the Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP).

Alternate ACCESS for ELLS

The ACCESS for ELLs is the standardized English Language proficient assessment administered to kindergarten through 12th grade students who have been identified as English Learners and who have the most significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to meaningfully participate in the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0.  It is a paper-based assessment. It is aligned to four of WIDA’s English Language Development Standards and assesses each of the four domains of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

MCA and MTAS

The MCAs (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments) and alternate, MTAS (Minnesota Test of Academic Skills), are the statewide tests that help districts measure student program toward Minnesota’s academic standards and meet the requirements of the federal government.  These assessments measure academic progress, not English proficiency.

The tests are administered to all students (not just ELs) in the designated grades during the spring of each year.  Students in grades 3-8 and 10 take the Reading MCA. Students in grades 3-8 and grade 11 take the Math MCA. Students in grades 5, 8, and once in high school take the Science MCA.

Recently arrived English Learners will be tested in all subjects during their first year of enrollment.  Academic progress in reading will be included in the student’s second year of enrollment and academic achievement in reading will be included in the third year of enrollment.