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Washington utilizes the WIDA ACCESS tests as the English language proficiency (ELP) annual assessments to determine continued eligibility for English Language Development (ELD) services for Multilingual (ML) students. Measuring proficiency across the four domains of language, there are four types of WIDA annual assessments available for use depending on student need and grade level:?

• WIDA ACCESS Online: The WIDA ACCESS Online is given to MLs in grades 1-12 who receive ELD services.?
• WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten: The WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten is given to MLs in kindergarten who receive ELD services.?
• WIDA ACCESS Paper: The WIDA ACCESS Paper is a paper-based assessment that is given to MLs in grades 1-12 who receive ELD services and require paper accommodation based on an IEP or 504.?
• WIDA Alternate ACCESS: The WIDA Alternate ACCESS is given to MLs in grades 1-12 with the most significant cognitive disabilities who receive ELD services. Eligibility is determined by a student¡¯s IEP or 504 team.?

The ELP assessment test administration window typically opens in January and closes in March. Throughout the year, users have a variety of tasks to complete before test administration begins, during test administration, and after test administration closes.?

Timeline of ELP Assessment Dates for 2025-26

Before Test Administration: There are several tasks to complete before the ELP assessment test administration cycle begins in January.?

• Finalize Pre-Identification: December 5, 2025.?
• Student Management Opens in WIDA AMS: January 6 - March 30, 2026?
• Districts Receive Initial Materials Order: January 20-21, 2026?
• Additional Materials Window Opens: January 20 - March 13, 2026?

During Test Administration: There are several tasks to manage during test administration between January and March.?

• Test Administration Window: January 26 - March 20, 2026?
• Additional Materials Window Closes: March 13, 2026?
• Student Management Window Closes: March 20, 2025?

After Test Administration: There are several tasks to complete after the ELP assessment test administration cycle ends in March.?

• Deadline to Ship Materials to DRC: March 27, 2026?
• Pre-Reporting Data Validation: April 22 - 30, 2026?
• Scores Posted in WIDA AMS: May 18, 2026?
• Printed Reports in Districts: June 9 - 10, 2026?
• Post-Reporting Data Validation: June 11 - 25, 2026?
• Updated Scores Posted in WIDA AMS: July 9, 2026?

WIDA ACCESS Exit Criteria

To exit ELD services, students must achieve a minimum overall composite score on the WIDA ACCESS, which varies by grade level and test type. Additionally, there is a secondary data element that is considered for students who take the SBA ELA test.