WIDA Testing

WIDA – the organization that provides ELD standards, assessments, professional development, and educational support.

Click here to learn more about WIDA.

The WIDA language proficiency assessment is given annually to the following students until they reach proficiency:

• All current students in the ELD program
• All students who have opted out of the ELD program

Once a student reaches proficiency in English, they are 'reclassified' and exited from the ELD program. They are then considered a 'monitored' student for two to four years after exiting. In the monitoring stage, frequent grade reports are reviewed and if the monitored student is struggling in any course, they can still receive language supports as needed. After two years of monitoring, the student is no longer considered to be an English Learner and should be meaningfully participating in the district’s educational programs comparable to their peers. 

Notice of Annual Assessment of English Language Proficiency

November 5, 2025

Federal and state laws require that all active English learners be assessed annually to determine their progress toward English language proficiency. The results are also used to determine if a child is ready to be exited from the language instruction program and no longer be identified as an English learner. ACCESS for ELLs is the annual assessment used in Pennsylvania for these purposes. It will be given at your child’s school during the following dates:

Testing window:  January 8, 2026 to February 20, 2026

The test will measure your child’s level of English proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Results of the test will be shared with you as soon as all tests are taken and scored. If you have questions about the annual assessment or if your child is unable to attend school on the date of the test, please contact your child’s ELD teacher. For general information or questions, please contact the District English Language Supervisor below.

Name: Stacy Gray                        Title: ELD District Supervisor

Phone: 267.893.2058                 Email: SLGRAY@CBSD.ORG