Testing Students Identified as English Learners

Policies and Procedures

• North Carolina WIDA Webpage North Carolina specific policies and procedures for identification, instructional supports, and administration of WIDA assessments.
• Guidelines for Testing Students Identified as English Learners (Published September 2020) 
  Policies and procedures publication for testing students identified as English Learners
• North Carolina State Specific Guidance for WIDA Assessments
  (Published December 2019)
• North Carolina State Specific Guidance for WIDA Remote Screener
  (Published August 2020)

English Language Proficiency Assessments in NC

ACCESS for ELLs

The ACCESS for ELLs is North Carolina’s required English language proficiency assessment that complies with Title I of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) legislation.

Alternate ACCESS for ELLs

The Alternate ACCESS for ELLs is North Carolina's required English language proficiency alternate assessment (designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities) that complies with Title I of the federal ESEA as amended by the ESSA legislation. 

WIDA Placement Test (W-APT ™)

The WIDA Placement Test or W-APT is the assessment used in North Carolina for initial identification and placement of Kindergarten students identified as English Learners (ELs).

WIDA Screener

The WIDA Screener is an English language proficiency assessment given to incoming students in Grades 1–12 to assist educators with the identification of students as English Learners (ELs).