Question of the Week
Q: When will the WIDA Screener Online be available in 2025-2026?
A: The 2025-2026 WIDA Screener Online administration opened in WIDA Assessment Management System (AMS) on June 27. Use the following resources to help testing staff get ready for the upcoming school year:
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Check out the 2025-2026 WIDA AMS updates. Review the WIDA AMS and Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) Technical Enhancements for 2025-2026 webinar recording, located on the Webinars page in the WIDA Secure Portal.
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Prepare to administer WIDA Screener. The 2025-2026 WIDA Screener training courses are now available in the WIDA Secure Portal. Contact Chris Williams or visit Kentucky's member/state page to learn about training and certification.
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Download the 2025-2026 student import file layout from WIDA AMS. Use this layout to ensure WIDA Screener student imports are error free. Select the online help icon in Import Management to download the file layout and sample file.
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Use Import Management to reorganize Screener test registrations to fit the school’s needs. Find more information about this new feature in Import Management Online Help.
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Enroll in improved scoring training courses. WIDA refreshed the four WIDA Screener scoring training courses for a more accessible and engaging learning experience. Enroll in any of the following courses in the WIDA Secure Portal to learn how to score WIDA Screener Speaking and/or Writing:
- Speaking for Grades 1-5: Scoring WIDA Screener and ACCESS Braille
- Speaking for Grades 6-12: Scoring WIDA Screener and ACCESS Braille
- Writing for Grades 1-5: Scoring WIDA Screener
- Writing for Grades 6-12: Scoring WIDA Screener
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Know where to go for more support. Select the Knowledge Articles button on the WIDA AMS landing page to access a library of in-depth information on a variety of topics. Access DRC’s Online Help feature from within an application for step-by-step instructions on how to complete tasks in Import, Student or Test Management, the Test Monitoring Application or Reporting Services. Select the question mark icon in the upper right corner of the application to get started.
For assistance, contact DRC Customer Service or by phone (855) 787-9615.
New Director Appointed in the Office of Assessment and Accountability
The Office of Assessment and Accountability (OAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shara Savage as the new Director in the Division of Assessment and Accountability Support (DAAS). With nearly two decades of experience in education and a strong record of leadership, Savage brings knowledge and dedication to this important role.
Savage holds degrees in education from Morehead State University and Georgetown College. Her career began as an elementary school teacher before she transitioned into administrative roles, serving as a high school coordinator and school principal. She joined the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) in July 2019 as a Program Consultant for the college readiness assessment program and was promoted to Education Administration Program Manager in 2023.
As she steps into this new role, Savage has expressed her commitment to maintaining the high level of support and customer service that districts have come to rely on during Jennifer Stafford’s tenure. Please join OAA in welcoming Shara Savage as the new Director of DAAS!
Education Administration Program Manager Vacancy
OAA is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Education Administration Program Manager in DAAS. This opportunity is open through Sunday, July 13, at 8:00 p.m. ET.
The job posting includes a detailed description of responsibilities and qualifications for individuals interested in joining the Office of Assessment and Accountability (OAA) in Frankfort. The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) offers a flexible work schedule and a supportive professional environment.
Please consider sharing this opportunity with colleagues who may be interested. The application process is straightforward, and KDE is eager to fill the position promptly with a strong candidate.
K Screen Train the Trainer in Person Session Reminder
KDE, in collaboration with Curriculum Associates, will conduct an in-person "Train the Trainers " session for Kindergarten Screen Coordinators from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 15. The session will be held in the State Board room, located on the 5th Floor of the Sower Building in Frankfort.
This required training is specifically designed for newly designated Kindergarten Screen Coordinators who will be responsible for delivering the three-hour K Screen training to educators and district personnel. Participation is limited to individuals serving in this new coordinator role.
To fully engage in the session, attendees should bring the following materials:
- A copy of the K&1 Screen III
- K Screen manipulatives (packages of blocks and shapes)
- Children’s books containing at least three pages of text per page
Registration for the Train the Trainers session is now open. Submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. ET on Friday, July 11, or until the session reaches its maximum capacity of 35 participants. Eligible attendees will receive six hours of Effective Instructional Leadership Act (EILA) credit. For those unable to attend the in-person training, a virtual session will be offered in August.
Please contact Tiffany Christopher with any questions.
K Screen Staff File Updates Due July 8 Reminder
The K Screen Staff File Editor is the web tool used by districts to submit staff access information for the BRIGANCE® Online Management System (OMS). This web-based application, available as of Monday, May 5, enables districts to identify individuals who require Administrator or Data Entry access to support the annual K-Screen implementation. OAA uses submitted data to establish user accounts prior to the screening window, ensuring efficient and secure access.
To begin, open the K Screen Staff File Editor in a web browser. A sign-in to a district Google account is required. From the dropdown menu, select the district and click “Load Staff” to display the current list of staff. A notice will appear with guidance on which staff roles should be included. After reviewing the notice, click “I Understand” to continue.
The table will display editable fields for each listed user. Update entries as needed by entering the district email address (must end in @district.kyschools.us), first and last name, selecting the appropriate school from the dropdown menu, and choosing the role (Administrator or Data Entry). To add a staff member, click “Add New Row.” New entries will appear at the bottom of the table. Complete all required fields and assign the appropriate school and role. To delete a user, click “Delete” and confirm the action when prompted.
When all updates are complete, click “Submit Changes” at the bottom of the table. A confirmation message will appear when the submission has been successfully processed.
All updates must be submitted by Tuesday, July 8, at the close of business. Meeting this deadline is essential for inclusion in KDE’s automatic user account setup for BRIGANCE OMS. As stated in the K Screen Implementation Guide, any staff not submitted by the deadline must be manually added by the District Assessment Coordinator (DAC) after the statewide setup is finalized.
Please note: Kindergarten teachers should not be entered in the Staff File. Teacher accounts are created automatically through Infinite Campus. To ensure successful creation, primary homerooms must be scheduled, and at least one new kindergarten student must be enrolled in each homeroom.
For questions or assistance, contact Tiffany Christopher. For technical assistance with the K Screen Staff File Editor web application, please contact Ben Riley.
WIDA Featured Resource: Advice from Educators on Multilingual Learners with Disabilities
This month, revisit articles with tips straight from educators on how to better support multilingual learners (MLs) with disabilities and the families.
How to work with families of multilingual learners with disabilities: Families of MLs with disabilities often face unique challenges to navigating new cultural norms, the complexities of special education and language barriers. Read the article to learn tips to help build a supportive classroom environment and meaningful relationships with families of MLs with disabilities.
Strategies for working with multilingual learners with disabilities: Teaching MLs with disabilities presents unique challenges and opportunities. Learn from two educators who teach students who are blind or have visual impairments as the educators offer practical strategies to foster effective learning environments.
For questions, please contact Chris Williams.
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