ELP Assessment Update May 19, 2022
As we hit the homestretch for the 2021-22 school year, we have some updates around WIDA assessments. Thank you all for the work you have done this year to make the transition to WIDA testing a success.
Results from WIDA spring testing will be available in WIDA-AMS on May 23, and districts will receive a paper individual student report (ISR) in English for each student who tested on a WIDA annual assessment. WIDA ISRs will include a student’s results in the following areas:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Reading
- Oral Language (Speaking & Listening)
- Literacy (Reading & Writing)
- Comprehension (Listening & Reading)
- Overall (All 4 domains)
All of the scores above will be available and can be used to inform instructional practice. OSPI has established exit criteria for the WIDA annual assessments. Keep in mind that individual student reports will not include any information about a student’s continued eligibility for English language development services.
The following resources can be referenced for additional information about reporting.
Webinar: Post-Testing: Interpreting Score Reports https://portal.wida.us/webinar/detail/702b69ef-0265-eb11-a2dd-0050568beee8 (WIDA Secure Portal log-in required)
ACCESS for ELLs Interpretive Guide for Score Reports: https://wida.wisc.edu/sites/default/files/resource/Interpretive-Guide.pdf
With the help of educators from all regions of the state, OSPI has established the following criteria for students exiting the English language development (ELD) program.
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Grade Level
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Minimum Overall Score
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Minimum Domain Score
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K-1
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4.0
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4.0 (all domains)
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2-12
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4.7
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4.0 (all domains)
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Students in grades K and 1 who score at least a 4.0 in each domain will exit ELD services. Students in grades 2 through 12 who score at least a 4.7 overall and 4.0 in each domain will exit ELD services. Students must meet both criteria in order to exit the program.
The workgroup determined that grade level proficiency is best represented by a 4.7 overall score if students were held to a minimum domain score across all domains.
We recognize that the annual scores for exiting ELD services are not identical to the screener eligibility criteria established last summer. The screener is a much shorter test that does not offer the same level of detail in understanding a student’s language development. For this reason, the slightly higher expectation on the less detailed test is intentional. Both criteria will be reviewed in the future, along with test results and other data, to ensure appropriate identification.
WIDA is in the process of updating the Alternate ACCESS. The new test is expected to be field tested in 2023 and operational in 2024. OSPI plans to establish exit criteria for the Alternate ACCESS when the revised test is available.
The WIDA screener requires students in grades 1 through 3 to complete the writing test on paper. WIDA provides guidance that districts print the booklets they need as these test materials are unavailable for purchase. In order to minimize the printing burden on districts, OSPI will be printing and shipping writing booklets for these grades.
OSPI will be printing and shipping Grade 1 Tier A and Tier B/C writing booklets along with Grade 2-3 Tier A and Tier B/C writing booklets based on the average need in these grades from previous screening years.
Districts will need to print additional booklets from the WIDA Secure Portal when they run out of OSPI-provided test materials, but the initial materials from OSPI should help minimize the printing burden districts experienced last year. Districts can expect to have these test materials in hand by the end of June, but screening in all grades for the 2022-23 school year cannot begin before August 1.
The Kindergarten Screener materials that you used in your district for school year 2021-22 can be retained at the district and used again next year for screening. These do not need to be returned to WIDA but must be stored as secure test materials. If you need additional Kindergarten screener materials for next year’s testing, please email ELPAssessments@k12.wa.us with your specific request for materials. Specifically, identify how many of the following you need
- TA Testing Materials (e.g., story book, image cards, etc.)
- Consumables (i.e., Scoring sheets and Student Response Booklets 30/pack)
- Full kits (e.g., all TA testing materials and packs of 30 for all consumables)
Our last order of the school year will be submitted on or around June 10. Please get your requests in before June 8 to be included in that order.
Our next Lunch with Leslie will focus on Results and Score Reports on May 23. We will start back up soon with guidance around screening and training. Looking forward to seeing you all then.
May 23 at noon: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81210174488
WIDA is looking for K-12 educators who are interested in reviewing new test items. WIDA will be reviewing items for Bias and Sensitivity as well as content. Educators who apply should have significant experience with multilingual learners who have the most significant cognitive disabilities. If you are interested, complete the survey below prior to May 27.
Survey link: Online Survey Software | Qualtrics Survey Solutions (links to WIDA’s survey).
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