In preparation for the WY-TOPP Winter Interim test administration, the Test Delivery System (TDS) will be down from Thursday, January 7, 2021 through Monday, January 11, 2021.

For more information, contact Tahnee Hutchinson, WDE Assessment Consultant, at 307-777-5296 or tahnee.hutchinson1@wyo.gov.

For Domain Exemptions on the ACCESS for ELLs Test

December 10, 2020 - February 8, 2021

Annually, there are a small number of ELs (English Learners) with disabilities for whom the disability precludes assessment in one or more domains, such that there are no appropriate accommodations for the affected domain(s). Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the federal government clearly states that all ELs must be assessed annually for English language proficiency in the domains of listening, reading, speaking, and writing. This includes students with disabilities. However, for students whose disabilities preclude participation in a specific language domain, Districts may apply for a domain exemption on the ACCESS for ELLs assessment by completing the WDE465 application.

The WDE465 application is open for districts who need to apply for the domain exemption. In determining students which might be applicable for a domain exemption, administrators and teachers must ensure the following criteria are applicable:

• The student has a documented disability or impairment (IEP or 504) applicable to the domain; 
• Even with available accommodations, the student cannot engage with or access the domain; and
• The 504 plan or IEP team, in consultation with the educator(s) supporting student’s English language development, have established a need for applying for a domain exemption and the determination must be documented in the student’s IELP and IEP.

The WDE465 Guidebook can be used as a guide for the completion of the WDE465 application process. After receiving the WDE465 request, WDE staff will review the submitted application and determine if the student is eligible for exemption. WDE will contact the request submitter with the results. 

For more information, contact Antoinette Hallam, WDE EL Consultant, at 307-777-5217 or antoinette.hallam@wyo.gov.

3:30-5 p.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2021

The WDE Assessment and Accountability Teams will host an online “open office hours” style forum on January 7, 2021 for school district leaders and interested educators. This will be a space to hear school district’s concerns and answer questions on Assessment and Accountability, so feel free to join at any time between 3:30 and 5 p.m. There will not be a structured presentation; just roll in as available.

2020 Edition: Kindergarten-Grade 12 Available December 18

Beginning Friday, a PDF of the WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition will be available for download on the English Language Development Standards page, or you may pre-order a copy of the book from the WIDA Store. LEAs may check out introductory resources for educators on the 2020 Vision for Standards page.  

For more information, contact Antoinette Hallam, WDE EL Consultant, at 307-777-5217 or antoinette.hallam@wyo.gov.

During Testing: Managing Test Materials (Paper)

From Noon - 1 p.m. on January 5, 2021

This Webinar will provide information on: 

• Student status reports. 
• Daily cumulative student status reports. 
• Online testing statistics.

Technology Troubleshooting During Testing 

From Noon - 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2021 

This Webinar will provide:

• An overview of the various error messages. 
• Common troubleshooting solutions.
• Q&A Session after the webinar.

For more information, contact Antoinette Hallam, WDE EL Consultant, at 307-777-5217 or antoinette.hallam@wyo.gov.

During the upcoming holiday weeks, WIDA Client Services and DRC Customer Service will be available to answer educator questions during the following days and times:  

WIDA Client Services Center 

• Mon. 12/21 – Wed. 12/23: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. MST 
• Mon. 12/28 – Wed. 12/30: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. MST  

DRC Customer Service

• Mon. 12/21 – Wed. 12/23: 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. MST 
• Mon. 12/28 – Wed. 12/30: 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. MST 

WIDA Client Services and DRC Customer Service will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day and will return to regular hours of operation on Monday, January 4.

For more information, contact Antoinette Hallam, WDE EL Consultant, at 307-777-5217 or antoinette.hallam@wyo.gov.

Session Recordings and Resources Available through January 

WIDA eSummit session recordings and resources are available on-demand to educators in WIDA Consortium member states. This virtual learning offering features sessions on the topics of WIDA ELD Standards, 2020 Edition, Teaching Multilingual Learners and WIDA Assessments. All session materials will be available through January of 2021. For session descriptions and information about accessing the eSummit recordings and resources, visit the WIDA eSummit webpage. 

For more information, contact Antoinette Hallam, WDE EL Consultant, at 307-777-5217 or antoinette.hallam@wyo.gov.