Learn more about the required WIDA ACCESS (English Language Proficiency, ELP) statewide assessment given in Grades K-12 below.

 

 

The WIDA ACCESS, WIDA Screener, and new in 2025/2026, the WIDA Alternate Screener, is the English Language Proficiency assessment for academic achievement reporting for English Learners (ELs) in Grades K-12. The WIDA ACCESS is used to provide state, district, school, and individual student achievement information on the state-adopted content standards in English Proficiency. It is used by the state to provide a consistent picture of student proficiency and progress in academic English across Montana's public schools and private schools seeking accreditation. It is an important measure for understanding comparisons between schools, over time, and for gaining understanding of equity in educational services.

Grade(s): K-12

Subject(s): English Proficiency Assessment

Test Time: 4-4.5 hours

Testing Window: January 5, 2026 - March 6, 2026

Student Uploads: 

  • Initial Upload: November 10, 2025
  • Second Upload: December 15, 2025
  • Third Upload: January 16, 2026
  • Final Upload: February 13, 2025

 

General Information

These resources include some general information about the assessment that will be helpful in learning about the state required WIDA ACCESS. Follow the links below to learn more.


Assessment Profile Button

Consortium Map Button

Testing Time Facts Button

Score Reporting

Districts and schools can access individual score reports in the Reporting Center in the WIDA AMS portal. 

To see how a school is performing over time and compared to other schools in Montana, visit Montana's longitudinal data warehouse (GEMS). Official state-level results are released annually in the fall, typically around mid- to late September.

Districts are responsible for providing individual score reports to parents no later than fall parent-teacher conferences. 

ACCESS for ELLs Reporting Resources

Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Parent Notification Letter Template- districts can meet ESSA requirements for notification of test administration with this customizable letter template. 

ACCESS for ELLs Parent Notification Letter Template  - districts can meet ESSA requirements for notification of test administration with this customizable letter template. 

ACCESS for ELLs Score Report Letter Template - districts can meet ESSA requirements for sharing student score information with this customizable letter template.

Accessing ACCESS for ELLs Individual Score Reports - this 4 minute focused support video walks users through the steps to download individual student reports from the WIDA AMS site. 

ACCESS for ELLs Technical Report (2022-2023)

Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Technical Report (2022-2023)