Alternate ACCESS information

Federal and state laws require that students identified as English Learners (ELs) be assessed annually to determine their level of English language proficiency (ELP) and ensure that they are progressing in achieving full English proficiency. This includes students who receive special education services.

Educators use Alternate ACCESS results, along with other WIDA resources, to make decisions about students' English academic language and to facilitate their language development.  The Alternate ACCESS allows for students with specific Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to access the content of the test and show what they can do.

The Alternate ACCESS for ELLs assesses the four domains of language: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.   It uses a format that is appropriate for English Learners who also have and Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Although each of the domains are not timed, the following are estimated times to complete each section:

Listening: 35-50 minutes

Reading: 45 minutes

Speaking: 35 minutes

Writing: 50- 75 minutes

2025-26 Academic Year

The Alternate ACCESS will be given between: December 1, 2025 - January 30, 2026

•  Results will be sent home to families in early June, 2026 via US mail.

All students identified as English Learners with a language level below a 5.0 are expected to take the test annually.  This allows for a measurement of progress in English Language proficiency.

The federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and Wisconsin State Statute 115.96(1).