What do I need to know now about WIDA?
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By Katie Leven, VP of Communications
There are so many unknowns with the switchover to WIDA/Access Online testing for next school year. I have previously written about my mixed reaction to this switchover here, but nonetheless I am choosing to stay focused on the fact that we will figure this out. We will all be okay. We have navigated change before. We will figure it all out. We have time. We have support. We have each other to lean on too.
I’m grateful that there have been multiple presentations on the topic. Today I have tried to synthesize and highlight the most essential information and answer your burning questions on the subject. I hope this blog empowers you to trust how things are progressing with this switchover and find relevant resources quickly and easily.
(One quick tech tip: On a webpage, you can hold the CTRL button and tap the letter F for a search and find box. In that pop up, you can use that to find key words quickly inside a web page.)
The first thing you need to know is that there is one big WIDA website, but they have a specific page for NY (as with all their other member states).
All NYS related WIDA information can be found here: https://wida.wisc.edu/about/consortium/ny
The rest of the information on this document is available on that above page, unless otherwise cited.
If you want , you can stay up to date with the change over information. NYSED and WIDA have been working together to write email newsletters on the changeover. You can sign up here: https://explore.wisc.edu/wida-new-york (You may need to “allow” this email through any spam filters.) (This link and old newsletters are on the right side of the previous webpage.)
Thursday, June 11th’s “Welcome to WIDA” webinar recording is here: https://vimeo.com/event/5897421/0d3be37080
A transcript of the webinar is available here: https://wida.wisc.edu/sites/default/files/Website/State%20Pages/New-York/Webinar-Transcript-Welcome-to-WIDA-NY.pdf
The packet they mention in that webinar is found directly here: https://wida.wisc.edu/sites/default/files/Website/State%20Pages/New-York/Welcome-to-WIDA-Webinar-Packet.pdf
Tuesday, June 16th’s WIDA technology webinar is found here: https://vimeo.com/event/5897425/e4f1c2aa03
A transcript of the technology webinar is available here:
The packet they mention in the technology bebinar is found directly here:
BURNING QUESTIONS:
When will the ACCESS test be given? What is the testing window?
Thank you to the Office of State Assessment for adding Access testing to the NYS grades 3-8 testing memo in June. The dates for the ACCESS online testing window of Monday, February 1, 2027 to Friday, April 9, 2027. Source: https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/state-assessment/ei-testing-schedule-2026-27.pdf
(Please Note: The rest of these answers in this section came directly from the NYS WIDA website (https://wida.wisc.edu/about/consortium/ny). )
Are we adopting WIDA's English Language Development Standards Framework?
“New York will not be adopting the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition. New York educators should continue to follow the guidance of the [New York State Academic and Linguistic Demands (ALDs), linked here: https://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/academic-and-linguistic-demands-creating-access-next-generation-learning-standards.] The ALDs remain the foundation for instructional planning and alignment with New York’s content standards.”
How will we be trained in WIDA assessments?
“...self-paced assessment training courses for WIDA ACCESS and WIDA Alternate ACCESS [are] beginning in September 2026.” We are still unsure how teachers/districts will receive the portal access. The website also states, “Test administrators and test coordinators will complete these courses to become certified to administer WIDA ACCESS.” The training is self-paced, but there will likely be a level of district responsibility to ensure completion before test administration can occur.
What about NYITELL? Will that be changing?
Not this school year; “In the 2027-2028 school year, New York will begin using WIDA Screener for grades K-12. (A specific start date is to be determined.)”
BURNING QUESTIONS answered by the June 11th Webinar: (put into my own words)
What does WIDA’s team think is the most important takeaway from the June 11th webinar?
The webinar provider, Justine Kolb, mentioned that if we remember nothing else, she wants us to know there is a “WIDA ACCESS Online Checklist” that will come out. It will make certain everything is ready to go for administration by the various roles. As it contains state specific information, we will see this released for NYS in the future.
How many days will it take to administer the test?
Still four days, but in a different order and with a different focus. Page 17 of the welcome packet, found https://wida.wisc.edu/sites/default/files/Website/State%20Pages/New-York/Welcome-to-WIDA-Webinar-Packet.pdf , shows the time recommended for listening, reading, writing and speaking, as well as the order of implementation. (Receptive skills first, then productive skills.)
What’s similar to Access Online and NYS Computer-based tests?
Based on the webinar, it sounds like they have the same online features like the NYS computer-based tests. For example, the webinar mentioned that you can enlarge the text, highlight, etc. You can find more information about the accessibility and accommodation information in the April 16th newsletter, which is linked here: https://wida.wisc.edu/news/focus-accessibility-and-accommodations
What’s similar to Access Online and the NYSESLAT?
There are listening, reading, writing and speaking sections, just like the NYSESLAT.
The test is levelled into grade bands that are appropriate for students at those levels. The kindergarten test is different from the tests for students in grades 1-12.
What’s the difference between the NYSESLAT and Access Online?
- The order of administration (see above graphic)
- the amount of time for test administration
- The content is organized by individual domains (so, listening is not the same day as reading and writing).
- Grade bands are slightly different with them being: K, 1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12
- Paper-based testing is only available for students who have that written into their IEPs, the writing section of grades 1-3, and Kindergarten.
- Alternate Access is available, but only for students who are NYSAA eligible. (See the decision tree on page 16 of the “Introduction to WIDA” booklet.)
- Students will speak into the computer with a headset (headphones with integrated microphone).
- Speaking includes modelled responses from “Nina” (as shown in the webinar starting at 32:38).
What will the Kindergarten test look like?
The May 19th Memo had information about the Kindergarten test. It is linked here: https://wida.wisc.edu/news/introducing-wida-access-kindergarten-and-wida-alternate-access You may also watch the June 11th recording starting at 16:28, and again at 34:25 to learn more about the Kindergarten test.
I see that memo also talks about the WIDA Alternate ACCESS.
Yes, you can read more there or watch the June 11th recording starting at 17:42 for a bit about the Alternative Access.
BURNING QUESTIONS answered by the June 16th Technology Webinar: (put into my own words)
Do all students use a chromebook or desktop computer? Our district is 1:1, but K-2 students use an iPad.
Students can use either device as long as the screen is at least 9.5 inches big and has the appropriate application (DRC Insight) installed. There are specific technology requirements listed on page 16 of the Technology 101 Document, found https://wida.wisc.edu/sites/default/files/Website/State%20Pages/New-York/ACCESS-Online-Tech-101-Webinar-Packet.pdf
Is there anything we need to order for supplies for next year?
Students will need a wired “headset” rather than “headphones”. This means it has a microphone component built into it, as explained on page 19 of the Technology 101 Document, found https://wida.wisc.edu/sites/default/files/Website/State%20Pages/New-York/ACCESS-Online-Tech-101-Webinar-Packet.pdf
What should I share with my district technology team?
The above links to the “Technology Welcome Packet” and the webinar itself are a great start. They can dig deeper into what is explained, if they need that level of information.
CONCLUSION
This blog is just a start, but just like with language acquisition, you may need multiple exposures to acquire the information about the changeover to WIDA Access Online. I also want to acknowledge that as with any major change in education, there are still questions that remain unanswered. More guidance, training opportunities, and resources will continue to emerge over the coming months as New York State and WIDA work together to support districts through this transition. While the shift from the NYSESLAT to ACCESS represents a significant change, it is important to remember that educators across New York have successfully navigated many changes before—and we will navigate this one as well.
For now, the best next steps are to stay informed, sign up for the state newsletters, review the available webinar materials, and begin conversations with district technology teams and assessment coordinators about preparation needs. I also encourage you to connect with your local Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network (RBERN), as they will continue to be an important source of training, guidance, and support throughout this transition. Their professional development opportunities and regional expertise can help answer questions that arise as districts prepare for ACCESS administration.
Just as important is staying connected to your professional community. If you are not already a member of NYS TESOL, this is an excellent time to consider joining. One of the greatest strengths of our organization is the opportunity to learn from and support one another. As educators across the state work through the same questions, challenges, and successes, NYS TESOL provides a space to share resources, ask questions, and build collective expertise. None of us has to figure this out alone.
Most importantly, remember that no one is expected to become an ACCESS expert overnight. We are all learning together. As more information becomes available, our collective understanding will grow, and the processes that feel unfamiliar today will become routine. Until then, focus on what we do best: supporting multilingual learners and helping them demonstrate their growth. The assessment may be changing, but our commitment to students remains exactly the same.