WIDA W-APT

Dominic Sanchez
Introduction to WIDA ACCESS
ACCESS is a large scale English proficiency assessment, given
annually to students identified as English language learners from
Kindergarten through 12th grade.

One of multiple measures to determine a students exit from English

language support programs.

Available in both paper and online formats in the four language

domains that is seen on tests such as the WIDA W-APT.

Scores are used by teachers to improve and enhance instruction for

ELL students.

Helps provide districts with information regarding the effectiveness of

their ELL/bilingual school programs.
Introduction of W-APT
W-APT stands for WIDA Access placement test.

It is an English proficiency screener test given to incoming English

language learners.

First W-APT is administered in kindergarten for a combined speaking

and listening component, with the reading and writing portion of the
test optional for students who have developed those literacy skills.

The purpose of the Kindergarten W-APT is not to assign scores, but to

have an idea where students level of English proficiency is at, with
the Kindergarten W-APT Speaking and Listening scores defined as
low, medium, high or exceptional level of English proficiency.
 Test Features
Tests are written from the model 1. Social and Instructional Language
performance indicators of WIDAs 2. Language of Language Arts
five English Language 3. Language of Mathematics
Proficiency Standards. 4. Language of Science
5. Language of Social Studies
Individually administered and Divided into Five Clusters:
adaptive. Parts can be 6. Kindergarten
discontinued if student reaches 7. Grades 1-2
8. Grades 3-5
his or her performance ceiling.
9. Grades 6-8
10.Grades 9-12

Each form of the test assesses: Listening,

Speaking, Reading, and Writing.
Cost, Purpose & Use
The cost is included with the cost of the ACCESS for ELLs assessment
for Consortium members.

Designed to be used:
One of several criteria to determine eligibility for language support services.
An indicator of a students language proficiency (1-6) on WIDA continuum.
An aide to determining appropriate levels and amounts of instructional services.
A guide for tier placement on the ACCESS for ELLs annual assessment.
 Preparation
WIDA offers local trainers free use of its testing materials related to ELP
Standards, ACCESS for ELLs, and the W-APT. There is a variety of
powerpoints made available, but do not post publicly. It is
recommended, but not required, to train administers for full ACCESS for
ELLs complete and detailed training course.
Administration
W-APT for a particular grade level cluster is administered to children one
semester beyond the beginning of the grade level cluster and one
semester beyond the end of the grade level cluster.

Example: Grades 3-5 W-APT is administered to children from second

semester grade 3 through first semester grade 6.

Speaking test is given first, followed by the listening, reading and

writing test.

All components are adaptive, meaning the component in process is

stopped when the test administrator reaches items with more
complex material than the student is likely to successfully handle.
Source
https://www.wida.us/assessment/W-APT/#about