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Language Proficiency Assessments

Statewide

Specific standardized assessments are used to identify the level and English proficiency of ELLs.

District-wide

  • NYSITELL (New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners): The State Education Department mandates that each student entering the district, whose family indicates on the Home Language Survey that another language is spoken at home, must be given the NYSITELL to determine the level of English proficiency (Entering, Emerging, Transitioning, Expanding, Commanding).

  • WIDA Screener (Starting: Fall 2027): The New York State Education Department will implement this new screening tool replacing the NYSITELL beginning in the Fall of 2027 School Year. The State Education Department mandates that each student entering the district, whose family indicates on the Home Language Survey that another language is spoken at home, must be given the WIDA Screener. WIDA Screener is a test that helps teachers identify if students in grades K-12 are English learners. WIDA Screener test questions cover four language areas (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing). An English learner is a student who is formally identified as needing language supports to successfully engage with academic content in English.

  • WIDA ACCESS is a test administered to students in grades K-12 who are identified as English learners. An English learner is a student who is formally identified as needing language supports to successfully engage with academic content in English.  WIDA ACCESS measures students’ English language skills in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.  Each Spring in compliance with federal and state mandates all ELLs statewide are administered the WIDA ACCESS to measure their progress toward meeting NYS ENL standards. This test measures a student's proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

  • New York State Content Area Assessments: Assessments in Math, Science and Social Studies are given to students regardless of their ELL status. Students have the option of taking the exam in either English or their native language. 

  • District-wide Assessments: These assessments are conducted on both a formal and informal basis. All students, regardless of ELL status, are administered district-mandated assessments.
  • Progress Reports: Twice a year progress reports are sent to parents to inform them about their child's current stage in English language development. The Progress Report identifies a child's stages of oral, reading and writing development.