ACCESS for ELLs

An English language learner, or ELL, is a student who has the opportunity to receive instruction in English, in addition to taking other classes. ELLs are tested every year to help teachers understand their language skills, but you have the right to accept or decline language support.

ACCESS for ELLs is an English language proficiency test that measures students’ academic English language skills. ELLs take an English language proficiency test every year. A language proficiency level is a measurement of where students are in the ongoing process of building language skills. Testing helps teachers understand whether students have the language skills they need to fully participate in the classroom. Your child’s teachers use ACCESS for ELLs test scores as they decide how best to teach your child. Test scores also help teachers track your child’s progress in learning academic English and help schools decide what English language support services to provide. You can use test information to advocate for your child at school. The test is an opportunity for students to demonstrate all the ways that they understand and can communicate in English. When students reach the highest levels of language proficiency, they no longer need language support services.