The Maine DOE continues to support schools as they prepare for a successful administration of the computer-based ACCESS FOR ELLs 2.0, Maine’s English language proficiency assessment for English learners during the Nov. 30, 2015 to Jan. 29, 2016 testing window.
New resources are now available online including ACCESS Test Preparation Resources and ACCESS Test Coordinator Resources; background information about the roles and processes for online testing; updated training resources; a start/finish overview of the required activities for ACCESS Test Coordinators; ACCESS Test Administrators and ACCESS Technology Coordinators; detailed changes with ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 for each domain; online sample items; and ACCESS Accessibility and Accommodations Guidelines and Descriptions.
Additionally, as part of its commitment to ensuring the successful administration of the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 assessment, the Department will offer training for designated district ACCESS Test Coordinators on Oct. 19 who wish to attend the optional face-to-face training to supplement the required online training. Click here to register for training. Superintendents can designate a district ACCESS Test Coordinator at this link.
This training is to support ACCESS Test Coordinators as they prepare for a leadership role within their district schools. ACCESS Test Coordinators are responsible for the overall coordination of ACCESS test administration activities, coordination with Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) to set up user accounts within the new WIDA Assessment Management System (WIDA AMS), setting up ACCESS Test Administrators in WIDA’s training course. ACCESS Test Coordinators will also complete the online training course and verify that ACCESS Test Administrators and ACCESS Technology Coordinators have also completed their online trainings and checklists.
For more information, please contact the Department’s ESL/Bilingual Director Nancy Mullins at nancy.mullins@maine.gov or 624-6788.