New York · 2026-27 school year

Get ready for the new WIDA ACCESS test

[PLACEHOLDER] WIDA ACCESS replaces the NYSESLAT for New York English learners this year. WIDA Ready helps ENL teachers and families understand the change and practice with confidence.

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Testing window: February 1 – April 9, 2027

What's changing in New York

  • New York joined the WIDA Consortium in October 2025.
  • Starting in 2026-27, WIDA ACCESS replaces the NYSESLAT as the annual English language proficiency test for all ELLs in grades K-12.
  • The testing window is February 1 – April 9, 2027.
  • Grades 1-12 test online across four domains: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Kindergarten uses a paper-based storybook format.
  • Scores use six proficiency levels (1 Entering through 6 Reaching) instead of the NYSESLAT's five.
  • Test administrators must complete new self-paced certification courses, which opened in September 2026.
  • The WIDA Screener replaces the NYSITELL in fall 2027.
  • New York is not adopting the WIDA ELD Standards Framework 2020; it keeps its own Academic and Linguistic Demands (ALDs).
At a glance: before and after
 Before (NYSESLAT era)Now (WIDA ACCESS)
Annual ELP testNYSESLATWIDA ACCESS (from 2026-27)
Proficiency levels56 (1 Entering – 6 Reaching)
Format[PLACEHOLDER: verify]Online for grades 1-12; paper storybook for K
Initial identification screenerNYSITELLWIDA Screener (fall 2027)
StandardsNY Academic and Linguistic DemandsUnchanged: NY keeps its ALDs

Built for teachers and families

For ENL teachers

  • [PLACEHOLDER] Practice activities for all four domains
  • [PLACEHOLDER] Plain-language guides to the six proficiency levels
  • [PLACEHOLDER] Printable checklists for the testing window

For parents

  • [PLACEHOLDER] What the test is and what to expect, in plain language
  • [PLACEHOLDER] Simple at-home practice ideas
  • [PLACEHOLDER] Help understanding your child's score report

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[PLACEHOLDER] Be the first to know when WIDA Ready launches.

[PLACEHOLDER] We'll only email you about WIDA Ready. Link to privacy policy.

Simple pricing

Parent

$X/mo

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Teacher

$X/mo

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FAQ

Is WIDA Ready an official WIDA or NYSED product?

No. WIDA Ready is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by WIDA, the WIDA Consortium, or NYSED.

Who is WIDA Ready for?

Individual ENL teachers and parents of English learners in New York. [PLACEHOLDER: expand]

When does the new test happen?

The 2026-27 testing window is February 1 – April 9, 2027.

When will WIDA Ready launch?

[PLACEHOLDER] Launch date TBD. Join the waitlist to hear first.