Department will use a new English language learner assessment

The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for Educational Research to obtain a new English language proficiency assessment.

The test, Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners (ACCESS for ELLs) is a product of the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment Consortium.

The consortium is a multi-state coalition of state departments of education that collaborate to research, design and implement a standards-based educational system that promotes equitable educational opportunities for English language learners in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

English language learners, or limited English proficient students, are those whose first language is not English, or Alaska Natives or native residents who come from an environment where a language other than English has had a significant impact on the level of English language proficiency.

For more information, contact Janet Valentour, assessment administrator, via e-mail at janet.valentour@alaska.gov.