English Language Proficiency Assessments

English Language Proficiency Assessment to Identify Multilingual Learners

English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessments are given to new and returning students who may be designated as Multilingual Learners (MLs). It is one component that assists educators with programmatic decisions such as identification and placement of MLs into Language Instruction Educational Programs (LIEPs). ELP assessment scores and a Body of Evidence (BOE) must be used to identify students who are MLs.

Screeners are flexible on-demand tests that can be administered during the school year:

• Beginning July 1, 2022, the Kindergarten W-APT will no longer be available for Colorado schools and districts to use in the Multilingual Learner Identification process. Kindergarten and first semester, first-grade students will be assessed using the paper-based Screener for Kindergarten beginning SY22-23.  WIDA Screener for Kindergarten quick guide.

• Screener for Kindergarten Domain Administration: students in kindergarten first semester take only two domains: listening and speaking.  Second semester kindergarten and first semester, first grade students take all four domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. 

• WIDA Screener is an ELP assessment administered to students in second semester, first grade through grade 12.  WIDA Screener is available in two formats: computer and paper. WIDA Screener for grades 1-12 quick guide.

Screener for Kindergarten and Screener for grades 1-12 are not available in an alternate format. Please refer to WIDA’s Accessibility and Accommodations Manual for flexible administrative considerations and universal tools for all students or to learn about accommodations for students with disabilities.  Students who have been identified with a disability must have a documented Individual Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plan during the time of screening in order to use accommodations as targeted support.

SY24-25 Important Update: A new guidance document details WIDA’s recommendations for IEP/504 Plan teams to consider when administering WIDA Screener to a student who is blind or visually impaired (BVI), or who is deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). It includes general administration guidance, specific considerations for students who are BVI or DHH and a short list of resources for more information. Find this resource in the WIDA Secure Portal when filtering resources by Accessibility and Accommodations or any screener assessment.

Screener Certification

Districts, schools, and charter schools must ensure Test Administrators (TAs) complete online self-paced WIDA Screener modules and pass quizzes prior to administering and/or scoring Screener assessments.  TA re-certification is required every two years. Screener for grades 1-12 and Screener for Kindergarten training modules can be found by logging into the Secure Portal at WIDA.US. In the Secure Portal, select Assessment Training, then filter by test type: 'WIDA Screener for Kindergarten Administration and Scoring' and/or 'WIDA Screener (1-12) online or paper Administration and Scoring' courses. For more information about Multilingual Learner Identification and Screener administration or certification requirement, please email: