English Language Proficiency Assessments

English Language Proficiency Assessment to Identify English Learners

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

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 English 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.

• 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 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.

Screener Certification

Test Administrators (TAs) are required to complete online self-paced courses and pass quizzes prior to administering or scoring assessments. 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 English Learner Identification and Screener Administration training, please email: