Access to ELLs
All students served in our ESOL program are administered a language proficiency assessment, ACCESS for ELLs, each year to help school districts monitor the English language development of identified multilingual learners. The ACCESS for ELLs assessment provides program accountability while tracking the readiness of students to exit the program. The test measures English language proficiency in the four language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Student scores are kept in their permanent records and a copy is sent home to parents. The scores reflect proficiency levels ranging from Level 1 (Entering) to Level 6 (Reaching).
ACCESS for ELLs
Multilingual Learners in grades K-12 must take ACCESS for ELLs each spring, including students whose parents have waived direct ESOL services, until they have scored “Fully English Proficient.” Currently in South Carolina, “Fully English Proficient” means that a student has achieved at least a 4.0 in all language domains (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) and a 4.4 overall.
Alternate ACCESS for ELLs
Alternate ACCESS for ELLs is an assessment taken by Multilingual Learners in grades 1-12 who have significant cognitive disabilities. The assessment provides accommodations and modifications appropriate for the specified disability.
Access Sample Score Reports
Access for ELLs Helpful Links
ACCESS for ELLs: Understanding Your Child’s Score Reports (guide in 13 languages)
Alternate ACCESS for ELLs: Understanding Your Child’s Score Reports (guide in 13 languages)