Federal and state laws require that English language learner (ELL) students be assessed annually to measure their proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English, as well as the progress they are making in learning English. In fulfillment of these laws, ELL students are required to participate in ACCESS for ELLs tests, which replaced MEPA tests, beginning in the 2012-2013 school year.
ACCESS for ELLs will be administered once annually in January-February. ACCESS for ELLs tests are based on the WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment) English Language Development standards.
Additional information regarding ACCESS may be found at http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/access/.
