ACCESS for Ells Training Recommendations

ACCESS for ELLs Training Recommendations

·  Utilize the ACCESS for ELLs Training Tool Kit as a core source. The Tool Kit can be found on the WIDA Consortium website at www.wida.us. If you have not already created an account the following username and password are available. Once logged in a personal username and password must be created to access training accounts through WIDA.

Username: northcarolina
Password: cardinal

·  Attend a training webinar held annually by the state. The next webinar is scheduled for January 10, 2012. One webinar will be held as a refresher training for those experienced in the administration of the test in NC. Another webinar will be held the same day for new test administrators who are unfamiliar with administering the test. Both webinars will be recorded and archived in the case individuals are unable to attend.

·  Become a trainer-of-trainers. The North Carolina Testing Program supports a train-the-trainer model as part of the LEA testing plan. We encourage LEA personnel who have previously been trained and have administered the ACCESS for ELLs in NC to serve in the role as trainer-of-trainers. These individuals ensure that others are trained on the subtest of the ACCESS of ELLs and are knowledgeable on the use of the test results.

·  Identify multiple individuals at the school district and school level to serve as test administrators for the ACCESS for ELLs, especially in school districts with large numbers of students identified as limited English proficient. Be reminded that test administrators must have the following qualifications:

•  Status as a classified (e.g., teacher assistants, or other nonteacher roles) or certified school staff member. Retired teachers, if working for the school district as substitute teachers or members of the staff in any capacity, may administer the test;

•  Status as highly proficient in the English language. The individual’s spoken English must be clearly understandable by all language-minority students during the test administration; and

•  Trained on the state-designated English language proficiency test as a test administrator.

·  Utilize a strategy that allows for both online and in-person training on the ACCESS for ELLs. Online training is available through WIDA Consortium website. School districts may coordinate small groups to view the archived webinar and/or Tool Kit, downloading materials from the website prior to viewing. An individual who is experienced with the test training and the administration could serve as the group facilitator.

·  Attend a training session on the policy and procedure in the administration of the ACCESS for ELLs. These trainings are provided through the LEA test coordinator to local staff.

NCDPI Accountability Services/North Carolina Testing Program September 2011