WIDA Testing Is Here: What Students in Michigan Need to Know (and How to Do Your Best!)

Across Michigan, students are currently participating in the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs assessment, an important annual test for students who receive English language support services. While testing season can feel stressful, understanding what WIDA is—and how to approach it—can make a big difference.

What Is the WIDA Assessment?

WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment) is used by schools across Michigan and many other states to measure students’ English language development. The ACCESS test looks at four language domains:

• Listening

• Reading

• Writing

• Speaking

These sections help schools understand how well students are using English in academic settings and determine what kind of support students may still need.

Why Does WIDA Matter?

WIDA scores help schools make decisions about instruction and services. An especially important milestone is an overall composite score of 4.8.
🎉 Students who score a 4.8 overall will exit the English language program and will not need to take the WIDA assessment again. That’s a big achievement!

Tips for Doing Your Best on the WIDA Test

The WIDA assessment is not about being perfect—it’s about showing what you can do. Here are some helpful tips for each section:

✔ Try your best in every section
Each part of the test matters. Even if one section feels harder than another, give it your full effort.

✔ Take your time and focus
Read and listen carefully. Don’t rush—this is your chance to show your skills.

✔ Give detailed answers
Short answers often lead to lower scores. Add details, explanations, and examples whenever you can.

A Special Note About the Speaking Section

The Speaking section is often one of the lowest-scoring areas, not because students don’t know the answers, but because they are timid or don’t speak clearly into the microphone.

To do well on speaking:

• Speak clearly and loudly enough into the microphone

• Use complete sentences

• Add lots of details

• Don’t be afraid to keep talking—more language helps your score!

Remember, the test cannot score what it cannot hear.

Final Encouragement

WIDA testing is an opportunity to show how much you’ve grown in English. Stay confident, try your best, and remember your goal—a 4.8 overall score means you’re done with WIDA for good!

Good luck to all Michigan students testing this season—you’ve got this! 💪📘✨