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Bilingual ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® & English as a New Language

Bilingual ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® & English as a New Language

English Language Learner and Multilingual Learner Assessment & Testing Accommodations

(Scroll down for information on ELL testing accommodations)

This page describes New York State's English language proficiency assessments and the testing accommodations available to English Language Learners (ELLs).

New York State is transitioning to the . Starting with the spring 2027 administration, and will serve as New York State's annual English language development assessments. The New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL) will continue to be used for the initial identification of ELLs for the 2026-2027 school year.

This page outlines New York State's English language proficiency assessments during the transition to WIDA and explains the testing accommodations available to ELLs on New York State assessments.

The New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL)

The New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL) is the only assessment instrument in New York State for measuring the English language proficiency of a student who may possibly be an ELL. The results of the NYSITELL are used to determine the type of instructional program into which the student must be placed. The NYSITELL is a secure test.

When is the NYSITELL administered?

The NYSITELL is administered once the parent/guardian completes the Home Language Questionnaire (HLQ) and an informal interview is conducted in theÌýhome/primary language and in English. For newly enrolling students who have an Individualized ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® Program (IEP), the NYSITELL is administered after theÌý Language Policy Team (LPT) meets and provides its recommendations to the school. If these steps in the identification process (HLQ, interview, and LPT) indicate that the student is not a potential ELL, then the NYSITELL is not administered. The initial English language assessment using the NYSITELL is conducted only once at the time of the student's enrollment in a NYS school. The NYSITELL results will reveal whether or not the student should be classified as ELL. It will also determine the student's English proficiency level in order to appropriately place the student and to plan instruction.

Where can a school order copies of the NYSITELL?

An initial online request for the NYSITELL may be submitted upon receipt of a memorandum in early June from the Office of State Assessment entitled "Procedures for Requesting and Storing the NYSITELL." Accompanying this memorandum is a school data sheet, which contains your user name and password to log onto the online request system to place your request. Questions concerning the ordering of NYSITELL materials should be directed to the Office of State Assessment at 518-474-8220. For more information about ordering, visit the Office of State Assessment.

How often is the NYSITELL administered?

The NYSITELL is administered only once within ten school days of the student's initial enrollment in a New York State school.

  • If a student transfers into a NYS district from another NYS district, the NYSITELL is not to be administered to this student. Every attempt must be made to obtain the student's records from his/her original school.
  • If a student does have records, place the student based on the most recent NYSESLAT or NYSITELL score.
  • If the student has no records, treat as a new entrant and carry out the entire identification procedure.
  • If a student comes from another state, treat the student as a new entrant and the entire initial identification procedure must be followed.

How are test results reported?

The results are reported in raw scores, scale scores, and performance levels. More information may be found at the NYS NYSITELL website.

WIDA ACCESS

Beginning in 2026-2027, WIDA ACCESS is New York State's annual English language development assessment for ELLs in Kindergarten through Grade 12.

For students in grades 1-12, WIDA ACCESS is a computer-based, adaptive assessment that measures students' English language development in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten is a paper-based assessment that is administered individually. Paper-based versions of WIDA ACCESS are available for students in grades 1-12 who have the appropriate accommodation documented on their Individualized ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®al Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.

Who takes WIDA ACCESS?

All identified ELLs in Kindergarten through Grade 12 take WIDA ACCESS annually unless they meet New York State's participation criteria for WIDA Alternate ACCESS.

When is WIDA ACCESS administered?

WIDA ACCESS is administered annually during the testing window established by the Office of State Assessment.

How are WIDA ACCESS results used?

New York State uses WIDA ACCESS results to determine students' English language proficiency levels as described in Commissioner’s Regulations Part 154. Those proficiency levels—Entering, Emerging, Transitioning, Expanding, and Commanding—continue to guide instructional planning, ENL and bilingual education services, and other program decisions.

Where can schools order WIDA ACCESS test materials?

Test materials can be ordered through WIDA’s Assessment Management System beginning on October 16, 2026.

WIDA Alternate ACCESSÌý

Beginning in 2026-2027, WIDA Alternate ACCESS is New York State's annual English language development assessment for eligible ELLs with the most significant cognitive disabilities who meet the State's participation criteria. The assessment is designed to measure English language development while providing appropriate accessibility for eligible students.

WIDA Alternate ACCESS is an individually administered, paper-based assessment is a paper-based assessment that is administered individually. The assessment consists of four domain tests: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.

Who takes WIDA Alternate ACCESS?

Only students who meet New York State's participation criteria for alternate assessment, as documented in the student's Individualized ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® Program (IEP), participate in WIDA Alternate ACCESS. Most ELLs with disabilities participate in WIDA ACCESS with appropriate accessibility features and accommodations.

When is WIDA Alternate ACCESS administered?

WIDA Alternate ACCESS is administered annually during the testing window established by the Office of State Assessment.

How are WIDA Alternate ACCESS results used?

New York State uses WIDA Alternate ACCESS results to determine students' English language proficiency levels as described in Commissioner’s Regulations Part 154. Those proficiency levels—Entering, Emerging, Transitioning, Expanding, and Commanding—continue to guide instructional planning, ENL and bilingual education services, and other program decisions.

Where can schools order WIDA Alternate ACCESS test materials?

Test materials can be ordered through WIDA’s Assessment Management System beginning on October 16, 2026.

The New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT)

What is the NYSESLAT?

The New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) served as New York State's annual English language proficiency assessment through Spring 2026. It measured the English language proficiency of ELLs in Kindergarten through Grade 12 and provided information used to determine English language proficiency levels and English as a New Language (ENL) and bilingual education services under Commissioner's Regulations Part 154.

The final administration of the NYSESLAT was held in Spring 2026.

What was the purpose of the NYSESLAT?

The NYSESLAT was used to measure progress toward the ELL's achievement of proficiency in English. Based on the test, the student's proficiency level in English is classified as Entering, Emerging, Transitioning, Expanding, or Commanding. Such classification must be used to provide the required amount of English as a New Language (ENL)Ìýand English Language Arts instruction prescribed under Part 154 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®.

How were NYSESLAT test results reported?

NYSESLAT results were reported in raw scores, scale scores, and English proficiency levels.ÌýIn the coming year, schools will continue to useÌýNYSESLAT results to determine whether a student continues to qualify for instructional services for ELLs or if the student will exit from bilingual education or ENL instructional services.

Testing Accommodations for English Language Learners

Schools may provide testing accommodations to ELLs, as needed, on all NYS ELA and content-area assessments (i.e., Mathematics, Science and Social Studies). Districts/schools must make all necessary arrangements to make these accommodations available for ELLs who need them. A list of NYS-approved accommodations may be found in the for each respective test.

WIDA Assessments

How are accessibility features and accommodations provided for WIDA assessments?

WIDA ACCESS and WIDA Alternate ACCESS are administered using the WIDA Accessibility and Accommodations Framework together with applicable New York State policies. The framework provides accessibility supports while preserving the validity of the assessment.

How are accommodations determined?

Accommodation decisions are made by the student's committee on special education and should reflect the supports the student routinely uses during instruction and classroom assessment. Accommodations should not be introduced for the first time during testing.

Are all accommodations permitted on WIDA assessments?

No. Because WIDA ACCESS and WIDA Alternate ACCESS measure English language development, some supports that may be appropriate on content-area assessments are not permitted if they change what the assessment is intended to measure.

Schools should consult the current and the NYSED Special ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®ÌýTesting Accommodations GuideÌýfor complete information about allowable accessibility features and accommodations.

ÌýTesting Accommodations for ELLs on NYS ELA and Content-area assessments:

ELLs may receive testing accommodations on New York State content-area assessments and Regents Examinations, as provided under Commissioner's Regulations Part 154 and Office of State Assessment guidance.

The accommodations described below apply to New York State content-area assessments and Regents Examinations.Ìý

Time Extension (all exams)

Schools may extend the test time for ELL students on NYS ELA and content-area Assessments and on Regents Examinations. Principals may use any reasonable extensions, such as "time and a half" (the required testing time plus half that amount), in accordance with their best judgment about the needs of the ELL students. Principals should consult with the student's classroom teacher in making these determinations.

Separate Location (all exams)

Schools are encouraged to provide optimal testing environments and facilities for ELLs. NYS assessments may be administered to ELLs individually or in small groups in a separate location.

Bilingual Dictionaries and/or Glossaries

ELLs may use when taking State examinations in all subjects except foreign languages. The bilingual dictionaries and glossaries may provide only direct one to one translations of words. Bilingual dictionaries and/or glossaries that provide definitions or explanations are not permitted. Bilingual glossaries in the content areas are available for .

Simultaneous use of English and Alternative Language Editions are not allowed for English Language Arts Examinations. For state examinations for which the Department provides written translations, ELLs may use both English and an alternative language edition of the test simultaneously. However, they should be instructed to record all of their responses in only one of the two editions. The alternative language edition used by the student should be so indicated on the student's answer sheet. Note: There are no translations of English Language Arts examinations.

Oral Translation for Low Incidence Languages are not allowed for English Language Arts Examinations. Schools may provide ELL students with an oral translation of a state examination when there is no translated edition provided by the Department. All translations must be oral, direct translations of the English editions. Written translations are not allowed. No clarifications or explanations may be provided. Translators should receive copies of the English edition of the tests one hour prior to administration. The Office of Bilingual ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® and World Languages and the Regional Bilingual ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®ÌýResource Networks can assist schools in locating suitable translators.

Writing Responses in theÌýHome/PrimaryÌýLanguage are not allowed for English Language Arts Examinations. ELL students making use of alternative language editions or of oral translations of state examinations other than the ELAÌýmay write their responses to the open-ended question in theirÌýhome/primary language. Scoring the tests is the responsibility of the school. However, the Department's Office of Bilingual ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® and World Languages and theÌýRBERNs can assist schools in locating persons who can translate the students' responses into English to facilitate scoring of the answer papers.

Test Accommodations for Former ELLs

Are there testing accommodations available for Former ELL students?

Yes. On September 15, 2008, the NYSED Board of Regents approved extending test accommodations to former ELLs for two additional years after achieving proficiency on the NYSESLAT.ÌýÌý

This limited two-year extension in testing accommodations will provide former ELLs an opportunity to demonstrate their content knowledge by leveling the playing field while they continue to develop their linguistic and academic skills. ÌýThese testing accommodations will not affect the validity or reliability of the required State assessments nor will they change the academic level or the expected performance criteria of such assessments.Ìý (Board of Regents item)

The Department will implement this policy revision for all impacted New York State Testing Programs for the 2008-2009 academic year, commencing with the Elementary Level Examination in Social Studies (Grade 5) that will be administered in November 2008. (Assessment Notification Memo to the field by David Abrams)

ELLs and Former ELLs are entitled to these ELL Testing Accommodations as per CR Part 154 Regulations. ÌýDistrict staff should make all necessary arrangements in providing these accommodations during all State exams.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of State Assessment at (518) 474-5902.

Related Resources

The resources below provide additional information about New York State's English language proficiency assessments, testing accommodations, and related guidance for English Language Learners (ELLs).

WIDA Resources

NYSITELL Resources

Archived NYSESLAT Resources

Additional Resources

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Updated 05/7/2026