Page 9 - 2016 Handbook FINAL 4.18.16

A student’s language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing English are assessed, using
the Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State (ACCESS) for EL or the
ACCESS Placement Test (W-APT) during the required testing windows.

WIDA ACCESS, W-APT and Level of Proficiency

The following chart shows the WIDA levels of proficiency. The following chart may assist you to
determine the level of the student’s proficiency and the student’s placement into each grade
level or courses with appropriate ELD language and academic support.

WIDA ACCESS/W-APT Score Proficiency Levels

Entering 1

Emerging 2

Developing 3

Expanding 4

Bridging 5

Reaching 6

C. Eligibility for English Language Development Program Services

A student who scores Entering, Emerging, Developing, Expanding, Bridging or Reaching on the
WIDA ACCESS/W-APT is eligible for ELD program support. For a student scoring Bridging or
Reaching to continue receiving ELD support services, the district takes into account the State of
Michigan’s Entrance Criteria (SEE APPENDIX E).

D. Transcript Evaluation for Students Entering Grades 9-12

The W-APT or WIDA ACCESS score will be the method used to ascertain whether English credit will
be awarded for English courses listed on a transcript that were taken in a foreign country. Within
ten days of registration, the student will take the W-APT or WIDA ACCESS. Grade adjusted
composite proficiency levels below level four on these assessments are below the threshold
required for English credit to be awarded for English courses. Students scoring below level four
may apply their previous English courses, if completed with passing grades, toward elective credit
requirements. Students scoring at levels four or higher on the W-APT or WIDA ACCESS may apply
English courses taken and passed in a foreign country toward English credit requirements. A
maximum of one full English credit may be awarded. If the student enrolled in another high school
in the U.S. before enrolling in the Troy School District, and the transcript has already been
evaluated, credits will be processed in the same manner that they are processed for any student
transferring from a high school in the U.S.

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