Each school year, DPS assesses students’ English language ability using ACCESS for English Language Learners (ELLs). All students in grades K-12 who have been identified as English learners are required to take ACCESS as it meets the federal requirements for monitoring English learners and is aligned to the state of Colorado’s rigorous academic standards.

ACCESS is intended to assess social and academic English language development in the areas of listening, reading, writing and speaking. Assessment scores will determine when an English learner is ready to be placed in mainstream English classes.

If your child is in kindergarten, he/she will take the test using paper and pencil.  Grades 1-3 will take the writing portion of the test on paper and pencil as well.  If your child is in grades 1-12, the assessment will be administered online.

Students in grades 1-12 who are classified as English language learners and have significant cognitive disabilities will participate in the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs. For more information, visit WIDA Alternate ACCESS.

January 13 - February 14, 2025

ACCESS is administered in January and February. Your child will only test on certain days based on grade and subject. Check with your child’s school for your specific testing schedule.

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) hosts district and school level reports:

ACCESS Summary Data

Score Guides
Interpretive Guide: ACCESS
Interpretive Guide: Alternative ACCESS