English Speakers of Other Languages

Qualifying for Services

New Hampshire uses the WIDA ELP standards and assessments and has approved the following WIDA screening tools for initial ELP identification. All NH students identified as English learners must be assessed annually using the WIDA ACCESS or Alternate ACCESS test. Please visit the NH WIDA state specific page for more information.

Annual Assessment for Services

Federal law requires that English learner (EL) students be assessed annually to measure English language proficiency (ELP) in reading, writing, speaking and listening. ACCESS for ELLs is New Hampshire’s approved ELP assessment administered to EL students in Kindergarten through Grade 12.

For English learners with the most significant cognitive disabilities, the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs, is the state adopted alternate English language proficiency (ELP) assessment. Students who have an IEP that requires administration of the DLM for the general assessment should take the Alternate ACCESS test.

Reclassification (Program Exit Criteria)

Reclassification is the process whereby a student is reclassified from English learner (EL) to Fluent English Proficient (FEP) status. Typically, reclassification happens when a student achieves English proficiency as measured by the state approved English language proficiency (ELP) assessment.