District of Columbia WIDA ACCESS Exit Criteria (2026)
To exit English Learner (EL) status in District of Columbia, a student in grades 1-12 needs an overall composite of 4.5 or higher on WIDA ACCESS; kindergarten: an overall composite of 5.0 or higher.
Verified: September 2026. Exit criteria change annually; confirm with the District of Columbia education agency before making a decision.
WIDA ACCESS (formerly ACCESS for ELLs) exit criteria
- An overall composite of 4.5 or higher
Grade-specific rules
- Kindergarten: an overall composite of 5.0 or higher.
WIDA Alternate ACCESS
An overall proficiency level of 4 or higher on WIDA Alternate ACCESS.
Alternate ACCESS levels are on that assessment's own scale and are not comparable to WIDA ACCESS levels.
Monitoring after exit
4 years after exit. Federal guidance calls for districts to monitor former English learners' academic progress for at least two years; some states set a longer period.
Identification timeline
Within 30 calendar days of enrollment at the start of the school year, and within 14 calendar days for students who enroll during the year.
State terminology
District of Columbia uses the term English Learner (EL).
Sources
- District of Columbia exit criteria guidance (state source)
- District of Columbia identification and placement guidance (state document hosted by WIDA)
Verified September 2026. States revise their criteria, and the state's current guidance always takes precedence over this summary.
Frequently asked questions
What ACCESS score is needed to exit EL status in District of Columbia?
To exit English Learner (EL) status in District of Columbia, a student in grades 1-12 needs an overall composite of 4.5 or higher on WIDA ACCESS; kindergarten: an overall composite of 5.0 or higher.
Does District of Columbia use a different exit rule for some grades?
Yes. Kindergarten: an overall composite of 5.0 or higher.
Can students who take WIDA Alternate ACCESS exit in District of Columbia?
An overall proficiency level of 4 or higher on WIDA Alternate ACCESS. Alternate ACCESS levels are on that assessment's own scale and are not comparable to WIDA ACCESS levels.
How long are former ELs monitored in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia monitors students for 4 years after exit. Federal guidance calls for districts to monitor former English learners' academic progress for at least two years; some states set a longer period.
How quickly must District of Columbia schools identify ELs?
Within 30 calendar days of enrollment at the start of the school year, and within 14 calendar days for students who enroll during the year. Confirm the timeline with the state's current guidance.
Track exit criteria without the spreadsheet
Melaa is a tool for ML program staff. It checks each student's ACCESS scores against your state's numeric exit criteria and flags students who need a team review. The exit decision always stays with your district.
Melaa is not affiliated with or endorsed by WIDA or the University of Wisconsin. Exit criteria are set by each state education agency, not by WIDA or Melaa. This page summarizes public state policy for information only; it is not legal advice and does not replace your state's current guidance or your district's exit decision.