Hawaii WIDA ACCESS Exit Criteria (2026)
To exit English Learner (EL) status in Hawaii, a student needs an overall composite of 4.7 or higher on WIDA ACCESS, and the state sets additional requirements or review pathways described below.
Verified: October 2026. Exit criteria change annually; confirm with the Hawaii education agency before making a decision.
WIDA ACCESS (formerly ACCESS for ELLs) exit criteria
- An overall composite of 4.7 or higher
Hawaii also has a pathway for students with an overall composite from 4.5 up to just below 4.7: they may exit only after an additional state-defined review or evidence step, never on the score alone.
Other state requirements: Students with an overall score of 4.5 or 4.6 may also exit with one more requirement: a reading and writing score of 4.7 or higher in kindergarten to grade 2 and grade 10, or a proficient score on the state English Language Arts test in other grades.
WIDA Alternate ACCESS
Hawaii does not publish an Alternate ACCESS exit rule as a single proficiency level on the current Alternate ACCESS scale (it may use scale scores, older score labels, or no published rule). Check the state's current guidance.
Monitoring after exit
2 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
Hawaii uses the term English Learner (EL).
Sources
Verified October 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 Hawaii?
To exit English Learner (EL) status in Hawaii, a student needs an overall composite of 4.7 or higher on WIDA ACCESS, and the state sets additional requirements or review pathways described below.
Does Hawaii require more than the overall ACCESS score?
There is no other ACCESS score minimum. Hawaii also has a pathway for students with an overall composite from 4.5 up to just below 4.7: they may exit only after an additional state-defined review or evidence step, never on the score alone. Students with an overall score of 4.5 or 4.6 may also exit with one more requirement: a reading and writing score of 4.7 or higher in kindergarten to grade 2 and grade 10, or a proficient score on the state English Language Arts test in other grades.
Can students who take WIDA Alternate ACCESS exit in Hawaii?
Hawaii does not publish an Alternate ACCESS exit rule as a single proficiency level on the current Alternate ACCESS scale (it may use scale scores, older score labels, or no published rule). Check the state's current guidance.
How long are former ELs monitored in Hawaii?
Hawaii monitors students for 2 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 Hawaii 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.