Idaho WIDA ACCESS Exit Criteria (2026)

To exit English Learner (EL) status in Idaho, a student in grades 1-12 needs 3.5 or higher in listening, reading and writing and a speaking score of 1.0 or higher on WIDA ACCESS; kindergarten: an overall composite of 4.2 or higher.

Verified: September 2026. Exit criteria change annually; confirm with the Idaho education agency before making a decision.

WIDA ACCESS (formerly ACCESS for ELLs) exit criteria

3.5 or higher in listening, reading and writing
A speaking score of 1.0 or higher

Grade-specific rules

Kindergarten: an overall composite of 4.2 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

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

Idaho uses the term English Learner (EL).

Sources

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 Idaho?

Does Idaho use a different exit rule for some grades?

Yes. Kindergarten: an overall composite of 4.2 or higher.

Can students who take WIDA Alternate ACCESS exit in Idaho?

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 Idaho?

Idaho 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 Idaho 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.

Compare other states

See all WIDA states in one comparison table

New to WIDA?

What is WIDA? Membership, the CAN DO Philosophy and the CAN DO Descriptors

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.

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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.

Melaa is operated by IncluSend LLC, which is licensed to use the WIDA CAN DO Descriptors, Key Uses Edition under an agreement with WCEPS, the authorized licensor of WIDA materials. WIDA is a trademark of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. The WIDA CAN DO Descriptors, Key Uses Edition are © Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and are used under license. This application of WIDA materials has not been evaluated by WIDA, and Melaa is not endorsed by or affiliated with the WIDA Consortium or the University of Wisconsin. The WIDA CAN DO Descriptors work in conjunction with WIDA Performance Definitions of the English language proficiency standards. The Performance Definitions use three criteria (1. Linguistic complexity; 2. Vocabulary usage; and 3. Language control) to describe the increasing quality and quantity of students' language processing and use across the levels of language proficiency.