Indiana WIDA ACCESS Exit Criteria (2026)

To exit English Learner (EL) status in Indiana, a student needs an overall composite of 5.0 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 Indiana education agency before making a decision.

WIDA ACCESS (formerly ACCESS for ELLs) exit criteria

An overall composite of 5.0 or higher

Indiana also has a pathway for students in grades 3-12 with an overall composite from 4.3 up to just below 5.0: they may exit only after an additional state-defined review or evidence step, never on the score alone.

Other state requirements: Students in grade 3 and up with an overall score from 4.3 to 4.9 on the higher-level test forms may also exit if a school team reviews at least three pieces of evidence of their English and the state approves.

WIDA Alternate ACCESS

An overall proficiency level of 4 or higher on WIDA Alternate ACCESS.

The score alone is not the whole rule: the state sets additional requirements, such as a team decision, documentation or another assessment. See the state source below.

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

Indiana 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 Indiana?

To exit English Learner (EL) status in Indiana, a student needs an overall composite of 5.0 or higher on WIDA ACCESS, and the state sets additional requirements or review pathways described below.

Does Indiana require more than the overall ACCESS score?

There is no other ACCESS score minimum. Indiana also has a pathway for students in grades 3-12 with an overall composite from 4.3 up to just below 5.0: they may exit only after an additional state-defined review or evidence step, never on the score alone. Students in grade 3 and up with an overall score from 4.3 to 4.9 on the higher-level test forms may also exit if a school team reviews at least three pieces of evidence of their English and the state approves.

Can students who take WIDA Alternate ACCESS exit in Indiana?

An overall proficiency level of 4 or higher on WIDA Alternate ACCESS. The score alone is not the whole rule: the state sets additional requirements, such as a team decision, documentation or another assessment. See the state source below. 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 Indiana?

Indiana 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 Indiana 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.

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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.