North Dakota WIDA ACCESS Exit Criteria (2026)
To exit English Learner (EL) status in North Dakota, a student needs an overall composite of 4.5 or higher and 3.5 or higher in each of the 4 domains (listening, speaking, reading and writing) on WIDA ACCESS, and the state sets additional requirements or review pathways described below.
Verified: October 2026. Exit criteria change annually; confirm with the North Dakota education agency before making a decision.
WIDA ACCESS (formerly ACCESS for ELLs) exit criteria
- An overall composite of 4.5 or higher
- 3.5 or higher in each of the 4 domains (listening, speaking, reading and writing)
Other state requirements: Students also need at least 3.5 in each skill area: listening, speaking, reading, and writing; a school district may also ask the state to consider another pathway, decided together with the student's education team.
WIDA Alternate ACCESS
An overall proficiency level of 4 or higher on WIDA Alternate ACCESS.
Confirm the current Alternate ACCESS criterion with the state before acting on it.
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
North Dakota uses the term English Learner (EL).
Sources
- North Dakota exit criteria guidance (state source)
- North Dakota identification and placement guidance (state document hosted by WIDA)
- North Dakota English learner program page
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 North Dakota?
To exit English Learner (EL) status in North Dakota, a student needs an overall composite of 4.5 or higher and 3.5 or higher in each of the 4 domains (listening, speaking, reading and writing) on WIDA ACCESS, and the state sets additional requirements or review pathways described below.
Does North Dakota require more than the overall ACCESS score?
Yes. Students also need 3.5 or higher in each of the 4 domains (listening, speaking, reading and writing). Students also need at least 3.5 in each skill area: listening, speaking, reading, and writing; a school district may also ask the state to consider another pathway, decided together with the student's education team.
Can students who take WIDA Alternate ACCESS exit in North Dakota?
An overall proficiency level of 4 or higher on WIDA Alternate ACCESS. Confirm the current Alternate ACCESS criterion with the state before acting on it. 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 North Dakota?
North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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.