Pennsylvania WIDA ACCESS Exit Criteria (2026)
To exit English Learner (EL) status in Pennsylvania, a student needs an overall composite of 4.5 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 Pennsylvania education agency before making a decision.
WIDA ACCESS (formerly ACCESS for ELLs) exit criteria
- An overall composite of 4.5 or higher
Other state requirements: Teachers also complete two rating forms about how the student uses English in class.
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
Pennsylvania uses the term English Learner (EL). Program name used in state guidance: ESL.
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 Pennsylvania?
To exit English Learner (EL) status in Pennsylvania, a student needs an overall composite of 4.5 or higher on WIDA ACCESS, and the state sets additional requirements or review pathways described below.
Does Pennsylvania require more than the overall ACCESS score?
There is no other ACCESS score minimum. Teachers also complete two rating forms about how the student uses English in class.
Can students who take WIDA Alternate ACCESS exit in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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.