South Dakota WIDA ACCESS Exit Criteria (2026)

To exit English Learner (EL) status in South Dakota, 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 South Dakota education agency before making a decision.

WIDA ACCESS (formerly ACCESS for ELLs) exit criteria

An overall composite of 5.0 or higher

South Dakota also has a pathway for students in grades 3-8 and 11 with an overall composite from 4.0 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 with an overall score of 4.0 or higher may also exit with Level 3 or 4 on the state English Language Arts test in grades 3 to 8, or on the state ACT English Language Arts test in grade 11.

WIDA Alternate ACCESS

An overall proficiency level of 5 or higher on WIDA Alternate ACCESS.

A student at level 4 in grades 3-8 and 11 may also exit with additional evidence or a team decision set by the state.

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

4 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

South Dakota 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 South Dakota?

Does South Dakota require more than the overall ACCESS score?

There is no other ACCESS score minimum. South Dakota also has a pathway for students in grades 3-8 and 11 with an overall composite from 4.0 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 with an overall score of 4.0 or higher may also exit with Level 3 or 4 on the state English Language Arts test in grades 3 to 8, or on the state ACT English Language Arts test in grade 11.

Can students who take WIDA Alternate ACCESS exit in South Dakota?

An overall proficiency level of 5 or higher on WIDA Alternate ACCESS. A student at level 4 in grades 3-8 and 11 may also exit with additional evidence or a team decision set by the state. 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 South Dakota?

South Dakota monitors students for 4 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 South 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.

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.

Try the demo See pricing

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.