Level 1 – Entering

• Does not understand or speak English except for a few isolated words or expressions

Level 2 – Beginning

• Student speaks conversational and academic English with hesitancy and difficulty
• Student understands parts of lessons and simple directions
• Student is at a pre-emergent level of reading and writing in English and is significantly below grade level

Level 3 – Developing

• Student understands and speaks conversational and academic English with decreasing hesitancy and difficulty
• Student’s literacy skills demonstrate academic knowledge in content areas with assistance
• Student is post-emergent, developing reading comprehension and writing skills in English

Level 4 – Expanding

• Student understands and speaks conversational English without difficulty; speaks academic English with hesitancy
• Student continues to acquire reading and writing skills in content areas needed to achieve grade level expectations with assistance

Level 5 – Bridging

• Student understands and speaks conversational and academic English well
• Student is near proficient in content area skills to achieve at grade level
• Student requires occasional support

Level 6 – Full English Proficiency – Formerly Limited-English Proficient, Now Fully English Proficient

• Student was formerly limited-English proficient, now fully proficient
• Student reads, writes, speaks and comprehends English within academic classroom settings.

For more information from the Wisconsin Department of Instruction regarding ACCESS testing click here.