Updated October 5, 2018

Education Commissioner Candice McQueen released the 2018 English language proficiency assessment results from the WIDA ACCESS assessment. The scores show that nearly 50 percent of English learners who took the test met their growth standard in 2018, up from 45.5 percent in 2017. Additionally, 64 school districts about 48 percent increased the percent of students meeting the growth standard from 2017 to 2018.

“Tennessee students speak more than 140 languages, and it is our responsibility to ensure all of these students are supported in both their English language development and in their academic growth,” Comm. McQueen said. “These results show encouraging progress and that what we are doing to support our students is working. In Tennessee, we are committed to the growth and development of all students, and through our continued efforts we will be able to better support our English learners.”

All students who qualify for English learner services take the WIDA ACCESS assessment each spring until they reach proficiency in English. This assessments looks to make sure English learner students are developing in their understanding and mastery of the English language.

The 2018 WIDA ACCESS scores show that six of Tennessee’s school districts had 80 percent or more students meet or exceed growth standards. Those include Giles County Schools.

For more information about English learner programs, contact Jan Lanier, director of English learner, immigrant and migrant programs, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..