ASSETS (Assessment Services Supporting ELs through Technology Systems) Website
ASSETS is a 35-state consortium, building on the work of the WIDA Consortium, to create the next generation of English Language Proficiency tests. The Consortium’s work is supported through a federal Enhanced Assessment Grant (EAG) with plans for full operationalization of the new assessment system in 2015-16. The transition to a computerized version of ACCESS for ELLs, tentatively called ACCESS for ELLs 2.0, is scheduled for 2015-16. Please review all pages of the web site, especially the Project Highlights pages.
This website is a comprehensive portal for information regarding the WIDA consortium. As such, it does not provide an impartial evaluation of English language supports in general, or of resources to support instruction for ELS. However, the ASSETS work is all research-based and definitely adds value to the field. Very comprehensive, and developed with different audiences in mind, although mainly for educators. Sections are well laid out and there are helpful FAQ and glossary sections. Again, while this does not provide an overview of both EL assessment consortia, it provides a comprehensive collection of resources and information about the WIDA and ASSETS. It also provides resources integrating the CCSS and the Dynamic Language Learning Progressions research program. Highly relevant for audiences looking specifically for information about these resources. Strong research basis for all of the work and supporting resources included in the ASSETS portfolio.