This week, January 14 - 18, 2013, we had the ACCESS Testing, which is the new mandatory state testing for ELLs in Massachusetts, as well as for many other states, who have joined the WIDA Consortium.  I like this testing system for a few big reasons:   1)  It goes beyond "BICS" (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills) and standard English by putting the focus on academic language and content;   2) It doesn't just cover some main content areas, but rather challenges students on complex subjects, concepts and vocabulary, while remaining within reasonable levels of difficulty;   and...   3) It isn't too long or too challenging for our ELLs, who often leave school each day tired, from just having to "survive" in a new and different language.  Even though I'm a fan of the new ACCESS Testing, I will say that it has its flaws and needs editing & revision.   If you'd like to learn more about this new mandatory state testing for ELLs, check out this si...