197. ACCESS Testing Tips for ELL Teachers: How to Reduce Stress and Maximize Support

Welcome back to the Equipping ELLs podcast! As we count down to our 200th episode, we're celebrating YOU, our amazing community, with top-loved episodes and exciting giveaways. This week, we’re revisiting a listener favorite that’s packed with actionable advice: how to effectively prepare your students, colleagues, and yourself for ACCESS testing season.

In this episode, Beth Vaucher, founder of Inspiring Young Learners, shares a deeply practical and encouraging guide for navigating the often overwhelming ACCESS testing period. Whether you're a new or experienced ELL teacher, you'll find clarity and confidence in these simple but impactful strategies. Learn how to prepare your students without spending weeks on test prep, why the format matters more than the content, and how to build confidence and calm in your classroom.

You'll also discover tips for helping students feel valued beyond their test scores, from visual prep to self-affirming activities that boost morale. Beth dives into how to effectively communicate with homeroom teachers and parents, including using pre-made templates and WIDA-translated letters. Plus, she shares tech setup tips, scheduling strategies, and how to keep your own mental health in check during this intense season.

Whether you’re testing digitally or on paper, you’ll walk away with resources, tools, and mindset shifts to make ACCESS season smoother and more successful. Don’t miss the free Access Testing Guide available in the show notes—it's filled with email templates, editable notes home, and more time-saving tools.

• Why traditional test prep isn’t the answer for ELLs
• The role of format familiarity and technology readiness
• Collaboration strategies with homeroom teachers
• Visuals and communication tips for students and families
• Self-care and schedule planning for teachers

🎁 Don’t forget to enter our giveaway by reviewing the podcast, taking a screenshot, and sending it via Instagram @equippingELLs or email at hello@equippingells.com. Each review enters you for weekly gift cards and a chance to win a $200 Amazon grand prize!

Resources:

• ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership
• Shop our TpT Store
• Translated Connection Letters: Access Testing for Parents of ELLs
• FREE Access Testing Guide