Last Updated on May 7, 2026
To update multiple student records in WIDA AMS, use the Student Import to make edits to student records, then re-import the Student Import File. Users must have the Import Management permission to import/update students to WIDA AMS, and the “Participant – Download” permission to export student records from Student Management.
Overview
The functionality to export and import student information allows a user to export all student records for a district, edit the records using Microsoft Excel (or a similar program), and upload the edited records. This is particularly helpful if a user needs to update accommodations or demographics for a group of students. For more information, see Importing Multiple Students to WIDA AMS.
To export students from Student Management in WIDA AMS, see Exporting Student Records.
The Export Students process is available for the duration of an academic session. Users can begin exporting student records as soon as they are available in WIDA AMS and can continue the export process even after reporting has started.
Matching Student Records
When a Student Import file is imported, the student records in the file are compared to WIDA AMS records. The records are matched using district code, school code, state student ID, grade, and the first six characters of the student’s first and last name.
- If the records match, all other data in the upload file (including changes) is applied to the student who is already in WIDA AMS.
- If some fields do not match, a new student record is created in WIDA AMS using the data supplied in the student import file.
- Because of these record-matching considerations, the School, State Student ID, Grade, First Name, and Last Name fields should not be changed using the Student Import process to update records.
- To change these fields, change them manually in WIDA AMS (see Editing a Student.) Then, you can use the student import file to make changes to the other fields.