Student Information

How Is A Student Identified As An English Language Learner?

In Indiana, the identification of English Language Learners (ELLs) follows a structured process aligned with federal and state guidelines. Here’s how it typically works:

Home Language Survey (HLS)

Every student enrolling in an Indiana public school is required to complete a Home Language Survey (HLS). This survey asks the following three essential questions:
1. What is the primary language spoken at home?
2. What is the language most often spoken by the student?
3. What language did the student first learn to speak?
If the parent/guardian indicates that a language other than English is spoken, this triggers further assessment of the student’s English proficiency.

Initial English Language Proficiency Assessment

Students identified through the HLS as potential ELLs are assessed using the WIDA Screener or WIDA Kindergarten Screener. This assessment evaluates students in the domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
The WIDA Screener is designed to measure the student’s English language proficiency to determine if the student qualifies for English language development (ELD) services.
Assessment Criteria: For grades 1-12, students are classified as ELLs if their WIDA Screener composite score is below a certain threshold (usually 5.0). For Kindergarten, students who are not proficient in listening and speaking are classified as ELLs.

Program Placement

Once a student is identified as an English Language Learner, they are placed into an appropriate English language development program. Indiana schools typically offer:
- English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, where students receive direct English language support.
- Sheltered Instruction: Regular instruction where teachers use strategies to make the academic content comprehensible while teaching language skills.

Annual English Language Proficiency Testing

Identified ELLs are assessed annually using the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs assessment. This test monitors their progress in learning English across the four domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
The results of this test determine whether the student continues to receive language support services.

Exiting from ELL Services

A student may exit ELL services when they score a composite proficiency level of 5.0 or higher on the WIDA ACCESS assessment. This score indicates that the student has achieved a level of English proficiency sufficient to succeed academically in a mainstream classroom without additional language support.
After exiting, the student’s academic progress is monitored for at least two years to ensure they continue to thrive without language support.

Monitoring and Reclassification

After exiting, if a student struggles academically due to language barriers, they may be reclassified as an ELL and provided additional support. Indiana schools are required to monitor the performance of former ELLs to ensure they are succeeding.

This process ensures that English learners in Indiana receive appropriate support to develop their English language skills and succeed academically.

English as a New Language (ENL) Guidance Overview

Our ENL Department is committed to providing the tools, resources, and support necessary to ensure success for multilingual learners as they navigate their academic journeys.

All teachers are teachers of English Learners (ELs). Shifting our mindset to one of collaboration and shared investment in the achievement of our ELs is necessary if we intend to build equity. Equipping all stakeholders with the knowledge to serve English Learners is the way to ensure that our students receive their legal individualized learning plan (ILP) accommodations as well as high-quality, rigorous Tier 1 instruction with their monolingual peers. We see this paradigm shift across the country, as well as in other local districts in Central Indiana.

As such, it is imperative that we shift from our current paradigm to one of collaboration. Each school community and grade band have unique needs, yet there are a few high-level shifts that will lead us all in IPS to the paradigm that will best serve our students.

Our Approach

The ENL program guidance is designed to support students at every stage of their English language development. First, our approach includes content teachers as Teachers of Service to ensure that students have explicit language instruction, ILP accommodations, as well as high-quality Tier 1 instruction throughout their school day. Second, each school has identified and developed a Lead ENL Teacher of Record as a member of the school leadership team who support the school’s shift in ENL programming and targeted professional development for their school community. Finally, we focused on differentiated supports based on a student’s English language proficiency (ELP) that allow students to have equitable access to the same academic and elective opportunities. ENL Department has created rubric and program guidelines that will support the creation of systems and structures that align with these essential shifts.

We Provide:

ENL Program	Instruction in all learning environments is adapted to address the language needs of all ELs. All ELs have meaningful access to age-appropriate core content and curriculum with peers for the majority of the day. Content in English is accessible to ELs all day through the implementation of their ILP in all learning environments.
Staffing and Support	The program is sufficiently staffed by maximizing dually certified ENL teachers, bilingual assistants, Teachers of Record (ToR) and Teachers of Service (ToS). Actions are taken to ensure that all teachers are equipped with the skills to support ELs.
Equal Opportunities	ELs have equal opportunities to meaningfully participate in all curricular and extracurricular activities, specialized and advanced courses and programs, and electives and clubs.
Evaluation of ENL Services	Students are progress-monitored in the 4 language domains consistently and collaboratively, and progress is communicated with all stakeholders. Instructional changes are made in all learning environments based on data and best practices.

Student Support Services

Language Assessments: Initial and ongoing assessments to determine each student’s language proficiency and academic progress.
Academic Counseling: Regular meetings with students to track academic growth, set goals, and provide resources for overcoming challenges.
Parental Engagement: We partner with parents and guardians, offering workshops and resources to help families support their children’s education.
Cultural Integration: We help students adjust to new cultural and social environments while maintaining their unique identities.

Whether you’re a new or continuing student, we are here to help you succeed every step of the way.

Feel free to explore more about our programs and services, and reach out to us with any questions. Together, we’ll create a path toward academic success and personal growth!

Basic Demographic Information

Over the last five years, the English Learner population within Indianapolis Public Schools has grown from 5,500 students to 6,500 students. That is an increase of 20% in five years. Over 8,000 students speak a language other than English. Our most common non-English languages are Spanish, Haitian Creole, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, Castellano, and Yoruba. While the majority of our students are born in the United States, immigrants commonly represent Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Haiti. We recognize the changes and growth in our students and communities, and we are committed to being responsive to their needs, cultures and identities.

Information for 8^th grade and High School ENL Students

ENL College and Career Readiness Coordinators

At the English as a New Language (ENL) Department, we are committed to ensuring that every student is prepared for success beyond high school. Our ENL College and Career Readiness Coordinators Gloria Perez, Claudia Arteaga, Leslie Zepeda-Marcial, Dulce Cabrera, and Rosa Ponce are here to guide multilingual learners through the process of planning for their futures, whether it’s pursuing higher education or entering the workforce.

How We Support Students

Our ENL College and Career Readiness Coordinators (CCRC) offer personalized support to help students explore their options and prepare for life after graduation. They provide:

College Preparation Guidance: From understanding the application process to writing college essays, we assist students in navigating every step of applying to colleges, universities, and vocational programs.
Career Exploration and Development: We help students explore different career paths, providing information about various industries, job opportunities, and the skills required to succeed.
Scholarship and Financial Aid Assistance: Our coordinators guide students and families through the often-complex process of applying for scholarships, grants, and financial aid to make higher education more affordable.

Liaisons Between the High School Counselors and the Students

Bilingual Support: Our coordinators support the high school counselors to ensure that language barriers do not stand in the way of students’ opportunities.
Collaboration & Advocacy: The coordinators advocate on behalf of the students to support the high school counselors to create personalized roadmaps based on students’ goals, strengths, and interests, helping them to choose the right educational or career path.

Workshops and Events

Throughout the year, the CCRCS work closely with Post-Secondary & Readiness Department in offering workshops and events designed to prepare students for the next phase of their academic or professional journey, including:

College Application Workshops: Step-by-step guidance on the college application process, including tips for writing essays, gathering recommendation letters, and meeting deadlines.
Career Fairs: Opportunities to meet professionals from different industries and learn about various career paths.

Partnering with Families

We understand the important role families play in a student’s future planning. Our coordinators work closely with families to ensure they are informed and involved in the college and career decision-making process. We offer:

Family Information Sessions: Workshops designed to help families understand the U.S. education system, college application processes, and available career options for their children.
Bilingual Support for Financial Aid Applications: Assistance with completing FAFSA and other financial aid applications, ensuring families understand the steps involved.

Your Future Starts Here

Our College and Career Readiness Coordinators are here to help you dream big and achieve your goals. Whether you’re aiming for college, a technical program, or jumping straight into your career, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Get in touch with our coordinators to learn more about how we can help you on your path to success!