Indiana: English Language Learner (ELL) Resources
Indiana schools were home to more than 52,000 English Language Learners (ELLs), as of the 2012-2013 school year. That indicates a 23% increase from the 2002-2003 school year, as per the Migration Policy Institute in 2015. Currently, there are five most common spoken languages by ELLs in Indiana – Spanish, Burmese, Chinese, German, and Arabic.
State of Indiana ELL Resources
State Agency: Indiana Department of Education
ELL Website: Indiana Department of English Learning and Migrant Education
ELP Standards & Assessment
WIDA in Indiana Website: English Language Development Standards and Assessment
ELP Standards: WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards
ELP Assessment: WIDA-ACCESS for ELLs
Statewide Standards-Based Assessment
Assessment: Indiana Office of Student Assessment
Additional Information
WIDA: Title III Information
National Clearing House for English Language Acquisition (NCELA): Title III Information
Statewide Resources
Lectura Books
Lectura Books is the go-to source for bilingual books and culturally relevant family reading programs.
The Latino Literacy Project
The Latino Family Literacy Project is known for its award-winning parent involvement programs for Spanish speaking parents.
Indiana: Seal of Biliteracy
In 2016, Indiana adopted the Seal of Biliteracy to promote bilingual pride. The Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to be biliterate and aid schools in promoting bilingualism by granting seals and medals. The organization has an award, which recognizes students who have studied and reached proficiency in two or more languages by the time they graduate high school.
Indiana TESOL
INTESOL is the organization that represents teachers of ELLs throughout Indiana. This organization promotes excellence in education for ELLs and a professional environment for TESOL teachers.
Indiana State Education Association
The Indiana State Education Association is part of the National Education Association state affiliate program. This national program lobbies legislators for resources needed in schools. Additionally, they campaign for higher professional teacher standards and file legal actions to protect academic freedom and school employee rights.
Indiana State Parent Information Resource Centers
The Indiana Partnerships Center provides parents with skills and knowledge needed to become more actively engaged in the educational lives of children. Additionally, the partnership encourages schools to receive parents as true partners in the educational process.
Indiana Federation of Teachers
The Indiana Federation of Teachers is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers and the AFL-CIO.
Indiana Department of Education: Office of English Language Learning & Migrant Education
The Indiana Department of Education released a report that discusses effective strategies for teaching ELLs who have not had the benefit of formal education or have had formal education interrupted.
Note: Regulations change from time to time. These resources and guidelines were complied in July 2018. If you see that something needs to be updated, please send an email to _____. For more detailed information regarding ELL guidelines and policies at the state and federal levels, please refer to the following:
Federal Regulations Regarding English Language Learners (ELLs)
Migration Policy Institute: ELL Information Center