English Language Learner

Parents enrolling a child for the first time in an Indiana school are asked to complete a Home Language Survey. If the survey indicates a native language other than English, the student is screened using the WIDA Screener (grades 1–12) or Kindergarten Screener. Students who score below the state-defined English proficiency threshold (an overall composite score below 5.0) are formally identified as English Learners (ELs) and become eligible for EL services.

The HLS is a legally binding document and must only be completed once during a student’s academic career in Indiana. It must be retained in the student’s cumulative file and follow them if they transfer schools. 

Eligibility for EL services ensures students receive appropriate English Language Development programming and support through an EL Teacher of Record. The services continue until students demonstrate proficiency, either through achieving a 5.0 on the annual WIDA ACCESS or by qualifying under the additional evidence review process introduced in 2024-2025.
 

School Town of Munster is dedicated to supporting the language development and academic achievement of multilingual learners. As part of this commitment, the district utilizes the WIDA suite of assessments, which are designed to measure English language proficiency in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

The WIDA Kindergarten Screener and the WIDA Screener (Grades 1-12) are used to identify students who may qualify for English Learner (EL) services. These screeners are administered when a student enrolls in an Indiana school for the first time and indicates a language other than English on the Home Language Survey.

Each year, all students identified as English Learners participate in the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs assessment. This annual assessment measures progress in developing academic English and helps determine whether students remain eligible for EL services. Typically administered in January and February, the results are used to guide instructional planning, provide targeted support, and inform decisions regarding exiting students from EL services.

WIDA assessments are aligned with the WIDA English Language Development Standards, which offer a framework for integrating language development across all academic content areas. These tools help ensure that multilingual learners receive high-quality instruction that supports both their language growth and overall academic success.

For additional information about WIDA and family resources, please visit: WIDA ACCESS 2025-26 Information for Families
 

ILP (individualized Learning Plan) is a formal document that is developed for all students identified as English Language Learners. ILPs are designed to outline a plan to ensure ELLs have meaningful access to the same rigorous content and college-and-career-ready standards as their native English-speaking peers.