Pike Township welcomes students from all linguistic, cultural, and national backgrounds. The primary goal of Pike Township’s English Language Learners (ELL) Program is to support students in developing proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English while engaging in the same grade-level curriculum and academic content as their native English-speaking peers. The ELL Program promotes English acquisition in both social and academic contexts and emphasizes the development of academic language necessary for success across all subject areas. In addition, the program supports students’ social adjustment and fosters cross-cultural understanding.
English Learner Student Identification
To determine whether a student qualifies as an English learner and is eligible for services through the ELL Program, a Home Language Survey (HLS) is completed during the enrollment process. The HLS includes three questions regarding the student’s native language, the language spoken at home, and the language the student speaks most often. If any of these questions is answered with a language other than English, the student is administered an English language proficiency assessment known as the WIDA Screener.
The results of the WIDA Screener provide an overall English proficiency level ranging from 1.0 to 6.0. Students who score between 1.0 and 4.9 qualify for services through the ELL Program and will participate in the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs, which is administered annually during the second semester, until the student meets the program exit criteria. Students who score between 5.0 and 6.0 on the WIDA Screener are considered English proficient, are not identified as English learners, and do not receive services through the ELL Program.
English Learner Status and Program Exit Criteria
English learner identification and program exit criteria are established by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Students who earn an Overall Proficiency Level of 5.0 to 6.0 on the annual WIDA ACCESS English language proficiency assessment are automatically exited from English learner status and the ELL Program.
Beginning with the 2024–2025 school year, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) revised its exit criteria to allow students in grade 3 or higher who earn an Overall Proficiency Level between 4.3 and 4.9 to be considered for early exit from English learner program services. Eligibility is determined through a review of additional evidence—such as standardized assessment results, writing samples, grades, and other relevant data—demonstrating English proficiency at the fluent level. This evidence is compiled into a portfolio and reviewed by an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) committee, which determines whether the student should exit the program or continue receiving English learner services. Parents or guardians participate in this process as members of the ILP committee. The review begins with an analysis of WIDA ACCESS scores from the most recent assessment administration.
Students who exit English learner status are monitored for two years to ensure that English language acquisition does not continue to hinder academic success.
Certified Staff
The MSD of Pike Township employs certified teachers, preferably with English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsements or certifications, to provide direct instruction to English learners. They also support general education teachers in meeting the needs of English learners and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements at the school level. At the district level, the Academic Support Specialist provides professional development, guidance on compliance, and support for implementation of program components across schools.
Equal Access
English learner students enrolled in the M.S.D. of Pike Township have equal access to the full range of district programs and services, including special education, Title I, high ability programs, and nonacademic and extracurricular activities. Instruction for English learners is guided by the WIDA English Language Development Framework, which informs instructional design, learning activities, and assessments. All educational staff share responsibility for supporting the academic success of English learner students.
The amount and duration of direct ELL instructional services are determined by individual student needs and grade level (elementary, middle, or high school). Student schedules are developed collaboratively by classroom teachers, ELL teachers, specialists, and other school personnel. At the elementary level, ELL services may include push-in or pull-out instruction, sheltered instruction, structured immersion, and/or content-based English language development. At the middle and high school levels, services may include content-based English language development or sheltered instruction within general education classes, English language development courses, and/or Newcomer Structured Immersion Programs.
Middle and high school students may also access ELL resource classes for additional support with assignments, assessments, and projects in other content areas.
Assessments
English learners in grades 3–8 are required to participate in ILEARN, the state’s annual standardized assessment. English learners in grades 2 and 3 also take the IREAD-3 assessment, as mandated by the state. At the high school level, students participate in PSAT and SAT and must meet graduation requirements by passing required exams, completing an approved graduation pathway, or earning a waiver by the end of their senior year. Additionally, students participate in other district- and classroom-required assessments as appropriate.
English learner students are provided with allowable and appropriate accommodations on all assessments. They are also required to participate annually in the WIDA ACCESS assessment, which measures English language acquisition. WIDA ACCESS results produce an overall composite score that determines a student’s level of English language proficiency. This data is used to identify language development needs, determine English learner status, and monitor students’ academic progress over time.
Interpreters/Translators
Pike Township also employs bilingual Spanish–English and Haitian Creole interpreters to support students, staff, and families with enrollment, access to services, conferences, and other school-related communications. When needed, the district contracts with additional interpretation services—by phone or in person—to meet the diverse language needs of the school community.
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Interpreter/Translator |
Schools Served |
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317-387-2627 |
Pike High School, Pike Freshman Center, Lincoln Middle School, New Augusta North Public Academy |
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317-387-2268 |
Deer Run Elementary, Eagle Creek Elementary, Guion Creek Elementary, Snacks Crossing Elementary, Guion Creek Middle School |
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317-387-2205 |
Nathaniel Jones Early Learning Center, Central Elementary, College Park Elementary, Eastbrook Elementary, Fishback Creek Public Academy, New Augusta South Public Academy |
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317-387-2541 |
All Schools |
For more information about the M.S.D. of Pike Township English Language Learners (ELL) Program, please contact your child’s school or Tracy Bunting, ELL Program Coordinator at TLBunting@pike.k12.in.us.