Michigan City Area Schools

Michigan City Area Schools offer various resources and programs to support English Language Learners (ELLs). These initiatives are designed to help students who are non-native English speakers succeed academically and integrate effectively into their school environments.

Key aspects of the ELL program include:

1. Standards and Guidelines: MCAS aligns its ELL programming with the WIDA Standards to ensure effective instruction.  The WIDA Standards outline the language skills that ELLs need to develop in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, providing a framework for supporting their academic growth. 

2. Assessment: ELLs are assessed to measure their proficiency in English and to tailor instruction to their needs. Indiana utilizes the WIDA ACCESS to evaluate language development and academic progress.

3. Professional Development: The IDOE and MCAS provide training and resources for educators to better support ELLs. This includes strategies for differentiated instruction, cultural competence, and effective language acquisition techniques.

4. Family and Community Engagement: Recognizing the importance of family involvement, we engage with ELL families and provide resources in multiple languages to support students' learning at home.

5. Support Services: Beyond academic instruction, the program includes support services such as counseling and tutoring to help ELLs succeed both in and out of the classroom.