Indiana Department of Education

Supporting English Learners and Students with Disabilities 

WEPC has partnered with Indiana to study the policies and practices that influence English learners (ELs) and students with disabilities (SWDs). This research-practice partnership will begin with a comprehensive landscape of analysis of the learning experiences and outcomes of ELs and SWDs throughout the state, focusing on demographic and designation shifts over time, student achievement and non-test-score outcomes, and educator workforce characteristics such as teacher-to-student assignment and staffing shortages. Future research will focus on the recruitment, licensure, and certification of teachers who serve ELs and SWDs; differences in teacher effectiveness and staffing models for these populations; and evaluations of state policies to improve instructional practice and learning outcomes. 

Researchers: Elizabeth Bettini, Nathan Jones, Marcus Winters