English Learner Educator Connect: Sept. 8, 2026

Sept. 8, 2026

WIDA ELD Standards Framework Added to KYStandards Page

Accessing the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework is now easier than ever. The framework has been added to the Kentucky Academic Standards page, allowing educators to quickly navigate to WIDA standards by grade-level band and explore connections to Kentucky's academic standards.

Additional implementation tools and support materials are available on the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework Resources page. Educators can access planning tools, instructional resources and guidance to support standards implementation and strengthen instruction for English learners (ELs).

New KDE-Sponsored WIDA Professional Learning Virtual Series Announced!

Looking to deepen your instructional capacity for supporting ELs? If you couldn't attend one of KDE's in-person WIDA professional learning opportunities this fall, consider joining one of two new virtual learning series offered through the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and WIDA. These interactive webinar series provide practical, classroom-ready strategies to strengthen language development and student engagement across grade levels and content areas.

Participants should plan to attend both sessions within their selected series and actively engage in the learning activities and discussions throughout the webinars.

• Nurturing Speaking Growth
  • 15 and Oct. 22, 4:00-5:30 p.m. ET, 3:00-4:30 p.m. CT
• Expanding Reading Instruction with Multilingual Learners
  • 10 and Nov. 17, 4:00-5:30 p.m. ET, 3:00-4:30 p.m. CT)

Participation is free. Interested educators should contact their district EL coordinator for registration information and enrollment deadlines.

Important Dates

Sept. 21-22: Continuous Improvement Summit in Lexington, Ky

Sept. 23: Vocabulary Strategies for Content Instruction with ML Students: Voices from the Field Spotlight

Sept. 28: Deadline to apply for the KDE ACCESS Reclassification Committee

Sept 29-30: Writing with MLs in the Elementary Grades (In-Person, Lexington)

Oct. 1: Teacher Leader: Planning with the WIDA ELD Standards Framework (In-Person, Lexington)

Oct. 12: Immigrant Data extracted from Infinite Campus

Oct. 18 & 22: Nurturing Speaking Growth (WIDA’s Virtual Webinar)

Nov. 1: EL Data verification in Infinite Campus

Quick Links

Find key EL program information, timelines, newsletter archives and support documents on KDE’s Title III – English Learner and Immigrant Student website.

Explore tools and resources to support EL program implementation on KDE’s English Learner & Immigrant Resources website.

Visit KDE’s WIDA ACCESS website for training videos, resources and important WIDA links.

Voices From the Field Returns

Following a successful series last school year, Voices From the Field returns with its first virtual learning spotlight of the 2026-2027 school year. This session launches a series focused on instructional scaffolds and practical strategies that help ELs access grade-level content. Join Daviess County Public Schools Multilingual Learner (ML) Instructional Coaches Christina King and Kailey Leibering for "Vocabulary Strategies for Content Instruction with ML Students," an engaging presentation and Q&A session that explores effective vocabulary strategies educators can use across content areas.

Session Time & Link

Sept. 23: 10:00–11:00 a.m. ET, 9:00–10:00 a.m. CT

Supporting Dually-Identified Students: English Learners with Disabilities

The KDE Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL) has released three new modules, Supporting Dually Identified Students: English Learners with Disabilities, available on KDE’s English Learners with Disabilities website. These professional learning modules provide guidance on referrals, evaluations, eligibility determination, parent rights and individualized education programs (IEPs).

The modules offer practical information and resources to help educators strengthen collaboration, support informed decision-making and improve services for dually identified students. Educators who work with ELs, special education teams and school leaders are encouraged to explore these new resources.

KYTESOL 2026 Conference: Rooted in Kentucky

Save the date for the 2026 KYTESOL Conference on Saturday, Nov. 14, in Lexington. The conference brings together educators and advocates from across Kentucky to support multilingual learners and share effective practices.

Have a successful practice, innovative ideas, research or resources to share? The call for proposals is now open through Oct. 1. Visit the KYTESOL website for more information and to submit your proposal.

Additional information about conference registration will be shared in future KDE communications.

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