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Thank You!
The ML/Title III team would like to express our sincere appreciation to all stakeholders for responding to the ML Strategic Framework survey in November. The feedback provided is helping us build a more complete picture of the diverse and varied ML programs across the state.
We will keep you informed as we develop and refine the Framework.
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Get Ready: ELD Recognition Awards Applications Opening Soon!
It is almost that time of year again, for the Third Annual ELD Recognition Award (ERA). This award is a way to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of ML/ESL teachers who work every day with ML students. You may know someone whose tireless work deserves recognition. Stay tuned for more information in January.
A huge shout out to the ELD Recognition Awards field team for all their hard work in getting this organized for the 25-26 application process. Thank you!
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Timely Reminder!
North Carolina's WIDA ACCESS Testing window opens January 12th, 2026
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Call for Proposals
2026 Growing Success for Multilingual Learners Summer Conference
Our 2026 Summer conference Theme: Leading Together for MLs: Collaboration, Commitment, and Community. The NCDPI Multilingual Learner (ML)/Title III Team is seeking proposals from educators who are enthusiastic about sharing effective, research-based instructional and administrative practices that support multilingual learners across North Carolina.
The call for proposals is open to all K–20 educators, regardless of content area. We welcome submissions from classroom teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, specialists, and community partners. Proposals may include, but are not limited to, the following strands:
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Achieving Educational Excellence: Connections to the NC Strategic Plan
- Improving Language and Literacy Instruction for MLs
- Harnessing AI to Support Language Acquisition
- Instructional Collaboration
- ML Leadership
- Family and Community Engagement
- Assessment and Data
- Newcomers and Specialized Populations
- Dual Language/Immersion
- Advocacy for MLs within the School System
Anyone interested in presenting at the conference, please complete the application and submit it by March 1, 2026. If you have any questions, please email susan.walz@dpi.nc.gov. We truly appreciate your willingness to share your expertise with colleagues across the state and look forward to your participation!
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PD Opportunities!
Effective Content Instruction for ML Students in Speaking and Listening
This session provides educators with strategies to enhance the speaking and listening skills of ML students during content instruction. Participants will learn to blend explicit language teaching with engaging, content-based activities and peer discussions, such as clear modeling, structured practice, and targeted feedback.
Date and Time: Wednesday, January 21, 3:30-5:00 pm
Did you miss recent entries in our Collaborative Conversation series? Recordings of Effective Content Instruction for ML Students in Writing and Connected Teaching: Content, Collaboration, and Continuous Growth are available to enrich your toolbox of classroom strategies.
PD in Your Pajamas!
Teaching Multilingual Learners Social Studies Through Multiple Perspectives
In an increasingly connected world, Social Studies provides a platform to elevate multilingual experiences through their voices, highlight multiple perspectives, and develop a critical understanding of history. This workshop features concepts, theory, terminology, and approaches that promote thinking and discourse through a global lens. The course also addresses literacy across multimodal texts, integrating content and language learning, and increasing accessibility of materials through technology, inquiry, and translanguaging practices.
The approximate time to complete the PD is three hours! Find other opportunities for PD in your PJs! Remember to share these opportunities with your collogues!
Questions? Email ESLTitleIII@dpi.nc.gov
Elevating Our Students’ Superpowers
Dr. Miguel Cardona
Educator and former United States
Secretary of Education
Join us for the annual Multilingual Perspectives Speaker Series with
Dr. Miguel Cardona, Former US Secretary of Education
What: You are invited to join us for this year's annual Multilingual Perspectives Speaker Series, Elevating Our Students' Superpowers with Dr. Miguel Cardona, Educator and Former US Secretary of Education. Organized by Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Education, Dr. Maria Coady, the Multilingual Perspectives Speaker Series aims to examine and extend topics related to the education of Multilingual Learners in schools. We welcome open, healthy dialogue and perspectives on complex educational policies and practices for Multilingual Learners.
When: Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Talk begins at 5 p.m.
Where: Park Alumni Center at NC State University (2450 Alumni Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606
Cost: This event is free to attend. Registration is required.
Registration info: Please complete this form to register for this event. Early registration is encouraged due to limited space.
Additional info: Hors d'ouevres, drinks, and music will be available at this evening event. There is ample free parking in front of the Park Alumni Center. The event dress code is business casual.
Questions? Please contact Dr. Maria Coady at mcoady@ncsu.edu
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News from WIDA
Four Tips for Teaching Reading in Content Areas
Support multilingual learners by building reading comprehension in every subject. WIDA’s newest article, Four Tips for Teaching Reading in Content Areas, shares four ways educators can help students understand text structures, engage in discussions and use strategic reading skills.
Webinar Recording on Supporting MLs with Disabilities
The recording of the latest WIDA Webinar, “Instruction and Collaboration to Support Multilingual Learners With Disabilities”, is available on the WIDA website. This webinar features tools to support both language development and accessibility. It includes strategies for fostering collaborative planning that brings together multiple perspectives to better understand the intersection of language and disability.
Join the New ML/Title III Social Media Platforms!
The ML/Title III Team is excited to announce that we’ve officially launched our Facebook and Instagram pages! These new platforms will allow us to share updates, resources, events, and success stories from across North Carolina—all in real time.
Follow us and:
- Stay up to date on the latest guidance and announcements
- Access professional learning opportunities and resources
- Celebrate the successes of multilingual learners and educators across the state
- Connect with a wider community dedicated to supporting ML students and families
Join the conversation today!
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Let’s keep building a strong, connected community for multilingual learners together. We can’t wait to see you online!
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Connect with the NCDPI Multilingual Learner/Title III Team!
ESLTitleIII@dpi.nc.gov
NCDPI ELD Web Page | ELD Standards Resource Hub
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