Monthly Column: Essential Insights
For March, we will highlight a low-floor, high-ceiling activity, the Question Formulation Technique. This engaging activity was shared by NCDPI's own Tom Daugherty, Social Studies Consultant.
This powerful technique has a relatively short preparation time. It encourages students to think deeply about complex concepts, as they control new language, and learn to precisely and concisely express complicated ideas while engaging in problem-solving that evokes thinking.
There is a video available, which takes the educator through the whole process, as well as strategies for implementing the QFT with MLs.
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PD Opportunities
Meaningful Growth Can Happen at Any Moment
WIDA and NCDPI are here to help you make the most of it!
Twelve self-paced workshops designed to help K–12 educators expand their skills, collaborate with colleagues, and deepen their impact with multilingual learners are available to educators in participating member education agencies.
Whether you’re setting professional learning goals or refreshing your teaching strategies, these flexible, on-demand Self-Paced Workshops make it easy to keep growing—anytime, anywhere.
Have a WIDA Account? You can access the workshops by logging into your existing WIDA account.
Do you need access? Contact your school or district's testing coordinators if you need an account to access the WIDA e-learning site.
Remember: Self-paced workshops are available through August 31, 2026.
Effective Content Instruction for ML Students in Reading and Listening
Turn reading and listening into exciting adventures for your multilingual learners! Join us for a lively professional development session where you’ll discover creative, research-backed strategies to boost ML students’ skills while diving deep into meaningful content. Unlock the secrets to blending explicit language instruction with engaging, content-rich activities that make reading and listening come alive.
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 8, 3:30-5:00 pm
Registration
Did you miss recent entries in our Collaborative Conversation series? Recordings of previous webinars in our Collaborative Conversations series are available to enrich your toolbox of classroom strategies.
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New Article on Sensemaking with Multilingual Learners in Science
Science class is the perfect place for multilingual learners to explore, communicate and make sense of the world through hands-on, language-rich experiences. In the article Sensemaking with Multilingual Learners in Science , WIDA Professional Learning Curriculum Specialist Lauren Bartholomae outlines key practices that can foster sensemaking – actively trying to figure out how the world works – for multilingual learners in science classrooms.
Visit the WIDA website for the latest cutting-edge updates in ELD education.
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The Network for Multilingual Education (ME)
Join the network to find opportunities for learning exchanges among educators to advance multilingual education. Updated resources are provided for educators promoting multilingual education through efforts such as English as a Second Language (ESL), Dual Language/Immersion (DL/I), content-based language instruction, and multilingual family engagement.
Sign up to receive future emails.
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FLANC Fall 2026 Conference
Call for Proposals is now OPEN!
October 3-4 @ Benton Convention Center
FLANC is proud to celebrate 60 years of collaborative learning-—six decades of elevating culture through language acquisition and shaping future generations of global citizens.
Conference Theme: “Languages as Our Light, Culture as Our Compass.”
As you prepare your proposal, reflect on these guiding questions:
- What difference are you making as a language educator?
- How do you serve as a lighthouse for increasing cultural awareness?
- How do you help students navigate their path toward success?
Information
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Virtual Programs to Enrich and Enhance Your Knowledge
The TESOL Department at Molloy University has been very busy! We have three virtual events coming up -- all free, all sponsored by Molloy University's Graduate Education Programs. Feel free to spread the word, repost this announcement, and register by clicking on the links below:
March 10, April 16, May 12, 2026 (7:00-8:00 pm EST) Teacher Education Book Study: The Nine Dimensions of Scaffolding for Multilingual Learners Facilitators: Dr. Maria Giusto Dove. Dr. Carrie McDermott Goldman, Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld
Register
April 30, 2026 (6:00-7:00 pm EST) TESOL Webinar Series: Collaborative Assessment: Multilingual Learners and Teachers Forging Partnerships Dr. Margo Gottlieb and Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld
Register
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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 our latest 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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 Celebrating Excellence
We thank ALL teachers for helping our students make these historic achievements!
Graduation Rate: Highest in State History
- North Carolina achieved an 87.7% four-year cohort graduation rate, the highest in state history.
- Our graduation rate has climbed steadily, reflecting sustained effort by educators and the systems we support.
Advanced Placement: Record Participation and Performance
- More than 90,000 students took at least one AP exam, a state record.
- 72.1% earned scores qualifying for college credit at UNC System institutions, exceeding the national average of 70.1%.
- More than half of NC public school graduates took a college-level course while in high school.
Career and Technical Education: Record Credentials Earned
- Students earned 382,964 industry-recognized credentials, the most in state history.
- 36.1% of students participated in a CTE course, second best in the nation.
- The CTE graduation rate is 98%. Our students are leaving high school career-ready.
Participate in a study on Science of Reading training (LETRS) and Multilingual Learners
What? We are examining teacher practices in reading and multilingual learners and aim to learn how certified teachers, prepared in the 160-hour LETRS training in North Carolina, are implementing that training with MLs (Multilingual Learners and MLs with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans)).
Who? Certified teachers who have fully completed the 160-hour LETRS training between 2023-2026 and who work with MLs. You must be over 18 years of age to participate.
What am I being asked to do? Part 1 is an online survey that will take about 10 minutes to complete. You will be asked to leave your name on a confidential Google form if you wish to participate in Part 2. Part 2 of the study consists of an interview, one observation, and a second interview regarding your views and practices instructing reading with MLs and/or with MLs with IEPs. Each interview will be about 1 hour long, and the observation will occur in your reading or literacy block (about one hour).
What will I receive for participating? You will not receive compensation for completion of the survey, which is Part 1 of our study. However, upon completion of the survey, you will be provided with a link to a confidential Google form where you can leave your contact information. If you participate in Part 2 of this study, you will receive an Amazon gift card for $200. The interviews will be audio-recorded. This information will be stored separately from the survey. Information you provide will be completely anonymous and no direct link to you or your survey will be made. You can choose not to participate in the study or stop participating at any time by indicating your desire not to continue to the research team.
Complete the survey for Part 1.
K-12 Science Support Documents Updates
The NCDPI K-12 Science Team released updates to the K-12 Science Support Documents in September, 2025. These updates reflect feedback collected from the field and our grade level/content area Science Leadership Teams. Thank you for your ongoing dedication and input, which help us strengthen these resources for everyone. Please continue to provide feedback on these documents using the .
To make changes easier to locate, a spreadsheet with detailed updates for each grade and course is available on the Canvas Hub under the “” page.
11 Principles of Character Education: Building School Culture Where Every Student Thrives
March 25, 2026 | 9:00-4:00 Register
Harnett County Schools
Gentry Educator Development Center
114 Porter Drive Erwin, NC 28339
Join NCDPI for an interactive workshop on the 11 Principles of Character Education. Learn practical strategies, explore NC success stories, and gain tools to strengthen school culture and support your School of Character application.
Participants will gain:
- A clear overview of each principle
- Strategies to improve school culture
- Guidance for the School of Character application
Questions? Contact Justyn.Burgess@ncdpi.nc.gov
Are you looking for a unique opportunity for this summer?
Teaching Positions open for the 2026 session of NC Governor’s School!
Come and work with talented and intellectually engaged high school students in a thriving learning community this summer!
NCDPI is specifically seeking creative, engaging teachers. This is an opportunity to play a role in shaping a life-changing summer for these amazing students. More information can be found on the employment page of our Governor’s School Website. Teachers are needed for both Governor’s School campuses, hosted by Greensboro College and Meredith College. GS is currently seeking instructors for Area II/Philosophy, Instrumental Music, Math, Natural Science, Social Science, Spanish, and Visual Arts. Along with openings for office positions and coordinators for Communications and Technology..
We also have openings for our GS Fellows program, a five-week paid internship. Being a GS Fellow offers an opportunity to gain leadership experience through working with students in residential life, assisting in classrooms, and leading campus events. For more information and to apply, visit the employment page of our Governor’s School Website.
Governor’s School will take place June 21-July 18, with employees arriving on June 15 to begin orientation. We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews in the coming weeks. If you have questions regarding any openings, reach out to us at ncgovschool@dpi.nc.gov. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Standards-Based Instruction Virtual Professional Development
Differentiating Standards-Based Instruction
March 10, 4 pm This session will guide participants through the basic components of differentiation and how to implement standards-based instructional strategies that support the needs of all learners.
Registration
Aligning Standards-Based Instruction
April 14, 4 pm This session will guide participants in creating standards-aligned performance tasks through an understanding of how standards are addressed, taught, and assessed.
Registration
Recording of the previous PD, Foundations of Standards-Based Instruction.
Skills for the Future: Seeking Districts and Charters
NCDPI has opened for Districts and Charter Schools interested in joining Cohort 3 of our focused on implementing NC’s Portrait of a Graduate to Cultivate and Measure Durable Skills for Student Success in Work and Society. This pioneering initiative partners with Battelle for Kids/ AASA, ETS and Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching to help students master the essential skills they need to thrive beyond high school. Cohort 3 launches in August 2026. If your district or charter school is interested in learning more about Cohort 3, reach out to kristine.barberio@dpi.nc.gov.
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ELA Standards Update Webinar Series
Join the NCDPI ELA Team for the final webinar in the ELA Standards Update series to learn more about the newly adopted 2026 English Language Arts Standard Course of Study.
Webinars will allow participants to:
- Gain a greater understanding of the adopted 2026 standards
- Explore revisions to the 2017 SCOS
- Dive deeper into the adopted 2026 SCOS organization and structure
- Receive updates on the installation timeline and supporting resources
Final Webinar Registration
Register today for the remaining standards update webinar which will take place in June, and consider sharing the flyer with colleagues who would be interested in joining!
Previous Webinars
View recordings of previous webinars to catch up on information you may have missed or share the recordings with colleagues to keep them in the loop! Recordings to previous webinars are available in the ELA Virtual Implementation Kit (VIK) on the Previous Professional Learning page.
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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Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing, NCDPI is not in any way associated with the owner or operator of any of the 3rd Party Websites or responsible or liable for the goods and services offered by them or for anything in connection with such 3rd Party Websites. NCDPI does not endorse and makes no warranties, representations or undertakings relating to the content of any 3rd Party Website.
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