Introducing the NCDPI ML/Title III Strategic Framework

The NCDPI Multilingual Learner (ML)/Title III Team is excited to announce the release of the NCDPI ML/Title III Strategic Framework—a statewide roadmap designed to strengthen educational opportunities and outcomes for North Carolina's multilingual learners (MLs).

North Carolina's multilingual learner population has grown by more than 63% since 2015 and now includes more than 163,000 students who speak over 300 languages across the state. As our schools continue to become more linguistically and culturally diverse, the need for a shared vision and coordinated approach to multilingual education has never been greater.

The framework was developed through a year-long strategic planning process that engaged educators, administrators, students, families, institutions of higher education, and community members from across North Carolina. More than 1,000 survey responses and 600 focus group participants helped identify the state's greatest strengths, challenges, and opportunities for supporting multilingual learners. Those findings were combined with current research and state and federal guidance to create an evidence-based framework for action.

The strategic framework is built on three interconnected principles that recognize multilingual learner success as a shared responsibility:

• Align Systems and Target Supports by building coherent systems that use data to drive instruction, strengthen collaboration, and ensure multilingual learners receive timely, targeted support.
• Strengthen Core Instruction by integrating language development into rigorous, grade-level instruction so multilingual learners can fully participate and succeed across all content areas.
• Partner with Families and Communities by recognizing families as essential partners and leveraging community strengths to support multilingual learners' academic success and well-being.

Rather than serving as a compliance document, the framework is intended to be a practical guide for public school units as they strengthen instruction, improve systems, build educator capacity, and create equitable learning opportunities for multilingual learners. Throughout the document, NCDPI, districts, and classroom educators are provided with research-based actions that can be implemented to improve outcomes for students.

At its core, the framework affirms a simple but powerful belief: multilingual learners are the shared responsibility of every educator. Their languages and cultures are assets that enrich our schools, and their success depends on coordinated systems, high-quality instruction, meaningful family partnerships, and a collective commitment to educational excellence.

The NCDPI ML/Title III Team looks forward to partnering with districts across North Carolina as we implement the framework, share resources, and continue advancing opportunities for multilingual learners throughout the state.

Congratulations, Audrey Vinson!

Orange County ML Teacher Wins 2026 English Language Development Recognition Award

The NCDPI Multilingual Learner/Title III Team is proud to congratulate Audrey Vinson, an English Language Development (ELD) Specialist with Orange County Schools, for being named the 2026 English Language Development Recognition Award (ERA) recipient at the Growing Success for Multilingual Learners Summer Conference.

Audrey was recognized for her outstanding commitment to multilingual learners, innovative instructional practices, and exceptional leadership in English language development. "Audrey's work consistently aligns with the highest standards of quality and relevance," shared Orange County Schools ESL Director Emily Lewis.

Throughout her career, Audrey has championed equitable learning opportunities by integrating rigorous academic content with intentional language development. Her collaborative, project-based learning approach, emphasis on student voice, and asset-based philosophy empower multilingual learners to build confidence while achieving academic and linguistic success.

Audrey's impact extends well beyond her classroom. She has led district curriculum alignment efforts connecting the 2020 WIDA English Language Development Standards with North Carolina's Essential Standards, developed instructional resources for educators, and shared best practices at the National WIDA Conference, the North Carolina Science for All Summit, and other professional learning events.

She is also a dedicated advocate for students and families, leading initiatives such as Cafecitos family engagement sessions, bilingual student leadership opportunities, mentoring beginning teachers, and schoolwide literacy and vocabulary initiatives that strengthen partnerships between schools and communities.

Grounded in a vision that celebrates multilingualism as an asset, Audrey continues to inspire students, colleagues, and families by fostering inclusive learning environments where every learner can thrive.

Congratulations, Audrey, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your extraordinary contributions to multilingual education in North Carolina!

Welcome, Daniel Schmidt!

ML/Title III is excited to share that Daniel Schmidt will be joining our team on June 29th! Daniel has 15 years of experience in education, including classroom teaching, instructional leadership, and district-level leadership in multilingual learner programming and Title III compliance across district and charter schools. He has also lived and worked overseas for eight years, experiences that deepened his passion for language learning, global perspectives, and supporting multilingual learners.

Daniel lives in Charlotte with his wife, three daughters, an energetic pit-mix, and a mackerel tabby. Outside of work, he enjoys running, has coached cross-country at his schools, and regularly competes in trail ultramarathons.

Welcome, Daniel!