Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. 

Zoom registration link 

 Are you ready to administer Ohio’s English language proficiency assessments?  Join the Department’s assessment specialists, David Brauer and Paula Mahaley, as they present updates on Ohio’s English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA) and Alternate Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (Alt-OELPA). Presenters will discuss the updated domain exemption guidance, new domain exemption decision-making tools, and sample scenarios. Opportunities for questions follow the presentation. This webinar is open to all and pre-registration is required. 

Seal for Biliteracy Basics: Ohio’s World Languages & Cultures Standards 

Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m. 

Ohio's World Languages and Cultures Standards live via TEAMS 

In this first of three professional learning sessions designed to build the capacity of school and district leaders, school counselors, and language teaching faculty around the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy program, participants will: (1) build their understanding of the proficiency-based nature of Ohio’s Learning Standards for World Languages & Cultures, especially as they relate to preparing students to earn an Ohio Seal of Biliteracy; and (2) examine the current design and entry point of their own world language programs with an eye to the implementation of standards- and proficiency-based changes that will improve learners’ chances of earning an Ohio Seal of Biliteracy. ​  

A second session in late February will focus on advocating for and implementing a local seal of biliteracy program that provides supports for English learners. A final session in late March will provide information to help optimize existing programs. 

English Learner Virtual Office Hours 

Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. 

Join English Learner Office Hours live via TEAMS 

Educators, school personnel, program coordinators, and family liaisons are invited to join online sessions with English learner program specialists from the Department’s Office of Student Supports. These sessions provide an opportunity to discuss and consult about English learner educational programs. Additional session dates occur monthly and start at noon. See the calendar dates below for more details. 

Pathways to Success: Advocating for Your Child's Education 

Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. 

Register via this link until February 21

This Webinar will equip educators and other family-facing professionals to facilitate the Pathways to Success workshop for families of students learning English. Pathways to Success is interactive and includes fun activities and discussions for families. In the Pathways to Success workshop, families explore the Ohio Roadmap for Families of English Learners and will leave with resources they can use immediately. The workshop can be adapted for families and caregivers of students in grades PreK through 12. 

Voices of Our Students. In the latest episode of the Project ASSETS podcast, Dr. Jobi Lawrence talks with former student Monica Figueroa, who served on the Iowa Student Learning Institute's English Language Learner Leadership Team at the Iowa Department of Education. As a former English learner, Monica has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of mastering a new language while excelling academically. Monica reflects on her life journey, the impact of her work on the student leadership team, and how it shaped her personal and professional story. Learn more about the Project ASSETS podcast here. 

Leverage linguistic and cultural assets for multilingual learners. This 10-minute video from the University of Wisconsin offers quick tips that teachers of English learners can immediately use in their classrooms. Access the video here. 

Resources for Ensuring Equal Access to Education for Immigrant Students. The recent letter from U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona provides a summary of the “Raise the Bar: Lead the World” initiative to advance educational equity and excellence through high-quality public education for all students. 

2025 OELPA Test Administration Manual. The OELPA Test Administration Manual for this year’s administration is now available on the test portal.  

The Multilingual Learner (ML) Series. This complete training series was developed by the University of Cincinnati Systems Development & Improvement Center. The online, self-paced modules can help educators further their knowledge about instructional strategies to support multilingual learners. 

Advancing Ohio’s English Learners. Review the basics of selecting and implementing English learner programs by visiting the Advancing Ohio’s English Learner Resources section on the Enhancing English Learner Programs webpage.  

• 1/22: Preschool Special Ed Office Hours  

• 2/3: OELPA and Alt-OELPA Test Window opens 

• 2/19: English Learner Open Office Hours 

• 2/21: Last day to register for Advocating for Your Child's Education Online Webinar 

• 2/25: Pathways to Success: Advocating for Your Child's Education Online Webinar  

March and April

• 3/28: Last Day for the OELPA and Alt-OELPA administration 

• 4/2:   English Learner Open Office Hours 

• 4/3-5: Ohio Foreign Language Association Annual Conference (Columbus) 

• 4/23: English Learner Open Office Hours 

May and June

• 5/14: English Learner Open Office Hours 

• 6/5-6: Pathways to Success for Newcomers. Ohio Dominican University 

• 6/10: Hamilton County ESC Multilingual Learners Summit  

• 6/11: Ohio Teacher Leadership Summit, Columbus Convention Center