|
|
To: Seal of Biliteracy Listserv
From: Ben Wolcott, ODE Seal of Biliteracy coordinator
Date: 7/1/24
Re: Important Announcement: OSSB News for 2024 and 2025
Dear Education Partners,
Thank you for all your work this year with students across Oregon. The following update covers multiple topics related to the Seal of Biliteracy and Multiliteracy in 2024-25. Please read carefully to determine which segments are relevant to you.
In This Message
News
- On June 24 and 25, Oregon representatives attended a Seal of Biliteracy Summit sponsored by the US Department of Education’s Office of English Language Acquisition. As of 2024, a state Seal of Biliteracy is now offered in all 50 States and the District of Columbia!
Submission and Materials Updates
- The 2025 OSSB_M Manual is now available. See the manual changelog for updates.
- The OSSB Workgroup is discussing qualifying scores for the IB Standard Level and High Level tests. If a change to these scores is warranted, the Approved Evidence List in the OSSB_M Manual will be updated.
- The 2024 OSSB_M Manual has been moved to the Resources from Prior Years expandable on the Biliteracy Initiatives page. The information in the 2024 OSSB_M Manual is still in effect for claims made in the 2024 calendar year.
- In response to district feedback and discussion during the OSSB Workgroup, ODE is adding fall scheduled release dates in 2024 and adjusting the release schedule for 2025.
- Fall 2024: 9/15 and 11/15 will be added to the existing 10/1 scheduled release (three total release dates).
- Fall 2025: There will be two fall scheduled release dates (9/15 and 11/15).
- As usual, all pending requests will be fulfilled at each scheduled release date.
- ODE has updated the OSSB/M Request Form Template with improved instructions, basic data validation functions, and sheet protection (to reduce errors which would exclude students from processing).
- Older versions of the Template still work fine, but the new version is strongly recommended.
- Please make submissions using the template. Copying information into a new sheet will remove data validation functions, formatting, and other features intended to ensure students are processed.
- Validation functions will not prevent all errors. Ex. using an autofill that accidentally increments the institution ID or street address (1500 Main St., 1501 Main St., 1502 Main St., etc.); entering the student name in all caps; misspelling the student name.
- Please read the instructions tab of the template.
- Current embossed foil Seal stickers are produced on rolls, which sometimes cause issues with mailing or affixing to flat surfaces such as diplomas. When current stock is depleted, ODE will inquire as to the possibility of producing future stock on flat sheets instead of rolls.
OSSB Workgroup
- The Oregon Seal of Biliteracy/Multiliteracy Workgroup has been meeting three times a year to discuss the OSSB/M initiative, identify areas of improvement and collaborate on topics that relate to the OSSB/M submission process. For the 2024-25 school year, we would like to confirm workgroup membership.
- Please use this SURVEY to communicate your interest in either (a) continued participation in the workgroup, or (b) joining the workgroup for the upcoming year. We would like responses from both current and future workgroup members to help plan future communications and calendar invites.
- The 24-25 workgroup will include only members who signal an interest via the linked survey by 9/30/24. Current members who do not complete a survey by this date will be released from workgroup responsibilities, with ODE’s deep gratitude for your service.
- Next year’s workgroup will meet on the following dates:
- November 13, 2025 at 10-11:00am
- February 12, 2025 at 10-11:00am
- May 14, 2025 at 10-11:00am
Key Dates
- 9/15/24 (NEW): September scheduled release
- 10/1/24: October scheduled release
- 11/15/24 (NEW): November scheduled release
Action Needed
Contact Us
- For other questions, please contact Ben Wolcott, OSSB coordinator.
|
|
|
|
