Multilingual and Migrant Education Newsletter - July 11, 2024

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Oregon Department of Education - Oregon achieves - together

Multilingual and Migrant Education Newsletter - July 11, 2024

Capitol, Salem

Updates from the Oregon Department of Education


Table of Contents

Updates from the Oregon Department of Education

1.Join us for the 2024 Binational Teacher Exchange Program Symposium – Saturday, July 13

2.Únase al Simposio del Programa de Intercambio Binacional de Maestros 2024 - Sábado, 13 de julio 

3.Spotlight on Maestra Gabriela Acosta Acosta: Strengthening Oregon's Migrant Educational Initiatives 

4.The Annual English Learners Report 2024 is Now Available 

5.The End of an Era: OMESC Director Merced Flores Retires 

6.Charlie Bauer Honored with Lau Leadership Impact Award at 50th Annual Seaside Conference 

7.ELPA Screener Summer Availability 

8.Deadline Extended: 2024 Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Advisory Group 

9.Fecha Extendida: Solicitud para el 2024 Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latino/a/x e Indígenas*

10.Workshop: The Oregon Seal of Biliteracy and Multiliteracy Workgroup 2025 

News and Resources for Multilingual and Migrant Education 

1.Article: Bilingualism is America’s Future  

2.Commentary: New TCF Poll - American Families Value Bilingual School Options 

3.Catch Up on WestEd's June Conference Insights 

Upcoming Events, Training & Conference Opportunities

1.Virtual Conference: 2024 Immigrant Student Success, Strategies and Tools for PreK-12 and Adult Educators, July 16, 2024 (Repost) 

2.Conference: 11th Annual Community-Based Heritage Language Schools Conference, October 4-5, 2024 

3.Conference: La Cosecha Dual Language Conference, November 12-16, 2024  

Oregon Department of Education Updates to Field

1.Join us for the 2024 Binational Teacher Exchange Program Symposium – Saturday, July 13

Did you know that the Binational Teacher Exchange Program (BTEP) was developed through collaboration between the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, Secretaría de Educación Pública de México, Mexican states, Mexican consulates, the Oregon Department of Education, and Migrant Education programs? Through this collective partnership, BTEP facilitates the exchange of Mexican teachers to the U.S. for three to eight weeks to participate in Migrant Education summer schools. This initiative aims to enrich educational experiences, foster cultural exchange, and strengthen international partnerships in education.

This year, we are excited to welcome 31 teachers from nine Mexican states, showcasing Mexico's cultural and linguistic diversity. Thirteen regional Migrant Education Programs requested binational teachers to support their summer programming and honor the cultural backgrounds of their families and students. This partnership allows us to offer enhanced support to the binational teachers participating in Oregon's Migrant Summer Programs and to better align with the program’s objectives by providing high-quality workshops and resources. These resources can then be taken back to Mexico to benefit the students we share.

As part of our ongoing effort to support and celebrate this exchange, the Oregon Department of Education is pleased to host the Binational Teacher Exchange Program Symposium, which will be held at Oregon State University on Saturday, July 13th, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm in collaboration with Oregon State University and Lane ESD. If you are not able to attend in person, we hope you can join us virtually.

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Flyer of event

2. Únase al Simposio del Programa de Intercambio Binacional de Maestros 2024 - Sábado, 13 de julio

¿Sabías que el Programa Binacional de Intercambio de Maestros fue desarrollado mediante colaboración entre la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, la Secretaría de Educación Pública de México, estados mexicanos, consulados mexicanos, el Departamento de Educación de Oregón y programas de Educación Migrante? A través de esta asociación colectiva, el programa facilita el intercambio de maestros mexicanos a Estados Unidos durante tres a ocho semanas para participar en escuelas de verano de Educación Migrante. Esta iniciativa tiene como objetivo enriquecer experiencias educativas, fomentar el intercambio cultural y fortalecer las asociaciones internacionales en educación.

Este año, nos complace dar la bienvenida a 31 maestros provenientes de nueve estados mexicanos, destacando la diversidad cultural y lingüística de México. Trece Programas Regionales de Educación Migrante solicitaron maestros binacionales para apoyar su programación de verano y honrar los antecedentes culturales de sus familias y estudiantes. Esta colaboración nos permite ofrecer un mayor apoyo a los maestros binacionales que participan en los Programas de Verano Migrante de Oregón y alinearnos mejor con los objetivos del programa al proporcionar talleres y recursos de alta calidad. Estos recursos pueden ser llevados de regreso a México para beneficiar a los estudiantes que compartimos.

Como parte de nuestro esfuerzo continuo para apoyar y celebrar este intercambio, el Departamento de Educación de Oregón se complace en organizar el Simposio del Programa de Intercambio Binacional de Maestros, que se llevará a cabo en la Universidad Estatal de Oregón el sábado, 13 de julio, de 2:30 pm a 4:30 pm, en colaboración con la Universidad Estatal de Oregón y Lane ESD. Si no puede asistir en persona, esperamos que pueda unirse a nosotros virtualmente.

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Photo of a women

3. Spotlight on Maestra Gabriela Acosta Acosta: Strengthening Oregon's Migrant Educational Initiatives

This year, Oregon had the privilege to host Maestra Gabriela Acosta Acosta from Mexico via the Binational Teacher Exchange Program (BTEP). As an advisor and liaison for BTEP, she has significantly contributed to our efforts by offering extensive training to participating teachers. Her in-person visits to many of our regional migrant education programs have been invaluable, providing pedagogical support, advising on the alignment of summer programming with the binational teachers' contributions, and giving crucial feedback to the state on improving services for our multilingual students of Mexican descent across Oregon. To learn more about BTEP, visit the Binational Teacher Exchange Program page. There you can explore program details and access essential guidelines and resources for coordinators, teachers, and host families, available in both English and Spanish.

Section photo from Ontario School District 8C.

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4. The Annual English Learners Report 2024 is Now Available

The Oregon English Learners (EL) Report is an annual publication required by law (ORS 327.016), which reports on financial information for English language learner programs, the objectives and needs of students eligible for and enrolled in an English language learner program, as well as provides information on the demographics of students in English language learner programs in each school district. The Annual EL Report 2024 is now available on the Education Reports Prepared for the Oregon Legislature webpage.

For annual reports dating back to 2014-15, please email Reza Norouzian, Senior Researcher for Multilingual and English Learner Education.

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5. The End of an Era: OMESC Director Merced Flores Retires 

Join us in celebrating Merced Flores’ remarkable career as OMESC Director, as he retired on July 1 after decades of dedicated service to children and families across Oregon and beyond. From his pioneering work in migrant education to influential roles at Portland Public Schools and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), Merced’s impact has been profound and far-reaching.

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 6. Charlie Bauer Honored with Lau Leadership Impact Award at 50th Annual Seaside Conference 

Congratulations to Charlie Bauer for being honored by the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators with the Lau Leadership Impact Award at the 50th Annual Seaside Conference celebrating his career-long advocacy for migrant, bilingual, and multilingual programs. We also celebrate Charlie’s new role as OMESC Director, bringing with him valuable experience as the Interim Director of the Title 1C Migrant Education High-Risk Response Team at the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and extensive leadership in education programs at Southern Oregon ESD.

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Photo of man giving a speech

7. ELPA Screener Summer Availability 

Both the Future K and Grade K English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Screener will go offline July 19, 2024, for the yearly testing system rollover. The Future K ELPA Screener will reopen August 1, 2024; the Grade K Screener will open on January 14, 2025 (alongside the Alt ELPA and the ELPA Summative). Student demographic information will not be updated in the Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) from June 29 to July 19, 2024. Districts administering the ELPA Screener during those dates should use Temporary IDs only. Demographic data will begin loading in TIDE August 20, 2024.

Please contact Ben Wolcott, ELPA Specialist, with questions or concerns regarding ELPA.

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8. Deadline Extended: 2024 Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Advisory Group 

To support additional interest and outreach, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has extended its application deadline for its Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Advisory Group. This group advises ODE on education matters affecting Latino/a/x and Indigenous* students and families. Its purpose is to address systemic inequities experienced by Latino/a/x and Indigenous* students through focused investments and community partnerships that align with the Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Plan.

Who is Eligible to Serve on the Advisory Group

According to ORS 329.845, the Department of Education shall form an advisory group consisting of individuals representing:

  • Urban and rural communities
  • Indigenous and immigrant populations
  • English language learners
  • Individuals with disabilities
  • Parents and students
  • Youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or another minority gender or sexual orientation
  • Community-based organizations serving Latino or Hispanic youth and families
  • Education stakeholders, including representatives of the Department of Early Learning and Care, the Youth Development Division and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.

The Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Advisory Group will consist of up to 25 members with equitable representation from the required demographic categories.

Meetings

The Advisory Group will meet monthly between September and June and last 2 hours; additional meetings may be requested. Meetings are held virtually over Zoom.

Meeting times are the third Tuesday of each month, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. PST. The meeting schedule for the year will be set in August of each year or at the annual retreat, and recurring meeting time will take into consideration member availability.

How to Apply

  • The Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Advisory Group Application - 2024 is due July 31 at 11:59 p.m. Applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified in August. If selected to join the advisory group, you will receive an invitation letter and ODE staff will connect with you around next steps.
  • To apply by phone call, video call, written letter, or to request translation services or accommodations, please reach out to Susy Mekarski, Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Coordinator or call (971) 720-3444.

Please contact Susy Mekarski, Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Coordinator or call (971) 720-3444 for any questions.

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9. Fecha Extendida: Solicitud para el 2024 Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latino/a/x e Indígenas*

Para apoyar el interés adicional, el Departamento de Educación de Oregón (ODE) ha extendido el plazo de solicitud para el Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latinos/as/xs e Indígenas*. El Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latinos/as/xs e Indígenas* aconseja a ODE sobre temas de educación que afectan a los estudiantes y familias latinas. El propósito del Grupo Consejero es abordar las desigualdades sistémicas a través de inversiones enfocadas con inversiones y asociación comunitaria que se alinea con el Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latinos/as/xs e Indígenas*.

¿Quién puede servir en este Grupo Consejero?

De acuerdo con ORS 329.845, el Departamento de Educación deberá formar un Grupo Consejero que consista de personas que representen:

  • Comunidades urbanas y rurales
  • Personas indígenas e inmigrantes
  • Estudiantes del idioma inglés
  • Personas con discapacidades
  • Padres/ madres/guardianes y estudiantes
  • Jóvenes que se identifican como lesbiana, homosexual, bisexuale, trans, queer u otro género u orientación sexual minoritario
  • Organizaciones comunitarias que sirven a jóvenes y familias latinas o hispanas
  • Participantes en la educación, incluidos representantes del Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano, la División de Desarrollo Juvenil, y la Comisión Coordinadora de Educación Posgrado

El Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latinos/as/xs e Indígenas* será constituido con un máximo de 25 miembros con una representación equitativa de las categorías demográficas requeridas.

Reuniones

El Grupo Consejero se reunirá mensualmente de septiembre a junio y durarán 2 horas; se pueden solicitar reuniones adicionales. Las reuniones se llevan a cabo virtualmente a través de Zoom. Los horarios de reunión actuales son el tercer martes de cada mes, de 2:00 a 4:00 pm horario Pacífico. El calendario de reuniones para el año se establecerá en agosto de cada año o en el retiro anual durante octubre, y el horario de reuniones recurrentes tomará en cuenta la disponibilidad de los miembros.

Como Aplicar

Si usted tiene alguna pregunta, por favor comuníquese con Susy Mekarski, Coordinadora del Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latinos/as/xs e Indígenas*, o llame al (971) 720-3444.

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10. Workshop: The Oregon Seal of Biliteracy and Multiliteracy Workgroup 2025

The Oregon Seal of Biliteracy and Multiliteracy Workgroup (OSSB/M) 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. In preparation for the 2024-25 school year, Ben Wolcott, ODE Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator, is seeking confirmation of workgroup membership.

To communicate your interest in either (a) continued participation in the workgroup, or (b) joining the workgroup for the upcoming year, please complete the 2024-24 OSSB/B Workgroup Participation survey by September 30, 2024. Responses from both current and future workgroup members will help plan future communications and calendar invites.

The 2024-25 workgroup will include only members who signal an interest via the linked survey by September 30, 2024. 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 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
  • February 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
  • May 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.

Please contact Ben Wolcott, ODE Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator with questions.

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News and Resources for Multilingual and Migrant Education

Photo of a man

1. Article: Bilingualism is America’s Future  
When Manuel Vazquez Cano arrived to the United States, he was enrolled in a transitional bilingual program. Over the years, Manuel became proficient in English while gradually using less in Spanish. This experience is unfortunately common for many multilingual children in schools. Explore the article “Bilingualism is America’s Future” where Manuel shares innovative approaches dual language programs can take to uphold civil rights and promote bilingualism.

Section photo from Education Northwest.

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2. Commentary: New TCF Poll - American Families Value Bilingual School Options

As policymakers expand bilingual and dual language immersion programs in schools, how should they prioritize equitable access for all linguistically diverse children? Learn how The Century Foundation (TCF) is addressing this question and dispelling myths with a compelling poll revealing that most parents prefer bilingual education over English-only in the commentary “New TCF Poll: American Families Value Bilingual School Options”.

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3. Catch Up on WestEd's June Conference Insights

Did you miss WestEd's "Reconceptualizing the Development of Educator Expertise for a Multilingual, Intercultural Future" conference in June? No worries! You can access a wealth of resources and materials from the event by visiting WestEd’s 2024 Conference page.

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Upcoming Events, Training and Conference Opportunities

Graphic of virtual meeting

1. Virtual Conference:  2024 Immigrant Student Success, Strategies and Tools for PreK-12 and Adult Educators, July 16, 2024 (Repost) 

The Immigrant Learning Center’s Public Education Institute is hosting its 2024 Immigrant Student Success virtual conference, "2024 Immigrant Student Success: Strategies and Tools for PreK-12 and Adult Educators." Featuring experts from across the nation, you will learn from presentations, interactive activities and discussions. This day-long event will take place on July 16, 2024. Registration is free. For more details, visit the Immigrant Learning Center's page.

Section photo from Pixabay.

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2.Conference: 11th Annual Community-Based Heritage Language Schools Conference, October 4-5, 2024

The Coalition of Community-Based Heritage Language Schools Conference invites everyone who is interested in learning about and collaborating with community-based heritage language schools. This hybrid event will take place both on-site at American University in Washington, DC, and online on October 4–5, 2024. Visit the National Coalition of Community-Based Language Schools page to learn about the plenary speakers and register.

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3. Conference: La Cosecha Dual Language Conference, November 12-16, 2024

Are you or someone you know looking for the perfect conference focused on providing instructional and programmatic support to best serve your ELs and emerging bilingual students? La Cosecha 2024 will feature over 280 professional presentations and workshops that support two-way and one-way immersion, developmental bilingual, and heritage/tribal language immersion programs. This event will bring together educators, parents, researchers, and practitioners from across the United States.

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Make an Impact: Send Us Your Newsletter Ideas!

If you have content or stories you’d like featured in our newsletter, we want to hear from you! Whether it’s an article, event, or an inspiring story, your contributions add depth to our discussions. Please send your submissions and ideas to Estephany Membreno, Administrative Specialist, and you may see your content in an upcoming publication.

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Our Team

Héctor Aguirre,

Migrant Education Title 1-C Specialist

Hector.Aguirre@ode.oregon.gov

Leslie Casebeer,

Office Specialist, Title III, Title I-C, 

and ESEA Monitoring  

Leslie.Casebeer@ode.oregon.gov            

Diego Contreras-Medrano, 

Research Analyst

Diego.Contreras.Medrano@ode.oregon.gov

Jennifer Fontana,

Multilingual Education Specialist

Jennifer.Fontana@ode.oregon.gov

Yuliana Kenfield, 

Migrant Education Title 1-C 

Specialist

Yuliana.kenfield@ode.oregon.gov

Mary Martinez-Wenzl,

Director of Multilingual and

Migrant Education Team

Mary.Martinez-Wenzl@ode.oregon.gov

Estephany Membreño,

Administrative Specialist II

MembrenE@ode.oregon.gov

Kim Miller, 

Title III Education Specialist

Kim.A.Miller@ode.oregon.gov

Myrna Muñoz, 

Senior Multilingual and Migrant

Education Strategic Advisor

Myrna.Munoz@ode.oregon.gov

Reza Norouzian,

Multilingual Education 

Research Analyst

Reza.Norouzian@ode.oregon.gov

Natalia Piar, 

Multilingual and Migrant

Education Team Coordinator

Reza.Norouzian@ode.oregon.gov

Natalia Piar, 

Multilingual and Migrant

Education Team Coordinator

Natalia.Piar@ode.oregon.gov

   
   

You were added to this newsletter if you are part of the Migrant Education Program and/or the Title III English Learner listserv. Migrant Ed and Title III leaders, staff, and interested members of the public may subscribe to this newsletter through ODE's QuickSubscribe portal at any time. We thank you for serving Oregon's multilingual and migrant students.