Multilingual and Migrant Education Newsletter - July 25, 2024

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Oregon Department of Education - Oregon achieves - together

Multilingual and Migrant Education Newsletter - July 25, 2024

Capitol, Salem

Updates from the Oregon Department of Education


Table of Contents

Updates from the Oregon Department of Education

1.2024 IDR Skills Competency Assessment: Oregon Recruiters Shine

2.Grants Available: 2024-28 Student Success Grant Programs Requests for Applications  

3.Webinar: Exploring Oregon’s Literacy Framework with WestEd Starts in August 

News and Resources for Multilingual and Migrant Education 

1.Article: Striving for Equity for Young Children of Immigrants with Disabilities  

2.Article: Nurturing Our Nation’s Multilingual Talent from Birth  

3.Resource: Heat Safety for Farmworkers by the Identification and Recruitment Consortium

4.Resource: MENTE Hermano Program Seeking to Establish New Chapters for the 2024-25 School Year 

Upcoming Events, Training & Conference Opportunities

1.Webinar: Protecting Animal Production Workers from H5N1, July 24  

2.Webinar: Quality Dual-Language Immersion: Language Allocation, August 27  

3.Webinar: English Language Forum – Episode 1 of Translating vs. Translanguaging, August 28

4.Conference: 2nd Annual IES Research and Development Centers Conference, September 16-17 

5.Conference: ID&R-Focused Invitational for MEP Programs, September 11-12


Oregon Department of Education Updates to Field

1.2024 IDR Skills Competency Assessment: Oregon Recruiters Shine

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Migrant Education Service Center (OMESC) are proud to announce the impressive performance of Oregon recruiters in the 2024 IDRC Assessment. The results highlighted a high participation rate and strong scores, particularly in the foundational areas of eligibility and qualifying work. We commend the dedicated and hard work of our Oregon recruiters, whose commitment to maintaining high standards is evident in these outstanding scores.

Here is a summary of the 2024 IDR Skills Competency Assessment for Oregon Recruiters results:

  • Participation: 44 out of 45 recruiters completed the assessment.
  • Scores: Only 5 recruiters scored slightly below 80%.
  • Average Score: Oregon recruiters achieved an average score of 87.20%.
IDRC data graphic table

Together, we are committed to continuous improvement and excellence in serving migrant students. If you have any questions about this information, please contact Sandra Gibson, Lead ID&R Specialist at, (503) 510- 8098. 

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2.Grants Available: 2024-28 Student Success Grant Programs Requests for Applications

The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE) Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) is pleased to announce the release of the 2024-28 Student Success Grant Programs Requests for Applications (RFAs). For more information you are encouraged to attend the Student Success Plan Pre-Application Conference informational webinar for all open RFAs on July 24, 2024, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. PST. Applications are due August 29, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. PST. Please review all RFA materials prior to applying. All materials can be found on the relevant OregonBuys website, under “File Attachments”.

If you have any questions or need clarification, please email Katie Dorsey, ODE Procurement and Contract Specialist. Questions that are received by August 14, 2024, will be included in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document and posted on OregonBuys.

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QR Code and Dates to OELF Webinars

3. Webinar: Exploring Oregon’s Literacy Framework with WestEd Starts in August 

Kick off the school year by exploring Literacy Leaders: Exploring Oregon’s Early Literacy Framework with WestEd in community with other literacy leaders across the state!

This interactive session is designed for educators who lead professional learning focused on early literacy. Attendees will have the chance to experience a wide range of resources to support Oregon Early Literacy Framework (OELF) in action, browse what’s available on the website, and chat with other literacy leaders about how they might make use of the resources for their own contexts. Participants will leave with new connections to colleagues, a library of resources, and ideas for what to try and adapt this coming school year to support their literacy efforts.

A limited number of participants will have the opportunity to choose one of a selection of children's books that reflect the guidance in the Early Literacy Framework as an appreciation for participation.

We hope you can join! Sign up on WestEd’s Upcoming Webinars & Workshops webpage or the QR code.

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News and Resources for Multilingual and Migrant Education

Child holding pencil

1. Article: Striving for Equity for Young Children of Immigrants with Disabilities
In observance of Disability Pride Month, we bring to attention the unique challenges immigrant parents with children who have disabilities often face when navigating the special education system. In her insightful piece “Striving for Equity for Young Children of Immigrants with Disabilities”, Dr. Cindy Landa shares her personal journey and findings, shedding light on the significant barriers faced by immigrant families. Be sure to explore her recommendations and insights to better foster inclusivity and support in education.

Section photo from Pixabay.

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2. Article: Nurturing Our Nation’s Multilingual Talent from Birth

Evidence proves that babies are linguistic geniuses, and exposure to multiple languages does not confuse them. As such, it is time to start aligning policies and systems with the science of language acquisition to support a culturally and linguistically diverse population from early childhood. Read “Nurturing Our Nation’s Multilingual Talent from Birth” to learn more.

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3. Resource: Heat Safety for Farmworkers by the Identification and Recruitment Consortium 

Due to the hot weather we have been experiencing, the Identification and Recruitment Consortium (IDRC) has released resources to help farm workers stay cool. Visit the following link to explore these valuable resources.

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4. Resource: MENTE Hermano Program Seeking to Establish New Chapters for the 2024-25 School Year

The MENTE Hermano Program (MHP) is seeking 2-4 additional high schools in the Beaverton and Hillsboro area to start a MHP chapter for the 2024-2025 school year. Benefits of participating in MHP include:

  • MENTE mentors to facilitate meetings.
  • Inspiring stories from Latino male professionals across various industries.
  • Discussions on important topics that matter to students.
  • Opportunities aligned with participants' interests and aspirations.
  • And more!

If you are interested or have questions, please contact Alex.

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Upcoming Events, Training and Conference Opportunities

Farm Hen

1. Webinar: Protecting Animal Production Workers from H5N1, July 24

The National Center for Farmworker Health (NCFH) is hosting a presentation about the H5N1 bird flu with guest speakers from the CDC and OSHA. Learn the latest about H5N1, ways to protect animal production workers, and key points for educating workers about H5N1. This presentation will be most useful to staff who work in organizations and government agencies that serve and communicate with animal production workers in the U.S. To attend, please use Zoom’s Protecting Animal Production Workers from H5N1 registration page.

Section photo from Pixabay.

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2. Webinar: Quality Dual-Language Immersion: Language Allocation, August 27

On Tuesday, August 27, at 11:00 a.m., panelists join the Children’s Equity Project to take a deep dive into how to plan, implement, and evaluate the language allocation model of dual-language immersion programs. They will discuss what language allocation models should look like for infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary-aged students. They also will discuss how to embed translanguaging, or the flexible use of languages, within traditional language allocation models. To register head to the Quality Dual Language Immersion: Language Allocation Zoom registration page.

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3. Webinar: English Language Forum – Episode 1 of Translating vs. Translanguaging, August 28 

Digital translation tools may seem to have solved the language barrier for monolingual teachers, but they haven't. On-demand translation for English Learners (ELs), especially newcomers, can hinder long-term English acquisition and create poor instructional habits. So, what should teachers do instead? Find out at the EL Pandemic Recovery Forum Office Hours on Wednesday, August 28th, at 4 p.m. PST. Dr. Lillian Ardell will discuss translating vs. translanguaging pedagogy and offer practical insights to improve classroom equity for ELs.

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4. Conference: 2nd Annual IES Research and Development Centers Conference, September 16-17

Join IES Research and Development Centers for an engaging two-day conference designed for teachers, district and state English Learner program administrators, and key stakeholders in the field of English Learner education. This event will feature special sessions with senior representatives from the U.S. Department of Education and leading experts in multilingual education. Attendees will also benefit from presentations by renowned researchers! Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and advance the field of English Learner education. Spots are limited, register soon at the IES Research and Development Centers webpage.

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5.Conference: ID&R-Focused Invitational for MEP Programs, September 11-12 

Don't miss your chance to attend the ID&R-focused Invitational in Virginia Beach, VA! With a few remaining spots open, make your plans and join us for this unique opportunity. This conference, designed exclusively for MEP Programs, will cover essential topics including:

  • New data tools for all MEP states to track crops, eligible activities, and worker numbers.
  • State stream focus groups.
  • Interactive eligibility scenarios and training.
  • New tools to work with new populations in the agriculture and fishing industries.
  • Engaging keynote presentations and more.

Register now to secure your spot and be part of this important event!

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Make an Impact: Send Us Your Newsletter Ideas!

Blue Light Bulb

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.

Section photo from Pixabay.

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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

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.