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Updates from the Oregon Department of Education
1. Recent Federal Changes and Multilingual and Migrant Education
2. Upcoming Title III Webinars, February 12, 2025
3. Updated Resources for DACAmented/Undocumented Students
News and Resources for Multilingual and Migrant Education
1. Supporting School Leaders: Ensuring Every Student’s Right to Learn
5. Join the Visiting Teachers from Spain Program
Upcoming Events, Training & Conference Opportunities
1.Webinar-H5N1 Bird Flu Updates & Resources for Outreach Staff, February 18, 2025 (Repost)
2. Free Green Card Consultations for Refugees & Asylees, February 19, 2025
1. Recent Federal Changes and Multilingual and Migrant Education
 Recent executive orders have raised many questions and concerns among schools, districts, and Educational Service Districts (ESDs). As a state, our support for multilingual and migratory students is unwavering. We are committed to ensuring that multilingual and migratory students, as well as educators, have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. Those working in multilingual and migrant education are at the forefront, supporting students and families who are experiencing fear and uncertainty about the impact of immigration enforcement on their lives and communities. Many of you share these concerns for your own families and communities. We acknowledge all that you are holding, and we know that communication is critical during this time. To that end, we will be:
- Holding regular Title III and Title I-C office hours
- Sharing updates through our MME newsletter
- Adding resources to the ODE website
We are working to provide schools and districts with guidance on how to uphold the rights of immigrant students and providing relevant resources in this newsletter.
Many districts are also wondering how potential federal changes might affect their programs and budgets. The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is closely monitoring the evolving situation regarding federal funding and policy changes, and we are assessing how these may impact education programs statewide. At this time, there are no immediate changes to ODE-administered federal funding. We have not received notice of any changes to the Title I-C or Title III programs for the upcoming year. Should we receive any updates regarding funding changes, we will share them promptly. In the meantime, we encourage you to submit your Electronic Grant Management System (EGMS) claims more frequently. If you have any questions, please contact your grant manager.
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Join our Title III team on Wednesday, February 12, for two meetings:
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EL Data Collection – Fall Critical Validation 10:30-11:25 AM
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Office Hours 11:30-12:30 PM
- These meetings will be recorded
Contact Kim Miller, Education Specialist with questions.
Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash.
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The Oregon Department of Education webpage for DACAmented/Undocumented Students has been updated with new information and expanded resources. These updates offer guidance and tools to help students, families, and educators navigate the evolving landscape.
4. Reminder: The 2023-2024 District Data Profiles Have Been Released
The 2023-2024 District Data Profiles have been released. The district data profiles serve as a barometer for how districts’ EL/ML students are performing on the data profile indicators as well as the success of EL/ML efforts in the district.
The District Data Profiles are based on a set of 14 indicators (7 Elementary grades and 7 Secondary grades) that measure EL/ML related output and data across school grades. Ratings ranges from 1 - 100 with 1- 49 noting limited progress, 50 - 74 some progress, and 75 and above being notable progress.
What does your progress rating mean?
Notable Progress: If your district is displaying notable progress in an area, great job! This indicates that the programs and processes you have in place have been effective and are greatly benefiting the EL/ML learners in your district. Keep up the good work!
Some Progress: If your district is showing some progress in any of the indicator areas, this would indicate that a review of the methods and strategies employed in your district is warranted to determine which strategies have been effective and which may need adjustment.
Limited Progress: If your district is displaying limited progress, this indicates a need to thoroughly review and analyze the EL/ML programs, policies, and procedures that are being implemented or not implemented in the district and to create an action plan to uncover and address the root causes that have led to low indicator outcomes. To further understand your District Data Profile and what the indicators mean the resources below have been provided to help you navigate the process and decide on next steps. Each district is composed of diligent and caring staff who are making every effort to support our students. Thank you for all of the work you do across the state for our EL/ML Learners!
Resources:
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In response to concerns raised by educators and by representatives serving on Student Success panels, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) updated the English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Screener Administration Manual with recommendations for improving the student and family experience during ELPA Screening. Among other things, ODE recommends thoughtful use of the Comforting Presence support (found in the Oregon Accessibility Manual) to avoid unnecessary separation of children, especially young children, from accompanying caregivers. ODE has developed a shortened version of the Non-TA Assurance of Test Security Form, called the ELPA Screener Accompanying Caregiver form, so that districts can more easily use the Comforting Presence as needed.
Contact Ben Wolcott, ELPA Specialist, with questions regarding ELPA testing. And contact Kim Miller, Title III Specialist, with questions regarding English learner identification and reporting.
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6. Additional ELPA Summative Translated Test Direction Audio Files Now Available
Audio files to accompany the translated test directions for the English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Summative tests are now available in the following additional languages: Arabic, Marshallese, S'gaw Karen, Mandarin and Vietnamese. Audio files continue to be available in Spanish.
These are vendor-provided, generic templates for use in assisting districts translate test directions for the ELPA summative assessments into languages other than English. Districts should modify these directions as necessary to match the scripts provided in the Test Administration Manual (TAM).
Contact Ben Wolcott, ELPA Specialist, with questions regarding ELPA testing.
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7. Update on ELPA Summative Test Length for Oregon Students
ELPA21 has announced a shortened ELPA Summative test, but this change applies only to Oregon students testing remotely. The remote assessment follows a fixed form model, which has been shortened for the 2024-25 administration. In contrast, Oregon’s in-person ELPA Summative assessment, which uses a semi-adaptive model, will remain unchanged as it was already shorter than the fixed form. As a result, remote test-takers will now experience a test length comparable to in-person students.
Contact Ben Wolcott, ELPA Specialist, with questions regarding ELPA testing.
Photo by Thomas Park on Unsplash.
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OSBA along with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has created the Oregon Public Education and Immigration Enforcement FAQ resource to guide school leaders on their rights, roles, and responsibilities, with updates as federal enforcement evolves. Members can contact OSBA for legal advice at pacelegal@osba.org or policy guidance at slewis@osba.org. Committed to the right to education for all students in Oregon, OSBA and ODE are dedicated to ensuring every child learns in a safe and welcoming environment.
Photo by Javier Trueba on Unsplash.
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2. Creating Welcoming Schools: Supporting Immigrant Students
Released on January 8,2025 by the U.S. Department of Education, this archived Dear Colleague Letter: Resources for Ensuring Equal Access to Education for Immigrant Students offers valuable guidance and resources to help schools better support immigrant students. It emphasizes the need to create welcoming environments and ensures that enrollment practices are inclusive—never excluding students based on their or their families’ citizenship or immigration status. Additionally, the letter provides a directory of resources aimed at guaranteeing equal access to educational opportunities for every immigrant student.
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3. Charting New Paths: Understanding and Support for Migrant and Undocumented Youth
Youth Collaboratory has developed a four-part module toolkit, Charting New Paths: Understanding and Support for Migrant and Undocumented Youth. This toolkit released in May 2024, covers essential topics such as culturally competent practices, capacity building, and cultural humility, offering valuable insights for supporting these youth. You can explore the individual modules or download the full toolkit as a PDF.
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4. Safeguarding Oregon Schools: A Toolkit for Protecting School Communities
Published by Innovation Lab January 2025, the Safeguarding Oregon Schools: A Toolkit for Schools and School Districts to Protect School Communities Threatened with Immigration Enforcement provides essential guidance for schools and districts on protecting students and school communities from immigration enforcement threats. It offers legal insights, best practices and practical strategies to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.
5. Join the Visiting Teachers from Spain Program
The Visiting Teachers from Spain Program, offered by the Embassy of Spain’s Education Office as part of the BridgeUSA initiative, facilitates a cultural exchange between Spain and the U.S. Teachers from Spain are placed in K-12 schools across more than 30 states.
By filling out the interest form, districts can express potential interest without any obligation. Following submission, a representative from Spain will contact the district with further details and to answer any questions.
Interested districts are encouraged to complete the form by February 2025 for planning purposes, though submissions for the 2025-2026 school year can be accepted later. For detailed information about the program, explore the Spanish Visiting Teachers Exchange Program flyer.
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1. Webinar-H5N1 Bird Flu Updates & Resources for Outreach Staff, February 18, 2025 (Repost)
IDRC is hosting a February webinar on H5N1 bird flu, providing updates on its impact in the U.S. and the measures being taken at local, state, and national levels. The session will cover how the outbreak affects farmworkers and highlight available outreach resources, including a safety protocols for outreach staff, bird flu training materials for workers, and access to free PPE for at-risk individuals. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions. Click here to register for this event.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash.
2. Free Green Card Consultations for Refugees & Asylees, February 19, 2025
SOAR Immigration Legal Services, a program of EMO Oregon, is offering free legal consultations for refugees and asylees seeking to apply for Adjustment of Status (Green Card). No appointment is needed—arrive by 3:00 PM to receive a consultation the same day. Click here to view a flyer.
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Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
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Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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Location: Bridgeport United Church of Christ, 621 NE 76th Ave, Portland, OR 97213
Contact soarlegal@emoregon.org or call 503-384-2482 with questions.
3. OABE Winter Institute, February 21-22, 2025
There is still time for you to join us for the 2025 OABE Winter Institute on February 21-22, 2025, at Baker Prairie Middle School in Canby, Oregon!
Event Highlights
- Friday, February 21, 2025
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School Visits (8:00 AM–3:00 PM): Tour K-12 Dual Language schools in Clackamas County. ($100)
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Leadership Reception (5:00–8:00 PM): Network with dual language and district leaders. ($50/extra slot)
- Saturday, February 22, 2025
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One-Day Institute (8:00 AM–4:30 PM): Workshops on best practices in bilingual education.
- Register by Jan. 31: $250
- Register now on Eventbrite to secure your spot! We look forward to connecting with you and supporting bilingualism together.
Contact Elisa Lee with questions.
Photo by Daniele Franchie on Unsplash.
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4. Webinar: Supporting Multilingual Learners by Enhancing Core Instruction, March 3, 2025
K-12 educators supporting multilingual learners in all classroom settings are invited to join Dr. Katie Toppel for an engaging session on enhancing instruction for multilingual learners.
In this session, participants will:
- Learn how to make grade-level content accessible while fostering language development.
- Gain ideas for ongoing professional development to support multilingual learners.
Dr. Toppel is a Multilingual Learner Support Specialist in the Tigard-Tualatin School District, supporting students through co-planning, co-teaching, and small group instruction. She is also the co-author of Making Content Comprehensible for Multilingual Learners: The SIOP Model, 6th edition. For more information about the event, click here. To register, click here.
Contact Penny Plavala with questions.
Registration is now open for the Spring 2025 OSU online course, Teaching Early Literacy from a Multilingual Perspective, running from March 31 to June 8. Registration is first-come, first-served basis.
This course is Oregon Department of Education-approved for districts receiving Early Literacy Success School District Grant funding, which can cover enrollment costs. It is open to individual educators statewide, and OSU encourages district cohorts to enroll. Enrollment options can be discussed.
Contact Amanda Kibler with questions.
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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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For questions or assistance, the Multilingual and Migrant (MME) team is available to support you. Please contact us via email for further information.
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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.
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