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Updates from the Oregon Department of Education
1. Invitation to Participate in the ODE English Learner Advisory Group
2. /a/x and
News and Resources for Multilingual and Migrant Education
2. Blog: How States Can Reinforce English Learners’ Civil Rights
3. New Online Graduate Certificate for Educators of English Learners in Montana
4. Article: NPR Feature — Want to Raise Bilingual Kids? Start by Letting Go of This Common Myth
5. Education Week Features on Multilingual Learners
Upcoming Events, Training & Conference Opportunities
1. Webinar: MSIX Strengthen Data Management and Compliance Practices, June 17, 2025
2. Webinar: WestEd's Out-of-School Youth, June 18, 2025
1. Invitation to Participate in the ODE English Learner Advisory Group
The ODE EL Advisory Group is a diverse group of community and district stakeholders and an important part of Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE) decision-making process and effective implementation of the EL Strategic State Plan as required by ORS 336.076. This group is comprised of district and school administration, teachers, students, parents, and community members.
The Multilingual & Migrant Education team is inviting interested individuals to apply to participate in this advisory group for the term of two years including the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic calendar years. For detailed information on the scope of work of the EL Advisory Group and member responsibilities please view the English Learner Advisory Group Charter.
Please submit the EL Advisory Application if you are interested in participating.
Contact Jennifer Fontana, Multilingual Education Specialist with questions.
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2. Apply Now: Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Advisory Group
This message is in English and Spanish / Este mensaje está en Inglés y Español
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is currently seeking applicants 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, and 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.
How to Apply:
To apply, complete the 2025 Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Advisory Group Application form. If you prefer to apply by phone call, video call, written letter, or to request translation services or accommodations, please reach out Dr. Susy Mekarski, Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Coordinator at susan.mekarski@ode.oregon.gov or call (971) 720-3444.
Applications are due no later than Thursday, July 31,2025, at 5:00 PM. Applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified in September. If selected to join the advisory group, you will receive an invitation letter and ODE staff will connect with you around next steps.
For questions, contact Dr. Susy Mekarski, Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Coordinator at susan.mekarski@ode.oregon.gov or call (971) 720-3444.
*Indigenous Mexican, Central, South American, and Caribbean
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Solicitud para el Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latino/a/x e Indígenas*
El Departamento de Educación en Oregon (ODE) tiene la solicitud abierta para candidatos en 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*.
Como Aplicar:
Para someter su solicitud, por favor llene el formulario 2025 Solicitud; Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de Estudiantes Latino/a/x e Indigenas*. Si usted prefiere llenar su solicitud por teléfono, video, carta, o solicita servicios de traducción y/o apoyos, por favor comuníquese con la Dra. Susy Mekarski, Coordinadora del Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latinos/as/xs e Indígenas* al correo electrónico susan.mekarski@ode.oregon.gov o llame al (971) 720-3444.
Las solicitudes deben ser sometidas a más tardar el jueves 31 de julio de 2025 a las 5:00 PM. Las solicitudes serán revisadas y los solicitantes serán notificados en septiembre. Si es seleccionado para unirse al Grupo Consejero, recibirá una carta de invitación y el personal de ODE se comunicará con usted para los siguientes pasos.
Si usted tiene alguna pregunta, por favor comuníquese con la Dra. Susy Mekarski, Coordinadora del Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latinos/as/xs e Indígenas* al correo electrónico susan.mekarski@ode.oregon.gov o llame al (971) 720-3444.
*Indígena mexicano, centroamericano, sudamericano, y caribeño
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3. Oregon Accessibility and Alternate Assessment Advisory Panel Opportunities
The Oregon Department of Education Assessment Team is currently accepting applications for new members to serve on both the Oregon Accessibility Panel and the Alternate Assessment Advisory Panel. These panels play an important role in supporting equitable access to statewide assessments for students with disabilities.
For additional information about each panel, you may review the respective membership parameters and guidelines linked below:
Those interested in serving are invited to complete the appropriate application/nomination form. Each form includes a link to submit a brief application:
The application window for both panels will close June 27, 2025.
For questions about either opportunity, contact Mason Rivers, Special Education Assessment Specialist.
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4. Upcoming Deadline: OSSB June Scheduled Release
Pending Seal of Biliteracy awards will begin processing on the first working day following June 1.
- ODE will begin processing Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy/Multiliteracy (OSSB/M) awards for the 2024-25 school year on the first working day after June 1.
- Any OSSB/M requests submitted after June 1 will be processed during the September scheduled release.
- ODE will notify submitters of any errors that prevent processing. Submitters will have the opportunity to correct their submission.
- For more information, consult the OSSB_M Manual.
Contact Ben Wolcott, OSSB coordinator, with questions about the Seal of Biliteracy.
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The Alliance for a Better Community, Consortium for Multilingual Learner Success, and Californians Together have released a new toolkit designed to help advocates advance a stronger, asset-based narrative for multilingual learners. Click here to view the toolkit.
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What happens to English learner protections when federal agencies are dismantled? In this timely blog, Leslie Villegas examines the sweeping changes under President Trump’s administration including the closure of key offices like the Office for Civil Rights and the Office of English Language Acquisition and what it means for English learners across the country. Explore why states must act now to safeguard educational rights and how they can strengthen protections through state-level policies. Read the full blog here.
3. New Online Graduate Certificate for Educators of English Learners in Montana
Montana State University is launching a new online graduate certificate in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. Designed for educators teaching students with limited English proficiency, this one-year program also reinforces Indian Education for All practices. Open to both teachers and others interested in the field, the fully online format makes it accessible statewide. Enrollment deadlines may vary. Learn more and apply here.
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Many parents worry that teaching multiple languages will confuse their children, but experts say that’s simply not true. In this NPR feature, a bilingual speech-language pathologist and families raising bilingual children share insights, experiences, and encouragement for supporting language learning at home. Read the full feature here.
5. Education Week Features on Multilingual Learners
Education Week recently featured a series of articles exploring topics such as how translanguaging is applied within dual language programs, the ways schools are developing programs for less commonly taught languages, insights states might gain from Tennessee’s debates around undocumented students, and the potential influence of teachers’ political views on outcomes for English learners. Explore the articles below:
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1. Webinar: MSIX Strengthen Data Management and Compliance Practices, June 17, 2025
On June 17, 2025, from 10:00–11:00 AM (PT), WestEd’s Migrant Education Services (MES) team will host an MSIX Webinar for Migrant Education Program (MEP) professionals seeking to strengthen data management and federal compliance practices. The session will address key topics, including setting up state hierarchies for move notices, reconciling child counts, accurately reporting new three-year-olds, and responding to common MSIX questions. Participants will receive practical strategies to improve data quality, support academic tracking, and enhance program reporting. Click here to register for this event.
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2. Webinar: WestEd's Out-of-School Youth, June 18, 2025
Join WestEd on June 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM in this compelling session which will offer valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by out-of-school youth (OSYs), along with practical strategies to support recruitment efforts and provide meaningful services. Through personal stories and reflections, former OSYs will share their experiences, highlighting both the barriers they faced and the role the Migrant Education Program played in their success. Additional details are available in the attached flyer. Click here to register for this event or view the flyer.
3. Online Course: Teaching Early Literacy from a Multilingual Perspective, July 7 – August 10, 2025
A five-week summer session of Teaching Early Literacy from a Multilingual Perspective, Oregon State University professional learning course, is now open for registration on a first-come, first-served basis. It will run online asynchronously between July 7-August 10. This course is designed to empower K-5 educators with the knowledge and tools to implement culturally responsive, multilingual literacy instruction. This course aligns with the Oregon Department of Education's Early Literacy Framework, ensuring your teaching strategies reflect current best practices for fostering literacy in diverse classrooms. For more details or to register, visit the Teaching Early Literacy from a Multilingual Perspective page.
Contact murphym@wlwv.k12.or.us with questions, comments, or suggestions.
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4. Free Summer Computer Science Professional Development, July 28- August 1, 2025
Computer Science for Oregon is offering a free, in-person, one-week professional development for high school educators interested in teaching Exploring Computer Science next school year. Held July 28–August 1, 2025, at OSU Cascades in Bend, this opportunity includes a $250 daily stipend and hotel accommodations. Open to teachers of any credential and experience level, it’s a great chance to begin or refresh your computer science teaching skills. Administrators interested in expanding computer science programs in their schools or districts are also encouraged to join. Space is limited, and with federal grant funding ending this September, this may be the final year to access this professional development for free. Learn more in this short video and click here to register.
For more information email csfororegon@gmail.com.
Hosted by Clackamas ESD, the EITO conference will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, in Happy Valley, Oregon.
Conference organizers are seeking proposals for presentations! If you are interested in attending or sharing your expertise, please review conference and proposals information.
Contact Dan Kimbrow with questions.
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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Hector Aguirre, Migrant Education Title IC Specialist
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Mirela Blekic, Education Program Specialist, ELL / Bilingual Education
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Diego Contreras-Medrano, Research Analyst
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Jennifer Fontana, Multilingual Education Specialist
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Yuliana Kenfield, Migrant Education Title IC Specialist
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Mary Martinez-Wenzl, Director of Multilingual & Migrant Education Team
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Estephany Membreño, Administrative Specialist II
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Kim Miller, Title III Education Specialist
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Reza Norouzian, Multilingual Education Research Analyst
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Natalia Piar, Multilingual & Migrant Education Team Coordinator
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Baeli Smith, Education Program Specialist
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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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