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Updates from the Oregon Department of Education
1. Now Available: 2023–24 Oregon English Learner Report
2. A Message on Federal Funding from Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education
News and Resources for Multilingual and Migrant Education
Upcoming Events, Training & Conference Opportunities
1. Now Available: 2023–24 Oregon English Learner Report
The Oregon English Learner Report is an annual publication required by ORS 327.016. It provides financial data related to English language learner programs, describes the objectives and needs of eligible students, and shares demographic information for ELL students in each school district.
Districts can access the full report and their District Data Profiles on the Legislatively Required Publications page.
For questions or more information contact ode.mme@ode.oregon.gov.
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2. A Message on Federal Funding from Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education
On June 30, the U.S. Department of Education notified state education agencies that funding for several key federal education programs is under review and that Grant Award Notifications (GANs) would not be issued on July 1, as is customary. The programs affected include:
- Title I, Part C – Migrant Education
- Title II, Part A – Supporting Effective Instruction
- Title III, Part A – English Language Acquisition
- Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment
- Title IV, Part B – 21st Century Community Learning Centers
These programs are essential to Oregon’s efforts to support multilingual learners and migratory students, provide professional development for educators, and expand access to afterschool and summer learning opportunities.
ODE’s Response
Governor Kotek has directed the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to work closely with school districts, local education agencies, and other partners to analyze the immediate and long-term impacts of the decision to not issue GANs for the Title programs. ODE is taking the following steps to support districts and advocate for timely resolution:
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Collaborating with Key Partners: Working with the Governor’s Office, Oregon Department of Justice, national organizations, and other states.
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Gathering Information: Monitoring federal guidance and legal interpretations to understand the scope and implications of the delay.
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Assessing Impact: Identifying both immediate and long-term effects on districts, programs, and students.
Support for Districts
ODE grant managers will work closely with districts to:
- Review carryover balances and prioritize essential activities.
- Prepare to adjust budgets if final allocations are delayed or reduced.
- Ensure that applications are “substantially approvable” so that funds can be obligated as soon as they are released.
- Provide support for consultation with private schools and Tribal Leaders as you discuss potential changes to budgets
Documenting the Impact
ODE encourages districts to document the impact of the delay through one or more of the following options:
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Coordinate with the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA): COSA is working closely with ODE and may assist in collecting and elevating district-level impact stories.
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Engage with National Networks: Districts may also share their experiences through national organizations and advocacy partners already working to elevate this issue.
Final FY 25 Allocations
On July 1, the U.S. Department of Education issued allocations for the following Title programs:
- Title I, Part A: Improving Basic Programs
- Title I, Part B: Assessments
- Title I, Part D: Neglected and Delinquent
- Title V, Part B: Rural and Low-Income Schools
- McKinney-Vento
ODE is reviewing the allocations for these programs and will make those available on the ESEA Allocations page in the coming weeks.
The U.S. Department of Education also issued GANs for the following programs:
- IDEA Part B
- IDEA Part C
- Perkins V
Contact Us
Please contact your ODE grant manager with any questions.
The IDRC has announced that the Recruiter Invitational is canceled this year. Due to significant funding cuts and several partner programs closing or unable to send staff, the event is not feasible to hold as planned.
The organization successfully released its hotel contract and will issue refunds for all registration fees. For those who registered through Eventbrite, please note that while the full registration fee will be returned, Eventbrite’s transaction fee is non-refundable.
Attendees who booked hotel accommodations should cancel their reservations directly with the hotel as soon as possible.
Contact Jessica Castañeda, IDRC Coordinator with questions about the event cancellation or the refund process.
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2. Explore School Library Journal’s Spanish-Language Nonfiction Picks
School Library Journal has curated a list of nine Spanish-language nonfiction titles celebrating Latinx trailblazers, cultural identity, and themes of brujería. These selections offer young readers meaningful stories of resilience, heritage, and self-discovery, providing valuable perspectives on history, community, and personal empowerment. View the full list on the School Library Journal here.
3. Article: Multilingual learners: How your district can better support them
Explore how your district can better support language diversity. In District Administration, Michelle Kinley shares smart, actionable strategies to better support multilingual learners and boost outcomes for all students. A timely, actionable read for districts aiming to create more inclusive, high-impact classroom. Click here to read more.
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1. Webinar: Supporting Immigrant Communities with PolicyTalks, July 16, 2025
Join Portland for All for an important virtual PolicyTalks conversation on Wednesday, July 16, from 5:30 - 7:00 PM. This session will center on how community members, advocates, and allies can come together to support immigrant Oregonians during a time of heightened fear and uncertainty. In light of recent incidents involving ICE detentions and family separations, this conversation will offer strategies for advocacy, care, and solidarity as families navigate the challenges of a renewed Trump Administration. Click here to register for this event.
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2. Webinar: From allocation to impact — Supporting EL requirements in Title I, July 17, 2025
Join experts David Holbrook and Sandra Medrano-Arroyo to learn how to strategically use Title I funds to support English Learners (ELs) in alignment with ESSA requirements. The webinar will cover how to align spending with EL program needs, improve academic achievement and English proficiency, and enhance collaboration between Title I and EL programs. Click here to register for this event.
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 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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Diego Contreras-Medrano, Research Analyst
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Jennifer Fontana, Multilingual Education Specialist
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Kelly Kalkofen, English Learner Outcomes Program 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, English Learner Outcomes Program Education 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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