Multilingual and Migrant Education Newsletter - July 24, 2025

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Oregon Department of Education - Oregon achieves - together

Multilingual and Migrant Education Newsletter 

July 24, 2025

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Updates from the Oregon Department of Education


Table of Contents

Updates from the Oregon Department of Education

1. Informational Update: ELPA Screener Training Materials Published

News and Resources for Multilingual and Migrant Education

1. Webinar Recording Available: Literacy Practices and Students with Interrupted Formal Education

Upcoming Events, Training & Conference Opportunities

1. Webinar: Chasing Potential — Unlocking Newcomer Brilliance, August 5, 2025 (Repost)

2. FERPA Training Dates Announced: In-Person Sessions with ODE & PTAC (Repost)

3. Save the Date: 2026 National ESEA Conference in Denver, February 10-12, 2026


Oregon Department of Education Updates to Field

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1. Informational Update: ELPA Screener Training Materials Published

The 2025-26 versions of training materials for the English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Screener are now available.

The following ELPA training materials have been updated for 2025-26: 

  • ELPA Screener Informational Slides and ELPA Screener Informational Slides video
    • Minor updates: uses new K/Future K naming convention, some streamlining of content, AI narration for consistent volume, audio version now available as YouTube video. 
    • The Screener slides mention that ELPA Summative is now a “fixed form”. This will be further explained in future messages such as the A&A Update.
    • Reminder: completion of either this module or the ELPA Screener Administration Module satisfies ELPA Screener training requirements. Completion of both modules is not required.
  • ELPA Screener Speaking Scoring Document
    • New copyright date and two stylistic edits to title and first sentence.
  • ELPA Screener Administration Manual
    • Added information about preparing the screening experience for students and families.
    • Updated Future K to Future/Early K.
    • Added information about Not Attempted scores.

The ELPA Screener Administration Module will be updated later in the summer. Until that time, districts choosing to satisfy ELPA Screener training requirements through this module may use the 2024-25 version (however, be aware that some screenshots in the module will no longer match the updated testing environment).

Updated training materials can be found in the Training Modules accordion on the Assessment Training Materials page.

Contact Ben Wolcott, ELPA Specialist, with questions regarding ELPA testing.

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News and Resources for Multilingual and Migrant Education

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1. Webinar Recording Available: Literacy Practices and Students with Interrupted Formal Education

The recording of the webinar Literacy Practices and Students with Interrupted Formal Education from the California Department of Education’s Research to Policy series is now available. This 30-minute session focuses on literacy development and equity for multilingual students with limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE). Educators, researchers, and policy advocates discuss the unique challenges these students face and share practical resources.

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Upcoming Events, Training and Conference Opportunities

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1. Webinar: Chasing Potential — Unlocking Newcomer Brilliance, August 5, 2025 (Repost)

Join Wisconsin Center for Education Products & Services for their Chasing Potential: Unlocking Newcomer Brilliance webinar on August 5, 2025. This free, one-hour session provides practical strategies educators can immediately use to support newcomer students and help unlock their potential. Click here to register for this event.

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2. FERPA Training Dates Announced: In-Person Sessions with ODE & PTAC (Repost)

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Privacy Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) will be hosting in-person FERPA training starting August 2025 for all districts, ESDs and ODE staff. Registration is required.

  • Day 1: August 13, 2025 — Salem, Oregon | Sassy Onion, 1230 State Street

This is the best day for ODE staff to attend due to the venue’s size and location. All staff who work with or access student records are encouraged to participate. View flyer for details and click here to register.

  • Day 2: August 14, 2025 — Salem, Oregon | Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry, 626 High St NE

This day includes the DCC meeting from 9:00–10:30 AM, followed by FERPA training. As the smallest venue, data stewards presenting are encouraged to register, but space will be prioritized for district participants. Anyone presenting or attending DCC should also register for the full training to receive all FERPA, data privacy, retention, and security updates. Those only attending the DCC meeting may register for that portion separately. View flyer for details and click here to register.

  • Day 3: August 15, 2025 — North Bend, Oregon | The Mill Casino (Ko-Kwel Casino Resort)

This training will be held on the Southern Oregon Coast for regional districts. ODE staff in the area or able to travel are welcome to join. A large turnout from local districts is expected. Hosted on a Friday at the Mill Casino (Ko-Kwel Resort & Casino), it’s also a great opportunity to kick off a weekend on the coast. Coos Bay and North Bend School Districts are partnering with ODE for this full-day training. View flyer for details and click here to register.

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February spelled out in tiles

3. Save the Date: 2026 National ESEA Conference in Denver, February 10-12, 2026

Hosted by the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA), the 2026 National ESEA Conference will take place in Denver, Colorado, February 10-12, 2026. This is the only conference focused exclusively on federally funded education programs and the communities they support.

Both virtual and in-person registration options are available at the same price. Early bird rates are open now through October 31, 2025. Group discounts are also available for teams of 10 or more. Learn more and register at ESEA Network page.

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Make an Impact: Send Us Your Newsletter Ideas!

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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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Contact Us

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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.

Hector Aguirre, Migrant Education Title IC Specialist

Diego Contreras-Medrano, Research Analyst

Jennifer Fontana, Multilingual Education Specialist

Kelly Kalkofen, English Learner Outcomes Program Education Specialist

Yuliana Kenfield, Migrant Education Title IC Specialist

Mary Martinez-Wenzl, Director of Multilingual & Migrant Education Team

Estephany Membreño, Administrative Specialist II

Kim Miller, Title III Education Specialist

Reza Norouzian, Multilingual Education Research Analyst

Natalia Piar, Multilingual & Migrant Education Team Coordinator

Baeli Smith, English Learner Outcomes Program Education Specialist

 


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Explore the Multilingual and Migrant Education team webpage to discover more about our initiatives, impact and resources.


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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