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Updates from the Oregon Department of Education
4. ELPA Screener Administration Modules Updated for 2025-26
5. 2025-26 Required Manuals and Modules Now Available
6. Entering ELPA Domain Exemptions in 2025-26
News and Resources for Multilingual and Migrant Education
2. Hispanic Heritage Month Resources
3.Explore the History of Oregon’s Migrant Education Program
Upcoming Events, Training & Conference Opportunities
1. Title I-C Office Hours
Join us for monthly virtual Title I-C Office Hours, an open and informal space for Migrant Education Program staff to connect, ask questions, and share ideas. These sessions are designed to support those involved in TIC work. Click here to view upcoming dates and register.
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2. English Language Outcomes & Title III Activities 2025-26
Explore the annual calendar for the English Learner Outcomes Program (ELOP) and Title III Activities, covering July 2025 through August 2026. This resource highlights key activities and milestones to help support thoughtful planning, coordination, and alignment across regions.
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3. Launch of the 2025–26 MEP Evaluation Cycle
The 2025–26 evaluation cycle for Oregon’s Migrant Education Program (MEP) began on September 19, 2025, at our statewide Kick-Off event. This year, we aim to enhance collaboration between the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and regional programs to ensure evaluation activities are purposeful and aligned with statewide goals.
The first year of MEP evaluation will focus on four key actions:
- Collecting family feedback at Title I-C funded events
- Conducting family surveys
- Planning optional family focus groups in spring 2026
- Participating in engagement activities for MEP staff, such as virtual focus groups and annual surveys
These efforts are essential to ensure our evaluation captures the full impact of MEP services while highlighting successes and identifying opportunities for improvement.
If you have any questions related to the evaluation plan, tools, timelines, or the Evaluation Advisory Group, please contact Diego Contreras-Medrano, Migrant Education Research Analyst.
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4. ELPA Screener Administration Modules Updated for 2025-26
The ELPA Screener Administration Module (both audio and no audio versions and found in the Training Modules accordion of the Assessment Training Materials page) has been updated for 2025-26. This vendor-produced module contains step-by-step instructions for administering the English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Screener. The module has updated screenshots but not major changes to content. Test Administrators who completed the 2024-25 version of this module to satisfy 2025-26 training requirements are not required to re-complete the 2025-26 module.
Contact Ben Wolcott, ELPA Specialist, with questions regarding ELPA testing.
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5. 2025-26 Required Manuals and Modules Now Available
Final versions of the following materials for the 2025-26 school year have been published:
Please contact the Assessment Team with questions or concerns.
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6. Entering ELPA Domain Exemptions in 2025-26
The procedure for entering some domain exemptions English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Summative and Alt ELPA has changed in 2025-26.
- District level users can freely adjust domain exemptions prior to the opening of the ELPA Summative and Alt ELPA test window.
- After the test window opens on 1/13/26, districts who wish to adjust domain exemptions must do one of the following.
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Update domain exemptions: to adjust domain exemptions for a student who has not yet opened any domain test on the ELPA Summative or Alt ELPA, contact your Regional ESD Partner.
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Correct a domain exemption error: to adjust domain exemptions for a student who has opened at least one domain test on the ELPA Summative or Alt ELPA (regardless of whether it is the domain that needs adjusting), submit a test impropriety report.
Further information on domain exemption procedures appears in the Test Administration Manual Section 10.0. A more detailed explanation will be added as an additional section in Domain Exemptions on ELPA: Definitions and Examples.
There are no changes to entering domain exemptions on the ELPA Screener. This tool is independent of the ELPA Summative and the Alt ELPA and will continue to work as it has in prior years.
Contact Ben Wolcott, ELPA Specialist, with questions regarding ELPA testing.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Governor Kotek reaffirmed her commitment to protecting immigrant communities, defending Oregon’s sanctuary laws, and building a more equitable state where working families can thrive.
Hispanic and Latino communities—now representing over 14% of Oregon’s population—have long been essential to the state’s prosperity, contributing across sectors such as agriculture, education, business, public service, the arts, and science.
From expanding public health access to addressing affordable housing and climate resilience, the Governor underscored her pledge to continue building an Oregon that works for everyone.
National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) honors the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans who have enriched our communities and inspired generations. The celebration begins mid-September to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries.
This month is a time to reflect, learn, and reaffirm our commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and respected. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Explore Hispanic Heritage Month resources from the Oregon Department of Education.
3. Explore the History of Oregon’s Migrant Education Program
We’re excited to share a collection of historic materials that highlight the legacy, impact, and evolution of the Title I-C Migrant Education Program in Oregon. These resources offer valuable insight into the experiences, advocacy, and achievements that have shaped the program over the years. We invite you to take a look, reflect, and celebrate the stories that continue to inform and inspire our work today.
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1. Webinar: Research Evidence Against Dismantling the U.S. Education Department: How to Protect and Improve Programs for English Learners, October 6, 2025
Join the Education Law Center on Monday, October 6 at 12:00 PM for a free webinar featuring expert panelists, including Megan Hopkins,who will discuss the U.S. Department of Education’s role in supporting English learners and share key research insights. Click here to register for this event.
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2. Virtual Forum: Supporting English Learners – Pathways to Success, October 16, 2025
Join EducationWeek's free online event on October 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM to explore how educators can better support multilingual learners. Hear from experts on teacher training, dual-language programs, and effective classroom strategies. Includes interactive elements and on-demand access. Click here to register for this event.
3. ID&R Regional Plan Workshop 2025-26, Part 1, October 23 (Repost)
The ID&R Regional Plan is a cornerstone of all MEPs. This workshop will focus on revising last year's plan and setting up a system of continuous improvement. There will be two more workshops this year to strengthen ID & R plans utilizing continuous improvement processes. All MEP Coordinators and Recruiters are strongly encourage to participate. Cilck here to register for this workshop.
4. Children’s Institute Hosts ¡Échale Ganas! A Bilingual Professional Learning Session, November 7, 2025
The Children’s Institute invites Oregon educators working with multilingual and bilingual students to an interactive professional learning experience. Focused on affirming and celebrating multilingual learners, the session will explore research, data, and classroom practices. Designed for preschool and elementary educators, it’s a valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. View the flyer below for more details and to register.
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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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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, Migrant Education 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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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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