Multilingual and Migrant Education Newsletter - October 30, 2025

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Oregon Department of Education - Oregon achieves - together

Multilingual and Migrant Education Newsletter 

October 30, 2025

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Updates from the Oregon Department of Education


Table of Contents

Updates from the Oregon Department of Education

1. Title III Updates: Key Dates for ML/EL Coordinators

2. ELPA Screener Administration Module Updated for 2025-26

3. ELPA Screener Grade K and Future K Guidance Updated for 2025-26

4. MME 2025–26 Planning Resources and Opportunities for Connection (Repost) 

 News and Resources for Multilingual and Migrant Education

1. ODHS Resources on Federal Updates and Food Assistance  

2. Resource: Immigrant Benefits and Refugee Services: What You Need to Know

Upcoming Events, Training & Conference Opportunities

1. Visiting Teacher Exchange Program with Spain – Information Session, November 10, 2025

2. Explore the EPoL Master’s Program at the University of Oregon, November 13, 2025

3. Oregon Association for Bilingual Education 2026 Call for Presenters, Proposals Due November 28, 2025

4. Call for Presenters: 2026 OALA Winter Conference, Proposals December 5, 2025 

5. For Spanish-Speaking Families: Educational Series “Hablando de Todo con Mario Magaña” 


Oregon Department of Education Updates to Field

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1. Title III Updates: Key Dates for ML/EL Coordinators

This section highlights important upcoming events and deadlines for ML/EL coordinators and educators involved in district data submissions, budget applications, and instructional planning.

  • November 6, 2025
    • 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: ML/EL Coordinators Webinar featuring updates from the ODE Assessment Team, guidance on district plans and budget narratives, and time for Q&A. The session will be recorded.
    • 1:00 PM: Recent Arrivers Data Collection opens for submissions.
  • November 7, 2025: Deadline for Title III Regular School Year Budget Narrative submissions.
  • November 20, 2025: Title III Carryover Budget Narrative submission window opens.

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2. ELPA Screener Administration Module 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. Test Administrators who use this module to satisfy 2025-26 training requirements may choose between the no-audio version with some customized information for Oregon, or the generic vendor-created audio version (users will notice minor differences compared to Oregon’s testing platform).

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

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3. ELPA Screener Grade K and Future K Guidance Updated for 2025-26

ODE has updated guidance regarding the kindergarten English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Screener with information for the 2025-26 school year. 2025-26 Future K and Grade K Screener Updates can be found in the Guidance accordion on the English Language Proficiency Assessment page.

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

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4. MME 2025–26 Planning Resources and Opportunities for Connection (Repost)

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English Language Outcomes & Title III Activities 2025-26 (Repost)

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.

 

Title I-C Office Hours 

Join Monthly 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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News and Resources for Multilingual and Migrant Education

1. ODHS Resources on Federal Updates and Food Assistance

Stay informed with the latest updates from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) regarding federal changes, potential government shutdown impacts, and food resources. ODHS provides multilingual FAQs at the bottom of each page, with more translations coming soon.

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Additional External Resources

The following organizations offer tools and support that may be helpful for educators, providers, and families, especially those working with immigrant and refugee communities:

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2. Resource: Immigrant Benefits and Refugee Services: What You Need to Know

USAHello article "Immigrant Benefits and Refugee Services” provides an updated guide to public benefits for immigrants and refugees. It explains who may qualify, how to apply, and recent changes that could affect access to certain programs. Read the full article here.

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Upcoming Events, Training and Conference Opportunities

1. Visiting Teacher Exchange Program with Spain – Information Session, November 10, 2025

The Multilingual and Migrant Education Team invites district and school leaders, HR professionals, and educators to an upcoming Information Session on the Visiting Teacher Exchange Program with Spain, taking place on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.

This international program offers Oregon districts the opportunity to host experienced bilingual educators from Spain, enriching school communities with linguistic and cultural diversity and strengthening support for multilingual learners.

During the session, participants will learn about:

  • The program’s purpose and benefits for schools and students
  • How to participate in the exchange
  • Success stories from Oregon districts currently involved

Click here to register for this event.

For questions, please contact Natalia Piar, Multilingual and Migrant Education Team Coordinator.

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2. Explore the EPoL Master’s Program at the University of Oregon, November 13, 2025

The University of Oregon’s EPoL master’s program is the only graduate degree in Oregon focused on the intersection of education policy, leadership, and research. Designed for a small cohort, it offers hands-on training in evidence-based decision-making and prepares graduates for high-impact roles in education, advocacy, and research. There’s still time to learn more, join the final info session on November 13.

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3. Oregon Association for Bilingual Education 2026 Call for Presenters, Proposals Due November 28, 2025

The Oregon Association for Bilingual Education (OABE) invites proposals for its 2026 Winter Institute, themed Raíces y Alas: Cultivating Justice Through Multilingualism, taking place Saturday, February 21, 2026. Educators, leaders, and bilingual families are encouraged to submit proposals for 75-minute interactive sessions focused on multilingual education and equity. Proposal submissions are due by Friday, November 28, 2025, with acceptance notifications on December 19, 2025, and final presentations due by February 9, 2026.

Click here to submit a proposal online or contact Elisa Lee for more information.

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4. Call for Presenters: 2026 OALA Winter Conference, Proposals Due December 5, 2025

The Oregon Association of Latino Administrators invites proposals for the 2026 Winter Conference, to be held February 6–7, 2026 at Glencoe High School in the Hillsboro School District.

  • Theme: Rooted Where We Belong: Madre Tierra, Amor, and the Unbreakable US
  • To submit a proposal, please complete the 2026 OALA Winter Conference Call for Presenters Google form by December 5, 2025.
  • Selected presenters will be notified by December 19, 2025.

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5. For Spanish-Speaking Families: Educational Series “Hablando de Todo con Mario Magaña”

Oregon 4-H invites Spanish-speaking parents and students in grades 3 through 12 from across the United States to participate in the virtual educational series “Hablando de Todo con Mario Magaña.”

Led by Mario Magaña Álvarez, these weekly sessions provide valuable information on college preparation, financial aid, internships, cultural topics, and other subjects important to youth and families.

Meeting Details:

  • Day: Every Wednesday
  • Time: 7:00–8:00 p.m. Pacific Time and 8:00–9:00 p.m. for participants in Ontario and Nyssa
  • Platform: Zoom
  • Meeting ID: 998 7120 6924
  • Password: 979234
  • Topic: Varies weekly

This is an excellent opportunity for families to stay informed and support their children's educational journey.

For questions contact, Mario Magaña Álvarez, Oregon 4-H State Outreach Specialist.

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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 (MME) team is available to support you. Please contact us via email for further information.

Hector Aguirre, Migrant Education Title IC Specialist

Mirela Blekic, Education Program Specialist, ELL / Bilingual Education

Diego Contreras-Medrano, Migrant Education 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

 

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Explore the Multilingual and Migrant Education 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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