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Updates from the Oregon Department of Education
1. Feedback Requested: New Data Collection For Students Enrolled in Dual Language Programs
News and Resources for Multilingual and Migrant Education
1. Oregon's Sanctuary Promise Law Still in Effect
2. Article: Washington County Declares Emergency to Support Residents
3. Report: What Families Want — Demand for Bilingual Education
Upcoming Events, Training & Conference Opportunities
1. Feedback Requested: New Data Collection For Students Enrolled in Dual Language Programs
The Oregon Department of Education has been reviewing the possibility of collecting student-level information on dual language instructional programs for the purposes of:
- Telling the stories of Oregon's dual language programs,
- Providing data to support the growth of dual language programs across the state, and
- Honoring our multilingual students and their successes.
The following slide was shared with District Data Staff last week. Below is a link for district feedback on how to collect data on dual language programs. Please consider completing the survey (5 questions total).
 The Dual Language Data Collection Form collects feedback on the implementation of gathering data on dual language programs in Oregon schools. Feedback will help us understand district perspectives, impacts, and suggestions for collecting this information. This form will close on November 25, 2025, at 4:00 PM PT.
If you have questions, please email Kim Miller, Education Specialist, and Reza Norouzian, Senior Researcher for Multilingual and English Learner Education.
2. Join Our Team: English Learner Outcomes Program Education Specialist 2
The Oregon Department of Education's Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is excited to announce a Limited Duration / Job Rotation Opportunity for an Education Program Specialist 2 focused on English Learner Outcomes. This role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact by supporting programs that advance equity and success for English learners across Oregon.
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We’ve officially kicked off development of a new data system for Oregon’s Migrant Education Program (MEP) in partnership with MSEdD. We’re currently in the planning phase and expect to share a more detailed timeline within the next 3–4 weeks.
- Estimated launch: End of summer or early fall 2026
- Tentative training: August or September 2026
- OMSIS will remain in use until full implementation
Stay tuned for updates as we move forward!
Questions? Contact Diego Contreras-Medrano, Senior Researcher Multilingual and Migrant Education.
4. Upcoming Deadline: November OSSB/M Scheduled Release
ODE will begin processing pending Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy/Multiliteracy (OSSB/M) awards on the first working day after 11/15/25. Any OSSB/M requests submitted after 11/15/25 will be processed during the 5/1/26 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, Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator, with questions or concerns.
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5. ELPA Test Specifications Updated
The ELPA test specifications have been updated with the following information:
- Item counts have been updated to reflect moving to the ELPA Summative fixed form.
- A short Early Proficient description has been added to the existing proficiency determinations.
The ELPA test specifications can be found in the Test Specifications accordion on the ELP Assessment page.
Contact Ben Wolcott, ELPA Specialist, with questions regarding ELPA testing.
6. MME 2025–26 Planning Resources and Opportunities for Connection (Repost)
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.
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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1. Oregon's Sanctuary Promise Law Still in Effect
Recent reports of potential federal immigration detention activity in Oregon have raised concerns in our communities. Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Law (ORS 181A.820 and HB 3265) remains fully in effect.
Under this law:
- State and local resources cannot be used to support federal immigration enforcement or detention.
- Agencies are prohibited from contracting with entities that facilitate immigration detention.
- All Oregon residents, regardless of immigration status, have the right to safely access services and participate in community life.
To report suspected violations, contact the Oregon Department of Justice Sanctuary Promise Hotline at 844-924-7829.
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2. Article: Washington County Declares Emergency to Support Residents
Washington County has taken action in response to increased immigration enforcement, unlocking $200,000 for community organizations to assist affected families. Leaders are exploring additional measures to keep residents connected to essential services.
3. Report: What Families Want — Demand for Bilingual Education
The Century Foundation’s new report finds strong interest in bilingual and dual-language immersion programs. Surveying 1,000 families and hosting six bilingual focus groups, the study shows:
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Majorities value bilingualism, especially Latine families.
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Interest averages nearly 8/10, highest among Spanish-speaking and higher-income families.
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Concerns persist about school readiness and misconceptions on English proficiency.
The data underscores widespread demand and the need for better communication and support. Click here to read the full report. And click here to read a shorter version.
On October 16, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) held a historic Posting of the Tribal Colors ceremony with representatives from Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes, the State Board of Education (SBE), ODE staff, and community partners.
Each Tribe was invited to designate a representative to carry and post their Tribal flag and to share brief remarks during the ceremony. Other speakers included ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams, former ODE Director Colt Gill, and representatives from the SBE and Governor’s Office. The event also featured music from the Siletz Tribe.
Watch on YouTube.
 Director of the Oregon Department of Education, Dr. Charlene Williams
1. Oregon Association for Bilingual Education 2026 Call for Presenters, Proposals Due November 28, 2025 (Repost)
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.
2. Ellevation Education’s 6th Annual IMPACT Conference, December 2-4,2025
Join Ellevation Education’s free virtual IMPACT Conference on December 2–4, focused on sustainable support for multilingual learners. Educators will gain practical strategies for literacy instruction, biliteracy, scaffolding, and policy updates, plus hear from leading experts like Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld, Dr. Margo Gottlieb, and Tan Huynh.
Enjoy on-demand resources, live Q&A sessions, giveaways, and certificates for professional development. Click here to register for this event.
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3. OABE Path to Scholarship Workshop, December 5, 2025
OABE’s Path to Scholarship returns on December 5, 2025, 8:30 AM –2:30 PM. This free, school-based virtual event helps students prepare for college and scholarships with guides, portfolio building, and essay writing tips.
Register by November 7 for free (after that, $60 per student; final deadline November 21). For details, visit the 2026 Path to Scholarships page or email cindy@oabe.org.
4. IDRC Professional Learning Groups, December 10, 2025
IDRC is preparing to launch Professional Learning Groups (PLGs) starting December 10. These groups are designed to support collaboration and knowledge sharing among professionals involved in Identification and Recruitment (IDR). Each session will last one hour and will be held monthly, with topics determined by participants.
PLGs are intended for:
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Directors: State directors
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IDR Coordinators: Staff who coordinate recruiters
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Recruiters: Individuals conducting IDR locally, regionally, or statewide
Participants can join sessions that fit their schedules and are encouraged to share this opportunity with colleagues in their state.
Session Times & Registration Links:
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5. Teaching Early Literacy from a Multilingual Perspective, January 26 - May 1, 2026
OSU is pleased to announce that the Winter/Spring 2026 offering of the OSU Professional and Continuing Educators online course “Teaching Early Literacy from a Multilingual Perspective” is now open for registration! The course will run from January 26th-May 1st, and registration closes January 19, 2026.
The course is especially beneficial for K-5 educators and leaders working with multilingual students and is ideal for those who wish to collaborate with colleagues in their district.
To learn more about the class please visit OSU’s Teaching Early Literacy from a Multilingual Perspective webpage or contact the course coordinator, Michelle Murphy.
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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