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Updates from the Oregon Department of Education
1.Celebrating Student Achievement: MEP Region 11
2.Hood River School District’s Innovative Dual Language Program
News and Resources for Multilingual and Migrant Education
1. New Research Digest: Preparing Teachers for Effective Literacy Instruction
Upcoming Events, Training & Conference Opportunities
1. Celebrating Student Achievement: MEP Region 11
The Oregon Department of Education Migrant Education team proudly congratulates Freddie Reynoso of Region 11 on receiving the Albert Lee Wright, Jr. Special Recognition Award, sponsored by the National Association of State Directors of Migrant Education (NASDME). This distinguished honor celebrates sustained academic effort, leadership, and meaningful engagement in school and community life. Freddie’s accomplishments reflect extraordinary dedication and character, making this recognition truly well deserved. As noted by a committee member, “Freddie Reynoso exemplifies kindness, integrity, and leadership,” consistently fostering positive connections across academic, athletic, and community settings. We celebrate this well-earned recognition and wish continued success on Freddie’s educational journey.
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2. Hood River School District’s Innovative Dual Language Program
As part of a statewide listening campaign on educational equity led by Assistant Superintendent Michael Essien, Mid Valley Elementary School hosted a site visit to its dual language program to showcase the impactful work of staff and students under Principal Kim Yasui’s leadership. Classrooms reflected high levels of student engagement, with learners actively participating, collaborating, and demonstrating a clear sense of ownership in their learning. The school’s culture stood out as inclusive and affirming, fostering an environment that meaningfully supports culturally responsive teaching practices.
The visit also highlighted the school’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and thoughtful design in meeting the needs of both students and educators. An engaging example of this work in action was the development of a bilingual (Spanish–English) Oregon Battle of the Books.
 Bilingual “La Lucha de Libros / Battle of the Books” final battle bulletin board highlighting student teams at Mid Valley Elementary School.
We extend our appreciation to Columba Jones, Executive Director of Equity and Student Services at Hood River SD, for facilitating this meaningful opportunity to learn from and connect with the Mid Valley Elementary community.
For questions regarding this site visit, contact Yuliana Kenfield, Migrant Education Specialist.
The May 2026 English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Informational Webinar has been scheduled and is available for registration. This optional webinar provides an overview of updates regarding ELPA testing and related policy. The webinar will be held over Zoom. Register at the following links:
Information shared in this webinar will also be made available asynchronously. Webinar slides and a compiled Q&A will be posted after the second session. The morning and afternoon sessions are identical; there is no need to register for both. An asynchronous set of ELPA Screener Informational Slides is also available on the Assessment Training Materials page, in the Optional Training Materials expandable.
Contact Ben Wolcott, ELPA Specialist, with questions or concerns.
1. New Research Digest: Preparing Teachers for Effective Literacy Instruction
Teacher Education for Effective Literacy Instruction for English/Emerging Bilingual Learners offers a compelling look at what it truly takes to prepare teachers for high-quality, assets-based literacy instruction. Drawing on research and real-world examples from programs nationwide, this digest translates theory into practice through field-based models, bilingual strategies, and practical resources that invite teacher educators to read, reflect, and apply. Read the full digest here.
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1. Webinar: Summer Ready — Strategies to Support Immigrant Students' Mental Health and Wellbeing, May 11, 2026
Hosted by The Immigrant Learning Center this webinar shares practical strategies to support immigrant students’ mental health and wellbeing during the summer transition. Presenters will address effective summer routines, including approaches for students with ADHD, and key mental and physical health considerations with school-based supports. Click here to learn more and register.
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2. Webinar: Understanding and Advocating for High-Quality Instruction for ELLs with Disabilities, May 12, 2026
Join this webinar to examine how current policies influence access to high-quality instruction for multilingual learners with disabilities. Panelists will explore approaches for integrating language development with special education services, navigating evolving requirements, and improving identification practices. The session highlights strategies for strengthening cross-team collaboration to enhance instructional quality and improve student outcomes. Click here to register.
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3. Webinar: Designing Multimodal Instruction for Multilingual Learners, May 19, 2026
This one-hour Tips and Dips session hosted by Pathways offers a snapshot of a full-day workshop focused on supporting multilingual learners through multimodal instruction grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and effective scaffolding. Participants will explore practical examples of making grade-level content accessible across all levels of English proficiency and examine key elements for planning instruction that meets the needs of every learner. Click here to learn more and register.
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4. Online Course: Teaching Early Literacy from a Multilingual Perspective, July 6- August 9, 2026
Teaching Early Literacy from a Multilingual Perspective is a K–5 course designed to help educators strengthen early literacy instruction by centering students’ multilingual strengths. Aligned with Oregon’s Early Literacy Framework, the course offers practical, culturally responsive strategies, classroom-ready resources, and expert insights to support equitable literacy outcomes for multilingual learners. Click here to learn more and 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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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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Myrna Muñoz, English Learner Outcomes Program 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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Marisol Rodriguez, Administrative Specialist II
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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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