Table of Contents

Updates from the Oregon Department of Education

1. Invitation to Participate in the ODE English Learner Advisory Group

2. 2025-26 ELPA Score Reporting Issues 

3. Informational Update: June OSSB/M Scheduled Release Coming Soon

4. ELPA Domain Exemption Process For 2026-27

5. Apply Now: Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Advisory Group

Upcoming Events, Training & Conference Opportunities

1. Webinar: IDRC -- Scripts and Tips for Working in the Community, June 16, 2026 

2. ESOL Summer Leadership Institute 2026 (Repost)

3. Online Course: Teaching Early Literacy from a Multilingual Perspective, July 6- August 9, 2026 – Registration Now Open (Repost)

Oregon Department of Education Updates to Field

1. Invitation to Participate in the ODE English Learner Advisory Group The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) English Learner (EL) Advisory Group is a diverse group of community and district partners and an important part of ODE decision-making process, supporting the effective implementation of the Multilingual Learner Strategic Plan. This group is comprised of district and school administration, teachers, students, parents, and community members. The Multilingual & Migrant Education Team invites interested individuals to apply to participate in this advisory group for the term of two years including the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic calendar years. For detailed information on the scope of work of the EL Advisory Group and Member Responsibilities, please review the ODE EL Advisory Group Charter. Student representatives are encouraged to apply; please share this opportunity with student leadership groups as appropriate. Please submit this APPLICATION if you are interested in participating. For questions, contact Jennifer Fontana, Multilingual Education Specialist. Back to top

2. 2025-26 ELPA Score Reporting Issues 

This is a detailed update regarding ELPA Summative and Alt ELPA score reports. Please read carefully.

Overview

Incomplete English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) scores for a small number of students were made available in official ODE data applications such as Accountability Warehouse Extract (AWE). ODE incorrectly indicated that these scores were final when in fact they were not. Some districts acted on these incomplete scores by contacting families about EL status changes. ODE will contact these districts directly with impact data and required action.

What happened?

An aggressive timeline and unexpected challenges exposed several limitations and failure points in ODE’s process for updating and reporting student records. For a small number of students, this meant their scores were posted in AWE before scoring had completed.

Errors were identified and corrected, and all scores in AWE were finalized as of 5/13. However, districts who saw scores prior to that date saw changes for some students as incomplete scores were replaced with final, complete scores.

This issue affected 359 ELPA Summative tests and 4 Alt ELPA tests. It was accompanied by minor errors affecting Individual Student Reports (ISRs) (e.g., blank overall proficiency determination fields, missing scale scores), and artifacts in some AWE downloads (e.g., displaying “-999” for some values that should have been null).

Why did it happen?

Simply put, there was too much to do in the time available. ODE’s ELPA scoring policies Honoring Student Proficiency and Early Proficient, while beneficial for students, introduced complexities into the scoring and reporting process that can produce unexpected errors or inconsistencies. Finding and correcting these errors took more time than expected and ODE had promised to make scores available by a fixed date.

How many students were affected?

363 test records were affected across 51 districts.

• 301 student records statewide showed a different proficiency determination on their incomplete ELPA scores vs. their final ELPA scores.
  • 257 student records moved into or out of the Early Proficient scoring category during finalization.
  • 238 student records moved up the proficiency scale during finalization (i.e., closer to Proficient).
  • 62 student records moved down the proficiency scale during finalization (i.e., further from Proficient).
• 62 student records did not change proficiency determination during finalization.
• 219 test records belonged to students in Grades 10, 11, or 12.

What should districts do?

ODE will contact affected districts with information about impacted students and required action within 48 hours, using the subject line “2025-26 ELPA Score Reporting Issues: Individual District Follow-Up”.

There is no required action for unaffected districts. Those districts will not receive a direct communication from ODE.

What is ODE doing to prevent this issue from recurring?

ODE will implement a quality assurance (QA) check prior to posting scores to AWE. ELPA scores will be unavailable in AWE until this QA check is complete. If an issue is found that requires additional work to correct, ODE will inform districts that the QA period is being extended.

Internal conversations are ongoing regarding discrepancies between unofficial scores posted in the Centralized Reporting System (CRS) on the OSAS portal and official scores posted in ODE data applications.

Conclusion

ODE sincerely regrets the impact resulting from this scoring and reporting issue. Districts rely on complete and accurate ELPA scores to make EL status decisions and inform parents about their students’ academic progress. We realize that some districts who acted in good faith based on ODE-provided information will now need to take additional action. ODE apologizes for the error and any harm done to district personnel, students, or families.

Please contact Ben Wolcott, ELPA Specialist, with questions or concerns.

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3. Informational Update: June OSSB/M Scheduled Release Coming Soon

Pending Seal of Biliteracy awards will begin processing on the first working day after 6/1/26.

• The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) will begin processing pending Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy/Multiliteracy (OSSB/M) awards on the first working day after 6/1/26. Any OSSB/M requests submitted after 6/1/26 will be processed during the 9/15/26 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, OSSB/M coordinator, with questions or concerns.

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4. ELPA Domain Exemption Process For 2026-27 In the 2025-26 school year, the English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) domain exemption tool was deactivated for districts at the opening of the ELPA test window. In the 2026-27 school year, the domain exemption tool will remain active during the ELPA test window, with the caveat that the student must return to at least one ELPA Summative or Alt ELPA domain test for the domain exemption adjustment to be correctly applied during scoring. If a domain exemption adjustment is needed, but the student will not return to any ELPA Summative or Alt ELPA domain tests, districts will need to submit a test impropriety report to ensure the domain exemption adjustment is applied during scoring. Information about entering domain exemptions in the Test Administration Manual (TAM) and ODE’s ELPA domain exemption guidance will be updated to reflect this change. Contact Ben Wolcott, OSSB/M coordinator, with questions or concerns. Back to top

5. Apply Now: Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Advisory Group

This message is in English and Spanish / Este mensaje está en Inglés y Español

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is currently seeking applicants for its Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Advisory Group. This group advises ODE on education matters affecting Latino/a/x and Indigenous* students and families, and its purpose is to address systemic inequities experienced by Latino/a/x and Indigenous* students through focused investments and community partnerships that align with the Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Plan. Applications are due July 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Who is eligible to serve on the Advisory Group?

According to ORS 329.845, the Department of Education shall form an advisory group consisting of individuals representing:

• Urban and rural communities;
• Indigenous and immigrant populations;
• English language learners;
• Individuals with disabilities;
• Parents and students;
• Youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or another minority gender or sexual orientation;
• Community-based organizations serving Latino or Hispanic youth and families; and
• Education stakeholders, including representatives of the Department of Early Learning and Care, the Youth Development Division and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.

The Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Advisory Group will consist of up to 26 members with equitable representation from the required demographic categories.

Meetings:

The Advisory Group will meet monthly between September and June for 2 hours each month; additional meetings may be requested. Meetings are held virtually. Our meeting times are the third Tuesday of each month, from 2:00-4:00 PM PST. Our meeting schedule for the year will be set in the fall of each year and will take into consideration member availability.

How to Apply:

To apply, complete the Smartsheet application form. If you prefer to apply by phone call, video call, written letter, or to request translation services or accommodations, please reach out Dr. Susy Mekarski, Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Coordinator at susan.mekarski@ode.oregon.gov or call (971) 720-3444.

Applications are due no later than Thursday, July 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Applications will be reviewed and applicants will be notified in September. If selected to join the advisory group, you will receive an invitation letter and ODE staff will connect with you around next steps.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Susy Mekarski, Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Coordinator at susan.mekarski@ode.oregon.gov or call (971) 720-3444.

*Indigenous Mexican, Central, South American, and Caribbean

Solicitud para el Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latino/a/x e Indígenas*

El Departamento de Educación en Oregon (ODE) tiene la solicitud abierta para candidatos en el Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latinos/as/xs e Indígenas*. El Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latinos/as/xs e Indígenas* aconseja a ODE sobre temas de educación que afectan a los estudiantes y familias latinas. El propósito del Grupo Consejero es abordar las desigualdades sistémicas a través de inversiones enfocadas con inversiones y asociación comunitaria que se alinea con el Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latinos/as/xs e Indígenas*. Las solicitudes deben ser sometidas a más tardar el jueves 17 de julio de 2026 a las 5:00 PM.

¿Quién puede servir en este Grupo Consejero?

De acuerdo con ORS 329.845, el Departamento de Educación deberá formar un Grupo Consejero que consista de personas que representen:

• Comunidades urbanas y rurales
• Personas indígenas e inmigrantes;
• Estudiantes del idioma inglés;
• Personas con discapacidades;
• Padres/ madres/guardianes y estudiantes;
• Jóvenes que se identifican como lesbiana, homosexual, bisexuale, trans, queer u otro género u orientación sexual minoritario;
• Organizaciones comunitarias que sirven a jóvenes y familias latinas o hispanas; y
• Participantes en la educación, incluidos representantes del Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano, la División de Desarrollo Juvenil, y la Comisión Coordinadora de Educación Posgrado.

El Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latinos/as/xs e Indígenas* será constituido con un máximo de 26 miembros con una representación equitativa de las categorías demográficas requeridas.

Reuniones:

El Grupo Consejero se reunirá mensualmente de septiembre a junio y cada reunión durará 2 horas; se pueden solicitar reuniones adicionales. Las reuniones se llevan a cabo virtualmente. Los horarios de reunión actuales son el tercer martes de cada mes, de 2:00 a 4:00 PM horario Pacífico. Nuestro calendario de reuniones para el año se establecerá en el otoño de cada año, y el horario de reuniones recurrentes tomará en cuenta la disponibilidad de los miembros.

Como Aplicar:

Para someter su solicitud, por favor llene la información en este formulario. Si usted prefiere llenar su solicitud por teléfono, video, carta, o solicita servicios de traducción y/o apoyos, por favor comuníquese con la Dra. Susy Mekarski, Coordinadora del Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latinos/as/xs e Indígenas* al correo electrónico susan.mekarski@ode.oregon.gov o llame al (971) 720-3444.

Las solicitudes deben ser sometidas a más tardar el 17 de julio de 2026 a las 5:00 PM. Las solicitudes serán revisadas y los solicitantes serán notificados en septiembre. Si es seleccionado para unirse al Grupo Consejero, recibirá una carta de invitación y el personal de ODE se comunicará con usted para los siguientes pasos.

Si usted tiene alguna pregunta, por favor comuníquese con la Dra. Susy Mekarski, Coordinadora del Grupo Consejero del Plan de Éxito de los Estudiantes Latinos/as/xs e Indígenas* al correo electrónico susan.mekarski@ode.oregon.gov o llame al (971) 720-3444.

*Indígena mexicano, centroamericano, sudamericano, y caribeño

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Upcoming Events, Training and Conference Opportunities

1. Webinar: IDRC -- Scripts and Tips for Working in the Community, June 16, 2026  The Identification and Recruitment Consortium (IDRC) presents newly released tools to support community engagement, including scripts, talking points, and strategies for collaborating with community agencies, farms, and agribusinesses. Focus on expanding outreach to eligible students. Participants receive access to resources following the session. Click here to register for this event. Back to top

2. ESOL Summer Leadership Institute 2026 (Repost)

3. Online Course: Teaching Early Literacy from a Multilingual Perspective, July 6- August 9, 2026 – Registration Now Open (Repost) Registration is now open for the Summer 2026 offering of the OSU Professional and Continuing Educators online course Teaching Early Literacy from a Multilingual Perspective. The course will run from July 6th-August 9th, with registration closing June 26. By adopting a multilingual perspective, educators can support the development of foundational literacy skills while honoring and leveraging students’ home languages. The course features leading experts in multilingualism and early literacy, offering practical insights and strategies that can inform and strengthen classroom practice over time. 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. For more information, visit the Professional and Continuing Education page or contact the course coordinator, Michelle Murphy. Back to top

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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.

Contact Us

For questions or assistance, the Multilingual and Migrant (MME) team is available to support you. Please contact us via email for further information.

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.