1. Applications Open: Pathways to Multilingualism Grants

The Pathways to Multilingualism grant program aims to support Priority Area 4 of Oregon’s Multilingual Learner Strategic Plan: Pathways to Multilingualism. Grants are intended to support Oregon districts in designing and strengthening dual language and tribal revitalization programs and funds may be used for educator professional learning, instructional materials, supplemental staffing support and family & community engagement. Ultimately, grant funds are to expand pathways to multilingualism and provide increased opportunities for students to earn the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy/Multiliteracy.

The application can be found on the Oregon Buys website. Applications are due by July 8, 2026.

Register HERE for the Pre-Application Conference Meeting on Monday, June 15 at 1:00 PM.

For questions, contact Jennifer Huston at jennifer.huston@ode.oregon.gov.

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3. Join ODE’s 2026–27 ML/EL Regional Trainings

Greetings Multilingual/English Learner Leaders:

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is pleased to announce the return of regional ML/EL training for the fall of 2026-27. ODE staff will travel to the following 10 ESDs to provide a morning professional development session and hold district one-on-one meetings in the afternoon.  The following are the locations listed in alphabetical order.  For professional development training, the same presentation will be provided at every location, so you do not have to choose a local ESD.

• Clackamas ESD - September 30
• Douglas ESD - September 9
• Intermountain ESD - September 29
• High Desert ESD - September 28
• Lane ESD - September 23
• Malheur ESD - August 27
• Northwest Regional ESD – September 3
• South Coast ESD - September 24
• Southern Oregon ESD - September 10
• Willamette ESD - September 25

Please complete the ODE Registration form to reserve a seat for this opportunity. If Clackamas ESD is selected, complete the additional ESD Registration form.

Please note that some ESD locations have room capacity limits. If capacity is reached at a specific location, ODE staff will contact individuals registered beyond capacity and recommend an alternate location or placement on a waitlist.

If you have any questions, please contact Kim Milller, Education Specialist.  

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4. MEP Parent Leadership and Perseverance: Ermelinda Galindo’s Journey (Spanish/English)

This message is in Spanish and English

Como suelen decir, los padres son los primeros maestros de sus hijos. El apoyo y la participación de los padres pueden constituir un componente fundamental para el éxito de los estudiantes. En esta edición, el equipo Multilingüe y Educación Migrante desea reconocer a una madre del Programa de Educación para Migrantes (MEP) que su éxito está impactando positivamente la vida de sus hijos, y demostrando que es posible seguir avanzando en la educación.

Ermelinda Galindo y su familia han participado en el Programa de Educación para Migrantes (MEP) durante cuatro años. Durante este tiempo, ella ha podido involucrarse más en el programa a través de su rol de liderazgo como miembro del Comité Asesor de Padres del Programa de Educación para Migrantes. El programa MEP le ha ayudado a sentirse parte de la comunidad escolar.

Ermelinda se sintió inspirada a continuar su educación y obtener su GED por su hija, quien en aquel entonces tenía 12 años. Quería apoyar a sus hijos en sus tareas escolares y demostrarles que, con dedicación, es posible seguir mejorando sus propias habilidades. Ermelinda anteriormente completó la escuela hasta el primer grado y ahora completó su diploma de GED. Felicitamos a Ermelinda mientras se prepara para la ceremonia de graduación que tendrá este mes de junio.

Gracias al Programa de Educación para Migrantes, Ermelinda encontró el High School Equivalency Program (HEP) en Oregon State University (OSU), el cual le brindó el apoyo necesario para completar su GED. HEP es un programa financiado por el gobierno federal diseñado para apoyar a migrantes y estacionales de trabajadores agrícolas y sus hijos para obtener el equivalente de un diploma de preparatoria. Ofrece apoyo financiero, opciones de cursos virtuales o en persona, y horarios flexibles. Con apoyo de HEP, otros recursos comunitarios, y al apoyo de su familia, Ermelinda Galindo logró completar los cursos necesarios para obtener su GED. Ella expresó que esto ha marcado una gran diferencia, para poder apoyar a sus hijos con sus tareas escolares.

Su consejo para los padres que están considerando continuar su educación es que establezcan metas claras durante este proceso. Con metas claras y disciplina para alcanzarlas, lo demás vendrá. En la experiencia de Ermelinda, el apoyo de su familia fue vital para su éxito. Ella anima a los padres a informarse sobre los recursos educativos y el apoyo que tienen a su disposición. A los jóvenes migrantes les aconseja reconocer que ya poseen muchas habilidades extraordinarias y que solo necesitan reforzarlas de medio del apoyo de su comunidad y conexiones. ¡Felicidades nuevamente a Ermelinda Galindo por este gran logro y su constante dedicación a su familia y a la educación!

Descubra más sobre HEP en el sitio web de OSU: High School Equivalency Program.

English

As we often say, parents are children’s first teachers. Their support and involvement can be a critical component of students' success. In this issue, the Multilingual and Migrant Education team highlights a Migrant Education Program parent whose success is positively impacting the lives of her children and demonstrating that it is possible to continue making strides in one's own education.

Ermelinda Galindo and her family have been part of the Migrant Education Program (MEP) for four years. During this time, she has been able to become more involved in the program through her leadership role as a Migrant Education Program Parent Advisory Committee Member. The MEP program has helped her feel part of the school community.

Ermelinda was inspired to continue her education and pursue her GED by her 12-year-old daughter at the time. She wanted to support her children in their schoolwork and demonstrate to them that, with dedication, it is possible to continue to improve one’s abilities. Ermelinda went from having competed up to a 1st grade education to now completing her GED diploma this year. We congratulate Ermelina as she prepares for the graduation ceremony this June.

Thanks to the Migrant Education Program, Ermelinda found OSU’s High School Equivalency Program (HEP) which supported her in being able to complete her GED. HEP is a federally funded program designed to support migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their children in earning the equivalent of a high school diploma through financial support, flexible schedules, and in-person or virtual courses. With support from HEP, other community resources, and the support of her family, Ermelinda Galindo was able to complete her courses for her GED. She expressed that this has made a big difference now being able to support her kids in their schoolwork.

Her advice to parents who are considering continuing their education is to set clear goals in this process. With clear goals and discipline in meeting those goals, the rest will follow. In her experience, having clear communication and support from her family was vital to her success. She encourages parents to be aware of the educational resources and support available to them. To migrant youth she advises them to recognize that they already have many great abilities and they just need to reinforce them through support with their community and support networks. Congratulations again to Ermelinda Galindo for this milestone and her continued commitment to her family and education!

More information about the HEP program is available on the OSU High School Equivalency Program webpage.

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5. Informational Update: OSSB/M 26-27 updates

The following contains reminders regarding the remainder of the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy/Multiliteracy (OSSB/M) 2026 award year and advance information regarding the 2027 award year.

• 3,825 Seals were awarded in May and June 2026, which exceeds the 2025 total of 3,713 awards.
  • Two scheduled releases remain in the 2026 award year, with deadlines on 9/15/26 and 11/15/26.
• The 2027 OSSB/M Manual, found on the Biliteracy Initiatives page, is now available.
  • The 2026 OSSB/M Manual was moved to the Resources from Prior Years accordion.
  • Consult Section 1.2 Summary of Changes for major differences from prior years. One notable change: due to an update to ORS 339.505, starting in 2027 ODE can no longer award the OSSB/M to students who earn an alternative certificate. If you are currently working on an OSSB/M claim for such a student, please reach out to Ben Wolcott for options.
  • As a reminder, any new flexibilities introduced in an updated manual are available to students right away. Any new requirements (meaning, elements that make it more difficult to earn the Seal or impose additional responsibilities on institutions requesting the Seal) take effect in the manual’s printed award year.
• Multilingual Proficiency will be available as a local accountability metric in 2026-27.
  • This will have no impact on the 2026-27 OSSB/M request process.
  • More information about local metrics, including a Local Metrics Technical Manual, can be found on ODE’s Performance Growth Targets page.
• The OSSB/M Request Form and associated Template will change in 2027. Specifically, the current ADDRESS field will split into SCHOOL, STREET, CITY, STATE, and ZIP fields.
  • To keep 2026 data consistent, the current format will be used through 11/15/26.
  • Institutions submitting OSSB/M requests for May 2027 and following must use the updated form/template.
  • Another message will be sent in November to remind institutions to download, or become familiar with, the 2027 template.

Key Dates

As a reminder, OSSB/M requests are fulfilled four times per year.

• 5/1
• 6/1
• 9/15
• 11/15

Action Needed

Review the 2027 OSSB/M Manual.

Contact Ben Wolcott, Seal of Biliteracy coordinator, with questions or concerns.

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1. Centering Joy This Pride Month

Pride Month is a meaningful opportunity for education leaders to integrate LGBTQ2SIA+ history and ongoing resilience with queer joy and celebration. Whether through a youth pride event, lavender graduation, pride spirit week, LGBTQ2SIA+ history display, or a rainbow family read-along, we stand with all Oregonians in honoring the ongoing contributions of LGBTQ2SIA+ people in Oregon communities.

Research affirms that LGBTQ+ students with more supportive educators, anti-bullying policies that explicitly mention sexual orientation and gender identity, LGBTQ+ inclusive learning, and GSA presence report a higher sense of belonging and higher GPAs. Those students are also less likely to miss school due to feeling unsafe. As one student shared, “My school teachers are very inclusive with everyone whether by race or sexuality; last year we even had a teacher that had a rainbow sign outside her door, saying she accepted all. My school has participated in the transgender day, and all other days in which we celebrated one another…this is my favorite school so far.”

ODE staff will be tabling at quite a few pride events around Oregon this year, sharing the LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Plan (SSP), zine, flyer, and card and supporting our LGBTQ2SIA+ SSP grantees. We hope to see you at your local pride event!

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2. Resource: Summer Resources for Supporting Immigrant and Refugee Families

Explore curated resources to help support and empower immigrant and refugee families throughout the summer months.

1. Oregon Summer EBT
   • A grocery benefits program to help families buy food for their school-aged children when school is out. The program begins in June.
   • The Summer EBT program does not ask for immigration status and does not use immigration status to determine eligibility.
   • Summer EBT 
   • Summer EBT Partner Resources (some materials available in multiple languages)
2. Summer Meals Program
   • Learn about meal sites and how to locate them on the Oregon Department of Education's  Summer Meals Program page.
3. FACT Oregon Toolkits for families of children who have disabilities. 
4. U.S. Committee for Refugee and Immigrants, Refugee Youth Resource Center
   • The webinar "Bridging the Gap: Increasing Collaboration between Resettlement Providers, Child Welfare, & Schools to Meet the Needs of Newcomer Youth" was offered in April 2026. Find the webinar recording, slides, and resources for families (available in multiple languages) on the Refugee Youth Resource Center page.
   • Training library
   • Training request form
   • Provider case consultation request form

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1. Webinar: Biliteracy Foundations—The Truth About Transparency, June 17, 2026

Discover what new research reveals about Spanish early literacy and its impact on biliteracy instruction. This engaging free webinar highlights orthographic transparency while connecting the science of reading with translanguaging practices. A valuable opportunity to strengthen approaches that support multilingual learners. Click here to register for this event.

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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.

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.