Our monthly information sessions will now include professional learning for district leaders of multilingual learner programs as well as timely information with clock hours provided! Sign up here on pdEnroller.
The September 7th Information Session focused on strategies for welcoming newcomer students and included information on WIDA screening, notification letters, website updates, and new webinars and PLCs for the 2023-24 school year. Click here to see the slides and recording.
The next session will be focused on the Pre-Referral Process for MLs and will be held on:
2023-24 Info Session Dates & Topics: Nov. 2: Family Engagement, Dec. 7: WIDA ACCESS, Jan. 4: Science of Reading, Feb. 1: Inclusionary Practices, Mar. 7: Braided Funding, Apr. 4: Long-Term ELs, May 2: Program Evaluation, & June 6: Using Assessment. (Topics subject to change.)
Add sessions to calendar: AM Session (9-10 am) | PM Session (3-4 pm)
For previous resources please go to the Multilingual Education Webinars and Newsletters page.
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Please remember the following important dates and resources for notifying families about WIDA screening, placement in services, and continued eligibility. Letters and resources can be found on the Family Communication Templates webpage. See below and/or download this Notification Timeline for a reminder of what is required:
SEPTEMBER (within 30 days of start of school):
- Notification of Placement (for new students)
- Notification of Continued Eligibility (for continuing or in-state transfer students)
- Notification of Continued Eligibility (for students who take the Alt. ACCESS)
For Notification of Placement or Continued Eligibility letters, you will need to include the 4 and 5-year graduation rates for MLs and the average years to exit the program. Please see the Notification Letter Data for district-level data or use the state-level data (in green) if your data is suppressed due to low numbers of MLs. Please note that the average years to exit has been recalculated to include long-term English learners who exit upon graduation as well as students who meet proficiency on the WIDA ACCESS.
Please contact your Program Supervisor if you have any questions.
Effective September 1, 2023, OSPI is changing the current website address from k12.wa.us to ospi.k12.wa.us. This change is required for improved security.
Please make sure to update your bookmarks, links, and saved pages to reflect this change, as redirects will only be in place for a period of 6 months. Rest assured, all the content and functionality you've come to rely on will remain intact at the new URL.
All OSPI email addresses will remain unchanged. If you encounter any issues or have any questions about this URL change, please reach out to OSPI’s support team at webteam@k12.wa.us. We're here to assist you and ensure a seamless transition.
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Dual and Heritage Language Grants
Dual and Heritage Language grant applications opened on September 1st for New and Planning districts (in the planning stage or in the first 3 years of implementation). For districts that are Continuing and/or Expanding programs or are seeking funding for heritage Spanish language programs, funding will not be available until later this fall, likely sometime in October to November.
The legislature did not provide additional funds for grants this year but only allowed OSPI to use carryover funds that remain from the ESSER 2-year grant cycle from 2021-23. For the 2024-25 school year, the legislature allocated $4,725,000 for dual, heritage, and tribal language grants. Because of this, fewer funds will be available for the 2023-24 school year, but more support is coming in 2024-25 for these programs!
Dual Language Spanish Teacher Leader Cohort
A PLC to support Spanish Dual Language and Heritage teachers who are implementing the WIDA Marco DALE SLD Standards Framework.
- Applicants must commit to one full-day in-person WIDA workshop as well as a monthly PLC meeting.
- Applicants should be in positions in which they regularly teach or coach teachers in a Spanish Dual/Heritage Language Program.
To apply, please complete this survey by September 22, 2023.
Contact Teresa Mendoza-Casby or Katie Sperling for more information.
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Seal of Biliteracy Rules Revision
During the summer and fall of 2023, the Seal of Biliteracy (WAC 392-420-350) will undergo a rules revision with the goal of recognizing students who achieve a higher level of proficiency as well as expanding the options for students to show proficiency.
OSPI is still looking to fill stakeholder groups to give feedback based on different perspectives of language education. These groups include, but are not limited to, :
- MS/HS World Language Education
- MS/HS Dual/Heritage Language or Bilingual Education
- MS/HS/District Administration
- (Department Head, Subject Area Coordinator, Director, TOSA, etc.)
- Special Education
- American Sign Language
- Less Commonly Taught/Tested Languages
- Career and Technical Education (CTE)
- Assessment/Reporting
- Alternative Learning Experiences/Options
- Other
Please fill out the Seal of Biliteracy Rules Revision - Special Group Member Interest Survey. Those interested must provide proof of experience or credentials. Selected participants will be notified after the survey closes on September 30, 2023.
If you have previous applied, you do not need to re-apply if your application is current.
For Tribal languages, OSPI will work with the Office of Native Education and Tribal consultation will occur.
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Washington OER Hub
The Washington OER Hub is an online library of free, high-quality K–12 learning and teaching materials created by and curated for Washington educators. On the Hub you can find units, lessons—even whole textbooks—that can be used with multilingual learners. You can also search by language, or use the Dual Language or Heritage Language groups, for materials in languages other than English.
Learn more about the Washington OER Hub and register for an Overview and New Resource Highlight session by clicking on one of the dates below:
For more information, review the Washington OER Hub Information resource or contact Barbara Soots, Open Educational Resources and Instructional Materials Program Manager.
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Title III is Now Open in EGMS
Grants in EGMS this year include CGA (includes Title III), Title III Consortium, and TBIP. Consolidated Grant Applications (which include Title III) are due September 14th. TBIP was due August 1st. Please see office hours below for support opportunities.
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Districts with approved TBIP grants by September 15 will receive their funds in September. We have several districts who have not submitted nor responded to request for changes. Districts that have not submitted the application for review and wish to receive TBIP funds in September should complete the application ASAP. For districts with changes needed, please check your pending tasks in EGMS.
LEAs that have not yet submitted FP 972 have been notified that FP 219 TBIP will not be reviewed until FP 972 (due June 30) has been submitted and approved.
Please get in touch with Sue Connolly for assistance or questions. Sue.connolly@k12.wa.us
Technical Support for Completing Grant Applications:
TBIP, OSSI EGMS Office Hours
- Every Thursday effective May 18 – November 16 (as needed) | 1-2 pm | Zoom
Video clips on how to complete the TBIP application are now available!
These video clips are also in EGMS if you download them prior to qualifying for the opportunity. Videos can be located on the files tab of the opportunity.
Take part in our Standards Implementation Study!
WIDA is conducting a survey to better understand how educators make sense of and implement the WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition. The survey will take approximately 25 minutes to complete. At the end of the survey, there is an optional extension opportunity for educators who wish to further engage with WIDA on this topic.
Your participation in this study will provide the opportunity to lift your voice and inform future development of resources and professional learning.
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Updated ACCESS Test Practice Resources
Updated versions of the Preparing Students for ACCESS Online and the Suggested Sample Item Script: ACCESS for ELLs Online have been posted to the ACCESS Test Practice and Sample Items page on the WIDA website. Both documents now reflect changes to the DRC INSIGHT browser testing interface. The Preparing Students for ACCESS Paper resource has been updated for consistent formatting.
Mark your Calendar: September Q&A Webinars
Please join WIDA and DRC to learn about the following topics:
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Welcome Back: What’s New in 2023? | Tuesday, September 12 at 1:00pm-2:30pm CT
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Pre-Testing: ACCESS for ELLs for New Test Administrators | Thursday, September 14 at 1:00pm-2:00pm CT
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Pre-Testing: ACCESS for ELLs for New Test Coordinators | Tuesday, September 19 at 1:00pm-2:00pm CT
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Pre-Testing: Ordering Materials in WIDA AMS | Tuesday, September 26 at 1:00pm-2:00pm CT
Learn more and add these upcoming webinars to your calendar on the Webinars page.
Can’t make it? The recordings for WIDA Q&A Webinars are posted to the WIDA Secure Portal on the Webinars page within a week of the presentation.
New Focus Bulletin: Words for Science Learning: Which Words and When?
When educators think of language instruction in science, the traditional practice of pre-teaching vocabulary comes to mind. WIDA’s new Focus Bulletin Words for Science Learning: Which Words and When? builds on new research and offers resources for embedding vocabulary instruction into students’ participation in the science and engineering practices.
Updates and Reminders
ELP Assessment Updates
Click here for the most up to date information on the WIDA Screener.
The OSPI ELP Assessment team maintains a list of district contacts to facilitate communication between districts regarding WIDA test scores. Please review the WIDA District Contact List to verify your district’s contact information and email Alysia Hartsell with any changes needed.
The Zoom at Noon: Lunch with Leslie
Lunch with Leslie is an opportunity on Mondays at noon for districts to hear updates from the OSPI Assessment Team, ask questions about WIDA assessments, or find out how other districts are approaching testing processes.
The next Zoom at Noon session will be held on:
- Monday, September 11 at 12:00–1:00 pm | Zoom
These professional learning opportunities are shared for your information but do not constitute an endorsement by OSPI of any specific organizations.
Current K-12 teachers can now enroll in Gonzaga’s ONLINE ELL courses, either a la carte or as part of the ELL Certificate.
Options:
- Choose ELL courses a la carte to enhance your ability to teach ELL students in various subjects ($635/credit)
- Join the ELL Certificate track any semester ($8,900 for entire program, discounts available)
Next available courses:
- FALL: Immigrant & Refugee Perspectives (Fridays, 4:30 to 7:30 PM. Attend via Zoom or in person)
- WINTER: Second Language Acquisition (Tuesdays, 4:30 to 7:30 PM. Attend via Zoom or in-person)
To enroll or ask questions, email CLL@gonzaga.edu.
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Seattle University’s College of Education offers an online English Language Learner (ELL) endorsement academy for Washington state teachers.
Designed for K-12 teachers to meet the needs of today’s students, our online ELL academy provides coursework and classroom experience to prepare teachers to achieve their ELL endorsement.
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Duration: Intensive 9-month program with 24 credits
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Cost: Total 24-credit cost: $8,145
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Enrollment: Email e-academy@seattleu.edu for course application.
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Register for the Conference by October 1st for best pricing!
WAESOL is again distributing $2,500 in grants and awards at the 2023 Annual Conference on October 21st, 2023. In addition to the grants and awards, WAESOL also has 10 conference scholarships available to attend the 48th Annual Conference.
To submit an award nomination or apply for a grant or scholarship, you need to be a current member of WAESOL. Visit the Membership page of the WAESOL website to become a member or renew your membership.
Apply for...
Nominate a colleague for...
Application deadline: September 17, 2023 | Winners will be notified by October 1st.
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WIDA Annual Conference 2023
In-person 2023 WIDA Annual Conference Sold Out. Registration to Attend Virtually is still open!
The WIDA Annual Conference is the premier event for educators of Pre-K through grade 12 multilingual learners, giving educators from around the globe the opportunity to share best practices and discover innovative classroom strategies. A curated virtual option will also be available on October 18 that includes a sampling of sessions from the in-person conference. For more information, visit their website.
Dates: October 17-20, 2023
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Plan now to attend our 2nd Annual WALAS Conference, Liderazgo Brillante: Empowering Latino Administrators and Superintendents!
Dates: October 27-28, 2023
Location: University of Washington Tacoma Campus
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 Kristin Percy Calaff, Ph.D. – Executive Director of Multilingual & Migrant Education | 564-999-3144
Virginia Morales– Supporting ESD 121 | Assistant Director of Multilingual Education | 360-725-4477
Shannon Martin– Supporting ESD 112, 113 & 114 | Multilingual Education Program Supervisor | 360-269-5232
Katie Sperling– Supporting ESD 101 & 171 | Multilingual Education Program Supervisor | 360 -701-5064
Sue Connolly– Supporting ESD 105, 123 & Charter Schools | Multilingual Education Program Supervisor | 360-522-0001
Ema Shirk– Supporting ESD 189 and Heritage and Dual Language Programs | Dual Language Program Supervisor | 564-200-3167
Teresa Mendoza-Casby– Supporting Dual Language Programs | Dual Language Program Supervisor | 564-999-0610
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