EmpowerED: Multilingual News and Insights - Multilingual Academic Services (MAS)

Multilingual Academic Services (MAS)

Volume 5, Fall 2026

A New Year, A Lasting Impact

The beginning of the school year buzzes with its own special energy. Before the routines settle in and the days begin to fill, there is a moment of possibility — a new group of students, new stories waiting to unfold, and another opportunity to make a lasting difference.

For educators who work with multilingual learners, that difference can take many forms. It might be helping a student find the confidence to share an idea in a new language. It might be recognizing a strength that others have overlooked. It might be making a family feel welcomed and heard, or creating a classroom where students know that their languages, cultures, and experiences are valued.

These moments may seem small in the course of a busy school day, but they are anything but small to the students experiencing them. The encouragement you give, the relationships you build, and the belief you show in your students can stay with them long after they leave your classroom.

As we enter a new school year, there is much to learn, navigate and celebrate in the world of multilingual education. In this issue, we're celebrating and welcoming Dr. Denise Harshman as the new Manager of Multilingual Academic Services! We’re also highlighting new guidance and resources from the California Department of Education, including updates related to multilingual literacy, TK multilingual learner screening, English learner reclassification, and California’s System of Support. You’ll also find resources to help strengthen connections with immigrant and newcomer families, along with opportunities to continue learning together.

Looking ahead, we’re featuring upcoming professional learning for educators supporting multilingual learners in early childhood settings, as well as opportunities to nurture biliteracy through authentic Spanish-language literature and family literacy resources.

Thank you for all that you do — including the things no one sees, the extra conversations, and the countless ways you help students thrive.

Here’s to the students you will inspire and the impact you will make this year — one student, one classroom, and one moment at a time.

Welcome back. We’re so glad to be on this journey with you.

Inside this Issue

Welcome, Dr. Denise Harshman!
Multilingual Learner Policy Spotlight and

CA Department of Education Resources

MAS Resource Hub
Did You Know?
Biliteracy Corner
Upcoming Events

🎉 Welcome to MAS, Dr. Denise Harshman! 🎉

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Denise Harshman as the new Manager of Multilingual Academic Services (MAS) at the Orange County Department of Education!

Denise brings 30 years of experience as a teacher, instructional leader, coach, and countywide and statewide program leader. Throughout her career, she has championed opportunities for multilingual learners by leading professional learning and supporting schools and districts through initiatives including the California English Learner Roadmap, B.E.L.I.E.F., ERWC, and AVID (to name a few).

Known for building trusted partnerships and sustainable systems, Denise believes deeply in the power of collaboration and continuous improvement. Grounded in the belief that multilingualism is an asset, she is committed to strengthening district partnerships and expanding access to rigorous, affirming learning experiences for every student.

As MAS Manager, Denise will work alongside our team and LEA partners to continue strengthening the systems, professional learning, and collaborative networks that support multilingual learners throughout Orange County and beyond.

Please join us in giving Denise a warm welcome to the MAS community!

Multilingual Learner Policy Spotlight and

CA Department of Education Resources

California Literacy Content Blocks: Multilingual Literacy Guidance for TK-12

The California Literacy Roadmap is designed to help educators apply the ELA/ELD Framework to classroom instruction, navigate resources and professional learning opportunities, and improve literacy and biliteracy outcomes for all students with a focus on equity.

The forthcoming Multilingual Learner guidance will further support educators in implementing effective literacy and biliteracy instruction by uplifting Bridging, Teaching for Transfer, and Strategic Translanguaging as key approaches for leveraging students’ full linguistic repertoires and advancing literacy across languages. The purpose of the California Literacy Roadmap is to provide current and comprehensive guidance to help educators implement effective literacy and biliteracy instruction for all California students. (California Department of Education, 2026) California Literacy Roadmap

TK Multilingual Learner Screening

California Education Code Section 48004 recognizes the growing need to support Transitional Kindergarten (TK) multilingual learners as access to TK expands across the state. The law affirms that students' home languages and cultures are valuable assets and highlights the lifelong cognitive, academic, and economic benefits of multilingualism. To support implementation, the California Department of Education (CDE), with approval from the State Board of Education, will establish a list of approved screening instruments and implementation guidelines to help local educational agencies identify TK multilingual learners who may benefit from language development support. Learn more about what LEAs should do to prepare for mandatory 2027-2028 implementation here.

AB 2555: English Learner Reclassification

Beginning July 1, 2027, AB 2555 would change California’s reclassification process so that an English learner who meets the English language proficiency score established by the State Board of Education on the state-approved English language proficiency assessment—or, when applicable, the statewide alternate assessment—would be reclassified as English proficient. Beginning July 1, 2028, the bill would also create an alternate pathway for eligible English learners with IEPs who are close to the established proficiency threshold to demonstrate comparable English proficiency through specified alternate coursework and performance tasks. AB 2555 is scheduled to be signed or vetoed by the governor by September 30, 2026.

As reclassification criteria evolve, the OPTEL should continue to be considered a useful tool for gathering additional evidence of students’ English language proficiency and supporting educators in making informed reclassification decisions.

Updates to Differentiated Assistance and Technical Support

California is updating its System of Support to strengthen how Differentiated Assistance (DA) and technical support are identified and provided to LEAs. Beginning with the 2026 California School Dashboard, DA determinations will move to a three-year cycle, using multiple years of performance data to identify LEAs that may benefit from additional support. The updated approach emphasizes timely, needs-based technical assistance and building local capacity to address persistent disparities and improve outcomes for students. California School Dashboard & System of Support

MAS Resource Hub

Our Schools: Resources for Including Immigrant Families - The California Department of Education’s Our Schools: Resources for Including Immigrant Families toolkit helps LEAs foster welcoming, safe, and inclusive environments for all students and families. Newly available translations in nine languages make these important resources accessible to more communities. We encourage LEAs to share these materials widely to strengthen trust, belonging, and connection.

English Learner Roadmap Resource Hub - Visit the EL Roadmap Resource Hub for a multitude of resources to strengthen and deepen EL Roadmap Policy Implementation. The hub includes videos, presentations, current research studies, professional learning, and much more. This website provides resources for administrators at all levels, policymakers and families.

California Newcomer Network (CANN) - The California Newcomer Network (CANN) is a statewide hub connecting educators and partners who serve newcomer students, offering practical resources for instruction, enrollment, ELD, immigrant rights, and school systems. Educators can also join the CANN network to receive news, resources, professional learning opportunities, and invitations to quarterly network meetings—creating an ongoing opportunity to learn and connect with colleagues across California.

Did You Know?

Multilingual Learners for California

A new series, Understanding and Supporting Multilingual Learners, to support Early Childhood educators is coming up! This series will focus on practical strategies, resources, and leadership tools to support multilingual learners and enhance learning for all students. Topics include language development, engaging instructional practices, and effective scaffolds, along with the use of the CDE P–3 Multilingual Learning Toolkit and Preschool/TK English Learner Roadmap resources. The final two sessions focus on leadership practices that strengthen program structures, deepen understanding of language development models, and support a shared vision for multilingual learner success. Don’t miss out! The registration link is http://ocde.k12oms.org/1239-285325

For more information, please contact Catalina Sanchez at csanchez@ocde.us.

Biliteracy Corner

Building a Love of

Reading at Home

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library helps families build a strong foundation for literacy by providing children with a free, age-appropriate book mailed to their home each month. The program encourages families to make reading a regular part of everyday life and gives young children the opportunity to develop a lasting love of books and learning.

For families raising bilingual and multilingual children, sharing books together can also be a meaningful way to support language development and celebrate the languages spoken at home.

Families can learn more and sign up using the flyer below.

Meet the Authors

Behind the Books!

Bring authentic Spanish-language literature to life with Books del Sur’s monthly Author Talks & Read Alouds! Designed primarily for Spanish-speaking classrooms, these free virtual events give students an opportunity to hear directly from authors of high-quality, authentic Spanish children’s literature, experience expressive read-alouds, and engage in conversations about books, culture, and the authors’ creative process.

Author Talks take place monthly via Zoom and are open to educators, students, and families. Students are encouraged to prepare and ask questions in Spanish, making these events a meaningful way to nurture biliteracy, authentic language use, and a love of reading in Spanish.

The 2026–27 series features titles including Los lunes de colores, Hola Mundo, Mati y la biblioteca mágica, and Patagonia.

Explore the upcoming Author Talks and register: Books del Sur Author Talks & Read Alouds