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December 20, 2023

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Administration of ESSA Title III State-Administered Grants Returns to OELA

Earlier this year, Secretary Cardona informed Congress that he plans to move the administrative functions of State-administered grants under Title III, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) from the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) to the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA).


As a result of this reorganization, OELA will become the Principal Office within the Department responsible for administering programs designed for English learners (ELs). 


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Happy Holidays from OELA!

Season's greetings! May the holiday season bring you and your loved ones peace and joy. As we approach the new year, OELA extends our best wishes for a prosperous and fulfilling 2024!

COVID-19 Testing Supply Program

The U.S. Department of Education (ED), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, is providing free at-home tests for students, staff, and local educational agencies. Access the tests through the COVID-19 Testing Supply Program to help prevent the virus's spread in schools and communities this winter.


See More Resources

NCELA Resource Library
Visit our database of 20,000+ resources.

Funding Opportunities


Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Rural, Insular, and Native Achievement Programs: Alaska Native Education Program

Top 5 Highlights of 2023

OELA had a busy 2023, and we’re excited to share our notable moments and achievements. Take a look at the top 5 highlights, catch up on resources you might have missed, and share with your colleagues! 

1. Released the English Learner Family Toolkit and App: OELA published an updated toolkit designed for families and educators, offering the latest tips and resources to support ELs in U.S. schools. Additionally, a mobile app was released, providing access to all toolkit chapters in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic. The app is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store


2. Released the Updated Newcomer Toolkit: The Newcomer Toolkit, a valuable resource for state, local, and school leaders, was updated to better support multilingual learner educators and general education teachers serving immigrant and refugee students. Updates included refined definitions, expanded resources, and a focus on family engagement. Download the toolkit here


3. Hosted the National Convening on English Learners’ Civil Rights: In June, OELA hosted a 2-day convening on ELs’ Civil Rights. The event centered on statutes, regulations, and case law relevant to the civil rights of ELs. It highlighted guidance and resources to ensure that education agencies are equipped to meet their obligations to EL students and families. Find convening recordings and meeting materials on the NCELA site


4. Published 16 Infographics & Fact Sheets: OELA released new infographics this year, covering topics such as ELs with disabilities, the Seal of Biliteracy, and resources for promoting multilingualism. Our fact sheets presented data on EL graduation rates, top languages spoken by ELs in the U.S., and efforts to promote multilingualism in the country. Explore all the fact sheets and infographics.


5. Hosted 10 Webinars: This year's webinar topics, including early learning, dual language, the Seal of Biliteracy, and the Raise the Bar initiative, provided attendees with opportunities to hear from panelists with expertise in these areas. Visit NCELA to watch the recordings of our 2023 webinars

Announcements

Meet OELA in the Field

In 2024, you can meet OELA at conferences around the country. Our Assistant Deputy Secretary and Director, Montserrat Garibay, will speak at the following events:


New Podcast! Elevando las Expectativas: Proporcionándole a Cada Estudiante un Camino Hacia el Multilingüismo

This two-part, Spanish-language podcast hosted by ED’s OELA features Montserrat Garibay, Assistant Deputy Secretary and Director of OELA, and Melissa Castillo, Senior Advisor at OELA. The conversation centers around ED’s Raise the Bar initiative, the benefits of multilingualism, and ideas for providing pathways to multilingualism for all students.

 

This podcast also features five outstanding panelists:

 

  • Dr. Aída Walqui
  • Hector Chica
  • Patricia E. Chavez
  • Javier Martínez
  • Carmen J. Melendez-Quintero 


Listen: Part 1
Listen: Part 2

EL Family Toolkit and App: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Blog

Discover the EL Family Toolkit, updated by OELA. This toolkit serves as a vital connection for families and educators, providing the latest tips, tools, and resources to support ELs in U.S. schools. Stay informed through our recently launched mobile app, crafted to keep you up-to-date on trending topics and the latest toolkit features. Within this blog, you'll find answers to FAQs for navigating these resources effortlessly.

Read Blog

English Learner Toolkit Webinar Replay

On December 5, OELA hosted a webinar on the English Learner Family Toolkit. The panelists covered all six chapters of the toolkit, discussed the potential uses of the information, and demonstrated the features of the toolkit mobile app. You can watch the webinar and view the presentation slides on the NCELA website.

Watch Webinar Recording

Upcoming Events

March 21–23

TESOL 2024 International Convention & Expo

Convention

Connect, learn, and recharge at the ultimate event for English language teaching (ELT) professionals. You'll have the incredible opportunity to meet and connect with ELT colleagues from all over the world. You will also have access to 800+ educational sessions, three captivating keynote addresses, and 60+ exhibiting companies. Lock in advance savings by registering by February 15, 2024.

March 26–27

2024 Hybrid Conference: Leading Change in Multilingual Education

Hybrid Conference

Join the National Association of English Learner Program Administrators (NAELPA) for the 2024 Hybrid Conference. The theme of this year's conference is “Leading Change in Multilingual Education.” In addition to the virtual offerings, the in-person conference will be Tuesday, March 26–Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in New Orleans in conjunction with the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) Conference. The NAELPA conference includes keynote presentations from Dr. Jessica Costa and Crystal Gonzales as well as ED and OELA.

March 2830

NABE 2024 Conference

Conference

The NABE Annual Int’l Conference is a 3-day event scheduled to be held in New Orleans from March 28–30. The conference will include educational sessions, inspiring keynote speakers, award competitions, and networking opportunities. Online registration is available through February 29, 2024. For attendee registration and general conference information, you can contact mconf.reg.nabe@gmail.com.

April 1112

Virtual TESOL 2024 International Convention & Exp

Convention

Join the global community of English language professionals for the virtual TESOL 2024 Convention and English Language Expo on April 11–12. You'll gain exclusive access to recordings of the three keynotes from the in-person convention as well as 200+ pre-recorded virtual sessions. Please note that the virtual sessions are different from those that were presented in Tampa at the in-person convention.

May 2931

NJTESOL/NJBE 2024 Spring Conference

Conference

The In-Person Conference is scheduled at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick from May 29–31. Register for one, two, or all three days and take advantage of networking opportunities with colleagues. Stay updated on state and national initiatives, and don't miss the chance to explore the latest teaching tools by visiting the representatives at the sponsor and exhibitor booths.

 

Presentation topics will include General Interest, Content Area Instruction, Bilingual/ESL Pre-K through 12, Higher Ed, and more. Register early (by February 2, 2024, at 10 p.m.) for a discounted rate. All registrations include one free year of NJTESOL/NJBE membership.

June 5–7

Cambio de Colores 22nd Annual Conference

Conference

Mark your calendar for June 5–7 for the Cambio de Colores Annual Conference. This year's theme, “Sparking Change, Integration, and Deep Connections,” renews our call to action and commitment to learning alongside leaders and experts from our changing communities. This professional development opportunity is an excellent chance for bilingual educators, counselors, and school district leaders who aim to create welcoming communities for newcomers to learn from each other.


Please submit a proposal by January 21.

October 1518

WIDA Annual Conference

Conference

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. The in-person conference will take place October 15–18, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A curated virtual track will also be available.



In the News

EducationWeek

$890 Million in English-Learner Aid Is Under New Management. Why Researchers Are Hopeful

Management over the state grants for improving instruction of ELs returned to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) this week. The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) has overseen Title III grants for the last 15 years. The federal aid is intended for supplemental services in language and academic instruction of ELs. OELA has led the conversation around best practices for EL education since it was created by Congress in 2002 through the No Child Left Behind Act. Researchers hope that OELA’s impact on EL policy and instruction will grow under the latest move.

Henrico Citizen

More State Funds Could Better Help English Learners, Educators Say

Educators report that the needs of ELs have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began and that there aren't enough teachers or allocated funds. Virginia has struggled to fund education for several years, particularly for EL programs. In 2021, ELs experienced the most significant drop in state achievement scores compared to all other student groups measured in reading, math, and science. Advocates argue that ELs require more funding per pupil, with a study cited in a VPM report last year indicating they need up to 2 to 2.5 times more funding than other students.

The Baltimore Banner

Commentary: Maryland Higher Ed Should Credit All Language Learning

In 2024, Maryland legislators have the opportunity to pass the Credit for All Language Learning Act, ensuring equal credit for English Language Learners and aligning their education with World Languages classes. Currently, Maryland colleges do not grant credit for English Language Learner classes towards degrees, despite data demonstrating that multilingual learners (MLLs) excel in relevant courses. This change will help combat the issue shown in studies indicating that prolonged non-degree counting requirements reduce the likelihood of graduation.

EdSource

Faculty, Staff Urge California Colleges to Make Backup Plans in Case DACA Ends

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) offers temporary protection from deportation and permission to work for approximately 579,000 young people brought to the U.S. as children. Recipients must apply for renewal every two years, but the program's continuation remains uncertain. Many faculty and staff at California colleges and universities, who are DACA recipients, hold positions dedicated to supporting immigrant students. University of California officials are currently exploring ways to support employees if temporary deportation protections are terminated. They are also considering a proposal to hire students without work permits under DACA.

Institute of Education Sciences

NEW RESOURCES: Evidence-Based Writing Practices to Support English Learner Students

New Mexico prioritizes equitable educational opportunities and achievements for EL students. One of the state's literacy goals is focused on helping educators deliver high-quality literacy instruction that supports the development of stronger literacy and writing skills among EL students. This infographic outlines two approaches that support effective writing instruction by introducing Write to Succeed, a professional learning program that aims to improve English proficiency among EL students as well as literacy skills for all students.

Edutopia

TIPS FOR EDUCATORS: Using AI to Support Multilingual Students

New academic content can often be dense and incomprehensible for MLLs. When there's a need to highlight key details of a topic for MLLs, artificial intelligence (AI) can be an excellent tool to meet this goal. This article provides suggestions on using various information technology platforms to support MLLs in different educational tasks and contexts. It also outlines the pros and cons of using AI as an educational tool.

Professional Learning

ASSETS Podcast

Tune in on January 21, 2024, to ASSETS, the podcast hosted by Dr. Jobi Lawrence from UCLA CRESST. Listen in as we share the first of the two-part series commemorating and reflecting on the 50th anniversary of Lau v. Nichols with Mr. Edward Steinman, the attorney who successfully argued the landmark legal case affecting ELs and educators. ASSETS is an original podcast series that can be accessed on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Call for Proposals: 2024 WIDA Annual Conference

WIDA invites you to share your expertise as a presenter at the 2024 WIDA Annual Conference on October 15–18, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The knowledge and insight of WIDA educators and experts in the field are essential to the quality of the WIDA Annual Conference. The deadline to submit concurrent session and workshop proposals is January 24, 2024. Learn more and submit your proposal on the Present page of the conference website.

WIDA Español Academy: Afirmando la experiencia bilingüe con el Marco DALE

In this two-day WIDA Español Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, educators link the pedagogical foundations of Marco de los estándares del desarrollo auténtico del lenguaje español de WIDA (Marco DALE) to the instruction of bi/multilingual students. Day two features a local school visit to observe pedagogical foundations like multiliteracies and transculturalism in action within a dual language or bilingual education program. This academy will be delivered in Spanish.

Universidad de Alcalá Teach & Learn in Spain Graduate Program

Teach & Learn in Spain is a graduate program designed for native or near-native English speakers. Through the program, students earn a Master’s Degree while gaining experience in a school in the Madrid region as a language assistant. The application period will be open from January 10, 2024, to March 20, 2024. The program begins on September 1, 2024, and concludes on July 1, 2025. For further inquiries, please contact Angela Sauciuc, Director of Programs and Teacher Training, at angela.sauciuc@institutofranklin.

University of Colorado Denver’s PhD in Early Childhood Policy

Are you interested in earning a PhD in Early Childhood Policy? The University of Colorado Denver offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program that focuses on Early Childhood Policy. This program emphasizes that specialized attention to policy and systems is crucial to achieving quality, equity, and scale in the field. Fellowships are also available for BIPOC students and those who have historically been underserved by doctoral education.

Leadership for Welcoming Newcomer Students: 6 Steps to Take

Does your school embrace asylees, refugees, and other newcomer students? If so, there are immediate steps that you can take to create a supportive school environment. Internationals Network presents six recommended steps from school leaders. By implementing these steps, you can create a welcoming and inclusive environment for newcomer students, fostering their academic success and overall well-being.

Job Opportunities

Director, Multilingual & Title III Programs

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

English Learner (EL) Teacher for Students with Disabilities

Milford Public Schools

Milford, Massachusetts

Connect With NCELA

Tips and Resources to Create Robust Pathways to Multilingualism

OELA is supporting and amplifying ED’s goal to create pathways for global engagement by working to provide every student with a pathway to multilingualism while ensuring equitable access to a high-quality education for ELs who have historically been underserved. In this newly released infographic, find key tips and resources to foster multilingualism for ELs.

Download Infographic

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Visit NCELA online: ncela.ed.gov
National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA)
Disclaimer: NCELA Nexus is intended to share information that can be of use to educators, parents, learners, leaders, and other stakeholders in their efforts to ensure that every student, including ELs, is provided with the highest quality education and expanded opportunities to succeed. The information and materials presented on NCELA Nexus do not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by NCELA, the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA), or the U.S. Department of Education.