February 24, 2021
FROM NYSED:
Statement on USDE Assessment & Accountability Waiver Letter From NYSED Spokesperson, Emily DeSantis
“USDE informed states last night that it will not grant a blanket waiver for state assessments. While we are disappointed by this decision, we are examining all possible options. Further, USDE made the right call in affirming that no child should be made to come to school to take a state assessment. In addition, USDE agreed to uncouple state assessments from ESSA accountability requirements so that results solely will be used as a measure of student learning. Given these circumstances, the Department will propose a series of regulatory amendments at the March Board of Regents meeting so Regents Exams would not be required to meet graduation requirements and to cancel any Regents Exam that is not required by USDE to be held. We continue to have discussions with USDE regarding this matter to find a path forward that is best for the health and safety of all New York’s children.”
OBEWL's February 2021 Newsletter
This month’s issue includes articles on:
- Aligning OBEWL Resources to Next Generation Learning Standards
- Resource for Parents of Emergent Multilingual Learners
- Hudson Valley RBERN
- FAFSA Completion Events
- Revision of the LOTE Standards
- Embedding Authentic Resources—Workshop Recording Available
- New York State Seal of Biliteracy
NYSESLAT Info from ELL Leadership Council:
Corrections & Clarifications:
- 2020-21 Elementary-and Intermediate-level Testing Schedule (Updated June 2020)
- Who can administer the NYSESLAT? "Teachers may not score their own students’ responses for the Speaking and Writing questions." (NYSESLAT School Administrators Manual, page 3)
Current RBERN PD Offerings:
- Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain Online Book Study - 2/28-5/1
Immigrant Experience Book Club Session 3: The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui - 3/1-3/31
How Language Impacts Learning for ELLs by eTeachNY Session 1 - Asynchronous, Ends on March 1
Seal of Biliteracy Regional Collaborative Module 5: Preparing for Panel Presentations - 3/8
How Language Impacts Learning for ELLs by eTeachNY Session 1 - Asynchronous, Ends on March 9
SIFE Collaborative - 3/10 & 5/12
Progress Monitoring for ELLs: Tool Kit Demonstration and Conversation - 3/18
Bilingual Educator Collaborative - 3/25 & 5/7
Immigrant Experience Book Club Session 4: Green Card Youth Voices Upstate NY - 4/1-4/18
Regional & Community News:
RESOURCE:
Long Island RBERN Institute
The Long Island RBERN is hosting a virtual Teacher Institute Wednesday, March 10, 2021. The program for #LITI2021 includes a wide variety of workshop offerings for K-12 ESOL and Bilingual educators. Registration is free and open to all New York State educators.
NYS Proyecto WILD & Bilingual Project WET (Water Education for Teachers)
NYS Proyecto WILD & Bilingual Project WET are a collection of innovative, environmental activities, lessons, games and field investigations that are hands-on, easy to use and fun! Offered for the first time with bilingual resources in Spanish, Proyecto WILD focuses on wildlife, terrestrial and aquatic habitats, animals, ecology, and impact of invasive species. Project WET focuses on the physical properties of water, water quality impacts, and peoples' relationship to water throughout their lives.
How Do We Ensure Equity Does Not Become a Fad?
Please join the Warner School of Education for a virtual discussion featuring a panel of NYS K-12 school district superintendents who will share their perspectives on how we ensure equity does not become a fad.
- Moderated by Shaun Nelms, EdD, superintendent of East High School an Director of the Center for Urban Education Success - CUES.
- The event will include K-12 superintendent panelists: Greg Bump, Mount Morris Central School; Patricia Garcia, EdD, Geneva City Schools; Mary Grow, East Irondequoit CSD; Kevin Whitaker, EdD, Jamestown Public Schools; and Bo Wright. Rush-Henrietta CSD.
About Mid-West RBERN
The purpose of Mid-West RBERN is to build capacity within school communities to cultivate strong leaders, high quality, meaningful instruction, and welcoming, inclusive environments for Multilingual Learners (MLLs). We are committed to developing partnerships that result in equitable educational outcomes for MLLs by capitalizing on the backgrounds, cultures, and strengths of diverse students and educators.
Find us on Twitter @MidWestRBERN or Tweet about us using #mwrbern!
Email: midwestrbern@monroe2boces.org
Website: www.monroe2boces.org/rbern
Location: Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES, 3599 Big Ridge Road, Spencerport, NY, USA
Phone: 585-352-2790
Twitter: @MidWestRBERN