February 4, 2021
FROM NYSED:
Proposed amendments to the NYS Seal of Biliteracy
The Proposed Amendments to Section 100.5(h) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Relating to Requirements for Awarding the New York State Seal of Biliteracy:
- Align language for criteria 1a, 2a, 2c - Students earn a point through ELA 11-12th, World Language Checkpoint C, and/or Home Language Arts (HLA) coursework by earning an 85% or better in the course (no exam)
- Adjust language to criteria 1d, 2d – Remove names and minimum scores of assessments, (allowing exams to be added by approval of the Commissioner)
Public comments may be sent to REGCOMMENTS@nysed.gov by 2/28/21.
Current RBERN PD Offerings:
Multilingual Literacy SIFE Screener (MLS) Training
The MLS Team is hosting two virtual training sessions on March 4 from 10:00-11:30am and March 8 from 3:00-4:30pm. We recommend attending if you have not previously attended an MLS training or if you have questions about the updates.
- Please fill out this google form to register and to receive the zoom link.
- Please contact mls.email.server@gmail.com with any questions or comments.
Regional & Community News:
Youth Healing Hate Grants from the M.K. Gandhi Institute
For more information, check out the flyer and application. Applications are due by 2/15/21.
IN THE NEWS:
5 ways refugees helped battle COVID-19 in 2020 from UNHCR
Amid the pandemic, refugees stepped up to provide healthcare, boost wellness, safeguard their communities and keep us inspired during lockdowns.
RESOURCE:
School Information for Parents Brochure from the WtOS Program of the NYS Office of Refugee Services
NYS TESOL February Webinars:
- Quick Tips for Language Teachers: Highlights from NYSTESOL 2020 Conference with the Elementary Education SIG - 2/9
- Culturally Responsive & Sustaining Pedagogy: Considering Disability in the Classroom - Chelsea Stinson, NYS TESOL Special Education SIG - 2/9
- Online Strategies for Engaging SIFE and Newcomer ELs, Dr. Lisa Auslander and Virginia Skrelja - 2/10
- Webinar: Refocusing Our Attention on Multilingual Learners via Shadowing, Dr. Ivannia Soto - 2/18
- Journal Club with Teacher Education SIG - 2/19
- Middle East: Culture and Customs Conversation - Hosted by the Buffalo/Rochester Region - 2/21
- Gamification in the Classroom for English Language Learners, Dr. Sandra Quiñones-Hemphill - 2/23
Upcoming Webinar from SupportEd
Join SupportEd’s Diane Staehr Fenner and presenter Esther Park on February 22 at 3:00pm for a webinar, Fostering EL Interaction in a Digital Landscape: Strategies, Tips, and Tech Tools:
- Explore technology strategies, tips, and tools for fostering authentic digital interactions with ELs in virtual or hybrid learning environments
- Discuss the importance of EL engagement in virtual settings, highlighting challenges and successful strategies to address them
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