National Engineers Week, February 18 through 24, is one of the largest science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) events of the year in the United States. This event highlights the importance of fostering student interest in STEM careers while also striving to ensure a diverse future within the industry. Download OELA’s English Learners in STEM infographic, which offers insights into ELs’ access to and representation in STEM courses.

In February, PBS KIDS introduced LYLA IN THE LOOP, a captivating animated series for kids aged 4–8. The show centers around Lyla, a dynamic 7-year-old, her family, and her sidekick Stu. Together, they creatively solve everyday problems using critical thinking skills. This series, supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)-PBS Ready to Learn (RTL) Initiative with funding from ED’s RTL Programming, debuted in both English and Spanish, exploring computational thinking concepts aligned with the 2020–2025 RTL grant goals.

As the team plans to expand efforts to support the Seal of Biliteracy at the national level, your input and suggestions are highly valued. Please take a moment to respond to this 5-minute survey. The information collected from this survey will aid in the planning for a similar toolkit to support the Seal of Biliteracy nationwide.

Join The Center: Early Childhood Professional Learning team for an event focused on “Creating Enriching Math and Science Learning Opportunities for Young Dual Language Learners.” Explore the importance of early development in mathematics and science concepts, identify effective teaching strategies, and learn how to organize a conducive learning environment for young children.

Presentation topics will include General Interest, Content Area Instruction, Bilingual/ESL Pre-K through 12, Higher Ed, and more. All registrations include 1 free year of NJTESOL/NJBE membership.

Chicago Public Schools Enrollment Climbs as More Migrant Families Arrive

Over 5,700 new immigrant students joined Chicago Public Schools (CPS) this school year, and an additional 7,000 students have been identified as ELs since September. Concerns arise over schools lacking bilingual staff for these students’ needs. To address this, schools are actively certifying more teachers to instruct ELs. District officials have allocated $8 million to schools experiencing increases in ELs, and CPS plans to hire newcomer adults for critical roles in the areas of custodial work, transportation, nutrition, and classroom support.

NEW RESOURCES: Refining State Accountability Systems for English Learner Success

Federal law mandates States to establish systems for holding K–12 schools accountable, emphasizing the illumination of disparities for marginalized groups, including ELs, who are disadvantaged by systems that fail to meet their distinct needs. This report presents the findings of two studies focused on State accountability systems and ELs. The overall project aims to rethink accountability by addressing problems with the validity of summative assessment outcomes for ELs and incorporating students’ opportunities to learn and program quality into the accountability systems.

TIPS FOR EDUCATORS: How to Welcome Newcomers in the Classroom

According to the Center for Immigration Studies, in 2021, nearly one in four students in the U.S. came from an immigrant family, and a growing number of those students were new arrivals to the country. These learners often face complex obstacles in the classroom when it comes to understanding a different language, connecting with other students, and catching up academically. Teachers can assist by honoring home cultures, fostering peer support, and using technology to bridge language gaps, helping newcomers settle into the classroom and be set up for success. This video outlines strategies to support newcomers and create a holistic culture of acceptance, collaboration, and risk-taking.

For educators serving young multilingual learners, reading books in a child’s home language can advance key language and literacy skills. This quick guide supports early childhood educators in selecting, evaluating, and using books in the home languages of young multilingual learners.

Being bilingual is a superpower! Knowing more than one language has both short- and long-term benefits, which can start in early childhood. This infographic for early childhood educators shares research on the advantages of young children being bilingual and biliterate and includes supplemental resources on language development and early learning.

Join the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) for a 3-day, hybrid Direct Strategies Institute based on CAL’s widely used “What’s Different About Teaching Reading to Students Learning English?” professional development program. The engaging 3-day synchronous and asynchronous institute on February 14, 21, and 28, 2024, is designed for school administrators and classroom, ESL, and literacy teachers who want to ensure reading progress for ELs.

In this 2-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. Register by February 23, 2024.

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.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS)

Chicago, IL

Southbridge Public Schools

Southbridge, MA

In January, OELA released a report comparing the educational experiences of EL students in public schools with those of the overall student population in the United States during the 2017–18 school year. The analysis is based on two extensive Federal datasets. Access the report to learn more about the educational opportunities and environments of EL students.

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by Monday, February 26, 2024, for inclusion in the next edition of Nexus.

February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, dedicated to recognizing the benefits of CTE and celebrating the achievements of CTE programs nationwide. These programs provide multilingual learners (MLs) with real-world opportunities to explore, engage in, and pursue rewarding careers.

OELA’s Preparing K–12 Multilingual Learners for Postsecondary Education and Career is available on our resources page. The infographic is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese.

National School Counseling Week, February 5–9, highlights the unique contributions of school counselors within U.S. school systems and their tremendous impact on student success. We appreciate all the work that school counselors do to support students in our school systems.

Watch OELA’s Information ELevated to learn more about ELs and their access to educators and support staff, including school counselors.

• Montserrat Garibay, OELA Assistant Deputy Secretary & Director
• Beatriz Ceja, OELA Deputy Assistant Secretary
• Gwen Snow, Principal, Newcomer Academy, JCPS (Louisville KY)
• Connie Banks, ESOL Instructional Coach/Teacher
• Stacy Brown, Director, Refugees Forward (Oklahoma City Metro Area)

Presentation topics will include General Interest, Content Area Instruction, Bilingual/ESL Pre-K through 12, Higher Ed, and more. All registrations include 1 free year of NJTESOL/NJBE membership.

4 College Campuses Receive $500K to Boost Foreign Language Studies in Eastern Montana

An effort to expand opportunities to study international relations and foreign languages in eastern Montana is now supported by a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This funding makes possible the creation of the Yellowstone Consortium of International Studies and Foreign Languages. It will serve as an academic hub in a region that, until now, has offered only limited opportunities for undergraduate students to pursue these fields of study. Beyond language, the grant will fund a global studies seminar on one of the five consortium members’ campuses each semester and finance faculty travel and professional development.

Proposed Bill Would Give Tribes More Control Over Language Programs

Lawmakers are trying once again to create a trust fund that would give New Mexico tribes more money and control to run their own educational programs. The proposed legislation would create a $100 million Tribal Education Trust Fund that would disburse money directly to tribes over time to help build sustainable programs. This proposed bill can help sustain the Pueblo of Acoma community and could help pay community members to teach the Keres language.

A Glitch Blocks Thousands of Immigrant Families from a New, Simpler FAFSA. The Fix is TBD.

The new, streamlined Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was designed for easier completion by directly pulling tax information from the IRS. However, released months later than usual, it has caused time constraints for students. Glitches, especially affecting parents without a Social Security number, could impact tens of thousands of eligible U.S. citizen students. Education advocates say there needs to be a stronger sense of urgency to resolve the issue, as some colleges award aid on a first-come, first-served basis.

NEW RESOURCE: Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Multilingual Learners: Using Culturally and Linguistically Aligned Practices

This brief highlights how to use culturally and linguistically aligned (CLA) strategies to support MLs within a multi-tiered system of supports framework, including how to use a CLA lens to inform instructional adaptations for MLs who require intensive intervention. The brief reviews the use of the CLA lens when considering instruction and intervention provided through a multilevel prevention system, data-based decision-making, screening, and progress monitoring.

TIPS FOR EDUCATORS: English Learners Need Equal Access to Rich Texts. How One School Makes That Happen

EL students need extra support and specialized instruction to build their English language skills but also need access to the same rich reading instruction that native English speakers do. The Beacon College Preparatory Charter School has adopted a knowledge-building curriculum: a program that organizes reading comprehension instruction around conceptually connected topics with the goal of systematically growing students’ understanding of the world. This article features a conversation with the school’s coordinator for an EL program on how co-teaching works at her school, what ELs need from reading comprehension instruction, and what advice she has for other educators who might want to adopt the model.

Being bilingual is a superpower! Knowing more than one language has both short- and long-term benefits, which can start in early childhood. This infographic for early childhood educators shares research on the advantages of young children being bilingual and biliterate and includes supplemental resources on language development and early learning.

Join the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) for a 3-day, hybrid Direct Strategies Institute based on CAL’s widely used “What’s Different About Teaching Reading to Students Learning English?” professional development program. The engaging 3-day synchronous and asynchronous institute on February 14, 21, and 28, 2024, is designed for school administrators and classroom, ESL, and literacy teachers who want to ensure reading progress for ELs.

This course aims to empower all school staff by providing insights into resources such as picture books, videos, and websites that reflect diverse cultures. It focuses on building on the background knowledge of ELs and offers strategies to engage ELs and all students. Participants of this course on February 20–24, 2024, will learn effective approaches to support language development and facilitate academic as well as social/emotional learning. Register by February 13, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. EST to secure your spot.

In this 2-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. Register by February 23, 2024.

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.

K12 Coalition

Eagan, Minnesota (Remote)

Excel Academy Charter School

Campus TBD, Massachusetts

In November 2023, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona released a letter emphasizing the “Raise the Bar: Lead the World” initiative. Read this blog to get a brief overview and access links to the full letter in both English and Spanish. The letter includes several resources from the U.S. Department of Education on how to support ELs.

Subscribe to NCELA Nexus

Did you receive the Nexus from a colleague? You can subscribe here.

Submit Your News

Do you have news to share with the Nexus community?

Send your alerts, upcoming events, resources, and job postings to AskNCELA

by Monday, February 12, 2024, for inclusion in the next edition of Nexus.