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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. |
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| New Animated TV Series: Lyla in the Loop |
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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. |
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| Request for Feedback: Minnesota Bilingual Seals Toolkit |
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| The Minnesota Bilingual Seals Toolkit website was developed by a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Education, the University of Minnesota, and the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) and was funded by Title VI through CARLA. The mission of the project is to expand access and increase equity to the Seal of Biliteracy by providing tools and resources to local schools, teachers, and administrators.
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. |
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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.
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| On March 11, the AIM Institute is hosting a virtual symposium on “The Intersection of Reading and Writing.” This free event offers a day of literacy learning with researchers presenting on the topic as it applies to all English learners. The event will be available for livestream viewing, and recordings will be accessible to all registered attendees. Plus, earn a Continuing Education Unit certification and find micro-credential opportunities by attending. |
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March 13
Young, Bilingual and Black
Speaker Presentation
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| The Center for Equity for English Learners (CEEL) invites you to a special featured speaker presentation by Dr. Ayanna Cooper titled ‘Young, Bilingual, and Black.’ In honor and celebration of the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, this session will review nationwide and select statewide demographic data in an effort to elevate and affirm Black multilingual students. Participants will engage in thought-provoking questions and discussions, and options for action steps framed around empowering autonomous learners will be provided. |
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| 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. |
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| 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 March 26–27 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. |
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March 28–30
NABE 2024 Conference
Conference
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| 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. Attendees can also register for School Visits on March 26 and the Pre-Conference Day on March 27. Online registration is available through February 29, 2024. For attendee registration and general conference information, you can contact mconf.reg.nabe@gmail.com. |
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| 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. |
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| The In-Person Conference is scheduled at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick from May 29–31. Register for 1, 2, or all 3 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. All registrations include 1 free year of NJTESOL/NJBE membership. |
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| 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. |
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October 15–18
WIDA Annual Conference
Conference
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| The WIDA Annual Conference is the premier event for educators of pre-K through Grade 12 MLs, 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, PA. A curated virtual track will also be available. |
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| Block Club Chicago
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. |
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| Migration Policy Institute
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. |
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| Edutopia
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. |
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| CAL Solutions: Teaching Reading to Students Learning English: Direct Strategies
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. |
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| WIDA Español Academy: Afirmando la experiencia bilingüe con el Marco DALE
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. |
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| 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. |
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| English Learner Educational Experiences and Opportunities: A Report Using Federal Datasets |
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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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National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA)
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| 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 all students, including English learners, are provided with the highest quality education and expanded opportunities to succeed. The information and materials presented in NCELA Nexus do not necessarily constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by NCELA, the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA), or the U.S. Department of Education. |
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