OLA Leadership Network 2.14.2024 by

SOBL

2024-02-14 14:52:24 UTC

How do districts get access to the world literacy test for SOBL? What are the next steps we should take if we want to support students in our district with the SOBL?

Why is the MA requirement higher than the national requirement for the SOBL?

2024-02-14 15:02:45 UTC

DESE HLS

2024-02-14 15:17:45 UTC

Some of the language + wording on the DESE HLS has confused families in the past. Is it OK if we keep the questions but reword them to be more clear? Is there an opportunity to give DESE feedback on clarifying some of the language?

HLS

2024-02-14 15:18:01 UTC

Can the questions from the HLS be asked as a part of an online registration process as long as we are asking the same questions as the DESE HLS?

May we "unclassify" students who have been mistakenly labeled EL based on the old interpretation of HLS?

2024-02-14 15:19:25 UTC

Pre-K Identification

2024-02-14 15:21:36 UTC

If a student was identified as an EL in Pre-K do we need to screen them again when they enter K? If they do not screen in as a K student, do we need to classify them as FEL?

HLS changes/edits

2024-02-14 15:21:39 UTC

What is the procedure if you interview the parents and their primary language is english? Do you need to have the family fill out the HLS again?

Ok to use pre-IPT for the rest of this school year?

2024-02-14 15:21:55 UTC

Parent Notification Flow Chart

2024-02-14 15:22:18 UTC

Do we have two different times/forms we need to do to notify the parent now?

Notify the parent that they were screened.

Notify the parent of the screening results and the initial placement

PreK Identification

2024-02-14 15:22:36 UTC

Do we need to screen PreK student who are three years old or four years old? I have been hearing that we only need to screen four year old PreK students.

The guidance on how this service looks is relatively vague in the current guidance for young learners. Will this be defined more clearly?

2024-02-14 15:22:48 UTC

2024-02-14 15:23:14 UTC

Will the pre-K screening tool be one that is normed for use with students who qualify for individualized instruction in specialized classrooms?

PreK Services

2024-02-14 15:23:29 UTC

We are required to screen PreK students; are we required to SERVICE them?

PreK - ELE Services

2024-02-14 15:24:21 UTC

With the changes, is the expectation that PreK ELs receive ESL instruction from a licensed ESL teacher? What are the recommended service delivery models and service time guidelines?

EL service of Pre K students

2024-02-14 15:24:28 UTC

Will the new guidance have information as to how district's will service preK students?

Will a certified EL teacher provide direct ELE service to PreK students?

2024-02-14 15:24:57 UTC

Homeroom teachers often come to me and say that a students' parents speak another language at home and the student is struggling with X, Y, or Z. When I did deeper, the HLS either notes English is the primary language in the home. Or when I call home and the parents say that English only is spoken at home. What do you do in that case?

PreK EL - Non-EL in K

goldsteine1 — 2024-02-14 15:25:38 UTC

Can you clarify again the change if a PreK student is identified as an EL but then is not identified as an EL when rescreened for K? Will the student be a FEL or not a FEL?

If a student is coming in as a newcomer in preschool and the district has no room in the preschool program is it required that we provide services and allow the student into the program?

2024-02-14 15:25:40 UTC

Seal Video

2024-02-14 15:26:21 UTC

I'm thinking that video that you showed at the beginning of the meeting would be great to show to our students and families in promoting the Seal. Is this something that could be shared with us so we can show it to our students and at our ELPAC meetings?

How do districts determine which students take a heritage language learner class? I know the definition was explained, but I wonder what that looks like when presenting course selection to students. Are there general criteria communicated to families, students as to their "qualification" to take this type of class?

2024-02-14 15:26:26 UTC

PreK-K

kathrynphillipson — 2024-02-14 15:27:05 UTC

I just want to confirm that incoming K have to use WIDA Screener on any student with a language other than English regardless of EL/non-EL status in PreK.

Are they not considered FEL if they were EL in preK and then aren’t ELs in K?

SCREENING students from other WIDA states

2024-02-14 15:27:42 UTC

Do we need to screen students who come from a WIDA state and who were screened using the WIDA screener?

HLS

2024-02-14 15:27:52 UTC

When you say, "if any language is listed on the incoming Kindergarten HLS, the student is tested." Will you define "any". What questions? Is it if the parents have a native language other than English, and they list that, are you considering that as "any"?

Screening from other States

jamie_singelais — 2024-02-14 15:27:52 UTC

Can you clarify - do we have to screen if student comes from another state with ACCESS scores?

Transferring with WIDA

2024-02-14 15:28:08 UTC

So even if the student is coming with WIDA Screener and/or ACCESS within the last calendar year needs to be screened? What if the student is newly arrived and completed Screener within the past few months?

HLS Procedures

2024-02-14 15:30:32 UTC

As you mentioned, sometimes families' answers to the HLS questions are vague or unclear. If we follow up with a more in depth interview after the HLS and determine that the student's primary language is English do we still need to screen them?

ESL Instruction

2024-02-14 15:31:09 UTC

Can we use MODEL scores to guide instruction periods? Or only Screener or ACCESS?

Recommended Periods of ESL for Levels 1-2

2024-02-14 15:31:11 UTC

Does the 2-3 periods per day of ESL instruction replace ELA for students at the Foundational level?

Leveling

2024-02-14 15:31:38 UTC

Just to clarify is level 2 (2.0-2.9) previous guidance had a 2.5 threshold.

K required minutes

2024-02-14 15:31:40 UTC

My district was insistent at the beginning of the year that I do NOT need to provide services to EL K students. I'm assuming this is not true?

What if a student is enrolled in Pre-K as a TUITION based student? Are EL services required?

2024-02-14 15:31:52 UTC

Indigenous Languages

2024-02-14 15:33:18 UTC

We have students (specifically from Guatemala and Honduras) who speak Indigenous languages. However, these languages are not on the DESE list so they aren't being reported in the SIMS count. I can't run a report from Aspen to show who the students are and they are defaulting to "Spanish." These languages include: Mam, Quiche, and Q'eqchi'. Can these be coded in SIMS? We need to support these students and not erase their first languages.

ACCESS scores from outside of MA

mweiss47 — 2024-02-14 15:33:21 UTC

So we can NOT honor ACCESS scores that come from states outside of MA even if those scores would mean meeting the MA guidance for exit criteria?

Recommended Instructional Minutes

2024-02-14 15:33:34 UTC

The term "recommended" has created many issues in our district because admin sees this as ESL instruction as a whole is not required (this is especially prevalent with our students who are Dually Classified where Special Ed services get prioritized over ESL). Are there any plans to clarify this language further in other spaces so that there is no confusion about what is required for programming + staffing?

Newcomer Programs

2024-02-14 15:35:33 UTC

For clarification, we need to either submit a Newcomer application or dismantle our current programs starting in SY 24-25? Is there a due date for this application process? And does their need to be ONE application for the whole district or does one need to be completed for each school with a Newcomer Program (since the schools are different grade levels and thus the Newcomer program is developmentally appropriate for the school level)?

2024-02-14 15:36:59 UTC

Does DESE have any recommendations for next steps/EL coding when a parent/guardian indicates they speak another language but the student only speaks English? We just want to make sure we are being consistent with other districts in determining EL status.

Newcomers Program

pezoa1 — 2024-02-14 15:37:20 UTC

If district already has a program, what is a deadline to apply for approval?

What is a deadline?

Newcomer Program

kathrynphillipson — 2024-02-14 15:37:23 UTC

If students go to electives with other students but all of the other classes are newcomer classes is that considered a newcomer program?

ELPAC

2024-02-14 15:37:59 UTC

What is the requirement for a district to have an ELPAC?

ELPAC Consultation for Program Approval

2024-02-14 15:38:42 UTC

How are we documenting that we have actually done this? What will DESE ask for verification?

Heritage language courses not being offered at district

2024-02-14 15:39:36 UTC

Can districts deny heritage language speakers enrollment into heritage language courses because this is not learning a new language? The claim is these courses do not serve as acquiring a new language therefore they cannot get credit for them. Please clarify the DESE policy on this.

Reclassification - Alt

jahubert — 2024-02-14 15:40:42 UTC

Can we look at scores from past Alt. ACCESS tests and consider reclassification if students reached P2 in prior years with the former Alt. test?

I'm confused by this statement on the Pre-K Identification slide: "In the evidence of a language other than English spoken at home districts should code them as ELs, place them in an English learner program and start providing services." Can you please clarify? Does it mean ANY student with another language at home is an ELL?

2024-02-14 15:41:24 UTC

New Reclassification Criteria

2024-02-14 15:43:24 UTC

Does this go into effect this school year, or for SY24-25?

Additional language support

2024-02-14 15:43:45 UTC

Is there any guidance for providing additional language support for recently reclassified ELs, particularly good test-takers who still can't communicate much in class?

Reclassification Criteria for ACCESS

2024-02-14 15:43:47 UTC

So can we continue to pull newly reclassified students for ELD? Or just provide them other supports such as SEI?

Pre-K screening tool

2024-02-14 15:44:10 UTC

Will this tool be used for both 3 and 4 year olds?

Reclassification Template

mweiss47 — 2024-02-14 15:44:27 UTC

Will there be updated templates for the reclassification form that takes out the additional information that used to be needed to exit? In other words, a form that only uses the ACCESS scores of 4.2 overall and 3.9 literacy.

Reclassification

jamie_singelais — 2024-02-14 15:45:02 UTC

Can Title III funds be used for supports for students who are FEL, but continue to need supports?

New students from out-of-state

2024-02-14 15:45:39 UTC

Just to clarify, do we have to rescreen out-of-state students even if they are still considered ELs by their previous state and have ACCESS scores? Can we just use those ACCESS scores to determine a level?

Reclassifying

2024-02-14 15:45:53 UTC

How can we reclassify a student if they already met the exit standards?

HL Effectiveness study

2024-02-14 15:45:59 UTC

How was the effectiveness of developing HL cultural proficiency or identity measured in the study?

2024-02-14 15:46:00 UTC

Can we reclassify grades K-2 if they meet the reclassification criteria?

With the new guidance surrounding a 3.9 literacy and 4.2 composite score meaning we MUST re-classify the student, I'm confused about reinstating EL status (going from FEL to EL). Can you clarify this?

2024-02-14 15:46:52 UTC

enhanced monitoring

2024-02-14 15:47:37 UTC

I can't imagine what this enhanced monitoring is going to look like without switching to a push-in ELE model where ELE teachers are in class with FELs. We don't have the staff for that. Any ideas???

Are we required to service Pre-K and K students who are classified as EL?

broomfieldl — 2024-02-14 15:47:48 UTC

pezoa1 — 2024-02-14 15:49:09 UTC

If the student comes from MA with the ACCESS scores or WIDA Screener, do we still have to screen that student or that is only for the ones who come from outside MA ?

Is there a different SIMS code for the FELs who are currently in the years 1-4 of following? (b/c in my world, we are still "servicing" them, however if a different way).

2024-02-14 15:49:19 UTC

Why do we need to re-screen if it is a WIDA state?!

2024-02-14 15:49:44 UTC

This is a waste of ELE staff time to rescreen students coming from other WIDA states!!!!

Ridiculous!!

sorry if I missed this... when will the completed new guidance be expected?

2024-02-14 15:50:45 UTC

Transfer Student

2024-02-14 15:51:41 UTC

Do we have to screen all transfer student? Or just from a non WIDA state? It does not make sense to scrrren someone using WIDA screener or ACCESS results. Right?

WIDA ACCESS scores from out of state

kathrynphillipson — 2024-02-14 15:52:52 UTC

If we have scores from another state and it's a standardized test. Would it not make sense to get the cut scores for the other states and change from there as opposed to retesting?

I agree it shouldn't matter if we get scores from other MA schools and other states.

pezoa1 — 2024-02-14 15:53:52 UTC

Can you give us a transition timeline if we already have Newcomers program in our district?

Newcomer Program

2024-02-14 15:55:38 UTC

What qualifies as a newcomer program? Does offering newcomer courses count? Or is it just a full day program?

Pre-k to K screening question...I need to rescreen entering K students who I identified as NOT-EL the fall before?

2024-02-14 15:56:02 UTC

Other districts with HL programs/courses?

2024-02-14 15:57:16 UTC

Is there a way to find out which districts or schools are currently offering Heritage Language programs or courses? Marlborough is just starting out, and would love to connect with others who are in the same situation!

Timeline

kathrynphillipson — 2024-02-14 15:58:22 UTC

When are the new guidelines coming out and when are we required to make the changes outlined in the new guidance? When should we expect to see these in writing?

A Haitian Creole Connection

sarahamerla — 2024-02-14 16:01:06 UTC

We have a staff person: Ilanoel@walthampublicschools.org

Can you copy me on the communication? I'm not sure if the meetings would fit into her schedule.

Do any districts have a good description that they use ahead of the HLS to inform families of the purpose? We use the DESE HLS but it still seems that families get confused every year and surprised when we screen their students.

2024-02-14 16:03:19 UTC

Screener for In-State Transfer

2024-02-14 16:05:39 UTC

If we suspect a student was misidentified in a previous MA district, can we screen a newly enrolled student and reclassify?

HLS

kathrynphillipson — 2024-02-14 16:05:45 UTC

Where can we find the updated HLS?

Powerpoint

lzagarella — 2024-02-14 16:13:25 UTC

Is the powerpoint shared?

Downloads

2024-02-14 16:16:14 UTC

Would it be possible for files downloaded from the DESE website to be PDFs instead of Word Documents? PDFs are meant to be "portable" and .docs are not.

Clarification

2024-02-14 16:18:51 UTC

What is this referring to? SEI? What does meaningful participation look like? "“Meaningful participation in the district’s general education program.”

Push-In ESL

2024-02-14 16:19:34 UTC

Where are successful models of Push-In ESL?

Co-Teaching

2024-02-14 16:19:44 UTC

Co-teaching is having a moment now - but in my experience, the ESL teachers just become content teachers 2.0. The outcomes for the content are better, but very little attention is paid to ESL. Is there upcoming guidance or PD related to this?

ESL Curriculum and SEI Content Curriculum

2024-02-14 16:23:18 UTC

How do we find time to build in the ESL curriculum in push-in environments where the SEI content curriculum is driving htis instruction?

Assessment clarification

mknowlton2 — 2024-02-14 16:32:05 UTC

May districts award certificates based solely on portfolios or must students also take an assessment?

Data Points

2024-02-14 16:37:40 UTC

Is there a source we can look at to find our district data for these statistics? Or do we need to do the data analysis to find it? (Sorry; maybe I should know this.)

Data Collection

sarahamerla — 2024-02-14 16:40:13 UTC

Do you keep a list of students who receive the Pathways?

What are the 3 levels again?

sarahamerla — 2024-02-14 16:42:26 UTC

Bilingual Participation Award
Bilingual Attainment
Bilingual Achievement

AP Scoring Rubric

worldlanguages2 — 2024-02-14 16:43:09 UTC

District Admins

2024-02-14 16:44:18 UTC

Do you have any recommendations for getting district admins to see the importance of this? There is a severe disconnect in low incidence districts and admins understanding the importance and not having enough overall staff.

Benchmarks + Student Success Plans

2024-02-14 16:45:43 UTC

Have any updates been made to the Student Success Plan "template"? The original that was shared with us was not helpful and we are hoping to improve in this area in the upcoming year. Would love to see examples of districts successfully using benchmarks to drive instruction, and even better if they have a strong template for SSPs.

World Languages Framework

worldlanguages2 — 2024-02-14 16:46:06 UTC

davidvalade — 2024-02-14 16:46:40 UTC

davidvalade — 2024-02-14 16:47:31 UTC

davidvalade — 2024-02-14 16:47:55 UTC

davidvalade — 2024-02-14 16:48:24 UTC

davidvalade — 2024-02-14 16:49:13 UTC

Screening in-district students after initial screening process

2024-02-14 16:50:34 UTC

We have had many instances of classroom teachers and special ed teachers reaching out to the MLL team asking if an older student who has been in the district since K but was not initially identified as an MLL can be re-screened because they suspect that a student's struggles are a result of language. What is the guidance on situations like this?

Recommended Assessments

2024-02-14 16:51:14 UTC

Could districts share the recommended assessments where they have seen the most student success?

Curriculum Review

2024-02-14 16:54:26 UTC

Will this include curricular materials that are specifically aimed at newcomers?

Vetting ESL Curricular Materials

2024-02-14 16:54:57 UTC

When can we expect DESE results based on your work vetting published ESL curricular materials?

Recommended Assessments

worldlanguages2 — 2024-02-14 16:55:04 UTC

Curricular Review

2024-02-14 16:55:11 UTC

Will this include guidance on how these curricula can be implemented in various instructional models (co-teaching/push-in, pull-out, etc.)?

Where can we get access to the modules/training on the Next Gen ESL toolkit. I don't see it anywhere!

wmanderson1 — 2024-02-14 16:55:49 UTC

Implementation

2024-02-14 17:38:24 UTC

If districts are ready to implement some of the changes in the new guidance before 24-25, can we do so?

Conflicting HLS responses

2024-02-14 17:54:40 UTC

We have had some instances where a family wrote English only on the HLS when they enrolled their student in our district but then when we checked Edwin it shows that the student has ACCESS scores and was in an ELE program in their previous district. Is it correct to assume that if we discover this information we must classify the student as an EL, even if the family made it clear on their form that English is the primary language for the student? How will that reflect on our district if it's not discovered until later and there are a few years where the student did not take ACCESS but also had not achieved exit scores in their previous district?

Reclassification of transfer students from other WIDA states

2024-02-14 18:04:15 UTC

If an EL/ML student enters from another WIDA state with ACCESS scores that are not 4.2/3.9 and we screen the student and find them NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ELE SERVICE, can we "reclassify" the student as FEL and monitor them for 4 years even if they did NOT score at 4.2/3.9 on the ACCESS in the former state?

How could access to the SOBL pathway be easier for you? (i.e. what did you have to give up that you wish you didn't?)

wmanderson1 — 2024-02-14 18:07:40 UTC

The panelists have said they didn't need to prepare much as they are already proficient in their languages. What support for preparation is available to students who have another language and want to take this test, but might need a certain level of preparation?

2024-02-14 18:08:29 UTC

As an educator in a K-8 district, I'm wondering how I can do an even better job encouraging multilingualism and biliteracy with my students! Did you have teachers or systems that helped you indirectly work towards this before you got to high school?

2024-02-14 18:08:56 UTC

Cultural Questions

2024-02-14 18:11:29 UTC

What type(s) of cultural questions are asked so we can make sure that is covered in our classes?

Testing

2024-02-14 18:12:34 UTC

Did you all take the test at the same time? Did your teacher administer it or was it someone else?

HLS - required

kathrynphillipson — 2024-02-14 18:13:44 UTC

If we are unable to update our online registration form yet, do we need to ask families to complete a paper version of updated HLS?

STAMP - Does it test proficiency

sdevlin22_1 — 2024-02-14 18:16:44 UTC

Given that students have unlimited time and can edit and re-record the writing and speaking sections of the STAMP exam, do you think it is really checking for proficiency? It is definitely not spontaneous production. I have never given AAPPL and wonder if it is similar.

Student Panel Question

kalmeida2 — 2024-02-14 18:18:55 UTC

What would you say to second language learners as advice for those wanting to get the SSOB in the language they are studying?

Administer vs. Fill Out HLS?

mweiss47 — 2024-02-14 18:50:19 UTC

I can't find nuanced verbiage that I thought I heard, but am I understanding correctly that the HLS should be administered by a school staff member not just included in the enrollment packet that parents fill out on their own?

Is the new PreK screening tool going to give WIDA levels?

2024-02-14 18:56:55 UTC

You might get to this anyway, but before I forget - what do students do in high school if they've already passed the AP test in 8th grade? They could always take another language, but if they want to continue with Spanish, what are realistic options for them?

2024-02-14 18:57:08 UTC

EL Population Question

2024-02-14 20:00:54 UTC

My district did not submit accurate SIMs data. Does this mean that we lose out on some of our funding for next year? Is there a way to rectify this?

Pre-K

2024-02-14 20:10:42 UTC

With the new pre-k guidance, will any additional money be allocated for them?

prek within 30 days of school year?

2024-02-15 13:09:11 UTC

We have a prek program that has a rolling enrollment of 3 - 5 year olds. I make sure I assess the student within 30 days of enrollment period or at least see if they qualify as an EL.