RBERN West Newsletter

The 2022 NYSABE virtual conference “Reclaiming Social Justice in Bilingual Education for Multilingual Learners” will be held on April 7-9, 2022. Pre-conference events will take place on April 4-6, 2022.

RBERN West is pleased to offer scholarships to cover the conference fee for administrators and educators to attend the virtual conference. You must be a NYS teacher in WNY with a valid public, charter, or private school e-mail address. Please apply via the Google form below to be considered for this important professional development opportunity.

The deadline to apply for this scholarship is March 18th.

2022 NYSABE Scholarship Form

What alternate languages are available for operational CBT math tests?

There are five alternate languages available for the operational CBT math tests. Principals will have the opportunity to indicate quantities during test ordering through the NYSED online examination request system. The following five alternate languages are available for math CBT:

· Chinese (Traditional)

· Haitian Creole

· Korean

· Russian

· Spanish

Test Coordinators will be able to select the alternate language math CBT in Nextera Admin on a student-by-student basis. The test platform (Nextera Test Delivery System/Questar Secure Browser) will be translated into the alternate language.

As a best practice, we recommend that students practice the CBT translated tests in the Question Sampler prior to taking the operational math tests on computer. The Question Sampler has three sessions for every grade level available in the five alternative languages.

Schools that order alternate language tests and have the students test on computer will receive paper copies of English editions of the tests in the same test form to provide as a testing accommodation to English Language Learners making use of an alternative language edition CBT.

There is no CBT component for students who require an oral translation of a lower incidence language. These students will still test on paper. Schools will need to request “Test Read” copies in the online examination request system for these students.

2022 Test Manuals

· 2022 Grades 3-8 English Language Arts and Mathematics Tests School Administrator’s Manual

· 2022 Grades 3-8 English Language Arts and Mathematics Tests Scoring Leader Handbook

· Educator Guide to the 2022 Grades 3–8 English Language Arts Tests

· Educator Guide to the 2022 Grades 3–8 Mathematics Tests

2022 Paper-Based Operational Tests Teacher’s Directions

· 2022 Grades 3–5 English Language Arts Paper-Based Tests Teacher’s Directions

· 2022 Grades 6–8 English Language Arts Paper-Based Tests Teacher’s Directions

· 2022 Grades 3–5 Mathematics Paper-Based Tests Teacher’s Directions

· 2022 Grades 6-8 Mathematics Paper-Based Tests Teacher’s Directions

2022 Computer-Based Operational Tests Teacher’s Directions

· 2022 Grades 3–5 English Language Arts Computer-Based Tests Teacher’s Directions

· 2022 Grades 6–8 English Language Arts Computer-Based Teacher’s Directions

· 2022 Grades 3–5 Mathematics Computer-Based Tests Teacher’s Directions

· 2022 Grades 6-8 Mathematics Computer-Based Tests Teacher’s Directions

• The Office of Curriculum and Instruction has released new professional development resources on their website to support the work of educators, administrators, and science stakeholder as they work towards implementation of the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards.
• Resources include turnkey professional development guides with sample presentations and a “Quick Guide” to the new Standards.
• Questions or requests for more information can be directed to the Office of Curriculum and Instruction at emscurric@nysed.gov.

NYSED released graduation rates for the 2017 cohort, those students who first entered 9th grade in NY's public schools in 2017. The overall August grad rate increased to 86.1 percent, up 1.3 percentage points from 84.8 percent for the 2016 cohort.

The graduation rate for English language learners (ELLs) improved overall this year. The graduation rate for “Current ELLs” (students identified as ELLs during the school year of their last enrollment) increased by 14.5 percentage points over last year. The graduation rate for this group has steadily increased since the Board of Regents amended Commissioner’s Regulations Part 154 in 2014, and the state started implementing its ESSA plan, which places a strong emphasis on improving educational outcomes for ELLs.

With a graduation rate of 90.1 percent, Ever ELLs (students identified as ELLs in any school year preceding the school year of their last enrollment) continued to surpass the overall statewide graduation rate

PowerPoint with Data Available

Please find attached the February 2022 edition of the OBEWL Newsletter! The following articles can be found in this month’s issue:

• Letter from the Associate Commissioner
• Regent Aramina Vega Ferrer
• Family & Student Engagement
• NABE Conference
• NECTFL Conference
• 2022 World Language Professional Learning Series
• Checkpoint A Unit Plan Exemplar Development Program
• Collaborative Unit Design Workshops for Checkpoint A
• Bridges Math Webinar
• 2020-21 NYSSB Annual Report
• Will Your School Offer the NYSSB in 2022-23?
• News from Other NYSED Offices

You can access the entire archive of newsletters at: http://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/obewl-newsletter-newsletter-archives.

Each year since 2018-19, the New York State Education Department (NYSED or “the Department”) has released an Annual Report on the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB or “the Seal”). The reports summarize facts and figures, such as the number of students who have earned the Seal, and the number of schools that have offered it. The data is disaggregated in several meaningful ways, including by year, by region, by gender, and by race and ethnicity, which can provide valuable information for districts and schools to recruit and support students in their pursuit of the Seal. The reports also identify future goals for growth areas, strategies to achieve these goals, and provide information regarding how the NYSSB compares to other such programs throughout the country.

Check out the 2020-2021 Annual Report for NYS

Check out the Infographic of WNY 2020-2021 participation in the NYSSB

Check out the Regional WNY 2020-2021 Report on the NYSSB

The Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages is proud to announce the first five workshops in the 2022 World Language Professional Learning Series. These online workshops are offered free of charge for world language educators and administrators working or studying in New York State schools, colleges, universities, BOCES/RBERNs, or other educational institutions. All workshops will take place from 4:00-5:00 p.m., so that educators can attend. Participants who attend these workshops via Zoom may earn a certificate of attendance or a certificate documenting CTLE credit. Recordings are made of all large-group workshops. Those who are unable to attend the virtual workshops may earn a certificate, including for CTLE credit, by watching the recording and earning a score of at least 7/10 on a post assessment.

Registration for these workshops is now open. Please note that registration for all workshops closes 48 hours prior to the event. There is no same-day registration. Only pre-registered attendees will be admitted into the workshops. Once the registrant's email address has been verified as being from a New York State educational institution, an email confirming registration will be sent. No registration is necessary to view the recordings of these workshops.

Understanding Standards-Based Lesson Planning

March 31, 2022 from 4pm-5pm

Developing a logical sequence of engaging lessons is the key to realizing the objectives of thematic unit plans that facilitate learner success and growth in proficiency. In this session, participants will explore ways to envision, design, and implement a variety of lesson plan types. Each integrates the standards in natural and meaningful ways that will engage learners and promote proficiency development.

Register here!

Preparing for Standards-Based Curriculum Planning

May 19, 2022 from 4pm-5pm

Vertical and horizontal curriculum alignment is critical to helping learners make continuous growth in proficiency. Intentional sequencing of rich thematic units creates learning experiences that are relevant to learners’ interests and appropriate to checkpoint proficiency targets. Vertical articulation spirals proficiency development and recycles and reinforces high-frequency vocabulary and grammatical structures. In this session, participants will examine templates to help analyze and sequence thematic units across the checkpoints. Presenters will also demonstrate tools that can be used to assess how well the curriculum addresses the revised NYS Learning Standards for World Languages, their embedded language functions, and NYS World Language themes and topics.

Register here!

**NEW EVENTS ADDED**

Please check back regularly for updates to our year-long PD calendar.

The 2022 Student Logo Contest

NYS TESOL cordially invites creative Multilingual Learners to participate in the 2022 Annual Conference logo design contest. The student creator of the winning logo will receive a cash prize of $150, online recognition, recognition at the NYS TESOL Annual Conference in November 2022, and have their logo featured on all promotional materials for the conference. Click the above link for sample lesson plan ideas. Student collaborative works are encouraged and welcome!

The 2022 Student Project Contest

In order to promote, embrace and celebrate the diversity and inclusion that is present in our schools, communities and around the world, NYS TESOL offers an Identity Text Contest available in two categories: Essay and Multimodal Storytelling. The contest is open to students who reside within the state of New York or attend a school within the state of New York and challenges students to think about their own (or shared) identities, their communities and share their own personal experiences. Click the above link for sample lesson plan ideas. Student collaborative works are encouraged and welcome! All teachers of student nominees must be current members of NYS TESOL.

The NYS TESOL 2022 Awards and Grants

To honor and recognize outstanding students, teachers and educators, NYS TESOL is pleased to offer awards in multiple categories. To see the full list and find out how to apply, visit www.nystesol.org All applicants must be current members of NYS TESOL.

Resources for Educators, Families to Discuss the Events in Ukraine with Students

A toolkit for engaging students during a crisis from the San Diego County Office of Education

How to Talk with Students About the Russia-Ukraine War: 5 Tips

From Education Week, 5 tips from their recent coverage of the international crisis in an effort to help educators talk to students thoughtfully and appropriately.

New Resources for Learning and Teaching About What's Happening in Ukraine

Another great list from educator and blogger, Larry Ferlazzo

Welcoming Newcomer Afghan Students and Families

A padlet of resources resource from the Refugee Educator Academy at the Center for Learning Practice.

Evaluation Service, Inc. is dedicated to providing expert assistance in the interpretation of academic credentials in terms of their United States equivalents.

They provide evaluation reports for people who have completed all or part of their education outside the United States. Equivalency reports are prepared for credentials from all countries. A professional interpretation of foreign academic records enables persons educated abroad to gain access to education, employment, or professional certification in the United States.

Congratulations to Heather Rubin, RBERN colleague from Long Island, who has co-authored a publication with Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld and Lisa Estrada!

Building from significant developments in education policy, research, and remote learning innovations, this newly revised edition offers unique ways to bridge the digital divide that disproportionally affects culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Designed to support equitable access to engaging and enriching digital-age education opportunities for English learners, this book includes

• Research-informed and evidence-based technology integration models and instructional strategies
• Sample lesson ideas, including learning targets for activating students’ prior knowledge while promoting engagement and collaboration
• Tips for fostering collaborative practices with colleagues
• Vignettes from educators incorporating technology in creative ways
• Targeted questions to facilitate discussions about English language development methodology

Complete with supplementary tools and resources, this guide provides all of the methodology resources needed to bridge the digital divide and promote learning success for all students.

Our list of regional offerings for adult ESL classes in WNY has been updated as of February 2022.

Tan Huynh shares tips for collaborative planning for content-based stand alone lessons.

Bilingual Special Education Online Summer Institute:

• Session 1: May 31 - July 1
• Session 2: July 11 - August 12

This fully online program provides school teachers who are already certified in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2), Childhood Education (Grades 1–6), or Special Education with a 15-credit program leading to the New York State Extension in Bilingual Education. The Extension in Bilingual Education qualifies the candidate to work as a teacher in bilingual classrooms and programs in New York State schools, including dual language and transitional bilingual education programs. This program can be completed in one year.

Ensure that your books best represent your community needs. Import your collection information through the options below to immediately receive a Collection Analysis Report.

Each report quantifies the cultural classifications, genres, reading levels, text measures, and recency of publication for the titles you enter. A printout and a spreadsheet are included for your own documentation and continued reflection.

Please note that the List Analysis Report only includes information about trade books that can be found on TeachingBooks. Any titles not found on TeachingBooks will be excluded. Additionally, this report will not reflect any information about professional reference materials or classroom guided reading sets.

Go to our Collection Analysis Toolkit to upload title information and instantly receive a report that quantifies the cultural classifications, genres, reading levels, text measures, and recency of publication for the titles you enter. This tool can assist you in efficiently and thoughtfully auditing a collection.

Get started...

1. TeachingBooks Login (required to use these tools)
2. QuickStart Guide (PDF)
3. TeachingBooks Collection Analysis Tools

As we know, there are pros and cons to using computer-generated translations. The U.S. Department of Justice published in December 2021 this guidance that will be helpful to all of us in continuing that discussion and course of action.

Congratulations to Eva Garcia on her retirement from NYS/NYC Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network at Fordham University on August 2021. While Eva continues to be a great supporter and believer in bilingual education, she held many positions during her trajectory as a bilingual educator. Her beginnings as an upper elementary bilingual teacher led to her continued success as she designed Title 1 Bilingual Lab in District 7 in NYC with a cycle curriculum which she designed. Her success continued as she became coordinator of Title VII programs, Chapter 53, Parent Advisory Council, summer testing coordinator and acting director of personnel. In 1988 she was recruited to become co-principal in District 8 School with 400 students designated for bilingual and ESL services. A year later she became the principal of a troubled school. As such she served 18 years at the school. Upon retiring in 2006 she took a hiatus and in January 2007 she joined the Bronx BETAC family at Fordham University Graduate School of Education-Center for Educational Partnerships under the leadership of Dr. Anita Vazquez-Batisti.

Her dedication to supporting schools in the Bronx and later on with the citywide NYS/NYC RBERN shows her passion for personnel that deliver instructional services as per CR Part 154. Her work with the NYC RBERN team was clearly noticed in professional development institutes, seminars and topic series as NYC educators were engaged with national keynote speakers, whose expertise varied in all areas of multilingualism. Alongside her colleagues of RBERN Executive Directors, Eva always seem to find and notice a possible solution to issues being faced in the field while being realistic, practical and envisioning solutions or recommendations.

As RBERN director, Eva always got involved and participated in NYSABE conferences and various committees under the leadership of multiple NYSABE Presidents. Before the pandemic she was nominated President-Elect and upon leaving her position at Fordham she has dedicated her energy and efforts in planning our 2022 NYSABE Virtual Conference.

Email us your story and submit a picture so we can honor the contributions of our dedicated WNY educators, administrators, and community members in our monthly newsletter. Send all submissions to Mike Duffy at mjduffy@e1b.org

The Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network West is part of a statewide system of support, funded by the NYSED Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages (OBE-WL).

Mission: Collaborate with educators, parents, and community members to promote academic excellence and ensure high school graduation for all multilingual learners.

Vision: A community that provides access to an excellent and equitable education for multilingual learners that prepares them to be prosperous participants of a free and democratic society.

Email: rbernwest@e1b.org
Website: www.rbernwest.e1b.org
Location: 355 Harlem Road, Buffalo, NY, USA
Phone: (716)821-7531
Twitter: @RBERNwest