HV RBERN Update

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Greetings!

HV RBERN Reminders and Updates

The HV RBERN is pleased to announce the following new workshops:

The Language Proficiency Team: Identifying Language Needs in Students with Disabilities

NYS Commissioner’s Regulations Subpart 154-3 includes criteria for determining whether a student with a disability should take the statewide English language proficiency identification assessment (NYSITELL).This workshop will provide a close look at the steps districts should follow when a new student enrolls with an IEP, who may have second language acquisition needs. We will discuss specific scenarios, review sample documents and respond to district-specific questions.

This workshop is offered to individual districts, upon request, in order to ensure that the members of the LPT are available to participate together at their convenience to develop protocols and ensure the process is consistent across the district.

Participants can receive 1 hour of CTLE credit.

Pre-Referral Considerations for English Language Learners

This workshop will explore how educators can gather evidence and carefully distinguish when an ELL student is struggling academically, if language acquisition, cultural and linguistic diversity, gaps in learning or an actual disability or disorder is at the root cause. We will identify factors that must be considered in developing a district protocol prior to referring an ELL student for a Special Education evaluation.

This workshop is offered to individual districts, upon request, that wish to gather the team of educators involved in the Response to Intervention team or Pre-Referral committee to ensure that key members are available to collectively review or revise a pre-referral process that is consistent across the district.

Participants can receive 2 hours of CTLE credit.

Please contact Alison Provencher at AProvencher@swboces.org to set a date and time for either of these workshops. Options for scheduling are very flexible.

Updates from OBEWL

Instructional Units of Study Guidance

As per Commissioner’s Regulations (CR) Part 154, English Language Learners (ELLs) must be provided the required instructional Units of Study in their English as a New Language (ENL) or Bilingual Education (BE) program based on their most recent English language proficiency level as determined by the most current NYSESLAT or NYSITELL assessment. This guidance document addresses instructional experiences in ENL Units of Study in various learning models, including services for former ELLs (years 1 and 2).

Comprehensive ELL Education Plan (CEEP)

Each district must complete the annual CEEP, which the district superintendent submits via the NYSED Business Portal no later than December 15.

ELL Support

As advocates for ELLs and immigrant families, it is important to consider how the pandemic has affected our most vulnerable populations. With this in mind, please consider the following piece from the Washington Post, shared by our colleagues at the Mid-Hudson Migrant Education Program. For support and resources regarding migrant students, please contact https://www.nysmigrant.org/mets/mid-hudson.

Please contact the HV RBERN for support or with any questions you have.