NYSED OBEWL Reopening FAQ
The New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages (OBEWL) has compiled the following answers to questions collected from the field regarding English Language Learners (ELLs) and other multilingual learners (MLs), including World Languages students, heritage speakers of World Languages, and students who were once ELLs but have since exited ELL status. This FAQ, available on the Reopening Page of the NYSED Coronavirus Guidance Website, provides additional clarification on the topics addressed in the School Reopening Guidance: Recovering, Rebuilding and Renewing the Spirit of New York’s Schools released in July 2020, including:
• ELL Identification
• Instruction and Units of Study
• Progress Monitoring
• ELL Students with Disabilities (SWD)
• New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB)
• Parent/Family Communication
• Accountability/English Language Proficiency (ELP)
• Reporting
• Virtual and Remote Learning
• Resources for Reference
NYSITELL Parent Waiver
Because the NYSITELL must be administered in person, parents whose children have been provisionally identified as ELLs who are receiving entirely remote instruction may use the attached file to submit a temporary waiver of the NYSITELL. Such students will remain provisionally identified pursuant to the Home Language Questionnaire and individual interview, both of which may be conducted remotely until they cease to receive fully remote instruction because of their parent or district switches to an in-person or hybrid setting. Students who are provisionally identified may receive ELL services in accordance with NYSED’s previous guidance and progress monitoring, but may not be reported as ELLs.
This waiver must be submitted directly from the parent(s) to the school and must be maintained in the student’s record for a minimum of three years. The waiver is currently available in English and other ten languages. Additional translations will be posted on this page as soon as possible.
Units of Study Guidance
As per Commissioner’s Regulations 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. Each district shall provide continuity of programs such that all students designated as ELLs can continue to receive the program type, i.e., Bilingual Education (BE) or English as a New Language (ENL), in which they were initially enrolled.
This guidance clarifies the type of instructional experiences districts may provide ELLs.
Wearing Masks
Responding to the Challenges of Learning in a Masked Environment
Proper use of masks is essential to minimizing the spread of COVID-19 even though wearing a mask for an extended length of time can be physically uncomfortable and lead to changes in mood and behavior. Inevitably, there will be students who do not wear a mask for a variety of reasons and, in order to respond thoughtfully and with compassion, it’s important that educators and administrators attempt to determine the student’s reasons before responding.
This document provides resources for schools to support students in wearing masks.
Parent Data Dashboard
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is committed to making data available and easy to use. This site provides a first step so families can be better informed as they work to advance student achievement.
Parents are encouraged to provide feedback via this survey.
Tech Tools to Support ELLs in Remote Instruction
Check out this interactive page made by our colleague Greg Bailey at Hudson Valley RBERN that shares tools for:
- Creating Presentations
- Communication & Translation
- Accessibility
- Interactivity
School Away from School
INSPIRATION FOR FAMILIES AND EDUCATORS
Dive into the School Year with a Wide Mix of Ideas & Resources!
created by the Buffalo State College School of Education
Words of Encouragement
"The biggest thing I learned during this is make sure you have people to help support you. I was able to find a community via the refugee certification class I took with the Carey Institute for Global Good and they ended up helping me through the craziness of remote learning... because we are in this together."
Amy is also the WNY Summit Gift Card Winner! She was able to purchase world flags to share with colleagues and create a welcoming environment for her students.
About Us
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: dnovak@e1b.org
Website: www.rbernwest.e1b.org
Location: 355 Harlem Road, Buffalo, NY, USA
Phone: (716)821-7531
Twitter: @RBERNwest