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EL Update

EL Update
EL Update

October 5th, 2026 October 5th, 2026

MDE Special Pops Conference MDE Special Pops Conference

  • Link to the master schedule
  • EL Director's Meeting is Tuesday, 10:20am - 11:30am in the Auditorium

Count Day Count Day

  • Oct. 7th is Count Day
  • Be sure to remove EL status in your local SIS from students who were auto exited prior to Count Day

Resources Resources

  • NEW Study on where EL students spend most of their time

  • NEW - PA 146 Dyslexia Screening EL Guidance Document from MAISA

  • NEW - English Learners in Rural Localities infographic

  • How Schools can Better Support Older English Learners - article

  • Article - Michigan increased funding for English learners by $12.5 million. Advocates say a big gap persists

  • 2 Pager for Teachers on TPS Changes
  • What Schools Might See - TPS Changes resource from ColorínColorado

Title III Funds Title III Funds

  • Preliminary Title III EL funds are now posted on the MDE site
  • LEAs with allocations less than $10,000 must join a consortium by Oct. 9th to receive funds

WIDA & State Assessments WIDA & State Assessments

  • Now available - 26/27 Assessment Integrity Guide and updated MDE Electronic Device policy
  • WIDA Access Writing Tryouts opportunity - page 6 of the Spotlight
  • WIDA is looking for observation sites that support ML students who blind or low vision or deaf or hard of hearing- page 7 of the Spotlight
  • New to WIDA Standards and Assessments? Try a new, gamified approach titled An Enchanted Assessment Quest (Bonus points if you miss old school video games)

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

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  • 10/12 - MDE Special Pops Preconference

  • 10/13 - 10/14 - MDE Special Pops conference
  • 10/21 - Effectively Working with Interpreters (also offered in March)
  • 10/24 - MITESOL Conference @ MSU
  • 10/27 - 7 Steps for a Language Rich, Interactive Classroom (MABE on the Road), $175, in GR
  • 12/2 - Bridging Worlds: Supporting Newcomer Success in School
  • 1/26/27 - Exit Score Group Viewing opportunity (registration available soon)

26/27 Resources 26/27 Resources

  • Click for 25/26 Resources
  • MDE Alternate Screener Guidance document
  • MDE WIDA Screener Guidance document
  • Kindergarten Flow Chart
  • Administrator's Guide for English Learners
  • Updated Statewide EL Professional Learning calendar
  • Kent ISD Guidance on using an Affidavit instead of copying / keeping birth certificates or identity documents during enrollment
EL Update
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