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EL Update

EL Update
EL Update

August 24th, 2026 August 24th, 2026

  • Have EL students at KCTC? Send any specific classroom / testing accommodations to AP kristyloughlinvance@kentisd.org
  • Changed positions or LEAs? Let Casey know where you landed for 26/27

Section 41 Changes Webinar Friday August 28th , 9am - 10am Section 41 Changes Webinar Friday August 28th , 9am - 10am

  • Click to register for the webinar
  • New weighted funding formula for this year (MDE Memo)
  • Section 31a and Section 41 have now been combined into a funding stream known as 22b
  • LEAs are still responsible to cover all EL program costs and meet mandated instruction minutes using their English Learner (formerly Section 41) funds
  • EL Directors / Coordinators / Leads should be working with their Business Office to ensure your EL program needs, staffing, PD, supplies, etc. continue to come from this budget
  • EL Budgeting Resource from MDE

WIDA & State Assessments WIDA & State Assessments

  • What to Know about WIDA Testing for 26/27
  • WIDA results are not embargoed and can be shared
  • Students are auto-exited by MDE at 4.8 or higher to Access and overall score of 5 for Alternate Access

New Entry Protocol & Screening New Entry Protocol & Screening

  • MI is now using both the WIDA Screener and the WIDA Alternate Screener (for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities)
  • All staff who administer the Screeners must pass the training course on the WIDA Secure Site
  • Students scoring less than 4.0 on one or more domains of the K Screener or WIDA Screener qualify as English Learners
  • Students scoring 3 or below on the Alternate Screener qualify as English Learners
  • Screening - incoming K students only take Listening and Speaking on their Screener and all grade levels take the Screener for the prior grade level or band (now - Dec. 1st)
  • Alternate Screener - give the test level that matches the student's current grade (incoming K students take the entire K Alternate Screener)
  • MDE Alternate Screener Guidance document
  • MDE WIDA Screener Guidance document
  • Kindergarten Flow Chart

Click Here to Read Last Week's Update Click Here to Read Last Week's Update

Fall PD Fall PD

  • MDE Special Pops - Registration is live for the preconference and main conference
  • Scroll to the Upcoming Events section for EL Connect, Tri-County Program Leads, Effectively Working with Interpreters, and Bridging Worlds sessions

Kent ISD EL Director Fall Update Kent ISD EL Director Fall Update

  • Will be part of KLC's agenda on September 11th
  • Highlights will be sent out
  • Administrator's Guide for English Learners

Resources Resources

  • TPS & Immigration Updates - USAHello and State of Play
  • Article - 5 Strategies to Help Multilingual Students Adjust
  • Everyone's On Offer Locator Tool - search for low cost internet in your area
  • Article - Denver District Accused of Keeping Kids in EL Programs Far Too Long
  • MITESOL Conference Grants are now open, apply by Sept. 12th

How Do I Find Screener / WIDA Scores for New Students? How Do I Find Screener / WIDA Scores for New Students?

You have multiple options:

  • Use MiLearn - now includes guides for each major student information system
    • WIDA Screener scores and Access / Alt Access scores can now be viewed in MiLearn - this allows for you to see a student's score when they enroll rather than having to wait or contact another district - learn more at the MiLearn Resources Page
  • Submit an SRM in MSDS and change the PEPE to your district / schools - you will then be able to see testing history and scores (*usually done by pupil accountant*)
  • Contact the previous school / district - we need to update our WIDA Score Contact Person listing - click here to enter the correct person for your district / school

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

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  • 8/26 - Back to School Advocacy webinar with MITESOL - registration link, 7pm - 8pm

  • 9/9 - MDE Statewide Update Webinar - registration link

  • 9/11 - EL Fall Director Update during KLC (will send highlights out afterward)

  • 9/15 - Leading Together: Tri-County EL Program Leads (session #1 of 4)

  • 9/29 - EL Connect (session #1 of 3, identical AM & PM)

  • 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
  • 11/11 - MDE Comprehensive High School Monitoring webinar (1 of 2)
  • 12/2 - Bridging Worlds: Supporting Newcomer Success in School

26/27 Resources 26/27 Resources

  • Click for 25/26 Resources
  • MDE Statewide ELD To Do Calendar (will be updated soon)
  • 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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