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EL Update

EL Update
EL Update

August 11th, 2026 August 11th, 2026

New Entry Protocol for 26/27 New Entry Protocol for 26/27

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  • Updated Entry Protocol for 26/27 - if students score 4 or below - read more here
  • Changed positions or LEAs? Let Casey know where you landed for 26/27

Welcome Back & Start of School Part 1 Welcome Back & Start of School Part 1

MDE Special Pops Conference

  • Registration is live for the preconference and main conference

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

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

Section 41 Changes Section 41 Changes

  • 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

  • Spring 26 WIDA Results are Available!
  • Students are auto-exited by MDE at 4.8 or higher to Access and overall score of 5 for Alternate Access

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 -
    • 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

WIDA Screening WIDA Screening

  • There are two WIDA Screeners for potential EL students who listed a language other than English on their Home Language Surveys
  • MI is now using both the WIDA Screener and the WIDA Alternate Screener (for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities)
  • MDE Alternate Screener Guidance document
  • MDE WIDA Screener Guidance document
  • Kindergarten Flow Chart
  • All staff who administer the Screeners must pass the training course on the WIDA Secure Site

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

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  • 8/15 - A Glimpse of Africa Festival, Calder Plaza, 2pm - 7pm

  • 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)
  • 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
  • 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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