The ODE/OSU English Language Learner Partnership enjoyed a strong showing at this year’s State English Learners Alliance Conference, hosted in Eugene by the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA).

During the event’s March 7 Pre-Conference, Dr. Soyoung Park, assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin, presented a draft of guidelines for exiting English learners with disabilities.  She has spearheaded this effort in collaboration with the Council of Chief State School Officers and through interviews with education leaders in 24 states. You can access her Power Point presentation here: Park_ExitingELSWD_PreConference_3.7.18.

Following Dr. Park’s presentation, Dr. Jamey Burho facilitated a panel among representatives from four Oregon School Districts- Beaverton, David Douglas, Medford, and Woodburn- to talk about their efforts to bring Special Education and ELL specialists together in support of English Learners with disabilities. Among the topics discussed were cross-specialization professional development for EL and Special Education teachers, establishing a common language among all personnel, and logistical challenges for scheduling in-person collaboration.