COVID-19

A Letter to Colleagues (en español)

Dear Educators,

During this unprecedented time in our history, RBERN wants you to know that we remain committed to serving your district to support the education of some of your most vulnerable students, your English Language Learners (ELLs). Like all of you, we are working remotely to ensure that teachers are well equipped to continue the learning of all of your students. We are busy rescheduling sessions and creating new opportunities to stay connected. You may reach out to any of us here:

Denise Gonez-Santos dgonez-santos@e1b.org
Michael Duffy mjduffy@e1b.org
Melissa Duquette mduquette@e1b.org
Claribel Gonzalez cgonzalez@e1b.org
Travis Moore tmoore@e1b.org
Dawn Novak dnovak@e1b.org

If you do not currently receive our weekly newsletter, you may sign up for those here. These weekly communications offer updates from NYSED, resources for teachers and families, and information that helps meet the needs of your students. As always, please reach out to us at any time. We are your dedicated partners.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment.

Sincerely,

Denise

Archived Weekly Newsletters

ELL Parent Taskforce Resources

This contains a one-minute PSA (English Spanish, Chinese), one page written resource of activities families can do in the home (Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Karen, Russian, Spanish, Urdu, Uzbek), and video webinettes for families on ELA/SS, Math/Science (English, Spanish)

ELL Guidance Document (released May 13, 2020)

Provision of Services to English Language Learners and World Languages Students During Statewide School Closures Due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak in New York State

State Education Department Issues Guidance on Graduation and Course Requirement Changes Due to COVID-19 and Ongoing Statewide School Closure

The State Education Department announced the cancellation of the June 2020 administration of Regents Exams and released guidance on modifications to requirements for students to graduate and earn their high school diplomas, credentials and endorsements.

Board of Regents Acts on Series of Emergency Regulations to Ease the Burdens on Educators, Students and Professionals in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Board of Regents adopted emergency regulations to ease the burdens and provide important flexibility for educators, students, professionals and others to address interruptions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The series of amendments address numerous issues resulting from the interruptions districts, institutions of higher education and licensed professionals are experiencing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

ELL Resource Collection

In response to New York State school closings due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages (OBEWL) at the New York State Education Department (NYSED) has collected resources for educators to provide continuity of instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) and World Languages students. We are also providing educational resources for students and parents to continue moving ELLs toward English proficiency in the absence of face-to face classroom instruction, and to support their remote learning of core content areas.

Continuity of Learning (Digital Content)

The resources listed here are provided as options and examples only, in an attempt to provide helpful information. NYSED does not require, recommend, endorse, or advise on any specific program or product. All instructional decisions are made at the local level. Please see this letter from our Associate Commissioner from the NYSED OBE-WL, Elisa Alvarez, with regards to continuity of learning for English language learners.

Guidance for Implementing the Seal of Biliteracy during School Closures

NYSED has released guidance regarding the implementation of the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) program given the school closures due to COVID-19.

NYSED Site for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Updated guidance regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools across the state to help us ensure the health and safety of students.

NYSED News Releases and Announcements

Please visit this site for a list of the New York State Education Department's 2020 news releases and announcements.

NYSED Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages

Please visit this site for regulatory information and resources for students in ENL and bilingual programs.

Erie 1 BOCES Response to COVID-19

Please visit this site for regular updates from the Erie 1 BOCES leadership regarding instruction, professional development, and safety measures being taken at all E1B campuses.

NYS Parent Hotline for Families of English Language Learners

This Hotline was created to provide parents, guardians and other persons in parental relation of ELLs with information about their rights and services for their children pursuant to Commissioner’s Regulation 154. It also provides a mechanism to respond to specific inquiries about the delivery of these services.

A Guide to Community-Based Organizations for Immigrants

The New York State Education Department's Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages (OBEWL) has created A Guide to Community-Based Organizations for Immigrants which provides a list of organizations throughout New York State.