February 2026 ESOL Updates

[Armstrong, Jane]

Hello all,

I want to take a moment to thank you for your courage, compassion, and humanity in keeping students safe during these uncertain times. Your unwavering commitment to inclusion, belonging, and leading with love makes a profound difference in the lives of students and school communities.
For those of you who have next week off, may this break give you time to rest, recharge, and reflect on the impact you make each day.

As a reminder, the DOE shared a Priority Notice with all Superintendents, Assessment Coordinators, and ML Directors/Coordinators regarding the decision to extend the English language proficiency assessment testing window.  PRIORITY NOTICE: WIDA ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS Administration Window Extended<https://mailchi.mp/maine/cu5lemq6y0-1594247>
If you have any questions about ACCESS or Alternate ACCESS, please contact Mechelle Ganglfinger, DOE ELP and Alternate Assessment Coordinator: Mechelle.Ganglfinger at maine.gov<mailto:Mechelle.Ganglfinger at maine.gov>

Enjoy the linked document, February 2026 ESOL Updates<https://www.canva.com/design/DAHA--Pb_5I/61S4JtO5HatQNzd9K2TTnA/view?utm_content=DAHA--Pb_5I&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hce4768e19f>, outlining professional learning opportunities and resources to guide individual and collective learning in supporting multilingual learners. Be sure to share with colleagues as well.

Last, I want to encourage you to consider nominating a colleague for the 2026-2027 WIDA Fellows Program.<https://wida.wisc.edu/about/consortium/fellows>
Twenty WIDA Fellows will be selected to participate in a dynamic professional learning community of instructional experts and educational leaders and contribute their expertise to the development of WIDA professional learning materials. To nominate an educator, complete the nomination form<https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5ovyTKf4I5odmfA> by February 27, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CT. Accepted nominees will be notified by? May 1, 2026 by WIDA.

Again, thank you for all that you do and know that the DOE is available to offer technical assistance, guidance, site or team visits, and professional learning support whenever needed. I hope to see you soon.

With gratitude,
Jane



Jane Armstrong (she,her,hers)
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) State Specialist
Office of Teaching and Learning
Maine Department of Education
23 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0023
Email: jane.armstrong at maine.gov<mailto:jane.armstrong at maine.gov>
Phone: 207-446-3294

Maine DOE<http://www.maine.gov/doe> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/MaineDepartmentofEducation1/> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/mainedepted/?hl=en> | Maine DOE Newsroom<https://mainedoenews.net/>
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