September 22, 2026

ML/Title III Data Drop

Reminders

ML/Title III Experienced Program Quality BOY 2026-27 Session Thursday!

Join the ML/Title III to explore program quality for multilingual learners, including how the ML/Title III Strategic Framework can support coherent systems, strong standards-based instruction, and collaborative practices. We will also examine instructional models and Tier 1 access, the ELD Standards and available resources, family partnerships, and opportunities that expand access and success for multilingual learners. Throughout the session, we will connect these areas to practical strategies, resources, and next steps that you can take back to your PSU.

Thursday, September 24 from 11:30 - 2:00 p.m 

MMT Teams Should Be Up and Running!

School-based Multiple Measures Tool (MMT) teams should now be established and actively supporting eligible multilingual learners. The MMT provides an additional pathway for eligible students to demonstrate readiness to exit the English Language Development program through structured classroom observations.

Each school’s cross-functional MMT team should include trained staff members who understand their roles and responsibilities. Team members should be prepared to:

• Coordinate and schedule required classroom observations

• Complete observations according to established guidance

• Collaborate to review the collected evidence

• Ensure all required information is documented accurately and submitted on time

If your school’s team is not yet fully operational, now is the time to confirm team membership, verify that each member has completed the appropriate training, and establish a plan for completing observations.

Additional Training Opportunities are posted each week. Please reach out to Susan.Walz@dpi.nc.gov with questions.

Have Questions About EL Headcount? We’re Here to Help!

The ML/Title III EL Headcount Guidance Slides provide information to help PSUs complete accurate and timely EL Headcount reporting.

The slides include:

• EL headcount requirements and key considerations

• Important data review and verification steps

• Resources to support the headcount process

Review the guidance slides for step-by-step information and support as you complete and verify your EL headcount.

The EL Headcount Report is now available in Infinite Campus. To access the report:

1. Select Reporting from the Infinite Campus menu

2. Locate Data Validation Menu Options and select Data Validation Report

3. From the drop-down menu, select (NC) EL Headcount (pictured)

4. Select Generate Report. No additional fields need to be completed

If you receive an error message, select the report again and choose Submit to Batch Queue.

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

Please share with all teachers!

ML/Title III Webinar Series - Session 2

How Language Functions within the Content Area Classroom

Discover how language drives learning across content areas. In this interactive session, educators will examine how students use language to engage in academic tasks, demonstrate understanding, and participate meaningfully in instruction. Participants will explore the NC ELD Standard Course of Study Key Language Uses—Narrate, Inform, Explain, and Argue—and apply WIDA language features at the discourse, sentence, and word/phrase levels to identify and support the language demands of classroom instruction.

December 2 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Did You Miss Our First Session on Second Language Acquisition?

The session recording and presentation slides are now available in the ML/Title III Team’s companion resource for the 2026–27 ML/Title III Webinar Series.

Organized by webinar topic, this resource includes concise summaries, key concepts, practical instructional considerations, important definitions, and links to related tools and materials.

ML Teacher Network

Strengthen Your Co-teaching, Expand Your Impact

Applications are open for the 2026–27 Multilingual Learner Teacher Network (MLTN)!

The NCDPI ML/Title III Team invites current content teachers who are co-teaching with ML teachers to apply for this statewide community of practice. Individual educators are also welcome and may be matched with another participant.

Approximately 10 selected pairs will:

• Strengthen co-teaching practices using evidence-based guidance.

• Collaborate with educators from across North Carolina.

• Develop classroom-ready resources to share statewide.

• Grow as teacher leaders supporting multilingual learners.

Commitment: November 2026–June 2027, including three MLTN meetings, the Summer Conference, and approximately one hour per week for collaboration, reading, and resource development.

Selected participants will receive sponsorship for approved costs associated with required in-person convenings.

First meeting: One day during the week of November 16–20, 2026

Apply by Thursday, October 15, 2026

Questions? ESLTitleIII@dpi.nc.gov

ML/Title III Webinar Series Begins September 2nd!

The ML/Title III team is offering a PD Series Unpacking Language Demands in Content Standards to deepen understanding of language development and its role in content-area instruction for multilingual learners (MLs). Participants will explore connections between language and academic standards, analyze language demands in classroom tasks, and develop collaborative planning and instructional strategies. This series supports Principle #2: Strengthen Core Instruction, Priority 1 Key Action for the Classroom in the ML/Title III Strategic Framework. 

The first webinar in the series will take place on September 2 from 3:30 to 5:00 pm, Understanding Second Language Acquisition. Build your foundational knowledge of second language acquisition and examine how multilingual learners develop language across listening, speaking, reading, and writing domains. The session will explore factors that influence language development and implications for classroom instruction. Participants will engage in learning that advances Principle 2: Strengthen Core Instruction Priority 1 - Key Action for the Classroom identified in the ML/Title III Framework.

Register for upcoming webinars:

• How Language Functions within the Content Area Classroom, December 2, 3:30 - 5:00 pm

• Unpacking Language in Content Area Standards, February 10, 3:30 - 5:00 pm

• Co-planning and Co-teaching Aligned Instruction for ML Success, April 14, 3:30 - 5:00 pm