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New Guidance: ISBE Guidance for English Learner Students: District Identification, Screening, and Data Submission
In response to feedback from the field and information compiled from the Multilingual / Language Development Department’s (MLDD) monitoring process, the MLDD has developed the attached guidance in partnership with the Data Strategies and Analytics Department, the Assessment Department, and the Student Information System (SIS) team. The ISBE Guidance for English Learner Students: District Identification, Screening, and Data Submission will assist districts with understanding requirements around the Home Language Survey, Screening, and related data entry into SIS.
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New WIDA Professional Development Opportunities Available
Enhance your skills in supporting multilingual learners with our comprehensive collection of WIDA workshops and webinars! Choose from
self-paced workshops available until August 31, 2026, covering topics from mathematics and science instruction to newcomer support and assessment strategies. Or join our
interactive webinar series featuring collaborative sessions on mathematical meaning-making, supporting dually identified students, and scaffolding learning through language.
All workshops offer practical, research-based strategies you can implement immediately in your classroom. Professional development clock hours range from 1-20 hours depending on the workshop.
Whether you're a K-12 educator, administrator, or support staff working with multilingual learners, these workshops provide valuable tools and strategies to strengthen your practice and improve student outcomes.
Visit the
ISBE-Sponsored WIDA Workshops page for complete details, schedules, and registration information. Contact
multilingual@isbe.net with questions.
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NEW Guidance - Newcomer Students at a Glance
We're thrilled to share
new guidance and resources
designed to better support newcomer students - those who are new to the country and beginning their educational journey in Illinois schools. This guidance highlights best practices for welcoming students and families, fostering inclusive learning environments, and providing targeted academic and social-emotional support. Our goal is to ensure that every newcomer feels valued, connected, and positioned for success. Stay tuned for tools, strategies, and further guidance that will help school staff make a meaningful impact from day one.
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Non-Regulatory Guidance on Immigration Enforcement Actions
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has an
abundance of resources for immigrant families, including a Know Your Rights fact sheet in:
The ACLU also provides a Know Your Rights resource with guidance for families in specific immigration enforcement scenarios in both
Know Your Rights resource with guidance in English and
Know Your Rights resource with guidance in Spanish.
The National Partnership for New Americans has compiled a
live document with legal protection resources and materials from across the country that will continue to be updated.
- The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a
new fact sheet discussing equal access to elementary and secondary education for students who are English Learners (ELs) with disabilities
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Supporting English Learners in CTE
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At-A-Glance Guide: Supporting English Learners
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FY25 EL Cumulative Folder Cover Sheet
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Enrolling Older Newcomer FAQ
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Illinois Learning Standards Spanish Language Arts Webinars
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SEL resources for students and families
