Hudson Valley RBERN Update

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HV RBERN Professional Learning Opportunities

Other Professional Learning Opportunities

Fall 2026 MLS Trainings

The MLS Info Session helps school and district level administrators identify if the MLS is the best SIFE intake tool for their school community.

The MLS New User Trainings provide users with an overview of the MLS tool, a website walkthrough and a review of the state SIFE identification process.

The MLS Reports Training is a guided walkthrough of MLS Student Performance Reports, followed by instructional strategies for using results to support newcomer students.

The MLS Website Walkthrough is a guided session highlighting key features, navigating the MLS site, and resources, with opportunities to ask questions.

MLS trainings are free and open to K-12 educators in New York State. More information about the MLS is available in their Help Center.

Initiative on Immigration and Education

VIRTUAL LAUNCH | Teaching at the Intersection of Immigration and Education: A Guide for Higher Education Faculty

Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 12:00-1:00 PM

Authored by Rachel Duff and Ariana Mangual Figueroa, this guide is aimed at supporting higher education faculty who seek to integrate themes of immigration into their education courses. Participants will hear from CUNY-IIE Faculty Fellows who have redesigned their syllabi with immigration and education in mind.

Register

Dominican University New York

Fast-Track Your Bilingual Certification This Fall

Bilingual Extension Certification Program – Info Sessions Now Open

Dominican University of New York (DUNY) is offering an online, bilingual extension certification program for teacher candidates seeking to expand their credentials to better serve multilingual students. The 12-credit program runs in two convenient 8-week sessions (9/14–11/6 and 11/16–1/8/27) at a reduced tuition rate of $550/credit, with no application or registration fees. Qualified completers will meet NYSED coursework requirements for certification by January.

Learn more about the program: Program Details

Free Info Sessions are being held twice weekly via Zoom.

Register

Resources

WIDA Assessments

WIDA has recently updated their NY webpage. Please visit to find the latest information including testing dates, the WIDA Access Checklist, and professional development opportunities. 

Highlights: (See the WIDA NY Page for Exact Dats and Full Info)

  • Secure Portal available beginning 9/9

  • Test Ordering in October

  • Testing materials arriving in January

  • Testing window begins 2/1

  • Testing Window Closes 4/9

NERIC Testing has put together this WIDA- Need To Know as quick reference to help synthesize information and help your district keep on track. At this time, please pay specific attention to items 1-3 to stay informed and have the necessary access to the system.

WIDA Test Coordinator & WIDA Portal Login Rollout

  • OSA asked superintendents through the Business Portal to designate a district ELL Test Coordinator (TC) by June 30, 2026. If no one was designated, the superintendent will automatically serve as TC.

  • Login credentials are expected beginning in September, with Test Coordinators receiving priority access so they can order materials and upload student rosters.

  • Access will likely occur in waves rather than all at once.

  • Potential complications include districts where the superintendent did not designate a TC, has since left/retired, or is unaware that they became the default coordinator.

  • After September 1, staff with access questions should first be referred to their district Test Coordinator.

  • Educators do not need to rush into assessment training. For hand-scored assessments, training is best completed closer to administration so the information is fresh.

  • The NYS WIDA webpage will be updated soon with additional dates and rollout information.

Please take a moment to look at the WIDA Roadmap:

WIDA Roadmap

Please contact the HV RBERN for support or with any questions you may have.