Dear LIBERTARIANS,

I just want to share with you an upcoming workshop (hosted by Hofstra University) on successfully implementing the new ENL regulations. The keynote speaker is Aida Walqui, Director of Teacher Professional Development at WestEd.

I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Walqui when I was a regional instructional specialist for New York City's Region One Learning Support Center.  Her approach to instruction for English Language Learners  is culturally sensitive, rigorous, and equitable. I am sure this workshop will continue to maintain that level of quality.

I am planning on attending, so I will hopefully see you there.

Cordially,

Love

Welcome Back LIBERTARIANS!

Dear LIBERTY Members,

LIBERTY MIXER JULY 2015

Welcome back to school!  I hope you had an amazing, restful, and productive summer!  For those of you who joined us for the end-of-year mixer, please check out this awesome photo of us here and posted on the LIBERTY Events page.  We look young and fabulous.  In fact, we are young and fabulous. :-)

So how are things going in this new school year?  There are several front and center topics of interest to our group that I want to focus on for this school year.  One topic of urgency is the influx of immigrant students to our schools.  I am wondering about services for these students and if school districts are getting the funds and resources they need to address the particular needs of this population of students. I am also focused on changes in Albany to state testing and how it will impact students of color.  My third focus is new ENL (English as a New Language) regulations and how schools are meeting the requirements for these students to ensure their success.  As always I am interested in continuing the conversation around access to advanced courses for children of color, and preparation for college in terms of a child's academic selections year to year.

I also want to inform the group that Meryl and I are switching roles a little bit in the organization.  I am taking a small step back to focus on a new venture with New York Life. I will still be participating and organizing events though, so you will still see me! And if anyone is interested in organizing an event for LIBERTY -- whether it is a community meeting, a school district presentation, or just a get-together for parents and members, please just let us know. We will work with you to make it happen.

Lastly, if there is anyone you would like to invite to our group, please feel free.  I can add them to our mailing list (but get their permission first).  Likewise if there is anyone who is moving on to pursue other interests and would like their name removed from the mailing list, just let me know.

We will be sending out information about upcoming meetings within the next few weeks, so keep an eye on the blog.

Best wishes for a successful school year!

-Love