The 2014 The Anne Dow Award for Excellence and Creativity will be granted for innovative use of technology tools to enrich and improve English language development.

The Anne Dow Award for Excellence and Creativity is given annually to a professional who has made outstanding efforts that reflect enthusiasm and creative, energetic, independent thinking. This professional displays the ability to take risks, solve problems, support colleagues, and model ethical behavior. Specific criteria vary from year to year, to reflect the many facets of Anne's career and interests. 

From Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: The purpose of this document is to provide comprehensive information and guidance about key processes related to the identification, initial placement, assessment, and reclassification of English Language Learners (ELLs) in Massachusetts. Federal and state law require that such students are provided language services and ensured equitable access to the standards-based instruction provided to all other students. The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is committed to closing the proficiency gap that now exists between ELLs and their native-English speaking peers so that all students graduate high school college and career ready and are able to compete in the global economy. View document...

Helpful advisories and links related to RETELL from the Mass Teachers Association. Advisories include fact sheets on SEI Course Enrollment Process, the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement Form, and overviews of the SEI Endorsement requirement.

http://massteacher.org/advocating/toolkits/RETELL.aspx

The U.S. Department of Education requests information on priorities for future evaluation and research studies needed to inform effective instruction, assessment, and professional development that is responsive to the needs of English learners (ELs). Due Oct 9.

View the RFI

This grant program is open to eligible applicants in Gateway Cities that did not receive grant funding in FY 2013. 

Grant applicants will submit proposals to operate Summer English Learning Academies during the summer of 2014 that will provide middle and high school English language learners in their communities with high-intensity and differentiated learning opportunities. These Academies must offer full-day services to students for a minimum of four days per week and four consecutive weeks. These Academies must be designed for middle and high school students who are classified as English language learners and are eligible to receive instruction that is designed to assist them in learning English and in learning subject matter content, and must also accelerate students' acquisition of English language and literacy skills and provide students with varied learning environments. Applicants may provide targeted services to a specific population or populations of English language learners with particular needs, including those with interrupted formal schooling or those at risk of dropping out of school. 

View details about this grant opportunity on the DESE website.