Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages (OBEWL)
Our Vision is to provide leadership that embraces linguistically diverse learners to establish a Multilingual Society. Our mission is to ensure that all New York State English Language Learners (ELLs) attain the highest level of academic success and that all Multilingual Learners (MLs) – which include ELLs, Former/Ever ELLs, World Languages students, and heritage speakers of World Languages – achieve the highest level of language proficiency in English and in one or more other languages.
We strive to ensure that all students’ individual educational paths and socio-emotional needs are met in multiple languages leading them to college and career readiness. NYSED believes that all teachers are teachers of English Language Learners (ELLs) and Multilingual Learners (MLs). Our goal is to provide guidance, technical assistance, and support to NY State Districts, Charter Schools, Religious and Independent Schools, and other organizations (Universities, State Educational Organizations) in the development of programs for ELLs and MLs including World Language students. OBEWL serves over 700 Local Education Agencies and over 320,000 ELLs and Former ELLs from over 200 language backgrounds.
The Bilingual Education website has current information on regulations, programs and funding for districts.
The World Languages website has resources that promote and support the teaching and learning of one or more languages and cultures, in addition to the English language.