WestEd Research Associate Christine Snyder will present with educational leaders at the 2025 California All Titles Conference, held March 12–13 in Los Angeles, California. This event is sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE) Student Achievement and Support Division
This year’s conference theme is Cultivating Change for Tomorrow.
Snyder will be joined by leaders from the California Department of Education, Imperial County SELPA, and California State University, Fullerton.
Wednesday, March 12
OPTEL Implementation and Professional Learning: Canvas Modules and Lessons from the Field
Time: 11:45a.m. – 12:30p.m. (PT)
Presenters: Emily Ingram (California Department of Education), Christine Snyder (WestEd), and Soomin Chao (California State University Fullerton)
The Observation Protocol for Teachers of English Learners (OPTEL) standardizes California’s reclassification criteria 2 (teacher evaluation) and 3 (parent consultation) in accordance with current federal mandates. To support the field with OPTEL implementation, the CDE created nine free professional learning modules. Attendees will engage in the modules, learn about OPTEL implementation in two school districts, and engage in strategic planning for implementation in their own local education agencies.
Thursday, March 13
The OPTEL and Dually Identified Students: Reclassification for EL Students with Disabilities
Time: 11a.m. – 12:15p.m. (PT)
Presenters: Emily Ingram (California Department of Education), Christine Snyder (WestEd), and Vanessa Lopez Mendoza (Imperial County SELPA)
The OPTEL, which satisfies reclassification criteria 2 (teacher evaluation) and 3 (parent consultation), is for use with all English Learner (EL) students, including those with disabilities who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans who take the Summative English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC). To support implementation, the CDE’s new OPTEL professional learning modules focus on OPTEL use with dually identified students. Attendees will explore this content guided by its lead designer from Imperial County SELPA.
WestEd Presenter
Christine Snyder is a Research Associate and an expert on Multilingual Education with WestEd’s Assessment for Learning team.