Grants to New York Cooperative Educational Service Providers and IHEs to assist schools and school districts in improving the instruction provided for students learning English as a second language. Funding is intended to support professional development and technical assistance to districts and schools in order to improve instructional practices and educational outcomes of students who are Multilingual Learners.

The goal of the RBERN is to help each district and school create for MLLs/ELLs an educational environment that engages everyone in meaningful teaching and learning, respects diversity, provides opportunities for all children to achieve at the highest levels, and enables them to become proficient in the English language while capitalizing on their strengths in terms of their native language and heritage.

The RBERN network is also NYSED’s main program initiative for the provision of professional development, in-service training, information dissemination, and technical assistance in areas related to MLL/ELL education for parents and service providers, focusing particularly on the following areas:

• Reducing dropout rates/increasing graduation rates
• Student Identification/Placement
• Leadership
• Coordination of Resources
• Quality Programs
• Quality Instruction
• Improving Educational Opportunities for MLLs/ELLs such as Career and Technical Education
• Assessment/School Planning
• Staff Qualifications
• Professional Development
• Parent and Family Involvement
• Support Services  

The primary work of the RBERN technical assistance providers funded through this RFP will be to bring research-based practices in the areas identified above to New York State public schools and districts, including Charter schools, and nonpublic schools that have been identified by OBEWL as at risk of, or needing, assistance or intervention to improve results for MLLs/ELLs. 

For more information on the goals and activities of the technical assistance support centers and for a project overview, see the following link: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/compcontracts/20-014-rbern/nysed-rfp-20-014-rbern.pdf#page=7