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LR/RI produces a bulletin roughly every two weeks in order to inform area practitioners of news, events, and calls for participation and also as a forum for posing questions, issues and discussion topics. The current bulletin is posted below. To read previous bulletins, go to Bulletin Archives.August 31, 2000 Bulletin #102
Dear Colleagues, Calls for participation, conference announcements, information about resources on line and the usual range of notices follow. To post information, please contact LR/RI or leave a message (863-2839). Thanks.
Janet Isserlis ____________________________________________________________ NOTICES
information about voting: The RI primary election is on September 12. To be eligible to vote in the primary in Rhode Island you must have registered to vote by August 12, 2000. The RI general election is on November 7; to be eligible to vote in the general election in Rhode Island you must register by October 7. To register you need to fill out a Voter Registration Form. In Providence you can register at the Providence Board of Canvassers & Voter Registration City Hall, 1st Floor , 25 Dorrance St. 02903, Phone: (401) 421-0495 ext. 203, 204 8:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m. To register in other communities in Rhode Island contact that community's Board of Canvasser's office. http://www.elections.state.ri.us/boards.htm For more information on voting in Rhode Island, visit the Democracy Compact http://www.oso.com/partners/demcom/ or the RI Elections Division/ Secretary of State's Office http://www.state.ri.us/submenus/rielclnk.htm online: "The Red Tape Divide: Barriers to Food Stamp Access" America's Second Harvest's comprehensive survey of barriers facing food stamp applicants in the 50 states and D.C. The study was prompted by the fact that in the past 4 years, participation in the food stamp program has declined by more than 33%, yet the number of Americans who are food insecure has remained constant at approximately 31 million people and demand at hunger relief agencies nation-wide is up. The survey shows that many of the hurdles placed before hungry people are not required by federal law, can be immensely burdensome and often have the effect of keeping hungry people from receiving the assistance they need and to which they are entitled. In addition to an overview of the findings, and state by state analysis of food stamp programs, the report acknowledges readability levels and literacy factors contributing to the problems encountered by those who apply for food stamps. On line at http://www.secondharvest.org/newsroom/pressreleases/081000.html National Health Law Program: "Clinton Issues Executive Order on Limited English Proficiency" Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency, also on line at http://www.epn.org/whatsnew/full_cite/255.html - attention being paid to access to health care for people whose first language is not English. as well, LR/RI's entire site has been updated. please have a look. Our thanks to Diane Rodrigues and her colleauges at Brown's Computing
and Information Technology center for the use of their computer lab
this summer. Over 35 people took part in drop in Friday sessions.
call for articles: The next issue of The Change Agent [March 2001] will focus on Media Literacy. Theme Media Literacy -- Educators and Adult Learners: We are looking for articles, lessons, activities, and student writings. Some questions to think about: - What effect does advertising have on your life? What TV programs do you watch? How do they reflect your own life and community? Where do you get your news about your community, state and the world? Should we care where the products we buy are made, by whom and under what kind of working conditions? What difference does it makes that only 10 transnational corporations control most newspapers, radio, cable and TV stations in the US and they also own many other businesses ranging from nuclear and electric power to music, movies, sports teams and travel? Please send your writings (on PC disk, if possible) and pictures or drawings to: Silja Kallenbach NELRC/World Education, 44 Farnsworth Street, Boston, MA 02210 phone: 617-482-9485 fax: 617-482-0617 email: skallenbach@worlded.org All articles must be received by November 1, 2000. All articles will be considered. Final decisions about content are made by The Change Agent Editorial Board. We also welcome referrals to people and programs working on projects related to the theme of this issue. 3rd RI Partnerships to Employment conference and supported employment honor roll reception - October 3 and 4 at the Providence Marriott. Registration is discounted at $100 for professionals and $80 for consumers/family members for both days until September 12. Single day rates are available also. Glenn Young, Steve Brunero and others knowledgeable about the links between dis/abilities and work are scheduled as presenters. For information, please contact Melissa at 456-8072; RSVP by September 12th. upcoming: David Hayes and our colleagues have been working on issues related to standards, Equipped for the Future and related topics, will be sending an open letter to the adult ed. community in the next bulletin. Recently, a number of us participated in a day long meeting, facilitated by Kathy Tancrelle, and organized by Bob Mason, on implementing standards. Thanks to all for their hard work, for the opportunity for practitioners from various programs to have an opportunity to meet and interact. resource: From Barbara Garner, editor: Focus on Basics, Volume 4, Issue B, on mathematics instruction is now available on the NCSALL web site http://gseweb.harvard.edu/~ncsall. Mary Jane Schmitt makes an eloquent argument for change in the nature of math instruction. To help mah teachers develop a theoretical background for instructional choices, mathematics teacher / researcher Kathy Safford provides an overview of current theories in math education, and a few steps that teachers can follow to deepen their knowledge. LD specialist Rochelle Kenyon describes dyscalculia, a learning disability specific to math, and provides strategies for mathematics teachers to use when working with learning-disabled math students, whether the disabilities be dyscalculia or reading-related, and provides a list of resources. Linda Huntington, who teaches learning-disabled math students, and Catherine Cantrell, a technology specialist and staff developer, work with learners at opposite ends of the educational spectrum. Regardless of differences in their students' abilities, the same theme emerges in these teachers' accounts of their classrooms: Math must be relevant. Lessons should be developed around math that springs from the learners' lives. ABE learners around the world want relevant math content. Aydin Durgunoglu and Banu Oney did research on the impact participation in a basic education program in Istanbul, Turkey, had on learners. They found that learners had strong emotional reactions to learning mathematics skills that helped them make sense of the world. Those interested in improving instruction will find ideas in the article by the Mathematics Education Group (MEG) of New York City. MEG works from the theory that adult basic education teachers -- most of whom, it is safe to say, do not have advanced training in mathematics -- need improved knowledge of math as well as a progressive instructional approach. Their model for teacher education is one that should be replicated in communities across the country. We hope that this issue of Focus on Basics proves to be a useful introductory resource for those committed to change in mathematics instruction for learners at all levels of ability. Laubach Literacy is seeking grant applications for its National Book Scholarship Fund Laubach Literacy is seeking grant applications for its National Book Scholarship Fund (NBSF), which distributes books and educational material to qualified adult literacy and education programs nationwide. NBSF grants are designed to help educational groups expand their work or to begin new programs among under-served populations. First priority is given to family literacy programs that work to improve the literacy skills of parents and children. Grants are also awarded to programs that work with special groups, such as the homeless, refugees, people learning English, and adults with learning disabilities. Last year, the NBSF gave $225,625 worth of in-kind grants to 96 programs, and is made possible through the support of foundations, corporations and individual donors across the country. For information or to apply for a grant, contact Mara Roberts, project administrator, NBSF , Laubach Literacy, PO Box 131, 1320 Jamesville Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210; telephone 315-422-9121, email mroberts@laubach.org. Additional information is on line at http://www.laubach.org/NBSF/indexnbs.html. The grant application will be available online from September 1 to November 30, 2000; applications will be accepted until December 7, 2000. Laubach Literacy is a nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to helping adults improve their lives and their communities by learning reading, writing, math and problem-solving skills. The Student Coalition for Action in Literacy Education (SCALE) will hold its Read.Write.Act Conference for campus-based literacy groups October 27-29th, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We would like to feature model campus-based family literacy programs -- especially those that incorporate America Reads work study students. If you have such a program, please consider submitting a workshop proposal! We'd like to hear from you and learn about your work. For more information about SCALE's national training and technical assistance, presenting a workshop and attending the RWA conference, check our website at http://www.unc.edu/depts/scale. or contact Kathy Sikes, Executive Director, (SCALE) 208 North Columbia Street, UNorth Carolina at Chapel Hill , CB#3505 Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3505 ph: 919.962.1542 fax: 919.962.6020 learning opportunity: SER Jobs for Progress of RI, Inc. is assisting women and minorities in exploring and preparing for skill trades career options. Career opportunities include registered skilled trade apprenticeships and non-classified technical positions, through their On the Job Training program funded by the RI Department of Transportation. Applicants to SER programs must be 18 years or older, possess a high school diploma or GED, adhere to a drug free workplace policy, have a valid RI drivers license and be a US citizen or resident alien. Applicants must not have successfully completed a classroom or OJT program leading to journey worker status in any classification . For information, please contact Eva F. Soares, Employment Specialist at 724-1820 Community College of Rhode Island, Community Services Departments, Lincoln, RI The following non-credit programs are being offered in Lincoln this fall: Conversation and Vocabulary:
resource: From Barbara Garner, editor: Focus on Basics, Volume 4, Issue B, on mathematics instruction is now available on the NCSALL web site http://gseweb.harvard.edu/~ncsall. Mary Jane Schmitt makes an eloquent argument for change in the nature of math instruction. To help mah teachers develop a theoretical background for instructional choices, mathematics teacher / researcher Kathy Safford provides an overview of current theories in math eduction, and a few steps that teachers can follow to deepen their knowledge. LD specialist Rochelle Kenyon describes dyscalculia, a learning disability specific to math, and provides strategies for mathematics teachers to use when working with learning-disabled math students, whether the disabilities be dyscalculia or reading-related, and provides a list of resources. Linda Huntington, who teaches learning-disabled math students, and Catherine Cantrell, a technology specialist and staff developer, work with learners at opposite ends of the educational spectrum. Regardless of differences in their students' abilities, the same theme emerges in these teachers' accounts of their classrooms: Math must be relevant. Lessons should be developed around math that springs from the learners' lives. ABE learners around the world want relevant math content. Aydin Durgunoglu and Banu Oney did research on the impact participation in a basic education program in Istanbul, Turkey, had on learners. They found that learners had strong emotional reactions to learning mathematics skills that helped them make sense of the world. Those interested in improving instruction will find ideas in the article by the Mathematics Education Group (MEG) of New York City. MEG works from the theory that adult basic education teachers -- most of whom, it is safe to say, do not have advanced training in mathematics -- need improved knowledge of math as well as a progressive instructional approach. Their model for teacher education is one that should be replicated in communities across the country. We hope that this issue of Focus on Basics proves to be a useful introductory resource for those committed to change in mathematics instruction for learners at all levels of ability. Laubach Literacy is seeking grant applications for its National Book Scholarship Fund Laubach Literacy is seeking grant applications for its National Book Scholarship Fund (NBSF), which distributes books and educational material to qualified adult literacy and education programs nationwide. NBSF grants are designed to help educational groups expand their work or to begin new programs among under-served populations. First priority is given to family literacy programs that work to improve the literacy skills of parents and children. Grants are also awarded to programs that work with special groups, such as the homeless, refugees, people learning English, and adults with learning disabilities. Last year, the NBSF gave $225,625 worth of in-kind grants to 96 programs, and is made possible through the support of foundations, corporations and individual donors across the country. For information or to apply for a grant, contact Mara Roberts, project administrator, NBSF , Laubach Literacy, PO Box 131, 1320 Jamesville Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210; telephone 315-422-9121, email mroberts@laubach.org. Additional information is on line at http://www.laubach.org/NBSF/indexnbs.html. The grant application will be available online from September 1 to November 30, 2000; applications will be accepted until December 7, 2000. Laubach Literacy is a nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to helping adults improve their lives and their communities by learning reading, writing, math and problem-solving skills. The Student Coalition for Action in Literacy Education (SCALE) will hold its Read.Write.Act Conference for campus-based literacy groups October 27-29th, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We would like to feature model campus-based family literacy programs -- especially those that incorporate America Reads work study students. If you have such a program, please consider submitting a workshop proposal! We'd like to hear from you and learn about your work. For more information about SCALE's national training and technical assistance, presenting a workshop and attending the RWA conference, check our website at http://www.unc.edu/depts/scale. or contact Kathy Sikes, Executive Director, (SCALE) 208 North Columbia Street, UNorth Carolina at Chapel Hill , CB#3505 Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3505 ph: 919.962.1542 fax: 919.962.6020 learning opportunity: SER Jobs for Progress of RI, Inc. is assisting women and minorities in exploring and preparing for skill trades career options. Career opportunities include registered skilled trade apprenticeships and non-classified technical positions, through their On the Job Training program funded by the RI Department of Transportation. Applicants to SER programs must be 18 years or older, possess a high school diploma or GED, adhere to a drug free workplace policy, have a valid RI drivers license and be a US citizen or resident alien. Applicants must not have successfully completed a classroom or OJT program leading to journey worker status in any classification . For information, please contact Eva F. Soares, Employment Specialist at 724-1820 Community College of Rhode Island, Community Services Departments, Lincoln, RI The following non-credit programs are being offered in Lincoln this fall: Conversation and Vocabulary:
resource: From Barbara Garner, editor: Focus on Basics, Volume 4, Issue B, on mathematics instruction is now available on the NCSALL web site http://gseweb.harvard.edu/~ncsall. Laubach Literacy is seeking grant applications for its National Book Scholarship Fund Laubach Literacy is seeking grant applications for its National Book Scholarship Fund (NBSF), which distributes books and educational material to qualified adult literacy and education programs nationwide. NBSF grants are designed to help educational groups expand their work or to begin new programs among under-served populations. First priority is given to family literacy programs that work to improve the literacy skills of parents and children. Grants are also awarded to programs that work with special groups, such as the homeless, refugees, people learning English, and adults with learning disabilities. Last year, the NBSF gave $225,625 worth of in-kind grants to 96 programs, and is made possible through the support of foundations, corporations and individual donors across the country. For information or to apply for a grant, contact Mara Roberts, project administrator, NBSF , Laubach Literacy, PO Box 131, 1320 Jamesville Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210; telephone 315-422-9121, email mroberts@laubach.org. Additional information is on line at http://www.laubach.org/NBSF/indexnbs.html. The grant application will be available online from September 1 to November 30, 2000; applications will be accepted until December 7, 2000. Laubach Literacy is a nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to helping adults improve their lives and their communities by learning reading, writing, math and problem-solving skills. The Student Coalition for Action in Literacy Education (SCALE) will hold its Read.Write.Act Conference for campus-based literacy groups October 27-29th, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We would like to feature model campus-based family literacy programs -- especially those that incorporate America Reads work study students. If you have such a program, please consider submitting a workshop proposal! We'd like to hear from you and learn about your work. For more information about SCALE's national training and technical assistance, presenting a workshop and attending the RWA conference, check our website at http://www.unc.edu/depts/scale. or contact Kathy Sikes, Executive Director, (SCALE) 208 North Columbia Street, UNorth Carolina at Chapel Hill , CB#3505 Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3505 ph: 919.962.1542 fax: 919.962.6020 learning opportunity: SER Jobs for Progress of RI, Inc. is assisting women and minorities in exploring and preparing for skill trades career options. Career opportunities include registered skilled trade apprenticeships and non-classified technical positions, through their On the Job Training program funded by the RI Department of Transportation. Applicants to SER programs must be 18 years or older, possess a high school diploma or GED, adhere to a drug free workplace policy, have a valid RI drivers license and be a US citizen or resident alien. Applicants must not have successfully completed a classroom or OJT program leading to journey worker status in any classification . For information, please contact Eva F. Soares, Employment Specialist at 724-1820 Community College of Rhode Island, Community Services Departments, Lincoln, RI The following non-credit programs are being offered in Lincoln this fall: Conversation and Vocabulary:
resource: From Barbara Garner, editor: Focus on Basics, Volume 4, Issue B, on mathematics instruction is now available on the NCSALL web site http://gseweb.harvard.edu/~ncsall. Mary Jane Schmitt makes an eloquent argument for change in the nature of math instruction. To help mah teachers develop a theoretical background for instructional choices, mathematics teacher / researcher Kathy Safford provides an overview of current theories in math education, and a few steps that teachers can follow to deepen their knowledge. LD specialist Rochelle Kenyon describes dyscalculia, a learning disability specific to math, and provides strategies for mathematics teachers to use when working with learning-disabled math students, whether the disabilities be dyscalculia or reading-related, and provides a list of resources. Linda Huntington, who teaches learning-disabled math students, and Catherine Cantrell, a technology specialist and staff developer, work with learners at opposite ends of the educational spectrum. Regardless of differences in their students' abilities, the same theme emerges in these teachers' accounts of their classrooms: Math must be relevant. Lessons should be developed around math that springs from the learners' lives. ABE learners around the world want relevant math content. Aydin Durgunoglu and Banu Oney did research on the impact participation in a basic education program in Istanbul, Turkey, had on learners. They found that learners had strong emotional reactions to learning mathematics skills that helped them make sense of the world. Those interested in improving instruction will find ideas in the article by the Mathematics Education Group (MEG) of New York City. MEG works from the theory that adult basic education teachers -- most of whom, it is safe to say, do not have advanced training in mathematics -- need improved knowledge of math as well as a progressive instructional approach. Their model for teacher education is one that should be replicated in communities across the country. We hope that this issue of Focus on Basics proves to be a useful introductory resource for those committed to change in mathematics instruction for learners at all levels of ability. The Student Coalition for Action in Literacy Education (SCALE) will hold its Read.Write.Act Conference for campus-based literacy groups October 27-29th, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We would like to feature model campus-based family literacy programs -- especially those that incorporate America Reads work study students. If you have such a program, please consider submitting a workshop proposal! We'd like to hear from you and learn about your work. For more information about SCALE's national training and technical assistance, presenting a workshop and attending the RWA conference, check our website at http://www.unc.edu/depts/scale. or contact Kathy Sikes, Executive Director, (SCALE) 208 North Columbia Street, UNorth Carolina at Chapel Hill , CB#3505 Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3505 ph: 919.962.1542 fax: 919.962.6020 learning opportunity: SER Jobs for Progress of RI, Inc. is assisting women and minorities in exploring and preparing for skill trades career options. Career opportunities include registered skilled trade apprenticeships and non-classified technical positions, through their On the Job Training program funded by the RI Department of Transportation. Applicants to SER programs must be 18 years or older, possess a high school diploma or GED, adhere to a drug free workplace policy, have a valid RI drivers license and be a US citizen or resident alien. Applicants must not have successfully completed a classroom or OJT program leading to journey worker status in any classification . For information, please contact Eva F. Soares, Employment Specialist at 724-1820 Community College of Rhode Island, Community Services Departments, Lincoln, RI The following non-credit programs are being offered in Lincoln this fall: Conversation and Vocabulary:
ESL Writing I [COMS -2190 - 229] Saturday, 9:30 - 12. Sept. 9 - Nov. 25. 12 classes, $100.00 Computer Applications and intro to windows 95/office 97 (limit 12 students)
Beginning TypingAlphabetic Keyboard (limit 14 students)
Basic Office Microsoft word, excel and access (limit 12 students - prerequisite:
intro to computers)
Navigating the internet: [COMS - 3702-221 Monday 5- 8 PM, Sept. 11- Oct. 2, 4 classes, $50.00 Beginning August 15, registration will take place Monday through Thursday, 4 - 7 PM in the Community Services Department in Lincoln,. If you are registering for ESL classes for the first time, you will need to take a placement test so allow yourself about 90 minutes to do everything. Course fees must be paid by check or money order payable to CCRI - cash will not be accepted. No registrations will be taken on the first day of class. Information: 333-7074, ask for Nancy or Estella. or leave a message. Social secuity number is needed to register. Due to a small technical misunderstanding, some of the text of bulletin 102 has not found its way into the archive. Most of the information not found here, is found is bulletins #101 and #103, Please contact LR/RI if you have information, questions or announcements to share with adult educators in Rhode Island. Bulletins go out at least twice a month; more frequently when there's more to share. To submit information for the next bulletin, please contact LR/RI by phone (401-863-2839), mail (PO Box 1974, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912) or email. back to LR/RI home |