Rhode Island Adult Education Professional Development Center


 


Search this site

LR/RI home

Advocacy

Bulletin Archives

ESOL 

Practitioner research

Learners

Learning, Dis/abilities

Links to resources

RI: learning centers and  community resources 

Literature and learning

Practitioner  resources

Technology and Learning

Women and literacy;

Writing from the field

Substitute teacher list
_______________

This site is hosted by the
Swearer Center for Public
Service

The RI AE PDC is an affiliate
 of the David E. Sweet Center
for Public Policy at RI College


 
 

 



  The Rhode Island Adult Education Professional Development Center produces a bulletin roughly every two to three 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, please go to Bulletin Archives.  To receive the bulletin via email, contact LR/RI.

 
To learn more about professional development opportunities, please contact the RI AEPDC at (401) 456 -2838 or (401) 863-2839

  
October 16, 2009

   Bulletin #320

    Dear Colleagues,

    Calls for participation, employment, funding, and conference and workshop opportunities, online and other resources. 
   To post information,  and/or to receive the bulletin via email, 
please contact the AEPDC or leave a message at (401-863-2839).
 
    Janet Isserlis signature

   Janet Isserlis


   NOTICES - – in addition to events listed here, a recently updated list of events  (including workforce development workshops, new practitioner
  orientation, standards overview - and rescheduled events) can be found at http://www.ric.edu/aepdc/calendar.php


   online – As noted above, the PD Center calendar has been updated to include upcoming events for the fall and program year; similarly, the LR/RI site (the resource
  compendium at http://www.brown.edu/lrri) has been updated as well.  Generally, the PDC site contains information about ongoing events; the LR/RI site is something
  of a library/catalogue of reference resources.

  
  half day conference on learner persistence, October 21st, 9 to 1
 Providence Housing Authority, 50 Laurel Hill Avenue, Providence; please contact jortiz@ric.edu to reserve space.
 Registration is free, but we need to know how many people will be there.

 directions:  http://maps.google.com/maps?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=0,0,13847206469032268144&fb=1&hq=50+laurel+hill+avenue&hnear=Providence,+RI&gl=us&daddr=50+Laurel+Hill+Ave,+Providence,+RI+02909&geocode=10646217848613989965,41.816587,-71.455475&ei=ioTYSsSpI43j8AbrwqW3BQ&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=directions-to&resnum=1&ved=0CA4QngIwAA
 

  New Practitioner Orientation – Friday, October 23rd, from 9 to 4 at the Genesis Center.  Please contact janet_isserlis@brown.edu for information. 
  overview : http://www.brown.edu/lrri/npo.html
 



 Want to make better referrals for adult education students in Rhode Island?
 An interactive referral website for adult education services in the state has been created at http://groups.google.com/group/rhodeislandreferrals.
 Find profiles of adult education agencies, post class openings or request help with a student referral.   Please update your agency's profile information, and if
 your agency is not listed, contact Karisa Tashjian at ktashjian@yahoo.com to have your agency added to the list.   This site is open to all agencies who provide
 services (educational, social service, etc.) for adult education students in the state.  You only need a Google account to access and post information. 
 If you need help setting up an account, please contact Karisa Tashjian at the email above or Bernice Morris at BerniceM@pha-providence.com.


  learning opportunites: 

  RIRAL/TRANSITION TO COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSIONS: 
  Saturdays at 10:00 am:  October 17, November 21. 
  175 Main Street Pawtucket  (2nd flr. Visitor’s Center.) Call 722-9800 for appointment. Allow two hours for assessment. 
  Please do not bring children to the info session.                       

 RIRAL TTC is a partner in the RI Statewide Transition to College (RI TTC) initiative and a natural segue for GED, EDP, and Advanced ESL students prior
 to post-secondary education.   Semester long programs offer intensive college preparation classes: student success workshops, academic instruction in reading,
 writing, math, computer, and study skills to prepare students for college readiness and Accuplacer testing; career exploration workshops, using DISCOVER
 online, and monthly Mentoring workshops are also part of the curriculum. Students receive assistance with the financial aid and college application process
 and attend academic advising and counseling sessions prior to registration for college courses. While attending RIRAL TTC, students enroll as a cohort in
 College Reading   (ENGL0850) at CCRI in Providence.  
 There are three sessions a year, two evening and one weekend.  The RIRAL TTC initiative is a free program with funding provided
 by the RI Department of Education and the Nellie Mae Educational Foundation in collaboration with the Community College of Rhode Island.
 For more information, contact: Marie Crecca-Romero, Program Director at 722.9800 or by email at MarieCrecca-Romero@riral.org



  learning opportunities
 
 ProfessionalStudiesAE.org is pleased to announce a new, online, professional development course, Foundations of Teaching Adult Numeracy.
 The course dates are October 19-December 7, 2009.  The instructor is Barbara Goodridge, Lowell Adult Education Center, Lowell, MA.
 
 Course Description What is numeracy? Is numeracy just another word for math? How should you approach numeracy with adult students?
  In this foundational course you'll learn how to keep students at the center of numeracy instruction. You'll explore the context, content, and
 cognitive and affective components of numeracy, how to address the needs of students with learning gaps, how students' styles of learning math
 and levels of math knowledge affect their math skills, and ways to build student's success in learning math. You'll plan classroom activities,
 test them with your students, and share your experiences with fellow teachers.
 
 Course Topics : Components of Numeracy, Reasons for Students' Learning Gaps, Math Anxiety, Learning Disabilities and Language Issues, Cultural and
 Language Barriers, Mathematical Problems in Context, Math Learning Styles, Constructivism, Levels of Knowing Math, Open and Closed Problems, Analyzing
 and Assessing Students' Mathematical Thinking, and Using Facilitation Questions in the Classroom.

 This course is the first in a six-part series of online courses focused on effective adult numeracy instruction.
 For more information and to register: http://www.newreaderspress.com/Items.aspx?hierId=6528
 Questions? Please call 888.528.2224 ext. 283 or e-mail prodev@proliteracy.org.



 Urban League of Rhode Island Early Learning Childhood Center Now Enrolling
 Infants, Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers; Head Start 3- 5 years old (Extended Day) and Before  and After School Program, ages 5-14 years old. 
 Please call 401-351-5000 ext 144 for more information or to enroll your child/ children. Urban League of RI operates a licensed childcare program.
 We accept DHS childcare subsidies. Sliding scale fee is also available for working parents

 URBAN LEAGUE OF RHODE ISLAND CHILDCARE PROGRAMS - Volunteers Needed: To provide children ages 5-12 years old who attend our Before and After
 School Program with homework assistance, Art & Craft, Dance, Music , and Science exploration.  To provide educational support to teachers in  Early Learning Center.
 This program serves children ages Infants to 5 years old.
 Our programs operate Monday –Friday from 6:30 A.M- 5:30 P.M Volunteer may choose their hours of participation.
 Training Required: we will provide required training. BCI also required
 Contact Marcia Ranglin-Vassell, Director of Education & Training 401-351-5000 ext.144

funding opportunities - large and less large


   
 solicitation memo:
 NOTICE  OF  FUNDING AVAILABILITY Request for Proposals Statewide Youth Workforce Services for 2010
 
Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston (WSPC) and The Workforce Partnership of Greater Rhode Island (WPGRI) announce the issuance of the 2010 Request for Proposals (RFP) for Youth Workforce Services funded under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) and Job Development Funds (JDF) from the Governor’s Workforce Board RI. This RFP will include 2010 Summer Employment Programs and all YouthWORKS411 funding.  The Legal Notice enclosed will appear in the Providence Journal on October 18, 2009.

The scope of services being solicited through this Request-for-Proposals (RFP) are activities that prepare youth for employment and/or education or training either directly or through formal partnerships.  Services may include traditional programs that meet WIA Youth requirements, Summer Employment Programs and Youth Centers.

Request For Proposal (RFP) packages will be available Monday, October 26, 2009

http://www.griworkforce.com and at http://www.workforcesolutionspc.com
 
printed copies will be available from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at 

WPGRI Administrative Office, RIDLT Building 73 1511 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI
Providence/Cranston netWORKri Center, 1 Reservoir Avenue, Providence, RI
Pawtucket netWORKri Center, 175 Main Street, Pawtucket

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
EEO/Affirmative Action Employer
It is recommended that you obtain and become familiar with the RFP package prior to the pre-proposal conference, and that you bring a copy with you to the conference.

A Pre-Proposal Bidders Conference will be held on October 28, according to the following schedule:
8:30 AM: Registration and Refreshments
9:00 AM: Information for state funded Job Development Fund (JDF) Proposals
10:00 AM Information for federally-funded Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Proposals
11:30 AM Information for Youth Center Proposals at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet 60 Rhodes Place Cranston, RI 02905
All attendees are requested to bring their business cards to facilitate the sign-in process.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Questions regarding this notice should be directed to:
WPGRI: Carlos Ribeiro at (401) 462-8728 or by email at cribeiro@dlt.state.ri.us <cribeiro@dlt.state.ri.us> 
WSPC:  Anne Walsh at (401) 861-0800 x112 or by email at awalsh@providenceri.com <mailto:awalsh@providenceri.com> 
 


  - grants posted on the National Institute for Literacy website:
   http://www.nifl.gov/cgi-bin/lincs/search/gsearch/dbsearch.cgi?action=Show%20Results

  - grants from the Public Education Network: http://www.publiceducation.org/newsblast_grants.asp

  - The federal government's new one stop grant site: http://www.grants.gov/


  The Poverty & Race Research Action Council (PRRAC) announces another round of education reform grants in areas of social science research. 
  PRACC is particularly interested in issues such as high classroom turnover/mobility and its disproportionate impact on low-income, minority, and farm worker
  students.  However, other issues will be considered as well.  To apply, send PRRAC a proposal outlining
  the planned research and methodology, the advocacy work it is designed to support, a budget, timeline, and qualifications of the researchers.
  Maximum grant: $10,000. 
  No application deadline. http://www.prrac.org/grants.php

  Funding Solutions for Small Nonprofit Organizations
  A collection of resources to help small nonprofit organizations fundraise including ways to motivate your board, sample fundraising letters, phonathon advice,
  and tips to  improve your direct mail solicitation.        http://www.nonprofit-innovations.com/

employment opportunities
  employment opportunities are generally sent as they arrive via email; if you would like to receive this bulletin, and those updates by email please
  contact janet_isserlis@brown.edu.

 Jobs for Change "seeks to spark a nationwide movement toward careers in the nonprofit, government, and social enterprise sectors"  – online at
 http://jobs.change.org/


  Substitute teaching: The Genesis Center is interested in adding to its substitute list. If you are an ESOL instructor who is interested in occasional work as a
  substitute, either day, evening or Saturday hours, please call Nancy Fritz or Pat Clarkin at 781-6110.


 Jobs in Literacy – nation wide postings on the National Institute for Literacy's LINCS site: http://www.nifl.gov/cgi-bin/lincs/jobs/jobs.cgi

 Substitute list: if you would like your name added to the general list, please see contact LR/RI.  The list needs to be updated so that it can function more usefully for teachers
 and programs hoping to  work with them. (http://www.brown.edu/lrri/sub.html)

 Rhode Island Community Jobs (RICOMJOB) is a public e-mail announcement list that seeks to raise the profile of meaningful work in Rhode Island by
 helping non-profit and public interest  employers publicize openings effectively. Anyone seeking a job that makes a difference in Rhode Island can join the list.
 Any non-profit, government or private sector employer advertising a paid  position related to the public interest or community concerns can post a free job listing.
 Positions must be paid but may be part-time, full-time or temporary.

 To join the list as a job seeker or to post a job as an employer go to: http://www.ricommunityjobs.org

 Rhode Island Community Jobs is supported by the Swearer Center for Public Service at Brown University and the Rhode Island Campus Compact. 
 If you have questions about this service, please  contact us at ricomjob@brown.edu


 Unemployment lifeline – from the AFL-CIO, with locally-searchable links to resources http://www.unemploymentlifeline.com/ 


online / resources available
 Learning Literacies for the Digital Age was a research study aiming to find out what literacies learners require and what UK Higher Ed and Further Education institutions
 are doing  to support them. The study informs JISC and the wider UK FE and HE communities by providing a better understanding of learning literacies, how they are evolving, how  requirements are changing, and how they may be supported in different contexts.
 http://www.jisc.ac.uk/whatwedo/projects/elearningllida.aspx

 
 from Thursday notes, October 1st: 2008 ACS  State-by-State Data Released
 You can check your state's 2008 national ranking based on its percentage of high school graduates or persons five years old and above who speak English
 less than very well by using the Census Web site’s 2008 American Community Survey data.
 http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/GRTSelectServlet?ds_name=ACS_2008_1YR_G00_&_lang=en&_ts=271683541757
 Other useful tables for statewide planning are also available there. You can find your state's 2008 dropout rate based on the Census data in the state-by-state listing posted by The Annie E. Casey foundation. City and regional data are also shown there.
http://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/acrossstates/Rankings.aspx?ind=73

 from Thursday notes, October 8 - Federal Funding to Boost Data Quality Available Now  
 
The Data Quality Campaign (DQC) has posted an interactive roadmap that identifies federal funding sources states can use for data-related activities.
 * This roadmap contains links to relevant legislation, including the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act and related guidance; it also reflects and
 new funding under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act .You can browse the site for resources available in your state
 http://www.dataqualitycampaign.org/resources/states and view action steps states can take to improve data quality.
 http://www.dataqualitycampaign.org/survey/action-steps
 The DQC is a national, collaborative effort to encourage and support state policymakers in improving the availability and use of high-quality
 education data to improve student achievement. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was DQC´s founding funder, and additional support has
 been provided by the Casey Family Programs, the Lumina Foundation for Education and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
                                                                   
 http://www.dataqualitycampaign.org/resources/arra_programs#program_11

* Although there are no ARRA funds allocated to adult education and literacy, local education agencies may use funds they receive under the education
 allocation in SFSF (81.8 percent of the SFSF allocation) for any activity authorized under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (also known
 as Title II of the Workforce Investment Act or the Adult Education Act).
 These activities can include strengthening data systems and linking them with postsecondary education and workforce data systems.
 By linking data systems, local education agencies would be better able to report on core indicators required by the act, such as participants’ placement in,
 retention in or completion of postsecondary education, training, unsubsidized employment or career advancement.


 The Council on Advancement of Adult Literacy (CAAL) has released Rebuilding NIFL to meet future needs: A New and Innovative Agency with a Broader Mission.
 
This 28-page discussion paper, written by Forrest P. Chisman and Gail Spangenberg, proposes substantial revamping of the National Institute for Literacy into a new independent National Institute for Adult Learning, with broad responsibilities for adult education and workforce skills development, including leadership in technology, stronger governance, and more adequate funding. Although unfunded, NIFL still exists within the Workforce Investment Act (for which reauthorization is pending and likely to be taken up after the first of the year) and provisions for it are contained within the Adult Education and Economic Growth Act.
Rebuilding NIFL is available  from the publications page of the CAAL website  http://www.caalusa.org/publications.html.  


 from PEN newsblast, October 9, 2009: No 'simple recipe' for teacher preparation
 


 The National College Transition Network announces its Fall 2009 Policy Forum, Shifting State Adult Education Policies to Support Postsecondary Success.
 The Policy Forum webinar is set for November 3, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (EST).
 Please join Amy Ellen Duke-Benfield, Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for Law and Social Policy, and Jennifer Foster, the Illinois State Director for Adult Education, in a forum designed to advance the formation of policies that support adult learners’ access to and success in postsecondary education. Ellen Hewett, Director of the National College Transition Network, will moderate the forum.
 What can we learn from the policy changes pursued by six Midwestern states to create pathways to college and career success for low-income working adults?  What challenges and success were experienced in the formation of these policies?  How might these efforts inform the implementation of systemic changes geared to institutionalize innovation in adult education, workforce development and  postsecondary education programs in your state?  
 These questions will be explored by describing these policy changes and by looking at what the policies look like from the ground.  The view through the lens of a specific state will be shared as Ms. Foster discusses the changes Illinois has made to ensure more low-skilled adults are achieving postsecondary and career success. There will be a question and answer time during the forum.
 The policy changes of these Midwestern states were significantly helped by support from the multi-year, multi-million dollar state policy initiative, Shifting Gears (http://www.shifting-gears.org/)  was launched in 2006 to promote regional economic growth by improving the education and skills training of the workforce in these states.  To register to attend the webinar, please visit  http://collegetransition.org/policyforumIII.html

Guest Experts:
Amy Ellen Duke-Benfield is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for Law and Social Policy. She analyzes and advocates for federal and state workforce and education policies that better serve low-income adults and provides technical assistance to state and local advocates and governments in these areas. She spearheads CLASP's work around Title II of the Workforce Investment Act (the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act), the Higher Education Act and related federal postsecondary legislation.

Jennifer Foster is the Senior Director for Adult Education and Family Literacy at the Illinois Community College Board and serves as the State Director for Adult Education and Family Literacy for Illinois. Jennifer came to the ICCB in June 2000 as the Associate Director and later as the Director for Adult Education and Family Literacy. Her responsibilities include overseeing 105 state and federally funded Adult Education and Family Literacy programs throughout Illinois. Jennifer serves as the treasurer of the National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium and the National Council of State Directors of Adult Education, and as a member of the USDOE-Office of Vocational and Adult Education Planning Work Group.
Moderator: Ellen Hewett is the Director of the National College Transition Network (NCTN).  NCTN is a membership organization committed to bridging the gap between what Adult Secondary Education and English for Speakers of Other Languages programs traditionally offer and what most nontraditional learners need to succeed in postsecondary education.



 The National Coalition for Literacy (NCL),
with generous support from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, has launched a blog
 http://blog.ncladvocacy.org/ where you can interact with national public policy experts to get answers to timely questions about public policy,
 media relations, and advocacy

 Adult Education and Family Literacy Week begins October 18. NCL is hosting an online guest discussion, from October 19-23, using the blog to discuss
 Cultivating Media Relations. There, NCL Members will support you in responding to questions from the media, and will offer advice based on their public relations
 expertise.
 Participation is free and easy Join us for this special guest discussion at  http://blog.ncladvocacy.org/
 Guest bloggers will post articles during the week. Pose your questions and discuss timely topics, such as:
 Framing Values Successfully, Building Visibility in Your Community, Cultivating the Media Through Strategic Communications, Engaging Your Nonprofit Board in Advocacy, Organizing at the Grassroots Level
 Promoting Family Literacy
 Guests:      
 Art Ellison http://blog.ncladvocacy.org/about_this_blog/ellison/  Public Policy Committee Chair, National Council of State Directors of Adult Education
 David Harvey http://blog.ncladvocacy.org/about_this_blog/dch ,  President and CEO, ProLiteracy
 Tony Peyton http://blog.ncladvocacy.org/about_this_blog/tp/,  Senior Director of Policy and Government Relations, National Center for Family Literacy
 David J. Rosen http://blog.ncladvocacy.org/about/djr/, President, Newsome Associates
 Marsha Tait http://blog.ncladvocacy.org/about_this_blog/mlt/, Public Policy Co-Chair, National Coalition for Literacy

 
 Many professionals in our field have expressed a concern about the difficulty of keeping up-to-date with the latest advances in technology for people with low vision.
 The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has received a gift from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation to address this issue.
 
Four 1-day workshops on Low Vision Technology presented by Ike Presley, National Project Manager, AFB, including this one in Boston next spring:
 April 22, 2010, Massachusetts  Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA,  8:30-4:30; Applications due 3/12/10
 
 Who should attend?  Ophthalmologists, optometrists, low vision therapists/specialists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation teachers, teachers of the
 visually impaired, assistive technology specialists, allied health professionals working with people who have low vision
  Free! In fact, we will be able to offer a travel reimbursement stipend of up to $400 for each participant.
 
 These workshops have two broad objectives. 
 Participants will acquire a general knowledge of the current types of technology available for people with low vision, and participants will provide input to
 AFB about the most effective strategies to keep professionals up-to-date on this topic.
 Please contact Shirley Landrum at slandrum@afb.net for an application. Selected participants will be notified within 5-days after the application due date.
 For additional information please visit http://www.afb.org and select Calendar of Events under AFB Community, or contact Ike Presley at presley@afb.net, 404-525-2303.



  interesting: an article in the UK Guardian weekly about ESOL provision in the US.
  http://www.guardianweekly.co.uk/?page=editorial&id=1254&catID=18


 Adult Learner Persistence - resources from the New England Literacy Resource Center's research into and learning about persistence
 A new Adult Learner Persistence website is now up at http://www.nelrc.org/persist.
 The site shares the resources collected for and generated by the New England Learner Persistence (NELP) Project. For
 each of six program areas (Program Design and Management, Intake and Orientation, Instruction, Counseling and Support, Student Involvement,
 and Seeing Progress), the site offers an inventory of promising practices that link to related research, program models, and tools. You
 can find, for example, research on the impact of shifting from open to managed enrolment, examples of how programs have built support networks
 to foster new students’ sense of belonging, or tools for helping adults recognize and document their learning progress.

 The site also highlights six Drivers of Persistence identified in the NELP Project, links to program self-assessment tools, and invites the
 field to contribute new examples of strategies that have impacted adult learner persistence.

 Please take a look and share your discoveries! -  Andy Nash and Silja Kallenbach, New England Literacy Resource Center/World Education


 The Migration Policy Institute's National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy last year launched the E Pluribus Unum Prizes.
 The Prizes national awards program provides four $50,000 awards annually to
 exceptional initiatives that promote immigrant integration. The awards are intended to recognize exceptional immigrant integration initiatives that help
 immigrants and their children adapt, thrive, and contribute to the United States or that bring immigrants and the native born together to build stronger,
 more cohesive communities. The application is open to everyone: individuals, nonprofit and community organizations, businesses, religious groups, and
 government entities, agencies, or officials operating in the United States.
 Additional information about the program, including profiles of the 2009 winners and finalists can be found at  http://www.integrationawards.org/.
 The E Pluribus Unum Prizes are a national awards program that will provide four $50,000 prizes annually to exceptional initiatives that promote immigrant integration.



 The US Senate has confirmed Brenda Dann-Messier as the Department's new assistant secretary for vocational and adult education, and she plans to be in her
 OVAE office as early as Oct. 13.  Dann-Messier has served as president of the Providence, R. I. program Dorcas Place  for the past 10 years. She also served on the R. I. Board of Governors for Higher Education and the board of the R. I. Higher Education Assistance Authority. Dann-Messier was the secretary of education’s New England regional representative during the Clinton administration. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Johnson & Wales University, Providence campus, and a master’s degree in instructional technology from Rhode Island College.


 
  Economic Crisis – The September 09 issue of The Change Agent
  What exactly happened when Wall Street crashed in 2008? What led to the crisis? What is a housing bubble? A bank bailout? A stimulus package?
 Using clear language accompanied by illustrations and graphics, the September 2009 issue of The Change Agent explains the roots of the crisis, tells
 how people are responding, gives voice to the unemployed, and tells inspiring stories of what we could do to create an economy that works for everyone.
 True stories by learners shed light on how people are coping, what they are doing to address financial stresses and injustices, and how they are staying
 hopeful. Use this issue of The Change Agent to teach math, grammar, writing, and critical thinking skills. Students will appreciate having these lessons
 rooted in relevant social issues and communicated in articles, essays, and cartoons that help demystify difficult economic concepts.

 Order a classroom set. A bulk subscription (25 copies of each issue, 2 issues a year) costs only $60. Or you can order an individual subscription (one- or two-year subscriptions are  available for $10 and $18). SUBSCRIBE NOW by visiting our web site (http://www.nelrc.org/changeagent) or calling 617-482-9485. 
 RI programs receive copies, but may wish to order more – order in bulk so all your students can have their own copy of this inspiring issue. Support the ongoing work of The Change Agent to make social justice part of the adult education classroom. Questions? Contact Cynthia Peters, Change Agent editor, cpeters@worlded.org; 617-482-9485
 
 The Change Agent: Call for Articles  Coming Home from War
 Hundreds of thousands of veterans are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. In the world of adult education, many students are themselves veterans or are family members of veterans – of the current war(s) and/or previous wars (in the U.S. or in their country of origin). The March 2010 issue of The Change Agent will explore “coming home from war” from the point of view of veterans, veterans’ families, and friends who are concerned about the effects of war on soldiers, their families, and the community.
Suggested length is 200-1200 words. All articles must be received by November 6, 2009. A stipend of $50 will be paid to each adult education student whose work is accepted for publication in this issue.  For information on submitting articles or artwork as well as a list of writing prompts http://nelrc.org/changeagent/write.htm


  Rhode Island Employment Disability E-News, newsletter from the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities,
 available at: http://www.ric.edu/sherlockcenter/onlinepublications.html

  The Migration Policy Institute's National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy last year launched the E Pluribus Unum Prizes.
 The Prizes national awards program provides four $50,000 awards annually to exceptional initiatives that promote immigrant integration. The awards are
 intended to recognize exceptional immigrant integration initiatives that help immigrants and their children adapt, thrive, and contribute to the US or that
 bring immigrants and the native born together to build stronger, more cohesive communities. The application is open to everyone: individuals, nonprofit
 and community organizations, businesses, religious groups, and government entities, agencies, or officials operating in the United States.
 Additional information about the program, including profiles of the 2009 winners and finalists can be found at  http://www.integrationawards.org/.
 The E Pluribus Unum Prizes are a national awards program that will provide four $50,000 prizes annually to
 exceptional initiatives that promote immigrant integration.

  EE Resources for multi-cultural education Teaching English as a Second Language
  Education on environmental issues is important for all Minnesotans. For increasing numbers of people in the state, English is not the native language.
 Development of these free resources using environmental issues as their integrating concept was funded, in part, by state grant programs. These workbooks
 are intended for students in  English as a second language  and limited English proficiency (LEP) classes.; (although developed for Minnesota programs,
 much of the material is useful in other settings).
 


 the Math Bulletin, developed by SABES
 http://www.sabes.org/resources/publications/mathbulletin/math-bulletin-june2009.pdf


 Good geography refresher...and good mouse skill practice as well.
 http://jimspages.com/States.htm from Kate Northcott, Director, Student Literacy Corps Webster University

 resources at FREE, the website that makes it easier to find teaching and learning resources from the federal government:  http://www.free.ed.gov/

 Math - What's the Problem? examines the state of math education in the U.S. and the roles of culture, technology, and research on improving math learning and
 proficiency.  Learn about the "miles per gallon illusion" and the train problem.  Discover resources on fractals, matrices, human face recognition, biomimetic
 research, computational conformal mapping, and the "kissing number" of a sphere.  (National Science Foundation)
 http://www.free.ed.gov/resource.cfm?resource_id=2131
 


  from NIFL's workplace literacy list (for more see http://www.nifl.gov/pipermail/workplace/2009/002275.html )
 Community Literacy Planning Guide - This planning guide will support communities as they: gather together to talk about literacy; decide to participate in the Literacy Now
 Communities program; submit an application for planning funds; mobilize local community energy and knowledge; assess the community’s literacy needs; build on existing
 literacy work and address important gaps; and prepare a community plan.
 http://www.2010legaciesnow.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Embrace_Learning/PDF/LiteracyNow_Guide.pdf    
 
 

 Minnesota Literacy Council's online training site – for out of state users:
 The courses for adult learners and educators on the Minnesota Literacy Council (MLC) online training site are developed and maintained by MLC staff through
 supplemental service grants from the Minnesota Department of Education. They are provided free of charge to Minnesota’s adult learners, teachers, volunteers, and
 other Adult Basic Education practitioners. Out-of-state visitors are welcome to explore the site to access learning resources as well, but we cannot offer CEUs or
 course completion certificates to out-of-state users. If you are a not a Minnesota resident, you are welcome to browse the self-access online learning materials,
 but please do not submit course assignments as we will not be able to respond to your submissions.     http://online.themlc.org/

 
 Refugees From Iraq - in-depth information about refugee groups from Iraq, describing the various ethnic and religious communities of Iraqi Arabs (both
 Sunni and Shi’a), Iraqi Christians, and others. Topics include history, conditions in countries of asylum, characteristics of the refugee population, cultural
 features of each of the different  communities, religion, language, education, and resettlement considerations. http://www.cal.org/topics/ri/backgrounders.html


 online: LessonWriter.com is a free website where teachers can copy, paste and submit any text (an article, essay, story, etc.) and create comprehensive, standards
 -based lesson plans and student materials in minutes.

 LessonWriter is a simple, fast and free way to use authentic, high-interest content to motivate students while delivering the explicit language instruction that ELL's
 need in both English and content-area classes. There are advanced features that can differentiate instruction for multilevel classes and class tracking features that will
 automatically scaffold lessons.  
 http://www.lessonwriter.com
 

  RI DLT's Rhode Island Red job search feature  draws job postings from ALL local jobs boards (except Monster.com).
  To access this resource visit RI RED http://www.dlt.ri.gov/rired/ -- under quick menu click job search; choose location search criteria, provide job title or other
  criteria. Source codes are listed at the bottom of the page



  Lots to do at the library Providence Public Library's calendar of events: http://www.provlib.org/calendar.asp

 National Research and Development Centre for Adult Literacy and Numeracy, dedicated to conducting research and development projects to improve literacy,
 numeracy, language and related skills and knowledge. On this site you will find information on all our  activities, including:

 Research and development projects http://www.nrdc.org.uk/projects.asp

 Creative routes to specialist teacher qualifications http://www.nrdc.org.uk/creativeroutes

 The Voices on the Page storybank is now live! Read all of the 640 stories here http://www.nrdc.org.uk/voicesonthepage.asp

 Research reports and reviews http://www.nrdc.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=329

 Latest e- newsletter http://www.nrdc.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=671

 News and events http://www.nrdc.org.uk/news.asp



  google literacy site: http://www.google.com/literacy/



 
  The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), Assisting Refugees with Disabilities Program : Resource Guide for Serving Refugees with Disabilities
  available at http://www.refugees.org/DisabilityGuide

  The guide, written for refugee case managers and those serving refugees with disabilities, includes 139 pages of information about resources for serving
 adults and children with disabilities,   housing for refugees with disabilities, assistive technology, medical resources, citizenship and disability, benefits for
 refugees with disabilities and more. 
  If you have any questions or technical assistance needs, please contact Xuan Nguyen, Director of USCRI Health and Human Services
  at xnguyen@uscridc.org or at 202-347-3507 ext  3056.
 

 RI Foundation online scholarship directory - searchable by city/town, intended field of study, current high school, and more. http://scholarship.rifoundation.org/
 YouthBuild USA Learning Network has links to Web sites and full-text documents, and  includes a section on "Authentic Materials/Engaged Learning/Constructivism/Contextual Learning/Project-based Learning."    http://www.youthbuild.org/learningnetwork/professionaldev.html

conferences and workshops - conferences and workshops are listed chronologically and are updated with each bulletin
 Rhode Island - Training/events around employment issues for people with disabilities http://www.ric.edu/uap/trainin
 


 Undocumented Hispanic Migration: On the Margins of a Dream. Connecticut College / October 16-18, 2009.
 A multidisciplinary conference featuring presentations by Peter Andreas, Linda Bosniak, Leo R. Chávez, Jorge Duany, Nancy Foner, Judith Adler Hellman,
 Alejandro Portes, Saskia  Sassen, Carola Suárez-Orozco, Marcelo Suárez-Orozco, and Silvio Torres-Saillant. Also includes panel presentations by more than a hundred scholars,
 health and social-service providers, educators, attorneys, immigrants, and government personnel from across the United States and from Mexico.
 Please see the complete program here: http://www.conncoll.edu/departments/hispanicstudies/migration.
 For further information, please contact Prof. Frank Graziano, fgraz@conncoll.edu.


 Citizens for Public Schools Special Conference EDUCATING the WHOLE STUDENT COMING TOGETHER, ADVANCING THE VISION
 A conference for parents, students, community leaders, educators, activists, advocates, poliy makers and anyone interested in the education and welfare of our children.
 Saturday, October 17,  10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.. 9 a.m. registration
 Bunker Hill Community College, 250 Rutherford Avenue, Boston
 Keynote Speaker:  Deborah Meier Working groups will develop action plans for education activists
  $25 registration fee until October 12 $35 after October 12
  $12 students and seniors $50 combined price for CPS membership and conference registration
 Registration opens after September 15 at http://www.citizensforpublicschools.org/  or by phone at 617-227-3000
 

 RITELL Fall Conference Strategies for Promoting Academic Language and Literacies
 Saturday, October 17, Rhode Island College, Student Union Ballroom 8:45 AM-12:45 PM
 Download a flyer http://data.memberclicks.com/site/matsol/RI-Tell%20Fall%2009%20flyer.pdf
 Featured Speaker: Dr. Meg Gebhard, Associate Professor and Co-director or the ACCELA Alliance, University of Massachusetts, Amherst Supporting the Academic Literacy of
 ELLs  Using Genre-Based Pedagogy
 Breakout Sessions:

 Adult: Academic Interactions: Strategies for Developing Successful Language and Communication Skill
 Barbara Gourlay and Margaret (Jill) Scott, Brown University

 Secondary: Secondary SIOP Strategies to Support Content Area Language Learning
 Julie Motta and Pat Morris, ESL Directors; Karen Hammarstrom, ESL Coach; Glenn Hopkins, ValerieMarchetti & Jenn Martin, Middle School SIOP Math,
 Science, Social Studies Teachers, Central Falls and Pawtucket
 
 Elementary: Using Family Message Journals to Promote Academic Language in a Dual Language School
 Mary-Ann Rinaldi and Rosa Devarona, K-1 English & Spanish Teachers, International Charter School, Pawtucket
 
 Admission & membership renewal: $45.00 professional, $30 full-time student Admission only (current members): $5.00 Non-member admission: $55.00
 Please note: All current MATSOL/RITELL memberships expire Sept. 30, 2009.  Proof of full-time student status is required for student discount.
 Advanced registration will open on October 1.  


 A Special Writing Workshop for teachers & students Undoing the Silence: Bringing New Writers to Powerful Voice Brought to you by WE LEARN
 (Women Expanding Literacy Education Action Resource Network) with support from the RI Adult Education Professional Development Center.
 This writing workshop will prepare students to write for Women’s Perspectives #5 -- THEME: What Would You Do?: Creative Ideas for Difficult Times
 Facilitated by Louise Dunlap, Author of Undoing the Silence: Six Tools for Social Change Writing
 Tuesday, October 20, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm (Registration opens at 9:30. Please arrive by 9:45 so we can start promptly at 10:00) RI Food Bank Community Room, 200 Niantic Avenue  Providence, Lunch Provided
 Pre-registration required * -- Space Limited to 40 We recommend programs send 1 or 2 teachers with a few students.
 To Register Contact: Jessica Ortiz,  RI AEPDC (401) 456-2838 jortiz@ric.edu

Louise will share practical writing tools to help reluctant writers to get past their internal censors. This “You Can Do It” approach makes social-action writing achievable for everyone. ABE and literacy student groups are encouraged to attend with their teachers or tutors…
In this workshop, students and teachers will:
1.     Learn about pre-writing activities to establish safe space and discover authentic voice;
2.     Hear from a “Panel of Experts” — local Rhode Island women leaders who have successfully addressed difficult issues;
3.     Develop support through writing and discussion in small groups; and
4.     Leave with a draft and a plan to continue the process after the workshop. Tools like talking, rewriting, and working with others will bring your draft to completion.
 
 In 2010, WE LEARN will publish the 5th Issue of Women;s Perspectives on the theme of "What Would You Do?".
 Women's Perspectives showcases writings by adult literacy/basic education students across all levels. Students attending or using adult basic/literacy education
 services are invited to send their writing for consideration. To see the complete Call for Writings and related Pre-Writing Activities, go to:
 http://www.litwomen.org/perspectives
 For more general information about this workshop, Women's Perspectives, or WE LEARN, contact: Mev Miller, Ed.D., Director welearn@litwomen.org

 What Would You Do? Creative Ideas for Difficult Times Call for Writings & Artwork
 Women's Perspectives #5: A Journal of Writing & Artwork by Adult Learners

- Student writers and artists are encouraged to reflect and to share your ideas on this theme.
- What would a "better world" look like to you? What would you do to make this happen? How do women leaders change the world?
- What are the most pressing issues affecting women today? And what would you do to address one or many of these issues?
- In a position of authority or as a decision-maker, what would you do to solve the big issues of the day where you live or work?
 For more details & ideas about this theme, see Pre-Writing Activities (http://www.litwomen.org/perspectives/)
 NEW! Writer's Checklist (http://www.litwomen.org/perspectives/2010/09writersChecklist.pdf)
Coming Soon: Teacher's ToolKit: Using Women's Perspectives in Many Settings
 DEADLINE to send material is DECEMBER 11, 2009. For more information contact welearn@litwomen.org
 Back issues are available.  (http://www.litwomen.org/perspectives/)


 please save the date: half day conference on learner persistence, October 21st, 9 to 1.  location and program  to be announced soon.

 2009 Learning Differences Awareness Conference - Saturday, October 24, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
 Slavin Center at Providence College  - more about the Dunne Institute: http://www.dunninstitute.org/
 conference:   http://www.dunninstitute.org/uploaded_docs/Final%202009%20Conference%20Brochure.pdf


 COABE/ProLiteracy Southeast Regional Institute October 27-28, Hyatt Regency Atlanta
 A host of acclaimed presenters with key note luncheon speaker: Dr. Stephen Brookfield, Internationally recognized for his work in Adult Education and
 Experiential Learning  Cost: $145
 Click here to register http://tinyurl.com/SE-Regional-Institute More details are available at http://www.coabe.org.
 This regional institute is generously supported by the Dollar General Foundation.
 
 You can also register for the TCSG Conference which will be held directly following the Southeast regional institute. October 28-30, 2009 Hyatt Regency
 Atlanta  Room rates: $141.00 Conference Cost: $ 375 The cost to attend both is $520.

 


   Fifth International Low Educated Second Language and Literacy Acquisition (LESLLA) Symposium Banff, Alberta, Canada, September 28-30, 2009   
 
http://www.leslla.org/workshops/2009.htm

  The National College Transition Network at World Education -  third annual national conference on Effective Transitions in Adult Education to be held on
  November 16 - 17, in Providence. 
 
This two-day conference will focus on strategies and promising practices that help adult learners succeed in postsecondary education and training. 
  Information:   http://www.collegetransition.org/conference09.html.
  Registration:  http://www.collegetransition.org/conference09/registration.html
  Program: http://collegetransition.org/conference09/schedule.html

 7th Annual WE LEARN (Net)Working Gathering on Women & Literacy http://www.litwomen.org/conference.html  March 4-6, 2010
 University of Rhode Island / Providence Campus / Providence, RI  Special Forum: Thursday, March 4 / Annual Conference: Friday -  Saturday, March 5-6

 call for presentations/performances:  http://www.litwomen.org/conferences/2010/FINAL-all.pdf
 Download Proposal FORMs only at:  (http://www.litwomen.org/conference.html)
 DEADLINE: November 30, 2009
 You CAN Do It! A Beginner's Guide to Making a Presentation or Facilitating a Workshop - available soon

 March 4, 2010 / PRE-Conference (Journeys to the Center: Spiritual Supports for Our Teaching and Learning) - watch for more details

 Registration & travel information will be released by November.


other events and conferences http://www.nifl.gov/cgi-bin/Calendar/calendar_world.cgi

TESOL worldwide calendar of events http://www.tesol.org/isaffil/calendar/index.html



  breathe - everyday yoga at your desk. http://www.mydailyyoga.com/yoga/everyday_yoga.html

 street yoga - Through the teaching of free yoga, meditation and wellness classes we seek to help homeless youth increase their physical, emotional and spiritual strength, stamina
 and flexibility so they can better meet their own core needs. We work closely with those service providers striving to help homeless youth secure safe housing, nutritious food,
 accessible health care, employment, clean clothing, educational choices and human dignity.



to LR/RI home