Rhode Island Adult Education Professional Development Center


 


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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) 863-2839

  144 Bignall Street  Warwick, RI 02888             
                                                                
 

  September  29, 2011

  Bulletin #388

   Dear Colleagues,

  
   C
alls 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


  Free Pre-CNA class starts October 11th.  We're looking for students interested in a career in healthcare and who need practice studying and learning.
 Intermediate and above.  FUNdamentals of Healthcare can help students get ready for a CNA program or a job in home health care with this free pre-course.
 The class runs from October 11 to January 13, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm at the Pawtucket Public Library, 13 Summer
 Street, Pawtucket.  Offered by Healthcentric Advisors. For more information/register, call Karisa at 401-455-8185.
 

 Students interested in learning about Career Pathways for the 21st Century, a program that offers career exploration and skills improvement for adults
 interested in training for a career in one of Rhode Island’s high-demand industry sectors are invited to attend an Information Session on October 4.
  The session will be held at the CCRI Warwick campus at I PM in Room 4212 (inside 4200).  The program provides instruction in math, reading
 and writing as well as career coaching and job search strategies.  There is no cost for the program. 
 For more information or to register for the information session, contact Lynn Watterson, career pathways coordinator, at 401-455-6042 or e-mail lpwatterson@ccri.edu.
 

 The Woodlawn Community Center is  offering a new Citizenship class on Saturdays; to learn more/enroll, please call (401) 475-7632. The
 Citizenship class will run every Saturday from October 1st  through December 17th -10.00 AM-1.00 PM. Our class includes interview an final 
 written exam practice - Woodlawn Community Center. 210 West Ave. Pawtucket.

 
 Website for the Rhode Island Adult Education Community.  Connect with us and let us know how you like it! http://riaec.com/default.aspx

 
 TRANSITION TO COLLEGE - A Division of Rhode Island Regional Adult Learning
 Next Weekend Program begins in October. If college is your goal, call today to enroll in a free program to prepare for the transition to college.
 TTC is a natural segue for GED, EDP, and Advanced ESL students to prepare for continuing education at the college level.
 
 TTC free College Reading (ENGL 0850) at CCRI in Providence; Student Success Workshops, Career Exploration Workshops, Mentoring, Academic Writing,
 Basic Math and Pre-algebra classes, Computer lab and tutoring, Academic Advising, Student Support Services, College Application and Financial Aid preparation.

 Info Sessions: Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3 at10:00 am, 175 Main Street Pawtucket
 Phone 722-9800 Email or call 722-9800 to register for the Information Session.mariecrecca-romero@riral.org

 Please allow 2 -3 hours for assessment. Please do not bring children


 

Tool for adult education referrals in Rhode Island
 - An interactive referral website for adult education services in RI: 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 KarisaTashjian or Bernice Morris at BerniceM@pha-providence.com.


 
 also online:

  Student Centered Learning. from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation (July 2011), by Babette Moeller and Tim Reitzes of the Educational Development
 Corporation; the report has primarily to do with technology uses that equip students with skills needed for college, work, and life in the 21st century.
 Although focused on K-12 students, many of the findings are relevant for adult education.
 http://www.nmefdn.org/uploads/Integrating%20Tech%20with%20SCL.pdf
 
 resources from MN that may be helpful for teachers working with low-literate English language learners
 - the Study Circle Guide For Teachers of Low-literacy Adult ESL Students: http://www.atlasabe.org/professional/adult-esl

  The  last issue of the E-News (#19, August 15) is online at http://www.caalusa.org/enews.html.
  Readers who wish to be on CAAL's direct E-News mailing list may sign up by contacting bheitner@caalusa.org

 
OVAE Connection  archived online at http://www2.ed.gov/news/newsletters/ovaeconnection/index.html
 – weekly bulletin from the Office of Vocational and Adult Education; to subscribe directly, please contact ovaenewsletter@ed.gov
 or online http://www.edgov/about/offices/list/ovae/index.html

 

 

 from the Center for Study of  Education and Work at OISE in Toronto:: http://www.csew.ca.
 PHOTOVOICE MANUALS IN COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH
 Based on lessons learned over a decade of Canadian community-based research, Prairie Women's Health Centre of Excellence is offering its step
 by step PhotoVoice guide to teach others how to bring together small groups of women to capture their stories. See previous exhibits:
 http://www.pwhce.ca/program_poverty_photovoice.htm
 
 After training from a professional photographer, women use a disposable camera to take pictures that represent their experiences of living in poverty, and the
 policies and programs they would like tochange or keep. The women meet to share their pictures and talk about what the photos mean to them. Their
 powerful images can be showcased in public showings, to broaden awareness of the realities of living in poverty and stimulate action for just social and
 economic policies to improve women's lives. Order your PhotoVoice Manual for $12 using the online form at
 http://www.pwhce.ca/publications_order.htm, or phone (204) 982-6630.
 

 A summary of the online discussion on Using Video as Instructor Professional Development is now available:
http://lincs.ed.gov/lincs/discussions/professionaldevelopment/11videopart1_summary
 
The summary includes participant feedback (w/o attribution) as well as a compilation of all links shared during the discussion. The full edited transcripts are also available:
http://lincs.ed.gov/lincs/discussions/professionaldevelopment/11videopart1_transcript
Transcripts are linked by discussion threads at the top, or you can just scroll down to read the discussion in its entirety. Everything for the above discussion is housed in one accessible location:
http://lincs.ed.gov/lincs/discussions/professionaldevelopment/11video_part1
 - Jackie Taylor, Professional Development List Facilitator AALPD:http://www.aalpd.org/ 865.680.7668  Jackie@jataylor.net
 



online: Guest Blog Discussion Schedule—Social Innovations in Adult Education
—A Guest Blog Discussion Series on the Importance of Social Innovation for Adult Literacy
Technology innovations are changing our relationship with education and knowledge. These social innovations can be used to advance causes such as adult education and literacy by connecting users to technology tools for learning, building networks, and bridging the digital divide. How are we—and how can we—harness innovation to improve adult literacy in the United States? Join the National Coalition for Literacy for a guest blog discussion series that explores how social innovations can positively impact literacy in the U.S. and what you can do to help.  read entries here:http://blog.ncladvocacy.org/2011/08/guest-blog-discussion-schedule/
 

Peaceful Tomorrows The Change Agent, Issue 33
This issue of The Change Agent breaks new ground. It teaches the history of 9/11, wrestles with important legal and moral questions related to security and liberty, examines the “rule of law” in the context of terrorism, provides a forum for the humble but profound voices of people seeking justice and reconciliation, and includes extremely moving stories – many of them written by adult learners – about 9/11 and the aftermath.
 
Using poetry, short narratives, interviews, cartoons, illustrations, and photos, this issue roots reading, writing, and social studies lessons in content that is
 thought-provoking and relevant to adult learners. Background pieces and interesting facts provide opportunities for students to extend their learning.
 Lesson plans and discussion questions give teachers classroom-ready material that will engage students and provide an important forum for critical thinking,
 sharing, and achieving understanding across diverse experiences.
For more information, see http://www.nelrc.org/changeagent or call Cynthia Peters 617-482-9485.
 

  learning opportunities


 How can you address the impact of violence on learning? Explore new resources with Jenny Horsman


 Join us for a Webinar on September 30 https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/241327798
 
 Everyday experiences of violence – from the mildest to the most catastrophic - impact learning, and the learning failure that often follows
 has its own ongoing impact on people's lives. Violence happens in subtle and not so subtle ways and even with the best of intentions, educational
 programs can reinforce messages of violence that leave students feeling worthless and unsure of themselves as learners.
 Here's a chance for educators and administrators to take a new look at aspects of our programming that we think of as 'neutral.'
 We may find that things we hardly notice can affect student attendance, behaviour, attitudes and participation levels.

 Join this webinar for a guided tour of the innovative multi-media website  and new interactive tools for students, educators, and administrators
 http://www.learningandviolence.net/changing.htm.
 This is your chance to ask your questions and learn more about how you can use these materials to support successful learning.

 This webinar is one part of: Web-based tools to support effective learning and teaching for survivors of violence: A project of the School of Work and
 College Preparation, Centre for Preparatory and Liberal Studies, George Brown College, in partnership with Spiral Community Resource Group,
 funded by the Government of Canada's Office of Literacy and Essential Skills and supported by numerous partners across Canada and the U.S..

 Friday, September 30, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
 After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
 System Requirements
 PC-based attendees  Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
 Macintosh®-based attendees  Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer Space is limited. 

 


 access other ongoing self-paced online courses (available at no cost) here: http://207.10.202.20/home/
 

   The Goodling Institute at Penn State University and the National Center for Family Literacy are pleased to offer the following post-baccalaureate
 professional development opportunity:  ADTED 457: Adult Literacy is a three-credit post-baccalaureate course that examines adult literacy issues, research, theory,
 and instructional practices in the context of family literacy.
 The course studies the literacy needs of adults as they pertain to the roles of parent, worker, and community member. Parents' involvement in their children's
 education is an ongoing theme, with a focus on how to engage parents with low-level skills in literacy activities with their
 children at home. Research related to teaching English as a Second Language is also discussed in the context of adult and family literacy.
 The course begins on September 7. More information about the Certificate can be found at:
 http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/family-literacy-certificate/overview or you may contact Dr. Sheila Sherow at sms20@psu.edu.
 

  Course registration is open for the 2011-12 offerings of Teaching Adult Numeracy online professional development courses from
 http://www.professionalstudiesae.org. Courses are offered at $179; group rates available.
 
 Introduction to College Transition Math
 Through the readings and activities in this course, you will reflect on your own and your students' math backgrounds, examine and
 experience the college placement test your students take, try out math activities and exercises you can use in your classrooms, and
 explore the math knowledge and skills you will want to present to your own college transition students.
 Course Dates: October 10–December 12,
 Full Course Description: http://professionalstudiesae.worlded.org/pdf/CTMathOvOct11.pdf
 Required Text: Unlatching the Gate: Helping Adult Students Learn Mathematics by Katherine Safford-Ramus (Bloomington, IN: Xlibris Corporation, 2008), ISBN 978-1-4363-5120-1. Allow at least two weeks for delivery.Bottom of Form Course Instructor: Kelly Folsom   Estimated Completion Time: 24 hours/6 weeks Course Fee: $249.00 Registration: http://professionalstudiesae.worlded.org/index.html#ctmath
 Estimated Completion Time: 30 hours/6 weeks
 
 College Readiness for Adults: Beyond Academic Preparation!
The overall objective of this course is to assist educators, counselors, administrators and postsecondary partners to better prepare their students for postsecondary education. Together, we will identify, organize, and reflect on the broad array of readiness skills and abilities that adults need to be successful in postsecondary education and training. Then, each of us will consider how to change our practice to incorporate what we have learned. The course was developed and written by Cynthia Zafft, Principal Investigator for the National College Transition Network, World Education
Course Dates: October 13–December 7
Full Course Description: http://professionalstudiesae.worlded.org/pdf/CTReadiOvOct11.pdf
Course Instructor: Johnna Herrick-Phelps Estimated Completion Time: 24 hours/7 weeks Course Fee: $249.00
Registration: http://professionalstudiesae.worlded.org/index.html#ctreadi.
 
 
Teaching Reasoning and Problem Solving Strategies October 31 to December 19, 2011
Numerate adults do more than calculate figures. They think about the relationships between mathematical concepts and real-life situations. They look for patterns, make predictions, and evaluate their conclusions. They can form problems, represent them, and solve them. They apply critical thinking skills. This course examines mathematical reasoning and problem solving strategies and provides numerous teaching strategies and activities that you can apply to your teaching right away.
Registration link:  http://www.newreaderspress.com/Items.aspx?hierId=6508
Course instructor: Barbara Goodridge
 
Number Sense: Teaching About Parts and Wholes January 9 to February 20, 2012
Teaching students how to use estimation, mental math, benchmarking, and calculators will enhance their conceptual understanding of numbers and what numbers represent. This course focuses on helping adult students develop number sense by addressing two key questions: When is it necessary to have an exact answer, and when is an estimate sufficient? When calculation is necessary, which tool is appropriate to use? You’ll design math activities that are permeated with estimation, mental math, and reasonableness strategies.
Registration link:  http://www.newreaderspress.com/Items.aspx?hierId=6503
Course instructor: Jean Stephens
 
Geometry: Teaching About Shapes and Their Measures February 13 to March 26, 2012
Adult basic education students need foundational geometry and measurement skills not only to succeed in GED math, but also in the workplace. In this course, you will explore key topics in geometry, such as area, perimeter, and volume, and their importance in everyday life. You’ll look at numerous instructional activities for teaching about angles, spatial relationships, similarity, and figure transformations on a coordinate graph system.
Registration link:  http://www.newreaderspress.com/Items.aspx?hierId=6511
Course instructor: Barbara Goodridge
 
Data: Helping Students Interpret Statistical Representations March 19 to April 30, 2012
Data, or numerical information, can be described, represented, analyzed, and interpreted in various ways for various purposes. This course looks at some common uses (and misuses) of data. Learn about the measures of central tendency statistics, graphs, and probability. Through the course readings, activities, and discussions, you’ll review basic concepts and explore strategies for introducing and teaching these concepts to your adult students. Course instructor: TBD
Registration link: Watch http://www.newreaderspress.com/Items.aspx?hierId=6500
 
Algebra: Introducing Algebraic Reasoning April 23 to June 4, 2012
Research suggests that math topics, including algebra, should be taught at all levels, not just when a student is ready for GED preparation. In this course, you’ll learn how to introduce algebraic reasoning to your students, and you’ll experiment with strategies for teaching numeric patterns, relationships, and functions based on real-life situations. You’ll also explore strategies to help students model quantitative relationships using graphs, tables, words, and equations.
Registration link:  http://www.newreaderspress.com/Items.aspx?hierId=6515
Course instructor: Barbara Goodridge
 
Questions? prodev@proliteracy.org; ProfessionalStudiesAE.org is a partnership of World Education, Inc., and ProLiteracy/New Readers Press.
 Visit http://www.professionalstudiesae.org for a complete listing of available courses.

 
 
  brief, interesting article:
 The relative benefits found for students with and without learning disabilities taking a first-year university preparation course
- Maureen J. Reed, Deborah J. Kennett, Tanya Lewis, and Eunice Lund-Lucas Active Learning in Higher Education 2011;12 133-142
 http://alh.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/12/2/133 via Donna Brian, moderator,Workforce Competitiveness Discussion List.
 (note; if you have problems accessing the full text, please contact lrri@brown.edu)
 


 ELL-U is a free, innovative online training and professional development community for adult ESOL professionals. This Web site provides users with a
 variety of learning activities and social networking opportunities designed to create a community of professional practice focused on improving ELL
 instruction. ELL-U's first online course, Second Language Acquisition: Myths, Beliefs and What the Research Shows, is available online.

 The course consists of four sections that can be completed independently. Each section will take about 20 minutes to complete and provide opportunities for
 extended learning activities. To register for the course, visit the Online Courses page under the Academics section. Registered users can access the course learning
 page to chat with other participants and engage with the course's author, Dr. Martha Bigelow, through ELL-U office hours.
 The office hours will take place online and are an opportunity for participants to ask questions.
 Once you've completed the course, please complete the online survey and check out additional ways to interact with the ELL-U community.
 http://www.ell-u.org/member/login

  talk about it: he LINCS Reading and Writing Skills Discussion List is hosting the online guest discussion "The Teaching Excellence in Adult Literacy (TEAL)
 Project and Strategies for Research-Based Writing Instruction" on September 19-23,  Days 1 and 2 of this discussion will provide an overview of research in
 writing instruction. Days 3-5 will feature TEAL teachers who will describe successes and challenges in implementing research-based writing practices.
 For more details on the agenda, biographies of guests, and guiding questions visit the LINCS Website at http://lincs.ed.gov/lincs/discussions/readwrite/11teal.

 To participate in this discussion, subscribe to the discussion list prior to September 19. Be sure to follow the directions in the confirmation email to verify your
 subscription request. The link to subscribe can be found at the hyperlink above.  Rhode Island has participated in the work of TEAL and will be represented in this discussion.
  Readings to consider prior to the conversation:
 
 Research-Based Writing Instruction:
 https://teal.ed.gov/sites/default/files/Fact-Sheets/TEAL Center Research-based Writing Instruction Fact Sheet No 1.pdf
 
 Self-Regulated Strategy Development: https://teal.ed.gov/sites/default/files/Fact-Sheets/10 Strategy Development.pdf
 
 Technology-Supported Writing Instruction: https://teal.ed.gov/sites/default/files/Fact-Sheets/TEAL_Tech-Support_Write_FS_7.pdf
 
 Troia, G. Research in writing instruction: What we know and what we need to know. To appear in Pressley, M., Billman, A., Perry, K., Refitt, K.,
 & Reynolds, J.M. (Eds.), Shaping literacy achievement: Research we have, research we need. New York: Guilford Press.
 http://www.writing.ucsb.edu/wrconf08/Pdf_Articles/TroiaChapter.pdf
 
 Troia, G. & Graham, S. (2003). Effective writing instruction across the grades: What every educational consultant should know.
  Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation, 24(1), 75-89. http://www.writing.ucsb.edu/wrconf08/Pdf_Articles/TroiaArticle.pdf

 


 read all about it: the Times in plain English http://www.thetimesinplainenglish.com/wp


  about persistence - online, from Ronna Magy, ronnawrite@sbcglobal.net:
  Dear Colleagues,
  I'm attaching a link to a paper I wrote recently on learner goal setting and learner persistence which will I hope will contribute to our discussion.
  In the paper you'll find several suggestions for classroom strategies for learner persistence and learner goal setting which can be used at the beginning of the
 term and throughout the school year.  http://futureenglishforresults.com/materials/Author%20Articles/RMagy_Monograph.pdf

  Work documented by Barbara Piccirilli Alsabek and Nancy Fritz – read and learn:
 http://www.nelrc.org/persist/instruction_evid_h.html   
 


funding opportunities - large and less large  
 


 - 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/

 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 janet_isserlis@brown.edu
 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


  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


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


online / resources available
 from the July 28th newsletter of the Council for the Advancement of Adult Literacy: The Font for People With Dyslexia .  According to a study by the
 University of Twente (Netherlands), people with dyslexia read with much greater ease and get better results using a new typeface called "Dyslexie".
 The Twente website shows how the visual representation of letters, including orientation and shape, is altered to make the font more user friendly.  
 http://www.studiostudio.nl/project-dyslexie/


 online: from Esther Prins. Associate Professor and Co-Director Goodling Institute for Research in Family Literacy
 The Center for Rural Pennsylvania has released the final report for our study, GED Preparation through Distance Learning in Rural Pennsylvania.
 http://www.rural.palegislature.us/GED_DL_2011.pdf
 The fact sheet is appropriate for distribution to policy makers, funders, and program administrators, while the brochure presents highlights of the study.
 These items will soon be posted on the ISAL/Goodling Institute website. We hope you'll find these resources to be useful,
 


 The Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework, now available, includes a competency-based curriculum framework and related assessment and learning
 material resources that help adult learners transition to their goals of work, further education and training, or independence. It provides practitioners with
 guidance and support to make closer connections between literacy programming and the skills, knowledge, and behaviours learners need to reach their chosen goals.
 
 http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/eopg/oalcf/index.html

 http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/eopg/publications/OALCF_Curriculum_Framework_Mar_11.pdf
 


 Work after prison: One-year findings from the transitional jobs reentry demonstration is the first major evaluation of the multi-year "Transitional
 Jobs Reentry Demonstration" project funded by the Joyce Foundation.  MDRC is the lead evaluator in a team that includes the Urban
 Institute and the University of Michigan. The project focuses on programs that provide temporary subsidized jobs, support services, and job
 placement help.  The project's purpose is to test transitional jobs as a promising approach to regular paid employment for ex-offenders and other disadvantaged groups.
  
 The 278-page report describes how the program was implemented--with more than 1,800 men assigned to it in four cities (Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, and
 St. Paul).  It also looks at results in terms of employment and recidivism in the first year following entrance into the program.
 
 A key general finding is that transitional jobs, as currently designed and operated, do not sufficiently help people get or retain permanent jobs, nor do they
 have an impact on recidivism. Only about one-third of the participants was employed in the formal labor market at the end of a year.  However, it is seen as
 a positive indicator that about 85 percent of the men assigned to the program actually worked in an income-subsidized transitional job, reflecting genuine
 eagerness to work.  And the evaluators are inclined to think that subsidized transitional employment programs could be effective if they were strengthened
 with components that provide basic and workplace skills instruction and if better job- and post-placement services were built in.
 The project will be followed up for one more year with further results after which another report will be issued.
 full repoirt: http://www.mdrc.org/publications/570/full.pdf 
 This report is also available as a 14-page executive summary: http://www.mdrc.org/publications/570/execsum.pdf
 


 Opening Doors to Student Success  A Synthesis of Findings from an Evaluation at Six Community Colleges

 - Susan Scrivener and Erin Coghlan http://www.mdrc.org/publications/585/overview.html

  Khan Academy  - have you seen this? http://www.khanacademy.org/
 


  Developing oral proficiency of adults learning English – resources from CAL http://www.cal.org/adultspeak/
 

 The U.S. Department of Education Office of Vocational and Adult Education’s (OVAE) Division of Adult Education and Literacy has a new quarterly
 newsletter - Adult Career Pathways (ACP) News is a part of the department’s effort to provide technical assistance resources that will revolutionize the
 quantity and quality of available career pathways instructional programming for low-skilled adults. Browse headlines available in this issue below, and
 view the whole article and newsletter online:
 Resources from the Field ACP News will be devoted to highlighting resources of value to local practitioners.
 This first issue features recently published resources that have been recommended by the Technical Working Group (TWG) members. U.S. Departments of
 Labor and Education Partner on Career Pathways Technical Assistance Initiative
 The Career Pathways Technical Assistance Initiative is directed at strengthening career pathway systems for low-skilled adults and dislocated workers.
 

 Knowledge is Power - ProvPlan Invites You to Take a Closer Look at Census 2010
 http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=5qk7mzeab&v=001qwhULkbmHDtNFUfHfpFZNJtf-NJdp5pUGyVTleegoV6kfIc5JeElD7t4g5JZKkyXSoyHwvyoyRK7OdZn4ENkYrZ3YI25Zl-LoMSkkAyH5fLVliwVXED1y5bJZ_4c4Nkk11S_TQT-7ygS10SNI5leSg%3D%3D

 updates form the National Coalition for Advocacy:
 http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=2d6768592c02f5717ce038fa8&id=d2dadf552b

 
fact sheets from the national Coalition for Literacy: http://www.ncladvocacy.org/ffadult.html
 and http://national-coalition-literacy.org/advocacy/AdultEducationSupportsNationalPriorities.pdf


 
  Teaching ESL to Adults Classroom - Approaches in Action MaryAnn Florez and Betsy Parrish, ESL consultants
 A SERIES OF 8 TRAINING VIDEOS View online for free or purchase DVDs at minimal cost
 In spring 2010, the New American Horizons Foundation, with the help of ESL training specialists MaryAnn Florez and Betsy Parrish, produced its first two
 teacher training videos, set in real classrooms led by expert teachers using evidence-based practices. They were titled Lesson Planning for Life Skills and
 Building Literacy with Adult Emergent Readers. Six more videos are now available, and you can view online for free and/or own the complete set of eight
 videos on three DVDs at a minimal cost ($5.00 for materials per DVD plus shipping). The new titles are: Growing Vocabulary with Beginning Learners,
 Working with a Multi-level Class, Developing Listening Skills with High-intermediate Learners, Teaching Grammar in Real-life Contexts, Cultivating
 Writing Skills at the Intermediate Level and Developing Reading Skills for Intermediate/Advanced Learners http://www.newamericanhorizons.org
 
 The New American Horizons Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to making adult ESL courses more widely available and affordable.
 Its current priority is to develop high-quality teacher training resources for adult ESL.


 did you know?  a listing of research and evaluation projects, and other initiatives funded through OVAE: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/pi/AdultEd/englit.html



 
The proceedings for the 2009 LESLLA (Low Educated Second Language and Literacy Acquisition) Symposium in Banff, Alberta, Canada are available
 at http://
www.leslla.org/files/resources/Conference_Proceedings_FINAL_Aug12.pdf
 Thanks to Theresa Wall and  colleagues at Bow Valley College for putting them together.
 

 
 Reflect 13  -
special report on employability; teaching composition and using poetry; classroom-based research as Continuous Professional
 Development; a phonics debate; how statistics can confuse rather than clarify; how television is being used to reach adult learners in Ireland; teaching in
 secure hospitals; prisons – creativity space and books for new readers; the Reflect approach and ESOL; and the role of care support workers
 in developing the literacy, language and numeracy skills of clients with learning difficulties and disabilities.
 http://www.nrdc.org.uk/publications_details.asp?ID=179#


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


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


  line: 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
 

  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/


 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
 

 The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) is calling for proposals for concurrent presentations at the 21st National Conference on Family Literacy to
 be held in San Diego, California, March 25-27, 2012. Concurrent sessions are hour long sessions that focus on topics relating to literacy practices.
 NCFL welcomes proposals from program staff, partners, students and others interested in the field of literacy. Deadline for submission of proposals
 is September 30, 2011.
 To learn more about the conference, visit http://www.famlit.org/conference/  Submit your proposal at http://www.famlit.org/call-for-proposals/
 


 
 Welcoming Rhode Island Conference Saturday, October 1st 9:00AM to 4:30PM (8:30AM Registration)
 Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex 182 Thurbers Avenue Providence http://www.iiri.org/enews_post.html

 The Welcoming Rhode Island Conference will bring together immigrants and refugees, policymakers, social service providers,
 youth, faith leaders, students, elected officials, government employees, organizers, researchers, business representatives, and
 members of the general public to kickoff the Welcoming RI initiative. The goal of the conference is to promote understanding
 and build community in order to make Rhode Island a more welcoming state for RI's immigrant and refugee communities.
 The conference will also celebrate the 90 years that the International Institute of Rhode Island has been welcoming immigrants
 and refugees to our state and community partners who have assisted in this mission over the years.
 The conference is structured to provide safe spaces for dialogue, share best practices, and strategize throughout various sectors of society such as health,
 education, economic development and civic engagement among others.

 Breakfast and lunch will be provided by local ethnic restaurants and bakeries.
 Cultural performances and an international photo exhibit throughout the day!



 VALUEUSA's 7th National Adult Learner Leadership Institute  October 9 -  11, 2011,  in Sacramento, California,
 Featuring Danny Glover as guest speaker.  more information - http://valueusa.org

 VALUEUSA is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening adult literacy programs in the United States
 through learner involvement and leadership. VALUEUSA is governed and operated by current and former adult learners.
 VALUEUSA is the only national organization run by students of adult education.
 HOSTED BY VALUEUSA in partnership with the California State Library

 RITELL conference, Saturday, October 22 8:30-12:30
 The theme of the conference is Special Education for English Language Learners.
 Thanks to the Support of REL (Regional Educational Lab) we have nationally recognized professor Janette Klingner as main speaker.
 Learn more at http://www.ritell.org
 


 MATSOL invites you to present at its 40th Anniversary Conference:Lessons from the Past, Innovations for the Future, May 3-4, 2012.
 As we look back on the history of ESOL education in Massachusetts since MATSOL's founding in 1972, we will reflect on the insights
 we have gained, and highlight the best new ideas and practices to bring us into the future. We hope that you will share your ideas, effective
 classroom practices and research with our colleagues and fellow MATSOL members in the field of ELL/ESOL education.
 The conference will take place in Framingham, MA.
 Both days will include presentations for K-12 and adult, workplace and higher education, as well as general interest sessions;
 deadline for proposals is December 1. http://www.matsol.org.


  2011 National Refugee and Immigrant Conference:  Issues and Innovations to be held in Chicago on November 7-8, 2011.
  http://www.thecenterweb.org/alrc/refugee.html.
 
  Judith Diamond, Lynn Osheff - Adult Learning Resource Center, 2626 South Clearbrook Drive Arlington Heights IL  60005 Direct:  224.366.8632
 


 The National College Transition Network at World - fifth annual national conference on Effective Transitions in Adult Education, November 14 - 15
 in Providence (Warwick), RI. The conference is geared towards adult and postsecondary educators and administrators.
 Please visit http://collegetransition.org/

 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.



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