Bulletin Archives

LR/RI homepage

Swearer Center homepage

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.

April 12, 1999

Bulletin #66

Dear Colleagues,

Notice of upcoming professional development events, employment opportunities, conferences and meetings. To post information, please contact me at LR/RI or leave a message (863-2839).

Thanks.

Janet Isserlis

____________________________________________________________

NOTICES

The Governor's blue ribbon panel on adult literacy will meet on Thursday, April 22 at 8:30 AM at the International Institute of RI, 645 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, and will focus on a continued review and discussion of the commission's goals and objectives. Please call Marsha McDowell, 222-6700, if you plan to attend.

The Adult Education Commission will meet on Wednesday, April 28 at the State House, at a time to be announced soon.

Discussion/sharing session for educators with an interest in intergenerational learning and adult education will be held on Thursday, April 15th, at 2:30 PM at the Genesis Center. Genesis program staff will be sharing resources and materials they have developed and utilize in their intergenerational literacy programming.

Seventh Annual Conference On Serving Adults with Learning Disabilities, May 27 - Hartford Marriott Hotel, Farmington, CT. Primary emphasis of the conference will be on serving adults with learning disabilities and other hidden disabilities, as well as adults who have difficulty learning for a variety of reasons. Registration: $95, or $86/each for groups of three or more individuals attending from the same institution; registration deadline is May 21st. Brochures available via LR/RI, (after March 31st), or contact Debbie Kalanquin, (860) 524-4046.

Connections through Literacy presents Dr. Susan Baum - Multiple Intelligences Theory in the Classroom: Pathways to Implementation, Saturday, May 15, 9 to noon, IIRI.Fee $10.

Practical strategies for implementing Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences in the classroom with all types of learners. Participants will take away a set of strategies which may be adapted for all learning, including application for family literacy and learning disability situations. Participants will actively explore specific pathways for Multiple Intelligences Theory to improve reading and teaching. Deadline for registration: May 1. Questions? Call Terri Coustan, 351-4252 or email at TCoustan@aol.com. Checks payable to Connections through Literacy can be sent to Debbe Fate, LV-NRI, c/o Central Falls Free Library, 205 Central Street, Central Falls, RI 02863.

Achieving Learner Goals: Video Technology in Adult Education - satellite teleconference, Thursday, April 29, 2 to 4 PM at WSBE, Channel 36, 50 Park Lane, Providence.

This live professional development event will provide case studies, panel discussion and interviews with learners to show how to use video to improve instruction and strengthen learning. Whether used as the core curriculum, as a complement to other instruction, or for self-expression by the learner, video is compatible with multiple learning styles because it uses sight and sound to present ideas. It also allows for fast and easy repetition of key segments. The teleconference offers a look at: the PBS series, Workplace Essential Skills, which provides pre-GED level instruction on the basics of finding and keeping a job; a review of two series for ESL students, Annenberg's Connect with English, and InteleCom's Crossroads CafÈ; the Adult Literacy Media Alliance's TV 411, a series designed to provide pre-GED level instruction organized around a specific set of viewer interests that are grounded in real-life situations, and a Star Schools Project, administered through ESD 101, Spokane, demonstrating the use of instructional TV offered via satellite and cable for GED preparation, citizenship, ESL and other subjects. Hear directly from learners about how they experience video as an instructional tool, what appeals to them about a video lesson, and how learning by seeing and hearing helps them improve comprehension and life skills. Throughout the event, participants will be encouraged to call or fax to share their ideas, experiences, and questions with the panel and with other participants watching across the country.

Registration forms for the fifth Pedagogy and Theatre of the Oppressed conference to be held June 3-5 in New York are now available on line at http://cid.unomaha.edu/~pto; if you need hard copy of the forms, please contact LR/RI.

New on the web site:

- Updates from Inquiry projects, (go to Inquiry), and papers from the Adult Education Academic Session, held earlier this month at TESOL

- Maryland's state plan for adult education is on-line (along with other posted plans)

- Debby Venator's ESOL class shares writing about a self-defense workshop

American FactFinder - data access and dissemination system providing facts and information about your community, economy, and society. The system finds and retrieves information from some of the Census Bureau's largest data sets. The site is linked is linked to LR/RI's links page, and/or at http://factfinder.census.gov/java_prod/dads.ui.homePage.HomePage

Computer information training: Dorey Conway, the Electronic Information Specialist at the Providence Public Library, has announced that the library can accommodate non-profit groups of up to 8 people for various kinds of information training, based on the needs and interests of the group, (for example, teachers or other professionals needing training in Microsoft Office, Netscape Navigator, remotely accessing material, GED computer information, etc.). For more information, contact Dorey Conway at 455-8097. Please give at least a monthÕs notice. The libraryÕs computer lab is a busy place.

INTRODUCTION TO THE WILSON READING SYSTEM A Multisensory, Structured System of Teaching, FRIDAY, MAY 7, 3:00-8:00 PM and SATURDAY, MAY 8, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM at DORCAS PLACE PARENT LITERACY CENTER 270 Elmwood Avenue, Providence

Program includes: Description of Dyslexia, identification of students, 10 Critical Points of the Wilson Reading System, Visual/Auditory/Kinesthetic/Tactile Instruction, Pretesting and Lesson Plan Formats. Co-sponsored by Literacy Volunteers of America-Rhode Island and Dorcas Place Parent Literacy Center with funding from the Rhode Island Department of Education. Lunch and a light supper will be provided. No charge; pre-registration is requested. Call Joan Anthony at 273-8866 or Donna Sherman at 861-0815.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

RSVP Literacy Program : part-time position available for Literacy Instructor/Coordinator with proven experience in adult learning/literacy, and with knowledge/experience in the area of learning disabilties. Responsibilities: 20 hours per week, duties include classroom instructional component; lesson planning, using a variety of teaching materials, e.g. life experience, real world, newspapers, texts, videos, etc., planning and implementing project-based instruction, accurate record keeping, plus ongoing assessment and evaluation. Duties also include preparing reports and assuming other responsibilities as necessary.

Assistant Literacy Coordinator: duties include outreach to the community by speaking to human service agencies and community organizations, networking at the community/state level, assisting in the recruitment/orientation/training/support of volunteer tutors and the recruitment/ retention of adult learners. Other duties as necessary. Qualifications: Candidate should have a strong interest and some experience working with adult learners from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. Excellent oral and written communication skills in adition to working independently and as a team member are necessary. Willingness to attend conferences, trainings, etc. required. The ability to handle multi-task sitations, meet deadlines, set priorites and complete projects is important. Computer literacy/Windows 95, Word and Excel preferred; grant writing skills requested. Apply in person at RSVP of Northern RI, 84 Social Street, Room L-2 (downstairs, Woonsocket senior center) Woonsocket, RI 02895 (401) 766-2300. Deadline for applications is Friday, April 30, 1999.

The New England Learning Disabilities Partnership is holding its first regional train-the-trainers session in Newport, RI on May 24 & 25. This two day institute will involve up to 50 participants from the six New England states who will work with LD Partnership members to develop the first of a series of trainings aroundeffective services for adults with learning disabilities. The trainings will, in part, be based on the materials developed by the National Adult Literacy and Learning Disabilities Center (NALLD Center), which were recently published as Bridges to Practice.

In addition to the state's Partnership liaison, Rhode Island will send two individuals to Newport to be trained-as-trainers. This call is inviting applications for those two positions. In addition to participation in the May and future trainings, the two trainers, in conjunction wiht the RI liason to the LD Partnership, will be responsible for providing workshops on adult LD issues to a variety of audiences across the state (including but not exclusively adult education practitioners) during the 18 months following this first meeting.

Applicants must have experience in adult education; knowledge of LD; expertise in training; a commitment to do a number of trainings across the state beginning fall 1999. It is also imperative that the applicant be able to attend the two day meeting in Newport on May 24 and 25. Trainers will be paid $25/hour for up to potentially 75 hours between May 24th, 1999 and the fall of 2000. Applicants should send a resume and short letter of introduction addressing the qualifications listed above by April 30 to: Janet Isserlis at PO Box 1974, Brown University Providence, RI 02912.

A Polish woman, trying to pass an English proficiency (TOEFL) exam to obtain her RI license to work as a physical therapist, in Warwick needs a tutor (preferably a woman) to practice and prepare. It is a paid position and will require 2-3 sessions a week, preferably in the morning or early afternoon. CONTACT--Scott Hummel, 863.3545

A visiting Portuguese man seeks a tutor for three weeks of daily English lessons. Pay is negotiable. Beginning April 10, please contact Valeria Gauz, 863.3074

Seeking a weekly reading tutor for a Providence man to meet in the Providence Public Library or other accessible location. Flexible schedule and knowledge of dyslexia helpful. Volunteer or fee negotiable. Please call Mr. Doren James at (401)453-5908, leave message if necessary.

A national not-for-profit seeks a director of state operations/relations to manage a complex state-level system serving a local affiliate network throughout the US and to develop and manage a state accreditation initiative. Not-for-profit management or other related areas with extensive experience in project management, evaluation, budgeting, and supervision required. The candidate must have a Masters or equivalent experience in management or adult education. Experience in building collaborative initiatives and measuring program effectiveness is a must. Must be willing to travel; relocation not necessary. Prefer experience in working at, or knowledge of, a state organization and in volunteer administration. Must be computer literate. Send resume and salary requirements to Literacy Volunteers of America, 635 James St., Syracuse, NY 13203. EOE

Saturday ESOL classes? If youÕre aware of available ESOL classes being held on Saturdays in the greater Providence area, please contact David Hayes, who is in touch with a student looking for Saturday classes. David can be reached at 331-9261

Summer technology opportunities

Technology Workshops for Teachers at The Center for Educational Technology at Middlebury College

-- June 13-19: Internet and Technology-Mediated Communications: Student Writing and Electronic Portfolios;

-- June 20-26: From Your Classroom to the World Wide Web: First Steps;

-- June 27 - July 3 From Consumers To Producers: Designing Multimedia Lessons Begin at the beginning with instructional technology ¥ Explore a variety of technological solutions to your teaching needs ¥ Learn about technology in the context of sound pedagogy, using what you already know about good teaching ¥ Work with experienced teachers who have developed tools and technologies with language teachers in mind ¥ Practice what you learn, as you learn it ¥ Create lessons that respond to the needs of your students. Information is available online at http://cet.middlebury.edu/esl/, or contact Joe McVeigh, Associate Director for Programs in ESL and TESOL, Center for Educational Technology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753 Tel: 802-443-2179 Fax: 802-443-2053 email: jmcveigh@middlebury.edu

LR/RI will likely conduct its own informal drop in sessions throughout the summer as well for people wanting to learn more about using the internet and computers generally. In the meantime, if you are interested in finding out more about the internet and its uses for education, for your own interests, for whatever purposes, please contact LR/RI.

conferences

Workplace Learning Conference - Milwaukee, May 16-18. Bringing together teachers, program planners, funders, union representatives, business people, and governmental agency representatives, sessions will be offered across four tracks: Partnerships and Linkages; Program Design and Evaluation; Resources and Technologies; and Trends Affecting the Workplace and Workers.Information: http://www.cew.wisc.edu/workplace or call 608-265-3542.

"A Woman's Place Is...in the Curriculum" conference, August 1- 5, 1999, Rohnet Park, California, focusing on multicultural approaches to incorporating women's history into the k-12 curriculum. Contact: National Women's History Project, 717-838-6000 or nwhp@aol.com .

relatively new on the website:

- An update on VALUE, the national learner organization, (go to learners), new postings on the links, women and literacy and inquiry pages, as well.

- Research Agenda for Adult ESL The National Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education, in collaboration with National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy and with additional sponsorship and support from Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, has published a Research Agenda for Adult ESL. Its objectives are to provide funders with clear priorities for funding; to provide researchers with support for proposing specific projects; and to provide a focus for dis-cussion about how to improve adult ESL programs. The document incorporates feedback from learners, instructors, program administrators, policymakers, and researchers, and is available, free, from NCLE, 4646 40th street NW, Washington, DC 20016; (202) 362-0700 extension 200, or can be downloaded from NCLE at http://www.cal.org/ncle (and is also linked to LR/RI's ESOL page).

- The Key on line - Monthly newspaper for adults in Wisconsin's basic education and ESL programs.  http://www.keynews.org/ (and is linked to LR/RI's learner page).

from previous bulletins: REMINDERS, RESOURCES:

The National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy has recently released a set of informative fact sheets outlining for practitioners and others the projects with which NCSALL researchers are currently engaged. Project histories, plans, and implications for practice are all highlighted in the fact sheets. Projects include studies of Learner Motivation, Impact of Literacy Programs on Adult learners, Adult Multiple Intelligences, Home Literacy Uses, Adult Development and Literacy Learning, Staff Development, Assessment, GED Impact, Health and Literacy, and Reading Diagnostics, Anyone interested in reading about one or all of the projects or anyone who may be interested in project participation information may receive copies by contacting David Hayes at (401) 331-9261. (The PDRN bulletin, including a link to the NCSALL fact sheets is also available online.

list servs:

LEARNER is intended primarily for adult learners. LITERACY is a general list for adult literacy practitioners and others. Information on these electronic lists is below.

LEARNER To subscribe to LEARNER, send an email message to: listserv@nysernet.org

Skip the message header and in the body of the message, type: subscribe LEARNER Yourfirstname Yourlastname All submissions to LEARNER should be addressed to: LEARNER@nysernet.org Questions regarding the list should be sent to: Beverly Choltco-Devlin Moderator, LEARNER bdevlin@dreamscape.com

LITERACY To subscribe to LITERACY, send an email message to: listserv@nysernet.org

Skip the message header and in the body of the message, type: subscribe LITERACY Yourfirstname Yourlastname All submissions to LITERACY should be addressed to: LITERACY@nysernet.org Questions regarding the LITERACY list should be sent to: Beverly Choltco-Devlin bdevlin@dreamscape.com

Welfare to work listserv: from Glenn Young - For those interested in the subject of welfare reform and learning disabilities, there has been a listserv created through NIFL. To sign up, please send a message to: listproc@literacy.nifl.gov write in the body of the message subscribe nifl-wtwld and your name. Do not write anything in the subject line and do not use any dots or dashes other than between nifl and wtwld. (Click here for more information on listservs).

women and literacy listserv.

To participate, subscribe by sending an email message to: LISTPROC@LITERACY.NIFL.GOV with the following request in the body of the message: subscribe NIFL-Womenlit firstname lastname Substitute your first and last name spelled exactly as you would like it to appear. For example, to subscribe to the NIFL-Womenlit list Sue Smith would type: subscribe NIFL-womenlit Sue Smith There should be no other text in the message (e.g., your signature block). It is recommended that the subject line be left blank if possible.

PROJECT BASED LEARNING AND ACCESS TO THE INTERNET

How is the internet being used in adult education? What are some helpful uses, and how do we sort through the huge amount of material available on line? Susan Gaer is interested in helping programs link to one another, and has been doing so through an email project homepage on-line, at http://www.otan.dni.us/webfarm/emailproject/email.htm. If you have or know of similar learner work on line, please contact Susan at SusanG2@aol.com.

David Rosen has asked that we have a look at the inquiry maps on the Adult Literacy Resource Institute's home page. As he explains, "[a]n Inquiry Map is a group participatory research process on a topic of high interest to the group. Participants (in this case, adult learners) make their own questions, and then set about finding answers to them. The Inquiry map is a process which is never finished. Many of the questions go unanswered, are only partially answered, or have only one answer given where other points of view are possible. So, there is room for other participants to join in the process at any time, to add their answers, their comments on the answers already given, and questions which they might also choose to research." Questions, answers and comments can be posted to David Rosen <DJRosen@world.std.com>, and he'll add them to the inquiry map. So, it keeps on being an inquiry process with each new person who reads and adds to it. He welcomes additions of questions and answers; as you may know, many internet sites run threaded conversations on a variety of topics. The ALRI sites are: http://www2.wgbh.org/MBCWEIS/LTC/ALRI/I.M.html and http://www2.wgbh.org/MBCWEIS/LTC/ALRI/IM3.html (How to make inquiry maps).