2009 Regional Calendar

January 2009	February 2009	March 2009	April 2009	May 2009	June 2009
July 2009	August 2009	September 2009	October 2009	November 2009	December 2009

Maps to our Training Sites

2010 Calendar

November 2009

November 7, 2009: BEST Plus Test Administrator will be held from 9:15 am to 4:30 pm, Room 406, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. This training is required to obtain certification to administer the BEST Plus oral assessment. Sherry Smith will be the presenter. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/fallmini09. For more information please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 7, 2009: Teaching Beginning Literacy ESL will be held from 9:15 am to 4:30 pm, Room 404, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. Teachers learn how to create effective lessons with great strategies and activities that work best for our lowest level of ESL students. The presenters will be Wendy Taylor and Karen Milton. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/fallmini09. For more information please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 7, 2009: Introduction to the Texas Adult Education Content Standards will be held from 9:15 am to 12:15 pm, Room 408, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. This is intended for ESL or ABE/ASE teachers new to the content standards. Mary Sampson will be the presenter. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/fallmini09. For more information please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 7, 2009: TABE Test Administrator will be held from 9:15 am to 12:15 pm, Room 407, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. This is an overview of the process for administering the TABE assessment, including correlating scale scores and using the math table. Terri Schiemenz will be the presenter. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/fallmini09. For more information please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 7, 2009: Lesson Planning with the Texas Adult Education Content Standards will be held from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, Room 408, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. Prerequisite required: Introduction to the Texas Adult Education Content Standards or prior attendance to any Texas Adult Education Content Standards workshop. Teachers must bring current student/teacher materials in order to complete a lesson plan. Kelly Meeks will be the presenter. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/fallmini09. For more information please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 7, 2009: Using Music in the ESL Classroom will be held from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, Room 407, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. Teachers will learn how to effectively incorporate music to support language instruction in the ESL classroom. Glenda Rose will be the presenter. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/fallmini09. For more information please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 09, 2009: Transitioning Adult Basic Education Students to Post-Secondary Education will be held from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room 103.2, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, 78752. This workshop will provide Adult Education teachers and administrators a basic framework for thinking about, and planning for successful transitioning of adult basic education students to post-secondary education. Participants will identify challenges that adult basic education students face to successfully attending and completing college. This session is appropriate and both ESL and GED instructors. Dr. Sherry Nash will facilitate. You must registrer to attend. Central registration form. For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 09, 2009: Transitioning Adult Basic Education Students to Post-Secondary Education will be held from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room 301.0, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, 78752. This workshop will provide Adult Education teachers and administrators a basic framework for thinking about, and planning for successful transitioning of adult basic education students to post-secondary education. Participants will identify challenges that adult basic education students face to successfully attending and completing college. This session is appropriate and both ESL and GED instructors. Dr. Sherry Nash will facilitate. You must registrer to attend. Central registration form. For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 14, 2009: ESOL Academy II: Scenario-based ESOL, Session I of III, will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room 301.0, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. This course, led by Dr. Heide Wrigley, is held over three Saturdays. Future sessions will be January 9, 2010 (6 hours) and March 6, 2010 (3 hour virtual session). Participants must attend all sessions! This course includes hands-on activities that can be used directly in your ESOL classroom, strategy-based lessons to get students talking, lesson planning for optimal teaching and learning, informal processes to assess students' communication skills, and presentations that link research to practice. Read the informational flyer . Then apply to attend. The application deadline is October 30, 2009 and participation is limited to 25, so reserve your seat soon! For additional information please contact Stan Ashlock sa07@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 20 & 21, 2009: Effective Instruction for all Adult Education Students including those with Special Learning Needs, Session II of IV will be held from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Navarro College, One Stop Student Center Room 108, 3200 West 7th Avenue, Corsicana 75110. This is training II of IV. Session III will be held Jan 22 & 23, 2010, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Session IV: March 5 & 6, 2010, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. You MUST have attended Session I to attend the remaining sessions. The multi-session training will assist adult educators understand the needs of adult learners, including those who have learning disabilities and other special learning needs. Participants learn to identify effective instructional practices with all learners, recognize possible learning disabilities, and apply accommodations to assist adult learners with special learning needs to maximize their potential in reaching their goals. For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

December 2009

December 5, 2009: ABE/ASE Academy (Session II of IV) will be held virtually from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. This academy began with an initial 1 1/2 day face-to-face session on October 9 & 10, 2009. Ms. Barbara Baird is the facilitator. This Academy is ideal for teachers new to the ABE/ASE classroom as well as experienced teachers who are interested in becoming Master Teachers. ABE/ASE teachers will learn adult learning theory along with brain-based instructional strategies and how to apply them in the classroom. Classroom strategies will cover reading and writing, and teachers will have the opportunity to practice strategies in their classrooms between sessions. You must have attended Session I to attend this session. Session III and IV will be held virtually on January 30, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and March 27, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Teachers must attend ALL sessions! Please read the online flyer.. For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

December 5, 2009: Culture and Learning in the ESOL Classroom, Session I of II will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, in the Arrowhead Room, Navarro College, 3200 West 7th Avenue, Corsicana 75110. This workshop is a 2-part session totaling 9 hours of Professional Development for adult ESOL instructors. This workshop will look at goals of cultural instruction as well as how culture is often learned. There will be hands on activities for teachers to do as they share with each other their own cultural experiences and values, discussing how these are similar to or different from those that their adult learners may hold, and develop strategies to both recognize similarities and bridge differences. The facilitator will be Linda Muñoz. For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form. Session II of II TBA.

December 8, 2009: Central GREAT Region Quarterly Advisory Committee Meeting will take place from 10 am to 12 noon at the Texas State University Round Rock Higher Education Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock 78665, Room 454. For agenda items please contact Stan Ashlock at sa07@txstate.edu and for logistical questions Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu Both can be reached at 877-798-5522.

December 11, 2009: ESOL Reading Institute: Research-based Strategies for ESOL Reading, Session II of III will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, TX 78751, Room 301.0. This session is available only to participants who registered for and attended the ESOL Reading Institute: Researched-based Strategies for ESOL Reading Session I of III held on October 9, 2009. Session III will be held February 13, 2010. For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

December 12, 2009: ESOL Workforce Academy, Session II of III, will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, 78751, Room 103.2. This session is available only to participants who registered for and attended the ESOL Workforce Academy, Session I of III on October 10, 2009. Session III will be held February 20, 2010. For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

2009 Calendar Archive

January 2009

January 10, 2009: Data Detective - TEAMS for Teachers for will be held from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM at Navarro College in Corsicana. The presenter is Denise Guckert. Session objectives are as follows:

Understand the National Reporting System (NRS) and Federal and State Performance Measures
Analyze TEAMS Report - Participant Roster By Class
Calculate class retention, level completions and gains
Develop strategies for program improvement

SESSION IS FULL. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free1-877-798-5522.

January 10, 2009: Student Retention in Adult Education will be held from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm at Navarro College in Corsicana. The presenter is Denise Guckert. In this session, we first review research from NSCALL (National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy) on adult student persistence. Initial findings outline four supports and an abundance of strategies that teachers and programs can put in place to increase adult student persistence. Participants will apply the model to a case study and then create a personal retention plan to address student motivation and retention in their own programs or classes. SESSION IS FULL. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free1-877-798-5522.

January 14, 2009: Oral Language Acquisition and the Low Level Learner: Teaching Strategies & Activities (morning session) will be held from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Austin Community College, Highland Business Center (HBC), Room 301, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. The presenter is Sandra Schneider. This session addresses teaching strategies and activities that enhance success in developing oral language acquisition with low level adult ESL learners. Strategies and activities designed to spark interest, participation, and confidence can help ensure student success and progress. This session will include discussion, hands-on activities, and participant sharing. Participants will leave with practical ideas and activities that can be used in the adult ESL classroom. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

January 14, 2009: Student Retention in Adult Education (afternoon session) will be held from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Austin Community College, Highland Business Center (HBC), Room 301, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. The presenter is Denise Guckert. In this session, we first review research from NSCALL (National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy) on adult student persistence. Initial findings outline four supports and an abundance of strategies that teachers and programs can put in place to increase adult student persistence. Participants will apply the model to a case study and then create a personal retention plan to address student motivation and retention in their own programs or classes. Please register to attend: Central registration form. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. This workshop is now full.

January 14, 2009: Oral Language Acquisition and the Low Level Learner: Teaching Strategies & Activities (evening session) will be held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Austin Community College, Highland Business Center (HBC), Room 214, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. The presenter is Sandra Schneider. This session addresses teaching strategies and activities that enhance success in developing oral language acquisition with low level adult ESL learners. Strategies and activities designed to spark interest, participation, and confidence can help ensure student success and progress. This session will include discussion, hands-on activities, and participant sharing. Participants will leave with practical ideas and activities that can be used in the adult ESL classroom. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

January 14, 2009: Student Retention in Adult Education (evening session) will be held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Austin Community College, Highland Business Center (HBC), Room 301, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. The presenter is Mary Helen Martinez. In this session, we first review research from NSCALL (National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy) on adult student persistence. Initial findings outline four supports and an abundance of strategies that teachers and programs can put in place to increase adult student persistence. Participants will apply the model to a case study and then create a personal retention plan to address student motivation and retention in their own programs or classes. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

January 15, 2009: Teaching the GED Essay (afternoon session) will be held from 1:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Austin Community College, Highland Business Center (HBC), Room 411, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. The presenter is Mary Helen Martinez. The GED Essay can be intimidating to many of our students as they find the writing process challenging. Students feel more confident as they undertake the essay portion of the GED Writing Exam if they can break down the writing process into smaller tasks. In this session, participants will analyze and discuss various writing strategies that will help students improve their essay portion of the GED Writing Test. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

January 15, 2009: Teaching the GED Essay (evening session) will be held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Austin Community College, Highland Business Center (HBC), Room 411, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. The presenter is Mary Helen Martinez. The GED Essay can be intimidating to many of our students as they find the writing process challenging. Students feel more confident as they undertake the essay portion of the GED Writing Exam if they can break down the writing process into smaller tasks. In this session, participants will analyze and discuss various writing strategies that will help students improve their essay portion of the GED Writing Test. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

January 15, 2009: Digital Storytelling With Microsoft Photostory 3® (morning session) will be held from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center (HBC), Room 212, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Denise Guckert will facilitate. Microsoft Photostory 3®, a freely available software for Windows®), combines pictures, narration, text and video effects to create a digital story in into a Windows® Media Player video. In this hands-on session, instructors will use Photostory® to create their own digital stories by combining photos, narration, text and video effects. Please bring digital photographs of your choice on a CD-Rom or flash drive to the session! SPACE IS LIMITED TO 12. REGISTER EARLY! For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. This workshop is now full.

January 15, 2009: Digital Storytelling With Microsoft Photostory 3® (evening session) will be held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center (HBC), Room 212, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Denise Guckert will facilitate. Microsoft Photostory 3®, a freely available software for Windows®), combines pictures, narration, text and video effects to create a digital story in into a Windows® Media Player video. In this hands-on session, instructors will use Photostory® to create their own digital stories by combining photos, narration, text and video effects. Please bring digital photographs of your choice on a CD-Rom or flash drive to the session! SPACE IS LIMITED TO 12. REGISTER EARLY! . For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

January 17, 2009: ESOL Reading Institute: Research-based Strategies for ESOL Reading, Session II of III will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78751, Room 411. Nationally known researcher Dr. Heide Spruck Wrigley will facilitate this Institute that is designed for experienced teachers and will focus on research to practice in teaching reading to second language readers with a special focus on comprehension strategies for intermediate level learners. Participants will explore the types of learning experiences that are most likely to promote reading proficiency and will make connections between the ideas presented in the workshop and their own practice. You must have attended Session I in order to attend this session. The final session with Dr. Wrigley April 4, 2009. Participants must agree to attend all sessions. For information, please contact Stan Ashlock, sa07@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

January 24, 2009: BEST Plus Administrator Training will be held from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Texas Workforce Center of Williamson County, 1611 Chisholm Trail, Suite #600, Round Rock 78681-2935 Participants will receive BEST Plus Test Administrator certification. BEST Plus Test Administrator Guides (TAGS) will be provided and participants will be certified upon completion of the 6-hour training. Denise Guckert will facilitate. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

January 24, 2009: TABE Test Administration will be held from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Central Texas College, Building 152 (Planetarium), Room 102, 6200 West Central Expressway, Killeen 76541. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. This training will review process for administering TABE assessment including correlating scale scores and using the math table. Preferably, participants will be familiar with the TABE assessment. However, participants who are new to the TABE may attend but we request that they review TABE materials at their local programs before the training. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

February 2009

February 3, 2009: Central GREAT Advisory Committee Meeting will be held virtually from 10 AM to 12 Noon via Connect and telephone conference call. Participants will be emailed instructions regarding telephone and web information and along with an invitation to submit agenda items. Please contact Denise Guckert with additional questions: dg21@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522.

February 7, 2009: ABE/ASE Academy (Session III of V) will be held virtually from 10 AM - 1 PM. Ms. Barbara Baird will facilitate. This academy began with an initial 2 day face-to-face session on November 7 & 8, 2008. The Academy provides ABE/ASE teachers with adult learning theory including brain-based instructional strategies and how to apply them in the classroom. Various classroom strategies are introduced covering reading, writing and math, and teachers have the opportunity to practice strategies in their classrooms between sessions. This session is the second of 3 virtual follow-up sessions. One more virtual web-based sessions (3 hrs) will follow on April 18, 2009. Teachers who did not attend the initial 2-day workshop are still welcome to attend! Master Teachers must attend all sessions! For additional information contact Mary Helen Martinez mm42@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522, Apply to attend this academy [Microsoft® Word]

February 21, 2009: Data Detective: TEAMS for Teachers will be held from 9:30 am – 2 pm at La Fuente, 758 Springdale Road , Austin, 78702-4037. This workshop is designed to help adult educators understand how to utilize the data in TEAMS Reports to track student progress and ultimately to improve program performance. In this session, participants will learn how the National Reporting System creates educational levels and review the federally approved adult education performance measures that programs must meet. They will analyze the TEAMS Participant Roster report to discover the relationships between retention and performance and the importance of correct progress assessment. Finally, they will strategize to ensure that their program is performing timely assessments, getting accurately student data into TEAMS, and distributing TEAMS reports back to the teachers. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

February 27, 2009: ESOL Workforce Academy (Session III of IV) will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM in Austin, site: TBA. You must have attended Sessions I & II in their entirety in order to be eligible to attend Session III Nationally known researchers Dr. Heide Wrigley and Jim Powrie will facilitate this academy where teachers learn how to use scenario-based strategies drawn from the workplace to improve their students’ ESL workforce communication skills. Participants will also receive materials that focus on communication and literacy skills for work that can be integrated with and supplement instruction in the conventional ESL classroom. This twenty-four (24) hour course is held over four Fridays. Last session will be held April 17, 2009. Participants must attend all sessions! Registration for the ESOL Workforce Academy has closed.

February 28, 2009: Data Detective: TEAMS for Teachers will be held from 9 am – 1 pm at Temple College, One College Center, room 1460, 2600 South First Street, Temple 76504-7435. This workshop is designed to help adult educators understand how to utilize the data in TEAMS Reports to track student progress and ultimately to improve program performance. In this session, participants will learn how the National Reporting System creates educational levels and review the federally approved adult education performance measures that programs must meet. They will analyze the TEAMS Participant Roster report to discover the relationships between retention and performance and the importance of correct progress assessment. Finally, they will strategize to ensure that their program is performing timely assessments, getting accurately student data into TEAMS, and distributing TEAMS reports back to the teachers. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

February 28, 2009: ESOL Academy I: Techniques for Teaching Adult ESOL (Session III of IV) You must have attended the previous two sessions to attend Session III. Academy will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78751, Room 411. This twenty-four (24) hour course, held over four Saturdays - and led by Dr. Heide Wrigley - is for ESOL teachers who want to “beef up” their everyday teaching skills and for newer teachers of Adult ESOL. You will learn about and practice developing new strategies, activities, and lessons that will support your students’ learning. This workshop will let you increase your repertoire of skills and make it easier to make informed decisions about what to teach and why. After participation in the Academy and engagement with the ideas presented, you will know why some activities and approaches are more effective than others in fostering second language acquisition and promoting deeper learning. Final session will April 18, 2009. For information please contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Registration for the ESOL Academy I is currently full and closed.

March 2009

March 5, 2009: Student Retention for Adult Education will be held from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Baker Center Cafeteria, 3908 Avenue B, Austin 78751. The presenter is Denise Guckert. In this session, we first review research from NSCALL (National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy) on adult student persistence. Initial findings outline four supports and many strategies that teachers and programs can put in place to increase adult student persistence. Participants will apply the model to a case study and then create a personal retention plan to address student motivation and retention in their own programs or classes. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

March 6, 2009: Professional Development Planning Workshop (PDPW) will be held from 9:00 am – 4:00 p.m. at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center (HBC), Room #220, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. This session is an orientation to the Texas Adult Education Credential. The workshop will cover steps to enrolling in the Texas Adult Education Teacher Credential, explanation of scoring rubric and how to submit narrative reflections into State electronic database, CredITS (Credential Information Tracking System) This workshop is sponsored by the Central Region GREAT Center. For information on directions or other logistics, you may contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Note: You must be entered in TEAMS as an adult education teacher in order to be eligible for the Texas Adult Education Teacher Credential. Please register to attend Central registration form.

March 7, 2009: Using TEAMS for Program Improvement for will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Central Texas College, Building 152 (Planetarium), Room 147, 6200 West Central Texas Expressway, Killeen 76541. The presenters are Denise Guckert and Anne Spanyers. You MUST have access to TEAMS and have completed Data Detective in order to benefit from this event. We will begin by focusing on using various TEAMS reports to monitor program performance and streamline program implementation and planning for improvement. Then we will have a TEAMS User Tips and Tricks and Q & A session. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

April 2009

April 4, 2009: ESOL Reading Institute: Research-based Strategies for ESOL Reading, (Session 3 of 3) will be a virtual session held from 10 AM to 1 PM. Teachers may choose to congregate in either San Marcos in the Education Building, Room #2123 OR in Austin at Austin Community College Highland Business Center, Room #222. You must have attended both prior sessions in their entirety in order to be eligible to attend Session 3! Nationally known researcher Dr. Heide Spruck Wrigley will facilitate this Institute that focuses on research to practice in teaching reading to second language readers with a special focus on comprehension strategies for intermediate level learners. For information, please contact Stan Ashlock, sa07@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

April 10, 2009: Data Detective: TEAMS for Teachers will be held from 9:00 am – 12:00 p.m. at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center (HBC), Room #301, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. This workshop helps adult educators understand how to use the TEAMS Participant Roster report to monitor monitor student progress and improve program performance. First, we will review the National Reporting System educational functioning levels and minimum program performance targets. Then we will analyze a sample TEAMS Participant Roster report to discover relationships between retention, performance and assessment. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

April 17, 2009: ESOL Workforce Academy (Session 4 of 4)will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center (HBC), Room #411, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. You must have attended all three previous sessions in their entirety in order to be eligible to attend Session 4! Nationally known researchers Dr. Heide Wrigley and Jim Powrie will facilitate this academy where teachers learn how to use scenario-based strategies drawn from the workplace to improve their students’ ESL workforce communication skills. Participants must attend all sessions! For information, please contact Stan Ashlock, sa07@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

April 18, 2009: ESOL Academy I: Techniques for Teaching Adult ESOL (Session 4 of 4) will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center (HBC), Room #411, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. This series, led by Dr. Heide Wrigley, is for ESOL teachers who want to “beef up” their everyday teaching skills and for newer teachers of Adult ESOL. You will learn about and practice developing new strategies, activities, and lessons that will support your students’ learning. For additional information please contact Stan Ashlock at, sa07@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Registration for the ESOL Academy has closed.

April 18, 2009: ABE/ASE Academy (Session 5 of 5) will be held virtually from 10 AM - 1 PM. Teachers may choose to congregate at the Kyle Learning Center, 21393 North IH-35, Kyle 78640. Ms. Barbara Baird will facilitate this session, which is the third and last virtual follow-up. The Academy provides ABE/ASE teachers with adult learning theory including brain-based instructional strategies and how to apply them in the classroom. You must have attended the initial 2-day training in November in order to participate in this virtual session. Master Teachers must attend all sessions! For additional information, contact Mary Helen Martinez mm42@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Registration for the ABE/ASE Academy has closed.

April 28, 2009: Central GREAT Advisory Committee Meeting will be held virtually from 10 AM to 12 Noon via Connect and telephone conference call. Participants will be emailed instructions regarding telephone and web information and along with an invitation to submit agenda items. Please contact Denise Guckert with additional questions: dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

May 2009

May 1, 2009: VIRTUAL Professional Development Planning Workshop (PDPW ) Part I will be held from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. This session is an orientation to the Texas Adult Education Credential. The workshop will cover steps to enrolling in the Texas Adult Education Teacher Credential, explanation of scoring rubric and how to submit narrative reflections into State electronic database, CredITS (Credential Information Tracking System). This workshop is sponsored by the Central & Coastal Region GREAT Centers. You must register to obtain login information and instructions for attending the virtual session. To register or for more information, please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Note: You must be entered in TEAMS as adult education teacher in order to be eligible for the Texas Adult Education Teacher Credential.

May 1, 2009: VIRTUAL Professional Development Planning Workshop (PDPW ) Part II -- You MUST have participated in the Virtual PDPW Part I on May 1, 2009 from 5:30 pm. – 8:30 pm. Virtual participants will submit completed assignments in order to obtain credit for 6 hours of the PDPW Part I and II. Otherwise, a participant will receive credit for only the time logged in to the virtual workshop. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. Assignments will include a Professional Development Plan and a Written Narrative Reflection. You must register to obtain login information and instructions for attending the virtual session. To register or for more information, please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Note: You must be entered in TEAMS as adult education teacher in order to be eligible for the Texas Adult Education Teacher Credential.

May 8, 2009: Student Retention for Adult Education will be held from 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the La Fuente Learning Center, 758 Springdale Road, Austin, 78702-4037. The presenter is Denise Guckert. In this session, we first review research from NSCALL (National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy) on adult student persistence. Initial findings outline four supports and many strategies that teachers and programs can put in place to increase adult student persistence. Participants will apply the model to a case study and then create a personal retention plan to address student motivation and retention in their own programs or classes. SPACE IS LIMITED! For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

May 15, 2009: Culture in the ESOL Classroom will be held from 9:15 am to 12:15 pm, Room 404, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. Teachers develop strategies to recognize similarities and bridge differences in cultural experiences and values. Linda Muñoz will be presenter. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/regmini09. For information contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522.

May 15, 2009: ABE – ASE Strategies and Activities will be held from 9:15 am to 12:15 pm, Room 406, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. Favorite brain-based strategies and activities from Central GREAT’s ABE/ASE Academy. Mary Sampson will be presenter. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/regmini09. For information contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu orr at 1-877-798-5522.

May 15, 2009: ESL Beginning Literacy will be held from 9:15 am to 4:30 pm, Room 408, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. Create effective lessons with great strategies and activities that work best for our lowest level of ESL students. Alex Baez and Carol Speigl, presenters. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/regmini09. For information contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522.

May 15, 2009: Texas Adult Education Content Standards Training will be held from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Room 404, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. Overview of the Texas Adult Education Standards Project (TAESP) and how to integrate standards into lesson plans. Wendy Taylor, presenter. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/regmini09. For information contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522.

May 15, 2009: BEST Plus Scoring Refresher will be held from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Room 406, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. Review and practice scoring of the BEST Plus. (Certified BEST Plus test administrators only). Sherry Smith, presenter. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/regmini09. For information contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522.

May 16, 2009: Scoring theBEST Literacy will be held from 9:15 am to 12:15 pm, Room 404, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. Review and scoring practice of BEST Literacy written responses with concentration on using the essay scoring rubric. Wendy Taylor, presenter. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/regmini09. For information contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522.

May 16, 2009: ABE – ASE Strategies and Activities will be held from 9:15 am to 12:15 pm, Room 406, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. Favorite brain-based strategies and activities from Central GREAT’s ABE/ASE Academy. Mary Sampson will be presenter. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/regmini09. For information contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522

May 16, 2009: Teaching Workforce ESL will be held from 9:15 am to 12:15 pm, Room 407, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. Introduction to using scenario-based strategies drawn from the workplace to improve learner communication skills. Content drawn from Central GREAT’s year long ESOL Workforce Academy. Nancy Meredith, presenter. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/regmini09. For information contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522.

May 16, 2009: BEST Plus Test Administrator Training will be held from 9:15 am to 4:30 pm, Room 408, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. Required training for certification to administer the BEST Plus oral interview. Sherry Smith, presenter. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/regmini09. For information contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522.

May 16, 2009: TABE Test Administrator Training will be held from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Room 404, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. Overview of the process for administering the TABE assessment, including correlating scale scores and using the math table. Terrie Schiemenz, presenter. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/regmini09. For information contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522.

May 16, 2009: Texas Adult Education Content Standards Training will be held from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Room 406, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, 1555 University Blvd, Round Rock, 78665-8017. Overview of the Texas Adult Education Standards Project (TAESP) and how to integrate standards into lesson plans. Kelly Meeks, presenter. Please register to attend. Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/regmini09. For information contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522.

May 27, 2009: TISESL Health Care will be held at Austin Community College from 9:00 am – 4 pm. Participation is limited to Austin Community College administrators and program-designated TISESL instructor(s). Please contact Denise Guckert, dg21@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522 for questions.

May 28, 2009: Scoring the BEST Literacy will be held from 8:30 am – 11:30 am. at McLennan Community College, Community Service Building, Wing E, Room #234, 1400 College Drive, Waco 76708. We will briefly discuss BEST Literacy administration and then focus on increasing scoring accuracy for the remainder of the session. Hands-on practice scoring student generated checks, envelopes and essays is included. Denise Guckert will facilitate. For information contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

June 2009

June 12, 2009: Transitioning into College: Promoting Successful Academic Behaviors will be held from 10 AM - 1 PM. at the Kyle Learning Center, Saddle Brook Apartments, 21393 I-H 35 North, Kyle 78640. This workshop will provide participants with practical strategies addressing basic skills of what students will need to know in college. These strategies are based in the foundations of learning and knowing as found in the Texas college readiness standards adopted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Strategies include general self regulation skills that lend to academic success in college. Implementation of strategies will motivate students to take ownership of their academic lives. For additional information contact Mary Helen Martinez, m42@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

July 2009

July 20, 2009: TISESL Sales and Service and Employability will be held at Austin Learning Academy in Austin, Texas from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Participation is limited to Austin Learning Academy administrators and program-designated TISESL instructor(s). Please contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522.

August 2009

August 8, 2009: BEST Plus Test Administrator will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752, room 301. Wendy Taylor is the presenter. Participants will receive BEST Plus Test Administrator materials and certification. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you are working for an adult education program that is not funded through the Texas Education Agency, you will need to work with the Central GREAT Region to purchase your BEST Plus Test Administrator Guides from the publisher. Contact Denise Guckert, dg21@txstate.edu, for instructions.

August 12, 2009: The Brain, Emotions, and Learning: How New Brain Research Translates into Strategies for Adult Teaching and Learning will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752, room 301. The presenter is Dr. Sherry Nash. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form. ACC Staff Only until Further Notice!

August 12, 2009: ABE/ASE Strategies will be held from 1:00 pm - 4:00 p.m. at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752, room 301. Mary Sampson is the presenter. Teachers will receive materials and instructions for brain-based strategies and activities originally presented at Central GREAT's ABE/ASE Academy. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form. ACC Staff Only until Further Notice!

August 12, 2009: Citizenship Training will be held from 1:00 pm - 4:00 p.m. at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752, room 411. Ronit Ricoy is the presenter. This workshop will provide an overview of the citizenship exam and interview and provide practical tools/information/resources to support students who are preparing for citizenship. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. ACC Staff Only until Further Notice! Registration is closed for this training.

August 12, 2009: The Brain, Emotions, and Learning: How New Brain Research Translates into Strategies for Adult Teaching and Learning will be held from 6:00 p.m.- 9 p.m. room 301. The presenter is Dr. Sherry Nash. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

August 12, 2009: Texas Adult Education Content Standards will be held from 6:00 pm - 9:00 p.m. at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752, room 411. Wendy Taylor will present. This training will provide an overview of the history of the Texas Adult Education Standards Project (TAESP). Participants will be given an implementation guide that includes benchmarks for ABE/ASE and ESL Learners. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.ACC Staff Only until Further Notice!

August 13, 2009: Using Concept Mapping and Cubing to Develop Adult English Learners' Literacy Skills will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752, room 301. Dr. Clarena Larrotta is the presenter. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form. ACC Staff Only until Further Notice!

August 13, 2009: Data Detective: TEAMS for Teachers will be held from 6:00 pm - 9:00 p.m. at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752, room 301. Denise Guckert is the presenter. This workshop helps adult educators understand how to utilize the TEAMS Participant Roster to track student progress and ultimately improve performance. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

August 15, 2009: BEST Plus Test Scoring Refresher will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in room 215 at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Wendy Taylor is the presenter. Participants will review and practice scoring of the BEST Plus. Participants should bring their BEST Plus Test Administrator Guides. Only Certified BEST Plus test administrators may attend. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

SPECIAL NOTE: There is a recommended workbook to accompany the training that your program can purchase for you. The order form is online at http://calstore.cal.org/store/detail.aspx?ID=335.

August 15, 2009: Student Retention in Adult Education will be held from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Temple College, One College Center, room 1460, 2600 South First Street, Temple 76504-7435. The presenter is Denise Guckert. In this session, we review research to discover the importance of the teacher in helping students overcome barriers to their persistence and share strategies that help increase student retention. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

August 15, 2009: Teaching Multi-level ABE/ASE will be held from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Temple College, One College Center, room 1460, 2600 South First Street, Temple 76504-7435. The presenter is Mary Sampson. The workshop will focus on classroom strategies, addressing lesson planning and effective learning activities for use in ABE/ASE classrooms. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

August 19, 2009: Student Retention: The Importance of You-the Teacher will be held from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Austin Independent School District, Baker Center Cafeteria, 3908 Avenue B, Austin 78751. Denise Guckert will facilitate. This session reviews research on student persistence and covers strategies that teachers can implement to improve student retention. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form. Please note: AISD staff only until further notice!

August 20, 2009: Starting to Read and Write will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Austin Independent School District, Baker Center Cafeteria, 3908 Avenue B, Austin 78751. Linda Munoz will facilitate. This session is geared to teachers of NRS High Beginning and Low Intermediate ESL and includes appropriate reading/writing strategies and activities. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form. Please note: AISD staff only until further notice!

August 20, 2009: Communication Scenarios for Workforce will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Austin Independent School District, Baker Center Cafeteria, 3908 Avenue B, Austin 78751. Denise Guckert will facilitate. This session, geared to teachers of NRS High Intermediate and Advanced ESL, includes materials from Central GREAT's ESOL Workforce Academy. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form. Please note: AISD staff only until further notice!

August 22, 2009: Instructional Strategies for BEST Assessments will be held from 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm, Kyle Learning Center, 21393 North IH-35, Kyle 78640. Participation is limited to Community Action Inc. affiliated staff. Please contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522.

August 24, 2009: BEST Plus Test Scoring Refresher will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Austin Independent School District, Baker Center Cafeteria, 3908 Avenue B, Austin 78751. Denise Guckert will facilitate. Participants will review and practice scoring of the BEST Plus. Only Certified BEST Plus test administrators may attend. Participants should bring their BEST Plus Test Administrator Guides (TAGs) to the training. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

August 27, 2009: Texas Adult Education Content Standards will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Austin Independent School District, Baker Center Cafeteria, 3908 Avenue B, Austin TX 78751. Mary Sampson will facilitate. This training will provide an overview of the Texas Adult Education Standards, including benchmarks for ABE/ASE and ESL learners. New participants will be given the implementation guide and updated activities to help teachers with standards implementation will be included. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend: Central registration form. Please note: AISD staff only until further notice!

August 27, 2009: TISESL Workforce Communication Scenarios will be held at Austin Learning Academy in Austin, Texas from 9:00 am - 12: pm. Participation is limited to Austin Learning Academy administrators and program-designated TISESL instructor(s). Please contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522.

August 28, 2009: Reflective Practice and the Credential: Writing to Meet the Performance Requirements in the Credential Reflection Scoring Rubric will be held from 9 AM - 4 PM. at the Kyle Learning Center, 21393 I-H 35 North, Kyle 78640. The presenter is Debbie Janysek. This workshop will provide teachers pursuing the Teacher Credential with hands-on experience writing reflections using the scoring rubric and navigating CredITS. The training will consist of a detailed overview of the Credential Reflection Scoring Rubric requirements and guidance on how to write reflections that meet the performance requirements of the rubric. Presenters will assist training participants as they begin to write a reflection for submission in the Credential Information Tracking System (CredITS). Participants will be provided with a brief overview of CredITS and will submit at least one reflection during the session. For information on directions or other logistics contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

NOTE: Participants must have previously attended a Professional Development Planning Workshop (PDPW) and should come to the training prepared to write about a recent professional development experience.

September 2009

September 12, 2009: Culture and Learning in the ESOL Classroom, Session I of II will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Ruiz Branch Library, 1600 Grove Blvd., Austin 78741. The presenter is Linda Muñoz. This workshop is a 2-part session totaling 9 hours of professional development for adult ESOL instructors. This workshop will look at goals of cultural instruction as well as how culture is often learned. There will be hands on activities for teachers to do as they share with each other their own cultural experiences and values, discussing how these are similar to or different from those that their adult learners may hold, and developing strategies to both recognize similarities and bridge differences. For additional information, please contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

September 12, 2009: BEST Plus Test Administrator Training will be held from 9 am to 4 pm at Central Texas College, 6200 West Central Texas Expressway, Killeen, TX 76549. Room TBA. This is required training for certification to administer the BEST Plus oral interview. Wendy Taylor, presenter. For additional information, please contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

September 15, 2009: Central GREAT Advisory Committee Meeting. Virtual Meeting: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Instructions on how to call into the meeting will be sent prior to the meeting. For any additional questions please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522

September 26, 2009: Culture and Learning in the ESOL Classroom, Session II of II will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ruiz Branch Library, 1600 Grove Blvd., Austin 78741. The presenter is Linda Muñoz. This workshop is the 2nd session in a 2 part session totaling 9 hours of professional development for adult ESOL instructors. Please see workshop description above on September 12, 2009 Central GREAT training. For additional information, please contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

September 26, 2009: Student Retention for Adult Education will be held from 9 am to 1 pm at La Fuente Learning Center, 758 Springdale Road, Austin 78752. Denise Guckert will facilitate. In this session, we first review research from NSCALL (National Center for Study of Adult Learning and Literacy) on adult student persistence. Participants will apply research to a case study and create a student retention plan of action. We will also review 3 TEAMS reports useful for teachers for tracking student retention. Space is limited! For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

October 2009

October 2, 2009: Texas Industry Specific English as a Second Language (TISESL): Employability This training has been cancelled. Please watch the calendar for the most current training information. There will be a general overview of TISESL and training for implementation of the Employability curriculum. The presenter will be Denise Guckert. For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

October 2 & 3, 2009: Effective Instruction for all Adult Education Students including those with Special Learning Needs, Session I of IV, will be held from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Navarro College, 3200 W 7th Avenue, One Stop Student Cent Room 108, Corsicana 75110. This training series takes place on the following dates throughout the year. Teachers must attend ALL sessions!

Session I: Oct 2 & 3, 2009, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Session II: Nov 20 & 21, 2009, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Session III: Jan 22 & 23, 2010, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Session IV: March 5 & 6, 2010, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The multi-session training will assist adult educators understand the needs of adult learners, including those who have learning disabilities and other special learning needs. Participants learn to identify effective instructional practices with all learners, recognize possible learning disabilities, and apply accommodations to assist adult learners with special learning needs to maximize their potential in reaching their goals. Registration is limited to 10 participants; "First Come, First Served" is in place for this series so please register early: Central registration form. For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

October 9, 2009: ESOL Reading Institute: Research-based Strategies for ESOL Reading, Session I of III will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center (HBC), Room #301.7, 5930 Middle Fisksville Road, Austin 78752. Nationally known researcher Dr. Heide Spruck Wrigley will facilitate this Institute that is designed for experienced teachers and will focus on research to practice in teaching reading to second language readers with an emphasis on comprehension strategies for beginning to intermediate level learners. Future sessions will be December 11, 2009 and February 13, 2010 (virtual, 3 hours). Participants must attend all sessions! Read the informational flyer . Then apply to attend: The application deadline is October 2, 2009 and participation is limited to 25, so reserve your seat soon! For additional information please contact Stan Ashlock sa07@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

October 9, 2009: Transitioning GED Graduates to Post-Secondary Education will be held from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon at Texas State Technical College (TSTC), Women’s Center, and 3801 Campus Drive, Waco 76705. This workshop will provide Adult Education teachers and administrators a basic framework for thinking about, and planning for successful transitioning of GED graduates to post-secondary education. Participants will identify challenges that GED graduates face to successfully attending and completing college. This session is appropriate and both ESL and GED instructors. Dr. Sherry Nash will facilitate. For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

October 9 & 10, 2009: ABE/ASE Academy (Session I of IV) will be held from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Friday) and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Saturday) at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, Room 301.0 on October 9th and Room 103.2 on October 10th, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Ms. Barbara Baird is the facilitator. This Academy is ideal for teachers new to the ABE/ASE classroom as well as experienced teachers who are interested in becoming Master Teachers. ABE/ASE teachers will learn adult learning theory along with brain-based instructional strategies and how to apply them in the classroom. Classroom strategies will cover reading and writing, and teachers will have the opportunity to practice strategies in their classrooms between sessions. The format for this academy begins with an initial 1 1/2 day face-to-face session on October 9 & 10, 2009 followed by three virtual web-based sessions (3 hrs each) on the following Saturdays:

December 5, 2009, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
January 30, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
March 27, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Teachers must attend ALL sessions! Please read the online flyer. Download, complete, and submit the application form. For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

October 10, 2009: ESOL Workforce Academy, Session I of III, will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, Room 301.2, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752 Nationally known researchers Dr. Heide Wrigley and Jim Powrie will facilitate this academy where teachers learn how to use scenario-based strategies drawn from the workplace to improve their students' workforce communication skills. This course is held over three Saturdays. Future sessions will be held December 12, 2009 (6 hours) and February 20, 2010 (virtual, 3 hours). Participants must attend all sessions. Read the informational flyer. Then apply to attend: The application deadline is October 2, 2009 and participation is limited to 25, so reserve your seat soon! For additional information please contact Stan Ashlock sa07@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

October 14, 2009: Distance Learning 101, Session 1 of 6 will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, Room 211, 5930 Middle Fisksville Road, Austin 78752. This training will continue virtually via distance learning through December 16, 2009, for a maximum credit of 12 professional development hours. All other sessions will be non-synchronous (meaning that you do not have to “attend” at a specific time”). The training is required for programs to offer distance learning classes. A program administrator and the teacher or teachers who will serve as your teacher of record for distance learning class(es) must participate. Please register by contacting Denise Guckert directly at 512-245-9624 or dg21@txstate.edu,

October 17, 2009: Culture and Learning in the ESOL Classroom, Session I of II will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, in the Arrowhead Room, Navarro College, 3200 West 7th Avenue, Corsicana 75110. This workshop is a 2-part session totaling 9 hours of Professional Development for adult ESOL instructors. This workshop will look at goals of cultural instruction as well as how culture is often learned. There will be hands on activities for teachers to do as they share with each other their own cultural experiences and values, discussing how these are similar to or different from those that their adult learners may hold, and develop strategies to both recognize similarities and bridge differences. The facilitator will be Linda Muñoz. For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

October 17, 2009: Teaching Multi-level ABE/ASE will be held from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Central Texas College, Building 152, Room 101, 6200 West Central Texas Expressway, Killeen 76549. The presenter is Mary Sampson. For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

October 17, 2009: Teaching Multi-level ESL will be held from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.at Central Texas College, Building 152, Room 102, 6200 West Central Texas Expressway, Killeen, TX 76549. The presenters are Carol Speigl and Alex Baez. For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

October 19, 2009: Integrating Technology into Adult ESL will be held from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room 212, 5930 Middle Fisksville Road, Austin, 78752. The presenter is Dr. Glenda Rose. Space is limited to 15 ACC staff and 5 non-ACC staff, so please register now! For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend Central registration form.

October 23, 2009: Texas Industry Specific English as a Second Language (TISESL): Communication Scenarios for the Workforce has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date. Please watch the calendar for current information. There will be a general overview of TISESL and training for implementation of the Communication Scenarios for Workforce curriculum. The presenter will be Denise Guckert. For additional information, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.