January 2007

January 10, 2007: Multi-Level Madness in the ESOL Classroom will be held from 1-4 pm at the Austin Community College Highland Business Center, Room 301.0, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, 78752. Participants must be registered to attend. Facilitator is Sandi Schneider. For information about logistics, please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu and for information about the session, Victoria Hoffman vh10@txstate.edu.Both can be reached at 1-877-798-5522.Central registration form.

January 13, 2007: ABE/ASE Educator Academy will hold a virtual session from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, CST. You must have attended previous sessions of the Academy. If you have any questions, please contact Vicki Hoffman at vh10@txstate.edu. She can be reached at 1-877-798-5522. You must register to attend. Central registration form.

January 20, 2007: ESOL Academy I: Techniques for Teaching Adult ESOL will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Pickle Elementary School, 1101 Wheatley, Austin. (Session 3/4, remaining sessions will be held April 14) This course is for ESOL teachers who want to beef up their everyday teaching skills or are new to teaching adult ESOL. This total course will be 24 hours in length. We encourage directors and coordinators to identify ESOL teachers in their program who would benefit from this course, but teachers may self-select and enroll themselves. The instructor will be Dr. Heide Spruck Wrigley. Participants must have attended the previous sessions of the Institute to attend this session. If you have questions about the workshop, please contact Vicki Hoffman, vh10@txstate.edu, or Stan Ashlock sa07@txstate.edu, via email or toll-free at 1-877-798-5522.

January 20, 2007: Technology Series (Part 4 of 4) will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Kyle Learning Center, 21393 North IH-35 in Kyle. This is the fourth of four sssions for the 2006-2007 Central GREAT Technology Series.Participants who attend this session also must have attended the first three sessions. Participants will be encouraged to participate in a panel presentation for TALAE (February 20-22, 2007). If you have questions, please contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu. For additional information on the workshop, you may also download and print the Technology Series flyer. [This is a Microsoft® Word document. Please download Word Reader from Microsoft® Word if you do not have Microsoft® Word on your computer.] If you need this flyer in another format, please contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu. You must register to attend. Central registration form.

January 29, 2007: Central GREAT Region Advisory Committee Meeting will be held McLennan Community College, 4601 North 19th Street, in Waco, Texas. The meeting will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon. Room number to be determined. Please contact Mario Mokarzel at 1-877-798-5522 or at mm64@txstate.edu should you have any questions.

February 2007

February 9, 2007: Integrating Technology into Adult ESL will be held from 1-4 pm at McLennan Community College, 1400 College Drive, Waco 76708, room 243, Community Services Building E. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522.

February 9, 2007: TABE Training will be held from 9 am to 12 noon at McLennan Community College, 1400 College Drive, Waco 76708, Room 243, Community Services Building E.; Must register to attend. Central registration form. Facilitator will be Mary Helen Martinez. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or at 1-877-798-5522.

February 10, 2007: Cultural and Learning in the ESOL Classroom Session II of III, Cross-Cultural Communication and Understanding will be held at St. John’s Public Library, 7500 Blessing Avenue, Austin 78752. Linda Muñoz is the facilitator. Participants will spend time developing skills and strategies to improve cross cultural communication between themselves and their adult learners as well as between adult learners in their classrooms. Although Spanish language and Mexican culture still predominate in central Texas ESOL classrooms, there is a steadily growing number of diverse cultural and linguistic groups coming into the central Texas region and joining our classes. Participants will be introduced to cultural specific websites and information that can better prepare them as they welcome learners from around the world into their classroom. You must have attended Session I and registration is required. Central registration form. For information about the contents, please contact Stan Ashlock sa07@txstate.edu and for information regarding logistics, Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu. Both can be reached at 1-877-798-5522.

February 10, 2007: BEST Plus Training will be held at St. John’s Public Library, 7500 Blessing Avenue, Austin, TX 78752 from 9 am to 4 pm. Denise Guckert will facilitate this training and registration is required. Central registration form For information on this training, please contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu and for logistical information, Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu. Both can be reached at 1-877-798-5522.

February 16, 2007: Professional Develoment Planning Workshop (PDPW) Follow-up will be held from 10 to 12 noon at the Kyle Learning Center, 21393 North IH 35, Kyle 78640. This workshop is presented in collaboration with the Texas Adult Credential Project and is designed for teachers who have previously attended a Credential Professional Development Planning Workshop (PDPW) and are interested in working on the Credential, but need a “refresher” in order to get started. New information about CredITS and Writing Reflections will be included, and assistance with completing paperwork will be provided. Co-presenters are Michelle Janysek and Victoria Hoffman, Credential Coordinators. For information please contact either at 1-877-798-5522 or 1-866-798-8767. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.

February 17, 2007: Multi-Level Madness in the ESOL Classroom will be held from 1-4 pm at Navarro College’s Bain Center, Room BC 400, Corsicana, TX 75110. Participants must be registered to attend. Central registration form. Facilitator is Sandi Schneider. For information about logistics, please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu. He can be reached at 1-877-798-5522.

February 26, 2007: BEST Plus Refresher will be held from 8:00 to 12 noon at Austin Community College, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Room 214, Austin, 78752. You must register to attend. Participants must already be certified as BEST Plus Test Administrator in order to attend. Central registration form. If you have any questions about the workshop contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

February 26, 2007: BEST Plus Refresher will be held from 5:30 to 9 PM at Austin Community College, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Room 407, Austin, 78752. You must register to attend. Participants must already be certified as BEST Plus Test Administrator in order to attend. Central registration form. If you have any questions about the workshop contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

March 2007

March 2, 2007: Texas Adult Education Credential Project Revised Professional Development Planning Workshop (PDPW) has been cancelled. Please watch the calendar for the new date. For more information please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-866-798-8767.

March 8-9, 2007: Home Visiting Training for Even Start. Texas Family Literacy Resource Center will conduct this training for the Central, South Central and South Regions Texas State University in San Marcos. For more information, contact the TFLRC.

March 22, 2007: Student Retention Strategy Training will be held from 6 to 9 pm at Austin Community College Highland Business Center, Room 407, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Facilitated by Victoria Hoffman, vh10@txstate.edu. For more information please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-866-798-8767. Central registration form.

March 28-30, 2007: Birth Through Two Institute. Texas Family Literacy Resource Center will conduct this three-day institute for all regions at Texas State University in San Marcos. Each day will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end by 5:00 p.m. Even Start projects are encouraged to participate as Family Literacy Teams, including early childhood educators, adult educators, parent educators, home visitors, ILA educators, and coordinators. While the focus will be on children age birth through two, the institute stresses the integration of program components in serving infants, toddlers, and their parents. For more information or to register, contact the TFLRC. Registration Form.

March 31, 2007: Speaking English with an American Accent: An Introduction to Accent Reduction will be held from 9 am to 12 noon at Pickle Elementary School, 1101 Wheatley, Austin, 78752. Facilitated by Suzanne Krause. For information about this workshop please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-866-798-8767. Central registration form.

April 2007

April 4, 2007: Central GREAT Advisory Committee meeting will be held from 1:30 -3:00 pm. This meeting will be a virtual meeting using audio conferencing. An optional web-based conference will also be established for the meeting. Information on how to connect to the meeting will be provided to members prior to the date. For information about this meeting please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522

April 14 , 2007: ESOL Academy I: Techniques for Teaching Adult ESOL will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Pickle Elementary School Library, 1101 Wheatley, Austin 78752. This course is for ESOL teachers who want to beef up their everyday teaching skills or are new to teaching adult ESOL. This total course will be 24 hours in length. We encourage directors and coordinators to identify ESOL teachers in their program who would benefit from this course, but teachers may self-select and enroll themselves. The instructor will be Dr. Heide Spruck Wrigley. Participants must have attended the previous sessions of the Institute to attend this sessionJanuary 16, 2008ease contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu, or Stan Ashlock sa07@txstate.edu, via email or toll-free at 1-877-798-5522.

April 17, 2007: BEST Plus Administrator Training will be held from 9:00 12 noon at Austin Community College Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752, Room 410. Participants must attend both days in order to receive certification. Co-facilitators will be Yolanda DeLaCruz and Denise Guckert. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

April 19, 2007: BEST Plus Administrator Training will be held from 9:00 12 noon at Austin Community College Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752, Room 410. Participants must attend both days in order to receive certification. Co-facilitators will be Yolanda DeLaCruz and Denise Guckert. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

April 21, 2007: BEST Plus Refresher Training will be held from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. At Pickle Elementary School Library, 1101 Wheatley, Austin, 78752. Denise Guckert will facilitate and you must be a certified BEST Plus Test Administrator to attend. For information contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or toll-free 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

April 21, 2007: Math Workshop-Strategies for Teaching Word Problems will be held at Kyle Learning Center 21393 North IH-35, Kyle, Texas from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for teachers of ABE, GED, ESOL. Participants will learn how to "demystify" math and word problems by building on the existing math abilities of students, how to focus on problem-solving, reasoning, and understanding rather than memorization or computational skills, and how to teach math as a "web" of integrated skills rather than as a linear sequence. Workshop is for ABE, GED, or ESL teachers. Melanie Mayeaux from Houston will be the presenter/facilitator. You must register to attend. Central registration form. If you have questions about the workshop, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or toll free at 1-877-798-5522.

April 27, 2007: TEAMS Training will be held from 9 – 12 noon at Bedichek Middle School, 6800 Bill Hughes Drive, Austin 78745. Facilitated by Terri Schiemenz. For information please contact Terri Schiemenz 512-392-1161 x337 or tschiemenz@communityaction.com

April 28, 2007: ABE/ASE Educator Academy will hold a virtual session from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, CST. You must have attended previous sessions of the Academy. If you have any questions, please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. You must register to attend. Central registration form.

May 2007

May 5, 2007: Cultural and Learning in the ESOL Classroom Session III of III, Activities, will be held in Austin at a location to be determined. Linda Muñoz is the facilitator. Participants will spend the majority of time developing or modifying culture and language learning activities that they might do with their specific class of adult learners. Those teachers who have attended all three sessions will be given a book focused on activities to coordinate culture learning and language learning in the ESOL classroom. You must have attended Sessions I & II and registration is required. Central registration form. For information about the contents, please contact Stan Ashlock sa07@txstate.edu and for information regarding logistics, Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu. Both can be reached at 1-877-798-5522.

May 12, 2007: Teaching Writing to Adult English Language Learners will be held from 9-4 pm at the Kyle Learning Center, 21393 North IH 35, Kyle 78640. Adult learners of English have many reasons for wanting to write. Most need to write to carry out functional tasks such as filling out forms, taking messages, writing email messages, or writing notes to teachers. Others may need writing skills to succeed in academic studies or to advance in a job. For many learners, writing enhances language acquisition; as they put their thoughts on paper and share with others, they practice the language structures and vocabulary they are learning in the classroom. The purpose of this workshop is to help instructors of Adult English Language learners become facilitators who help their learners to effectively communicate their ideas in writing and develop a voice in their new culture. The target audience for this workshop is new and experienced teachers, tutors, and classroom aids. The facilitator is Linda Muñoz. For information about this workshop contact Stan Ashlock sa07@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

May 15, 2007: TEAMS Training Follow-up will be held from 6-9 PM at Bedichek Middle School. Facilitated by Terri Schiemenz. For information about the workshop please contact Mario Mokarzel at mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

May 23, 2007: Addressing Learning Disabilities in the Adult Education Classroom will be held from 6-9 pm at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, Room 301.0, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Co-facilitated by Stacey Milberger and Lynn Adcock. For more information, please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

May 24, 2007: Addressing Learning Disabilities in the Adult Education Classroom will be held from 9 am-noon at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, Room 301.0, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Co-facilitated by Stacey Milberger and Lynn Adcock. For more information, please contact Mario Mokarzelmm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

May 24, 2007: Reading and Writing: Tools for Learning-Tricks of the Trade will be held from 6-9 pm at Austin Community College Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752, Room 214. Teachers will learn about reading and writing as a tool for learning and then actually work with a piece of literature to build a demo lesson plan. From there they will choose an authentic piece of literature and replicate the model into a lesson they can take into their classroom immediately to integrate reading and writing skills as tools for learning as well as tools for language acquisition and enhancements. SCANS skills will also be incorporated into the process. Facilitated by Raine Teller. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

May 25, 2007: Reading and Writing: Tools for Learning-Tricks of the Trade will be held from 9 am to 12 noon at Austin Community College Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752, Room 214. Teachers will learn about reading and writing as a tool for learning and then actually work with a piece of literature to build a demo lesson plan. From there they will choose an authentic piece of literature and replicate the model into a lesson they can take into their classroom immediately to integrate reading and writing skills as tools for learning as well as tools for language acquisition and enhancements. SCANS skills will also be incorporated into the process. Facilitated by Raine Teller. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

June 2007

June 12-13, 2007: A Technology Institute focusing on audio and video technology tools will be held 9 AM-4 PM both days at the Kyle Learning Center, 21393 North IH-35, Kyle, Texas 78640. Map to 21393 North IH-35. Three sessions will be offered and you do NOT have to attend all sessions; however, the sessions will build on each other to give you a chance to use your new skills. If you have questions about any of these sessions, please contact Denise Guckert at dg21@txstate.edu, 512-245-9624, or toll free 1-877-798-5522. You must register to attend. Central registration form.

June 12, 9 AM - 12 PM: Central GREAT Center - Using Audacity for Media Creation. This session is a hands-on introduction to Audacity, a free software tool for creation, editing, and conversion of audio files. This is a 3 hour session. If you plan to attend the afternoon session, you may eat lunch at a nearby restaurant. Or, if you prefer to bring a lunch, a refrigerator, microwave and sink are available.

June 12, 1 PM - 4 PM: Central GREAT Center -Introduction to PhotoStory 3. This session is a hands-on introduction to Photostory 3, a free software tool for creating digital slideshows with multi-media capability. To make the hands-on practice more meaningful, you are encouraged to bring with you in digital format (on a flash drive or CD) a group of photos and/or a PowerPoint presentation you have created. (3 hours).

June 13, 9 AM - 4 PM: Central GREAT Center - Creating Video with Windows Movie Maker. This session is a hands-on introduction to Windows Movie Maker, a free software tool for creation and editing of video. You are welcome to bring previously recorded video in digital format (on a flash drive or CD) to use during the hands-on practice. This is a 6 hour, all day session with an hour break for lunch. You may eat at a nearby restaurant, or, if you prefer to bring a lunch, a refrigerator, microwave and sink are available.

July 2007

July 11, 2007: Introduction to Dreamweaver Part I will be held from 1-4 PM at Texas State University-San Marcos, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, 78666. This is part 1 of a 2 part Introduction to Dreamweaver Training. This session covers site setup, text, image, table and links. There are no pre-requisites. For information contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

July 17-19, 2007: ESL Workforce Academy: A Master Teacher Project will be held from 10 AM to 5 PM on July 17th and from 9 AM to 4 PM on July 18th & 19th at the Tremont House – A Wyndham Historic Hotel, 2300 Mechanic Street, Galveston, TX 77550. If you are interested in attending this Academy, please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

August 2007

August 4, 2007: BEST Plus Administrator’s Training will be held from 9:00 to 3:30 (30 minute lunch) at Temple College, One College Center, 2600 South First Street, 76504. Participants must complete entire session in order to receive administrators certification. Trainer will be Denise Guckert. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

August 15-16, 2007: BEST Plus Administrator’s Training will be held from 6-9 PM each day at Austin ISD-Baker Center, Room 208, 3908 Avenue B, Austin 78751. Denise Guckert will facilitate. Participants must attend both sessions in order to receive BEST Plus Administrators’ certification. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

August 18, 2007: Content Standards Training will be held from 9-4 PM at Navarro Community College, 3200 West 7th Avenue, Bain Center (BC) Room 400, Corsicana, 75110. Ginny Marek and Mary Helen Martinez will co-facilitate. 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. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

August 22, 2007: Addressing Learning Disabilities in the Adult Ed Classroom will be held from 1-4:30 PM at the Austin Community College – Highland Business Center, Room 411, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, 78752. Presenters will be Stacey Millberger and Lynn Adcock. Limited to 25 Participants. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

August 23, 2007: Distracted From Success: Helping Adults with Attention Focus Difficulties will be held from 9 AM to 12 Noon at Austin Community College Highland Business Center, Room 411, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Presented by Dr. Sherry Nash. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Limited to 40 participants.

August 23, 2007: Distracted From Success: Helping Adults with Attention Focus Difficulties will be held from 6 - 9 PM at Austin Community College Highland Business Center, Room 411, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Presented by Dr. Sherry Nash.Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Must register to attend. Limited to 40 participants.

August 25, 2007: BEST Plus Refresher Training will be held from 9 AM to 1 PM at Pickle Elementary School, 1001 Wheatley Avenue, Austin, 78752. Denise Guckert will facilitate. Participants must be trained as BEST Plus Administrators and bring their own BEST Plus Test Administrator Guide.Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

August 25, 2007: BEST Plus Refresher Training will be held from 9 AM to 1 PM at Navarro Community College, 3200 West 7th Avenue, Bain Center (BC), Room 400, Corsicana, 75110. Yolanda DeLaCruz will facilitate. Participants must be trained as BEST Plus Administrators and bring their own BEST Plus Test Administrator Guide.Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

August 25, 2007: TABE Assessment Training will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at Navarro Community College, 3200 West 7th Avenue, Bain Center (BC), Room 400, Corsicana, 75110. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

September 2007

September 8, 2007: Content Standards Training will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Central Texas College, Academic Building #104, Room 101 & 102, 6200 West Central Texas Expressway, Killeen, 76541. Ginny Marek and Mary Helen Martinez will co-facilitate. 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. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

September 15, 2007: Math Workshop will be held from 1:30 – 4:30 PM at the Bastrop Public Library, 1100 Church Street, Bastrop 78602. Tim Bickerstaff and Ginny Marek will facilitate. This workshop will provide ABE/GED teachers with the information needed to recognize areas of mathematics with which students are having the most difficulty. Geometry and measurement topics will be covered and teachers will learn how to adapt their instructional practices in order to help students perform better on the GED Mathematics Test. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

September 15, 2007: BEST Plus Administrators’ Trainingwill be held from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Austin Community College in Austin, Texas, Highland Business Center, Room 214, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin78752. We will work through lunch, so participants should bring their lunches. Vending machines with beverages and snacks are also on site. Participants will receive BEST Plus Test Administrator certification at the end of session. If you have questions about content, please contact Denise Guckert, the facilitator, 512-245-9624 or dg21@txstate.edu. For information on directions or other logistics, you may contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 15 for this workshop, first come first serve. Central registration form.

September 22, 2007: ESOL Academy: Techniques for Teaching Adult ESOL will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College – Highland Business Center, Room 103.2, Austin, 78751. This twenty-four (24) hour course, held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on 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. Session I of IV. Future sessions will be November 3, 2007; January 12, 2008; and March 29, 2008. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Registration is closed for this academy.

September 22, 2007: Math Workshop will be held from 9 to 1 pm at Navarro College, 3200 West 7th Avenue, Corsicana 75110, Bain Center, Room 400. Kelly Meeks will facilitate. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

September 24, 2007: Central GREAT Advisory Committee meeting will be held at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room 214, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. and conclude at noon. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

September 26, 2007: Teacher Retention Workshop will be held from 9 to 12 noon at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Room 411. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

September 29, 2007: BEST Plus Refresher Training will be held from 9 am to 1 pm at Central Texas College, 6200 West Central Texas Expressway, Criminal Justice Building building #113, room 101, Killeen 76541. Directions and campus map. Denise Guckert will facilitate. Participants must be trained as BEST Plus Administrators and bring their own BEST Test Administrator Guide. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

September 29, 2007: TEAMS Training will be held from 9 am to 1 pm at Central Texas College, 6200 West Central Texas Expressway, Criminal Justice Building building #113, room 102A, Killeen 76541. Directions and campus map. Terri Schiemenz and Anne Spanyers will facilitate. Participants will be provided an overview of TEAMS and the latest information on 2007-2008 changes to TEAMS. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

October 2007

October 6, 2007: Content Standards Training will be held from 9 am to 4 pm at the Kyle Learning Center, 21393 North IH 35, Kyle 78640. This training will provide an overview of Texas Adult Education Standards Project (TAESP) and how to integrate into lesson plans. Participants will be given an implementation guide that includes benchmarks for ABE/ASE and ESL Learners. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

October 6, 2007: TEAMS Training Workshop will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at American Youthworks, 1901 E. Ben White, Austin, TX 78741. The workshop will include an overview of TEAMS and the latest information on 2007-08 changes to TEAMS. Presented by Anne Spanyers. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

October 8, 2007: Math Workshop will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 pm at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, Room 411, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Mary Alice Carlson & Kathy Dowdy will facilitate. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

October 8, 2007: Transitioning GED Graduates to Post Secondary Education will be held from 9-12 Noon at Austin Community College – Highland Business Center, Room 411, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, 78752. Facilitated by Dr. Sherry Nash.Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

October 8, 2007: Transitioning GED Graduates to Post Secondary Education will be held from 6-9 PM at Austin Community College – Highland Business Center, Room 301.7, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, 78752. Facilitated by Dr. Sherry Nash. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

October 16-17, 2007: BEST Plus Administrator Training, Part I of II and Central GREAT Administrator Training, Part II will be held from 6-9 pm at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Room 301.7, Austin, 78752. The training will take place in room 301.7 on October 16th and in room 217 on October 17th. Participants must attend both sessions to receive BEST Plus Test Administrator certification. If you have questions about content, please contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or (512) 245-9624. For information on directions or other logistics, Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 15 for this workshop, first come first serve. Central registration form.

October 17, 2007: BEST Plus Administrator Refresher will be held from 6-9 PM at Austin Community College Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, 78752. The training will take place in room 217. NOTE: This session is Session II of II of a BEST Plus Administrator event, but it may serve as a refresher if you are already a certified BEST Plus test administrator. If you attend as a refresher, you must bring your BEST Plus Test Administrator Guide with you, including your practice CD. For content questions, contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or (512) 245-9624. For information on directions or other logistics, Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 15. Central registration form.

October 19-20, 2007: Effective Multi-level Strategies for Adult English Language Learners will be held from 9 am to 4 pm on October 19th and from 9 am to 12 noon on October 20tth at Temple College, One College Center, 2600 South First Street, Temple 76504. The workshop will be facilitated by Linda Muñoz and will focus on appropriate lesson planning strategies, group strategies and effective multi-level activities for us in ESL classrooms. Must register to attend. Participants must attend both sessions. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

October 25, 2007: TEAMS Training Workshop will be held from 9:00 to 12:00 noon virtually.   Terri Schiemenz will facilitate.  The workshop will include an overview of TEAMS and the latest information on 2007-2008 changes to TEAMS. Central registration form.

November 2007

November 2, 2007: Math Workshop will be held from 9 to 12 noon at Texas State Technical College-Waco, 3801 Campus Drive, Waco, TX 76705. (Driving directions.) This event is hosted by McLennan Community College. Room to be determined. Facilitated by Mary Alice Carlson. This workshop will provide ABE/GED teachers with the information needed to recognize area of mathematics with which students are having the most difficulty. Teachers will learn how to adapt their instructional practices in order to help students perform better on the GED mathematics test. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 2, 2007: ESOL Academy II will be held from 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. to be held at Terrazas Branch Public Library Meeting Room, Austin, 76702.   Heide Spruck Wrigley will facilitate.  This first of three 3 hour face-to-face sessions will include demonstration lessons and hands-on activities that can be used directly in the adult ESL classroom. Strategy-based lessons designed around peer to peer and small group interaction will be used to increase students’ oral communication and reading comprehension skills. Participants will work with a mentor teacher between face-to-face sessions with the facilitator. (Session is Closed).

November 3, 2007: ESOL Academy II will be held from 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. to be held at Austin Community College in Austin, Highland Business Center, Room 209, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, TX  78752.   Linda Muñoz will facilitate.  This first of three 3 hour face-to-face sessions will include demonstration lessons and hands-on activities that can be used directly in the adult ESL classroom. Strategy-based lessons designed around peer to peer and small group interaction will be used to increase students’ oral communication and reading comprehension skills. Participants will work with a mentor teacher between face-to-face sessions with the facilitator. (Session is Closed).

November 3, 2007: ESOL Academy: Techniques for Teaching Adult ESOL will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College – Highland Business Center, Room 103.2, Austin, 78751. This twenty-four (24) hour course, held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on 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. Session II of IV. Future sessions will be January 12 and March 29, 2008. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 3, 2007: BEST Plus Administrators’ Training will be held from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Pickle Elementary School, 1101 Wheatley, Austin, 78752, Yolanda DelaCruz will facilitate. Participants attending will complete BEST Plus Administrators’ certification. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 12, 2007: Transitioning ESL Students to GED training will be held from 9-12 Noon at Austin Community College – Highland Business Center, Room 301.7, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, 78752. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 12, 2007: Transitioning ESL Students to GED training will be held from6-9 PM at Austin Community College – Highland Business Center, Room 301.7, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, 78752. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 16-17, 2007: Multi-Regional ESL Workforce Academy II (Virtual session for Central Participants) will be held from Noon to 5:00 p.m. on November 16 and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on November 17 at the Kyle Learning Center. For information about logistics contact Mario Mokarzel  mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.  (Session is closed).

November 29, 2007: Effective Teaching Strategies for Multilevel ESL Classrooms, Session I will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 at Pickle Elementary School, 1101 Wheatley, Austin, 78752, This is Session 1 of 2 sessions totaling 9 hours. The workshop focuses on appropriate lesson planning strategies, group strategies and effective multilevel activities for use in ESL classrooms. Follow-up opportunities will be available for teachers to practice activities and strategies. Trainer will be Linda Munoz. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

December 2007

December 1, 2007: Effective Teaching Strategies for Multilevel ESL Classrooms, Session II will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room 214, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, 78752. This is Session 2 of 2 sessions totaling 9 hours. The workshop focuses on appropriate lesson planning strategies, group strategies and effective multilevel activities for use in ESL classrooms. Trainer will be Linda Muñoz. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

December 7, 2007: BEST Plus Refresher: Training for Trainers will be held from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Round Rock Higher Education Center, Room 365, 1555 University Boulevard, Round Rock 78664. NOTE: Participants will be learning how to use the BEST Plus Scoring Refresher Toolkit with BEST Plus test administrators at their local programs. Participants must be certified, skilled BEST Plus test administrators. We recommend that each program brings its program’s BEST Plus Scoring Refresher Tool Kit. For content questions please contact Denise Guckert, the facilitator, (512) 245-9624, dg21@txstate.edu. For information on directions or other logistics, contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu. Both can be reached toll-free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 20 for this workshop, first come first serve, so please register to attending. Central registration form.

December 8, 2007: Culture and Learning in the ESOL Classroom, Session I will be held from 9:00 am to 12 noon Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room 219, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, 78752. This workshop is a 2-part session totaling 6 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. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

December 15, 2007: Culture and Learning in the ESOL Classroom, Session II will be held from 9:00 am to 12 noon Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room 411, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. This is Part 2 of 2 sessions totaling 6 hours of Professional Development for adult ESOL Teachers. The facilitator will be Linda Muñoz. This workshop will continue the discussion of cultural instruction and include more hands on activities for teachers to do regarding culture in the classroom. Instructional strategies to recognize cultural similarities and bridge differences will be discussed. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.