2008 Calendar Archive

January 2008	February 2008	March 2008	April 2008	May 2008	June 2008
July 2008	August 2008	September 2008	October 2008	November 2008	December 2008

Maps to our Training Sites 2009 Calendar

January 2008

January 3, 2008: Content Standards Training will be held from 9 am to 12 noon at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Room 301.0, Austin 78752. Facilitated by Sandi Schneider and Mary Helen Martinez. This training will provide an overview of the Texas Adult Education Standards Project (TAESP) and how to integrate standards into lesson plans. Participants will be given an implementation guide that includes benchmarks for ABE/ASE and ESL Learners. Central registration form. For information about content contact Mary Helen Martinez mm42@txstate.edu and for information about logistics Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

January 3, 2008: Content Standards Training will be held from 6-9 pm at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Room 301.0, Austin 78752. Sandi Schneider and Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. This training will provide an overview of the Texas Adult Education Standards Project (TAESP) and how to integrate standards into lesson plans. Participants will be given an implementation guide that includes benchmarks for ABE/ASE and ESL Learners. Central registration form. For information about content contact Mary Helen Martinez mm42@txstate.edu and for information about logistics Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu. Both can be reached at 1-877-798-5522.

January 3, 2008: Professional Development Planning Workshop (PDPW) (session 1 of 2 - session 2 will be announced at a later date) will be held from 1:00 pm – 4:00 p.m. at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room #301.0, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. This is the initial training for teachers interested in obtaining an Adult Education Credential. This workshop is sponsored by the Central Region GREAT Center. For information on directions or other logistics, you may contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Registration is closed.

January 4, 2008: BEST Plus Administrator Training will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Room #411, Austin 78752. Participants will receive BEST Plus Test Administrator certification. Yolanda DeLaCruz will facilitate. 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 25 for this workshop, first come first serve, so please register to attend. Central registration form.

January 4, 2008: Basics of Writing Workshop will be held from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752, Room #301.0. This Writing Workshop is appropriate for both ESL and GED teachers. Jo Bennett will facilitate. For information on directions or other logistics, you may contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.eduu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

January 4, 2008: Math Workshop will be held from 9-12 noon at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center (HBC), Room #301.0, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Kathy Dowdy will facilitate. This Math Workshop will provide ABE/GED teachers with the research findings that identify thematic areas where GED examinees are having the most difficulty. The focus of this workshop will be on Geometry & Interpreting graphs and tables. 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.

January 4, 2008: Math Workshop will be held from 6-9 PM at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room #301.0, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Kathy Dowdy will facilitate. This Math Workshop will provide ABE/GED teachers with the research findings that identify thematic areas where GED examinees are having the most difficulty. The focus of this workshop will be on Geometry & Interpreting graphs and tables. 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.

January 5, 2008: BEST Plus Administrator Training w ill be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Navarro College, 3200 W. 7th Street, Corsicana, Gooch One Stop Student Center, Room 112. The room is located in the Gaston One-Stop Student Center (Old Gooch Library). This is the building that is located between the courtyard and the Clock Tower. Participants will receive BEST Plus Test Administrator certification. Yolanda DeLaCruz will facilitate. 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 25 for this workshop, first come first serve, so please register to attend. Central registration form.

January 5, 2008: ABE/GED Multi-Level Workshop will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Navarro College, 3200 W. 7th Street, Corsicana, Gaston One-Stop Student Center (Old Gooch Library). Room number to be determined. This is the building that is located between the courtyard and the Clock Tower. This workshop will provide ABE/GED teachers with practical instructional strategies including portfolio development, retention of ABE/GED students and classroom management. Carol Speigel will facilitate. 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 25 for this workshop, first come first serve, so please register to attend Central registration form.

January 9, 2008: Texas Content Standards Refresher Training will be held from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Baker Center Cafeteria, 3908 Avenue B, Austin 78751. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. This training will provide a review of the Texas Adult Education Content Standards. Participants will review and critique lesson plans based on the Content Standards.

January 10, 2008: Classroom Organization and Management Workshop will be held from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Baker Center Cafeteria, 3908 Avenue B, Austin 78751. Shirley Ledet will facilitate. This training will focus on developing innovative classroom management techniques by creating a positive learning environment.

January 10 2008: ESOL Academy: Techniques for Teaching Adult ESOL, Session 2 Makeup will be held from 2PM to 5PM and repeated from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Terrazas Branch Public Library Meeting Room, Austin, 76702. Linda Muñoz will facilitate.

January 11, 2008: ESOL Academy: II will be held from 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. at Twin Oaks Branch Public Library Meeting Room, Austin, 78704. Heide Spruck Wrigley will facilitate. This second 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).

January 12, 2008: ESOL Academy: II will be held from 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. to be held at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room 406, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Linda Muñoz will facilitate. This second 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).

January 12, 2008: ESOL Academy: Techniques for Teaching Adult ESOL will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Room 301.0, Austin. 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 III of IV. Last session will be held March 29, 2008. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

January 14, 2008: Integrating Technology into Adult ESL - TESOL Electronic Village Online 2008 will be offered from January 14, 2008 through February 24, 2008. This virtual, 6-week series is a comprehensive introduction to integrating technology into the Adult ESL classroom. Please read the course description and syllabus at: http://www.tei.education.txstate.edu/integrate_tech. To guarantee space, send your registration by January 1, 2008 via email to mm64@txstate.edu or via fax to or 512-245-8151. Contact Denise Guckert (facilitator) at dg21@txstate.edu for questions about content. Both can be reached at 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

January 19, 2008: Training of Trainers in Multi-level ESL Instruction will be held from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at the Kyle Learning Center, 21393 North IH-35, Kyle 78640. Linda Muñoz will facilitate. This training will provide training for ESL trainers in using the CAELA Multi-level ESL Instruction Module. A CAELA training guide with CD and supporting materials will be provided.

January 25, 2008: Windows File Management is offered from 9 am – 1 pm at the Kyle Learning Center, Saddle Creek Apartments, Kyle 78640. This session is designed to help users become more comfortable navigating, creating, organizing, viewing, and finding folders and files in the Windows® XP operating system. Space is limited to 15, so please register early! Send registrations via email to Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or fax to512-245-8151. Contact Denise Guckert (facilitator) at dg21@txstate.edu for questions about content. Central registration form.

January 25, 2008: BEST Plus Administrator Training will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at McLennan Community College, Community Service Building, Wing E, Room #234, 1400 College Drive, Waco 76708. Participants will receive BEST Plus Test Administrator certification. Carol Speigl will facilitate. 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 25 for this workshop. First come first serve, so please register to attend: Central registration form.

February 2008

February 16, 2008: BEST Plus Administrator Training will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at American Youthworks, 1901 E. Ben White, Austin 78741. Yolanda DelaCruz will facilitate. Participants attending will complete BEST Plus Administrators’ certification. (Lunch on your own). Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

February 16, 2008: Effective Teaching Strategies for Multilevel ESL Classrooms, Session I, will be held from 9:00 am to Noon at the Kyle Learning Center, Saddle Creek Apartments, Kyle 78640. 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. Facilitator: Ronit Ricoy. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

February 23, 2008: Effective Teaching Strategies for Multilevel ESL Classrooms, Session II, will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Kyle Learning Center, Saddle Creek Apartments, Kyle 78640. 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. Facilitator: Ronit Ricoy. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

February 25, 2008: Professional Development Planning Workshop (PDPW) Session 2 of 2 will be held from 1:00 pm – 4:00 p.m. at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room #411, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. This session will address submitting narrative reflections into State electronic database, CredITS (Credential Information Tracking System). The PDPW training is the initial training for teachers interested in obtaining an Adult Education Credential. This workshop is sponsored by the Central Region GREAT Center. For information on directions or other logistics, you may contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Registration is open only to participants who attend Part 1 of 2 sessions on January 3, 2008.

February 28, 2008: Texas Adult Education Administrator Credential: TALAE Conference Session will be on Thursday, from 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. in Corpus Christi. Texas Adult Education Credential Project staff will facilitate a panel discussion about the Texas Administrator Credential Pilot Project. The panel will be comprised of the first cohort of administrators to complete the Texas Administrator Credential. Participants will discuss their experiences as part of the initial pilot project.

February 29, 2008: ABE/GED Teaching Strategies for the Classroom: TALAE Conference Session will be held on Friday, 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. in Corpus Christi. Central GREAT Region teachers who participated in the Central, Coastal and South GREAT Region’s ABE/ASE (GED) Teacher’s Academy will share their learning experience by providing tips for developing lesson plans and teaching strategies that work in ABE/GED classrooms.

February 29, 2008: Digital Storytelling Hands-on with Microsoft Photo: TALAE Conference Session will be held on Friday, 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. in Corpus Christi. Storytelling is a fundamental teaching strategy that engages learners and helps them transfer knowledge into learning. Participants will use a project-based learning model to integrate language, meaning and a newly available free software application called Microsoft Photostory. With Photostory, participants will combine pictures, narration, and text to create movies narrating their personal stories.

February 29, 2008: ABE/GED Teaching Strategies for the Classroom: TALAE Conference Session will be held on Friday, 3:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m. in Corpus Christi. Adult educators who have participated in the Central Region GREAT Master Teacher Initiative over the past two years will present lesson plans from their demonstration lessons. These teachers created demonstration lessons focused on one discreet skill for their teaching demonstration; however, their plans represent the integration of skills within one class lesson. Facilitators will discuss the flexibility of the lesson planning process, the theory behind the focus of each lesson, and explain how their lessons are tied to a particular curriculum framework, text, and/or skill based focus. Audience members will leave with sample lessons plans.

March 2008

March 1, 2008: Texas Adult Education Teacher Credential: TALAE Conference Session will be held on Saturday, 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m. in Corpus Christi. Texas Adult Education Credential Project staff will facilitate a panel discussion about the Texas Teacher Credential Project. The panel will be comprised of teachers who have completed the Texas Teacher Credential. Participants will discuss their experiences and the value of earning the Credential.

March 14, 2008: Texas Content Standards Training will be held from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at McLennan Community College, Community Service Center, E-Wing Room #234, 4601 N. 19th Street, Waco 76708. 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. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

March 25, 2008: Texas Adult Education Credential Project Advisory Committee Meeting, Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, Room 456, 1555 University Boulevard, Round Rock 78665. For information, please contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or 1-866-798-8767. Meeting will start at 12 noon and conclude at 3 pm.

March 28, 2008: ESOL Academy II will be held from 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. at Terrazas Branch Public Library Meeting Room, Austin, Texas 76702, Heide Spruck Wrigley will facilitate. This third 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).

March 29, 2008: ESOL Academy: Techniques for Teaching Adult ESOL will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Room 103.2, Austin. 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 IV of IV. Must register to attend. Central registration form. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

March 31, 2008: Central GREAT Advisory Committee Meeting will be held from 10 AM to 12 Noon at the Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Center, room 414, Round Rock 78665. For information, please contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu 0r 1-877-798-5522.

April 2008

April 5, 2008: BEST Plus Administrators’ Training will be held from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, 78752. Room 411. Lunch on your own. Vending machines with beverages and snacks are on site. Participants will receive BEST Plus Test Administrator certification at the end of session. For information on directions or other logistics, contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 15 for this workshop, first come first serve, so please register to attend: Central registration form.

April 19, 2008: Texas Content Standards Training will be held from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at American Youthworks, 1901 E. Ben White, Austin 78741. 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. Mary Helen Martinez, Trainer. For information contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

April 26, 2008: Speaking English with an American Accent – Introduction to Accent Reduction for ESL Teachers: The objectives of this presentation are (1) to help instructors become more aware of the “rules” of American English pronunciation and (2) to provide effective strategies which instructors can immediately apply to assist their students. This presentation will provide an overview of the techniques of accent reduction with special emphasis on pronouncing the vowels and consonants of American English. Handouts will be provided. This workshop will be held from 9 am to 12 noon at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Room # 411, Austin. Facilitated by Suzanne Krause. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

May 2008

May 15, 2008: Windows® XP® Advanced Management will be held from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm at the Kyle Learning Center, Saddle Creek Apartments, Kyle 78640. The workshop focuses on advanced searching, understanding file types and structures, using system maintenance tools, and preventing spyware and viruses. The trainer will be Denise Guckert. Participants should have attended the Central GREAT Windows® XP® File Management offered in February, 2008 OR have extensive experience organizing and searching for folders and files and using the control panel to customize XP settings. You must register to attend as space is limited. Central registration form. For information, please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

May 19, 2008: Central GREAT Advisory Committee Meeting will be held from 10 am to 12 noon at the Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Center, Room 414, Round Rock 78665. For information, please contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

May 31, 2008: Professional Development Planning Workshop (PDPW) will be held from 9:00 pm – 4:00 p.m. at the Kyle Learning Center, Saddle Creek Apartments, 21393 North IH-35, Kyle 78640 (Lunch on your own). Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. This is the initial training for teachers interested in obtaining an Adult Education Teacher Credential. The workshop will address how to enroll in the Texas Adult Education Teacher Credential and how to submit narrative reflections into State electronic database, CredITS (Credential Information Tracking System). Registration is open only to participants who are currently in TEAMS database (Federally and State funded Adult Education programs including EL Civics). 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 20 for this workshop, first come first serve, so please register to attend: Central registration form.

June 2008

June 17, 2008: Introduction to Microsoft® Access™ database software from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Kyle Learning Center, Saddle Creek Apartments, Kyle 78640. Teachers will learn how to design their first simple database. Must register to attend. Space is limited to 15, so please register early! Send registrations via email to mm64@txstate.edu or fax to 512-245-8151. Contact Denise Guckert (facilitator) at dg21@txstate.edu for questions about content. Central registration form.

June 17, 2008: Integrating Technology with Microsoft® Online Templates from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Kyle Learning Center, Saddle Creek Apartments, Kyle 78640. This session is designed to help teachers integrate free online templates for Microsoft® Word, Excel® spreadsheet software, PowerPoint® presentation graphics program, and Publisher into their lesson plans. Must register to attend. Space is limited to 15, so please register early! Send registrations via email to mm64@txstate.edu or fax to 512-245-8151. Contact Denise Guckert (facilitator) at dg21@txstate.edu for questions about content. Central registration form.

June 18, 2008: Using Internet Resources for ESL from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Kyle Learning Center, Saddle Creek Apartments, Kyle 78640. Teachers will have hands-on experience exploring dozens of web sites that they can use with ESL students. Must register to attend. Space is limited to 15, so please register early! Send registrations via email to mm64@txstate.edu or fax to 512-245-8151. Contact Denise Guckert (facilitator) at dg21@txstate.edu for questions about content. Central registration form.

June 18, 2008: Using Internet Resources for ABE from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Kyle Learning Center, Saddle Creek Apartments, Kyle 78640. Teachers will have hands-on experience exploring dozens of web sites that they can use with ABE students. Must register to attend. Space is limited to 15, so please register early! Send registrations via email to mm64@txstate.edu or fax to512-245-8151. Contact Denise Guckert (facilitator) at dg21@txstate.edu for questions about content. Central registration form.

June 19, 2008: Introduction to Photostory from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Kyle Learning Center, Saddle Creek Apartments, Kyle 78640. Teachers will learn how to use storyboards to create digital stories that integrate photos, text, narration and music. They will also discuss how to use storyboards and Photostory for learning activities and student project-based learning. Must register to attend. Space is limited to 15, so please register early! Send registrations via email to mm64@txstate.edu or fax to 512-245-8151. Contact Denise Guckert (facilitator) at dg21@txstate.edu for questions about content. Central registration form.

June 23, 2008: Distance Learning 101 will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm via phone conference and Internet interface. This course is a 6 week session requiring weekly readings and assignments with a cumulative Distance Learning plan for your program. Each curriculum you plan to offer at your program will need separate assignments and distance learning plans. At least one administrator (director or coordinator) must attend with at least one teacher. This course is required for programs and teachers wanting to set up Distance Learning classes. If you schedule an orientation on June 23 – 26, you can complete the course by the end of July. Please contact the facilitator directly to setup the phone conference: Denise Guckert, dg21@txstate.edu or 512-245-9624 direct line. (NOTE: Participants who satisfactorily complete the 6 week sessions will receive a total of 2 hours per weekly assignment and discussion, for a total of 12 hours maximum. Please note that there is also a required 2 hour training from Project IDEAL that is scheduled after the completion of Distance Learning 101). Central registration form.

June 27, 2008: Classroom Management Strategies for Today’s Adult Education Classroom. Texas State University-Round Rock Higher Education Learning Center, Room 405, 1555 University Boulevard, Round Rock 78665-8017 10 am to 2 pm. Must register to attend. For information contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

July 2008

August 2008

August 9, 2008: BEST Plus Administrator Training will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Room 411. 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 Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Session is currently full; however, registrations received here on out will be placed on a waiting list.

August 16, 2008: BEST Plus(r) Refresher will be held from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm at Central Texas College, 6200 West Central TX Expressway, Room 102A in Bldg. 113 (Criminal Justice), Killeen, 76541. The building and room number will be emailed to participants based on emails provided on their registration forms. Denise Guckert will facilitate. Participants MUST be active, certified BEST Plus (r)Test Administrators andbring their BEST Plus Test Administrator Guides (TAGS) to the training! For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 25. Please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 16, 2008: TEAMS Refresher will be held from 9 AM to 11:30 PM at Central Texas College, 6200 West Central TX Expressway, Room 102A in Bldg. 113 (Criminal Justice), Killeen, 76541. The building and room number will be emailed to participants based on emails provided on their registration forms. Denise Guckert will facilitate. Participants must be current TEAMS users and know their TEAMS user names and passwords! For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 25. Please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 16, 2008: TABE Assessment Refresher Training will be held from 9:00 am.-12:00 noon at Navarro Community College, 3200 West 7th Avenue, Corsicana, TX 75110, Gooch One-Stop Student Center, Arrowhead Room. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. This training will review process for administering TABE assessment including correlating scale scores and using the math table. Participants should be familiar with the TABE assessment. For information contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 16, 2008: Managing Multi-level GED Classrooms will be held from 1:00 - 4:00 pm, at Navarro Community College, 3200 West 7th Avenue, Corsicana, 75110, Gooch One-Stop Student Center, Arrowhead Room. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. The workshop will focus on classroom strategies, addressing lesson planning and effective learning activities for use in ABE/ASE classrooms. For information contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 19, 2008: Texas Adult Education Content Standards Refresher Training will be held from 6:00 pm.- 9:00 pm, hosted by Austin ISD Baker Center. Training will be held in the cafeteria. The Baker Center is at 3908 Avenue B, Austin 78751. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. This training will provide a review of the Texas Adult Education Content Standards. Participants will develop unit plans based on the Texas Adult Education Standards. NOTE: Participants must bring their implementation guide that includes benchmarks for ABE/ASE and ESL learners. For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 25. Please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 20, 2008: Effective Teaching Strategies for Multilevel ESL Classrooms, Session I will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room 301.0, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. This is Session 1 of 2 sessions totaling 12 hours. The workshop focuses on appropriate lesson planning strategies, group strategies and effective multilevel activities for use in ESL classrooms. Trainer will be Ronit Ricoy. You must plan to attend both sessions! For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 25. Please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 20, 2008: Beginning Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheet software for Adult Education Teachers and Students will be held from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room 212, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Denise Guckert will facilitate. This hands-on training will begin with a brief introduction to spreadsheets and several ideas for using them with students. Next, participants will use a recommended free curriculum to learn Microsoft® Excel® basics as they create a family budget and a check register. Finally, they will learn how to format their spreadsheets and to sort data for analysis. A CD-Rom with the free curriculum will be provided to participants. Registration is limited! For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 25. Please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 20, 2008: Texas Adult Education Content Standards Training will be held from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room 411, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. This training will provide an overview of the Texas Adult Education Standards Project (TAESP) and how to integrate standards into unit plans. Implementation Guides that include benchmarks for ABE/ASE and ESL Learners will be provided.For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 25. Please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 21, 2008: 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 301.0, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. This is Session 2 of 2 totaling 12 hours. You must have attended session 1 to attend this session! The workshop focuses on appropriate lesson planning strategies, group strategies and effective multilevel activities for use in ESL classrooms. Trainer will be Ronit Ricoy. For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 25. Please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 21, 2008: Teaching Reading Strategies for the ABE/ASE Adult Education Classroom will be held from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room 214, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. Teaching adult learners practical reading strategies will assist in improving learners' reading fluency. This training will explore practical reading strategies such as, but not limited to, visualizing, skimming, reading between the lines, making predictions, purposeful reading, checking for understanding, relating to background knowledge, questioning and critical reading. For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 25. Please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 21, 2008: See-Say-Do: Multi-Sensory Teaching and Learning in the Adult Education Classroom will be held from 9:00 am to 12 noon at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room #214, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Dr. Sherry Nash will facilitate. This highly participatory workshop will help teachers and administrators to “ramp up” their adult learners’ success by understanding the importance of designing classroom environments and instructional activities that tap into the three major learning styles/senses: Visual, Auditory and Tactile/Kinesthetic. For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 25. Please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 21, 2008: See-Say-Do: Multi-Sensory Teaching and Learning in the Adult Education Classroom will be held from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, Room #219, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Dr. Sherry Nash will facilitate. This highly participatory workshop will help teachers and administrators to “ramp up” their adult learners’ success by understanding the importance of designing classroom environments and instructional activities that tap into the three major learning styles/senses: Visual, Auditory and Tactile/Kinesthetic. For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 25. Please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 21, 2008: Project Based Learning Workshop will be held from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. and hosted by Austin ISD at the Baker Center Cafeteria, 3908 Avenue B, Austin 78751. This session we will look at some of the research done by Dr. Heide Spruck Wrigley on “Project Based Learning” and the benefits of this approach in Adult Education. Participants will see the development of student projects in an EL Civics classroom. Robert Anchondo will facilitate. For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 30. Please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 23, 2008: Effective Teaching Strategies for Multilevel ESL Classrooms will be held from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Burnet. This workshop focuses on effective hands-on activities for multilevel ESL classrooms and developing strategy-based lessons designed to specifically address ESL learners. Training will be held at the Burnet Presbyterian Fellowship Hall located at 101 S. Pierce Street in Burnet, 78611. The church is at the corner of Pierce and Hwy 29, and is one block east of Hwy 281. For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 25. Please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 23, 2008: Teaching Strategies for the ABE/ASE Adult Education Classrooms will be held from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in Burnet. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. This workshop focuses on appropriate lesson planning strategies, individual and group instruction strategies and effective ABE/ASE activities for use in ABE/ASE classrooms. Training will be held at the Burnet Presbyterian Fellowship Hall located at 101 S. Pierce Street in Burnet 78611. The church is at the corner of Pierce and Hwy 29, and is one block east of Hwy 281. For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 25. Please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 23, 2008: Instructional Strategies for BEST Assessments will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Kyle Learning Center, 21393 North IH-35, Kyle 78640. In this session, teachers will review instructional strategies best suited to improve communication and literacy skills required for the BEST assessments. The instructor will be Denise Guckert. For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Central registration form.

August 26, 2008: EL Civics Workshop will be held from 6:00 pm.-9:00 pm. and hosted by Austin ISD at the Baker Center Cafeteria, 3908 Avenue B, Austin 78751. “What is EL Civics and how do I integrate it into my classroom?” This workshop will clarify much of the confusion surrounding EL Civics by identifying its major threads and offering practical advice for the balanced integration of citizenship information and civic participation education. Ronit Ricoy will facilitate. For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Participation is limited to 25 for this workshop, first come first serve, so please register to attend: Central registration form.

August 27, 2008: BEST Plus Administrator Training, Session I of II will be held from 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. hosted by Austin ISD Baker Center. Training will be in the cafeteria. The Baker Center is at 3908 Avenue B, Austin 78751. Participants will receive BEST Plus Test Administrator certification. BEST Plus Test Administrator Guides (TAGS) will be provided. Denise Guckert will facilitate. Participation is limited to 25 for this workshop, first come first serve, so please register to attend. NOTE: Participants must attend both days in order to receive BEST Plus Administrators' certification. For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Session is currently full; however, registrations received here on out will be placed on a waiting list.

August 28, 2008: BEST Plus Administrator Training, Session II of II will be held from 6:00 pm.-9:00 pm. hosted by Austin ISD Baker Center. Training will be in the cafeteria. The Baker Center is at 3908 Avenue B, Austin 78751. Participants will receive BEST Plus Test Administrator certification. Denise Guckert will facilitate. Participation is limited to 25. NOTE: Participants must attend and complete both days of training in order to receive BEST Plus Administrators' certification. For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. Session is currently full; however, registrations received here on out will be placed on a waiting list.

September 2008

September 10, 2008: Scoring the BEST Literacy Essay will be held from 12 PM to 2 PM in at the Baker Center, Room 209, 3908 Avenue B, Austin 78751. This session concentrates on reviewing the criteria for scoring the BEST Literacy essay. There will be hands-on scoring practice using examples from the manual as well as examples from previously administered BEST Literacy tests. Please bring a BEST Test Manual with you to the training! The instructor will be Denise Guckert. For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm42@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Please register to attend. Central registration form.

September 26, 2008: Student Retention for Adult Education will be held from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Texas State Technical College, Women's Resource Center, 3801 Campus Drive, Waco 76705. This session will address the many facets of retention including student orientation, goal setting and student motivation. We will also discuss how classroom data can assist teachers in monitoring student retention. The session is appropriate for ESL and ABE/ASE instructors alike. The facilitators will be Denise Guckert and Mary Helen Martinez. The program host is McLennan Community College. For information on directions or other logistics contact Mario Mokarzel, mm64@txstate.edu or toll free 1-877-798-5522. REGISTRATION CLOSED.

September 29, 2008: Fall 2008 Central GREAT Advisory Committee Quarterly Meeting will be held from 10:00 to 12 noon. The meeting will be virtual. Instructions on how to connect to the phone conference and online systems will be provided prior to the meeting date. For information contact Mario Mokarzel, mm42@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

October 2008

October 3, 2008: ESOL Workforce Academy (Session I of IV) will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM in Austin at the Goodwill Industries of Central Texas Offices, 1015 Norwood Park Blvd; Austin 78753. 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. Future sessions will be held December 5, 2008; February 27, 2009; and April 17, 2009. Participants must attend all sessions! For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Apply to attend this academy. [Microsoft® Word document]

October 4, 2008: ESOL Academy I: Techniques for Teaching Adult ESOL (Session I of IV) will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78751, room 221.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. Future sessions will be December 6, 2008; February 28, 2009; and April 18, 2009. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Registration for the ESOL Academy I is currently full and closed. However, applications will continue to be accepted and placed on a waiting list.

October 11, 2008: Culture and Learning in the ESOL Classroom, Session I of III will be held from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Site: Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin 78702. This workshop is a 3-part session totaling 9 hours of Professional Development for adult ESOL instructors. You must attend all three sessions. 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. ESOL Culture & Learning Registration Form [Microsoft® Word document] For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

October 11, 2008: BEST Plus Test Administration will be held from 9:30 AM to 4 PM at One College Center, Room 1460 (2nd floor), 2600 South First Street, Temple, 76504. Participants will receive BEST Plus Test Administrator certification. Please bring bring brown bag lunches; water and an ice chest with ice will be provided. The trainer will be Denise Guckert. You must register to attend: Central registration form. For additional information, please contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522 (toll free).

October 11, 2008: BEST Plus Test Refresher will be held from 1:00 PM to 4 PM at One College Center, Room 1460 (2nd floor), 2600 South First Street, Temple, 76504. Participants will repeat the scoring practice activities from their original BEST Plus Test Administrator training. Participants MUST be certified BEST Plus test administrators and MUST bring their Test Administrator Guide! The trainer will be Denise Guckert. You must register to attend: Central registration form. For additional information, please contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522 (toll free).

October 18, 2008: Content Standards Refresher will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Central Texas College, Building 152 (Planetarium), Room 101, 6200 West Central TX Expressway, Killeen 76541. Room TBA. This training will provide a review of the Texas Adult Education Content Standards. Participants will review and critique lesson plans based on the Content Standards. The trainer will be Mary Helen Martinez. You must register to attend: Central registration form. For additional information, please contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522 (toll free).

October 18, 2008: BEST Plus Test Administrator Training will be held from 10:30 AM to 5 PM at the Waco Public Library Community Room, 1717 Austin Avenue, Waco 76701. Participants will receive BEST Plus Test Administrator certification. Please bring bring brown bag lunches; water and an ice chest with ice will be provided. The trainers will be Sherry Smith and Denise Guckert. You must register to attend: Central registration form. For additional information, please contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522 (toll free).

October 18, 2008: BEST Plus Refresher will be held from 1:30 AM to 5 PM at the Waco Public Library Community Room, 1717 Austin Avenue, Waco 76701. Participants will repeat the scoring practice activities from their original BEST Plus Test Administrator training. Participants MUST be certified BEST Plus test administrators and MUST bring their Test Administrator Guide! Please bring brown bag lunches; water and an ice chest with ice will be provided. The trainers will be Sherry Smith and Denise Guckert. You must register to attend: Central registration form. For additional information, please contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522 (toll free).

October 25, 2008: Culture and Learning in the ESOL Classroom, Session II of III will be held from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Terrazas Public Library, 1105 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin 78702. You must have attended Session I in its entirety in order to be eligible to attend Session II.This workshop is a 3-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 information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 2008

November 1, 2008: Culture and Learning in the ESOL Classroom, Session III of III will be held from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, at Pleasant Hill Branch Library, 211 East William Cannon Drive, Austin 78745. You must have attended Sessions 1 & II in their entirety in order to be eligible to attend Session III. This workshop is a 3-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 information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 1, 2008: Retention for Adult Education will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Central Texas College, Building 152 (Planetarium), Room 101, 6200 West Central TX Expressway, Killeen, 76541. Room TBA. This session will address the many facets of retention including student orientation, goal setting and student motivation. The session is appropriate for ESL and ABE/ASE instructors alike. The trainer will be Denise Guckert. You must register to attend: Central registration form. For additional information, please contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522 (toll free).

November 7, 2008: ABE/ASE Academy (Session I of V) will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Kyle Learning Center, 21393 I-H 35 North, Kyle 78640. Statewide Trainer of Trainers, Ms. Barbara Baird will facilitate this academy. The Academy will provide ABE/ASE teachers with adult learning theory including brain-based instructional strategies and how to apply them in the classroom. Various classroom strategies will be introduced covering reading, writing and math, and teachers will have the opportunity to practice strategies in their classrooms between sessions. This Academy is ideal for teachers new to the ABE/ASE classroom as well as experienced teachers who are interested in becoming Master Teachers. The format for this academy begins with an initial 2 day face-to-face session on November 7 & 8, 2008 followed by three virtual web-based sessions (3 hrs each) on the following Saturdays: December 13, 2008, February 7, 2009, and April 18, 2009. Master Teachers must attend all sessions! For information contact Mary Helen Martinez mm42@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Apply to attend this academy. [Microsoft® Word document.]

November 8, 2008: ABE/ASE Academy (Session II of V) will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Kyle Learning Center, 21393 I-H 35 North, Kyle 78640. Statewide Trainer of Trainers, Ms. Barbara Baird will facilitate this academy. The Academy will provide ABE/ASE teachers with adult learning theory including brain-based instructional strategies and how to apply them in the classroom. Various classroom strategies will be introduced covering reading, writing and math, and teachers will have the opportunity to practice strategies in their classrooms between sessions. This Academy is ideal for teachers new to the ABE/ASE classroom as well as experienced teachers who are interested in becoming Master Teachers. The format for this academy begins with an initial 2 day face-to-face session on November 7 & 8, 2008 followed by three virtual web-based sessions (3 hrs each) on the following Saturdays: December 13, 2008, February 7, 2009, and April 18, 2009. Master Teachers must attend all sessions! For information contact Mary Helen Martinez mm42@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. [Microsoft® Word document.]

November 8, 2008: BEST Plus Administrator Training, sponsored through Literacy Texas and the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Room #411, Austin 78752. Wendy Taylor will facilitate. Participation by invitation only from sponsors. Participants will receive BEST Plus Test Administrator certification. For information on directions or other logistics, you may contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu, or toll free 1-877-798-5522.

November 10, 2008: Integrating Technology into Adult ESL (morning session) will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752, Room 212. This session includes strategies, activities, lesson plans and curricula for technology integration into Adult ESL instruction. Participants receive handouts and a CD-ROM of workshop materials. The trainer will be Denise Guckert.You must register to attend: Central registration form. For additional information, please contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522 (toll free).

November 10, 2008: Integrating Technology into Adult ESL (evening session) will be held from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, 78752, Room 301.3. This session includes strategies, activities, lesson plans and curricula for technology integration into Adult ESL instruction. Participants receive handouts and a CD-ROMf workshop materials. The trainer will be Denise Guckert. You must register to attend: Central registration form. For additional information, please contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522 (toll free).

November 10, 2008: Teaching Reading Strategies for the ABE/ASE Classroom will be held from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Austin Community College- Highland Business Center, Room 411, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. This training will explore practical reading strategies that will assist in improving learners’ reading fluency. Strategies covered include but are not limited to: visualizing, skimming, reading between the lines, making predictions, purposeful reading, checking for understanding, relating to background knowledge, questioning, and critical reading. The trainer will be Mary Helen Martinez. You must register to attend: Central registration form. For additional information, please contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522 (toll free).

November 15, 2008: 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, Room #103.2, 5930 Middle Fiskville 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 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. Future sessions with Dr. Wrigley will be January 17, 2009 and April 4, 2009. Participants must agree to attend all sessions. For information, please contact Stan Ashlock, sa07@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Please download and complete the application form. This is a Microsoft® Word document.

November 21, 2008: Special Learning Needs (SLN): Effective instruction for Adult Education Students, Session 1 of 8 will be held from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center (HBC), Room # 220, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Roxane Rolingson will facilitate. This training will assist adult educators understand the needs of adult learners, including those who have learning disabilities and other special learning needs. The workshop will allow participants to recognize possible learning disabilities and identify effective instructional practices with all learners as well as applying accommodations to assist adult learners who have special learning needs in maximizing their potential and reaching their goals. Registration by invitation only. For information, please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

November 22, 2008: Special Learning Needs (SLN): Effective instruction for Adult Education Students, Session 2 of 8 will be held from 8:00 am- 4:30 pm. at Austin Community College, Highland Business Center (HBC), Room # 214, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78752. Roxane Rolingson will facilitate. This is session 2 of the SLN series, which assist adult educators understand the needs of adult learners, including those who have learning disabilities and other special learning needs. This series allowsparticipants to recognize possible learning disabilities and identify effective instructional practices with all learners as well as applying accommodations to assist adult learners who have special learning needs in maximizing their potential and reaching their goals. Registration by invitation only. For information, please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.

December 2008

December 5, 2008: ESOL Workforce Academy (Session II of IV) will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Room 215, Austin. You must have attended Session I in its entirety in order to be eligible to attend Session II. 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. Future sessions will be held February 27, 2009; and April 17, 2009. Participants must attend all sessions! Registration for the ESOL Workforce Academy has closed.

December 6, 2008: ESOL Academy I: Techniques for Teaching Adult ESOL (Session II of IV) You must have attended Session I in its entirety in order to be eligible to attend Session II. Academy will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM at Austin Community College-Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 78751, room 103.2This 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. Future sessions will be February 28, 2009; and April 18, 2009. For information please contact Mario Mokarzel mm64@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Registration for the ESOL Academy I is currently full and closed.

December 6, 2008: Teacher Retention Workshop will be held from 10 am – 11 am at the TexTESOL III Fall Conference, Wooldridge Hall, Nueces and 24th Street, Austin 78712. Mary Helen Martinez will facilitate. In this session, participants will discuss current methods of recruiting and retaining teachers as well as develop a plan of action. Retaining teachers is important to all adult literacy administrators as it can shape programs from being good to being great. As well as being cost effective, developing a teacher retention plan can improve student retention and student outcomes. Programs with consistent and sustained instruction can have a continuing impact in their local communities. For additional information contact Mary Helen Martinez mm42@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522. Special Note: You must be registered for TexTESOL III Fall Conference to attend. View the registration form for TexTESOL III [Adobe® Acrobat® Reader]

December 6, 2008: Student Retention for Adult Education will be held from 2 – 3 pm at theTexTESOL III Fall Conference, Wooldridge Hall, Nueces and 24th Street, Austin 78712. Denise Guckert will facilitate. In this session, we briefly review NCSALL-funded research on adult student persistence (National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy). Initial findings outline four supports to increase adult student persistence. Participants will use the four supports model to create a plan which addresses student persistence, motivation and retention in their own programs or classes. The target audience is adult ABE/ASE or ESL. For additional information contact Denise Guckert dg21@txstate.edu or 1-877-798-5522.Special Note: You must be registered for TexTESOL III Fall Conference to attend. View the registration form for TexTESOL III [Adobe® Acrobat® Reader]

December 13, 2008: 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 first of 3 virtual follow-up sessions. Two more virtual web-based sessions (3 hrs each) will follow on February 7, 2009, and 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]