January 2007

January 12-13, 2007: GED Reading Academy, Session 1 – Teaching Reading in the Multilevel Classroom will be held on Friday from 4:30 -7:30 pm and on Saturday from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm at Socorro Community Learning Center, 313 S. Rio Vista Rd., El Paso. This academy is for any adult instructor who wants to improve reading in adults and addresses teaching reading in the multilevel classroom. This is the first of three workshops (remaining sessions will be on February 16-17 and March 16-17). Participation in all three sessions and the completion of a follow up activity is required in order to qualify for the stipend available. For training details go to our Professional Development course listings under ABE/GED and ESL sections. Limited to 25 participants. Register Online now! For additional information, please contact Mary Jo Ochoa at (915)937-1706 or at mochoa16@sisd.net.

January 18, 2007: BEST Plus Trainingwill be held from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm at Region 19 ESC Head Start Multi-Purpose Center, 11670 Chito Samaniego, Dr. Lorenzo Garcia Room, El Paso. (See our map link at the top of this calendar.) This training will be provided by Barbara Shull and will be focused on the administration of the assessment tool. All training participants must bring their own laptops to the training. Non-TEA funded participants must bring own BEST Plus Test Administrator Guide (may be purchased at http://www.cal.org/ for $30.00). Please forward any questions toregistration@farwestgreat.org or call (915) 937-1725.REGISTER NOW!

February 2007

February 10, 2007: ESL Academy: Listening and Speaking Session 1: Do your students have trouble understanding what English speakers are saying? Are they too shy to speak up in class (let alone outside of class) because their English is not good enough? Do your students say they want more opportunities for conversation? This course presents ideas and activities to get students interacting in English even at the very beginning levels. Teachers will learn how to use pictures and drawings to stimulate conversations, create games to keep students talking, and develop simple role plays to teach every day English. Photographs, popular songs and video clips will be used to illustrate how students can be motivated to speak more English and improve their listening skills. Session 1 will be held on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Socorro Community Learning Center, 313 S. Rio Vista Rd., El Paso. Map to SCLC. NOTE: This is the first of three workshops, remaining sessions will be May 5 and June 9. Participation in all three sessions and completion of a follow-up activity is required in order to qualify for the stipend available. Limited to 20 participants. Please email us or call 915-937-1725 if you have any questions.Register Online now!

February 16-17, 2007: GED Reading Academy, Session 2 – Reading, Writing and Understanding will be held on Friday from 4:30 -7:30 pm and on Saturday from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm at Socorro Community Learning Center, 313 S. Rio Vista Rd., El Paso. This is the second of three workshops (remaining session will be on March 16-17). Participation in all three sessions and the completion of a follow up activity is required in order to qualify for the stipend available.For training details go to our Professional Development course listings under ABE/GED and ESL sections. Limited to 25 participants. Register Online now! For additional information, please contact Mary Jo Ochoa at (915)937-1706 or at mochoa16@sisd.net.

March 2007

March 3, 2007: ABE Master Teacher Action Learning Academy, Session 3 will be held from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm at El Paso Community College Valle Verde Campus, 919 Hunter, Room B150, El Paso. NOTE: Participants must have attended Session 1 & 2. This is the third of three workshops. For additional information, please contact Eduardo Honold at 915-937-1703 or ehonol@sisd.net.

March 16-17, 2007: GED Reading Academy, Session 3 – Read All About It – Using Authentic Texts in the Adult Education Classroom will be held on Friday from 4:30 -7:30 pm and on Saturday from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm at Socorro Community Learning Center, 313 S. Rio Vista Rd., El Paso. This is the last of three workshops. Participation in all three sessions and the completion of a follow up activity is required in order to qualify for the stipend available. For training details go to our Professional Development course listings under ABE/GED and ESL sections. Limited to 25 participants. Register Online now! For additional information, please contact Mary Jo Ochoa at (915)937-1706 or at mochoa16@sisd.net.

March 30-31, 2007: GED Math Academy: Teaching Math in the Multilevel Classroom Session 1 – Focus on Geometry will be held on Friday from 4:30 -7:30pm and on Saturday from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm at the Socorro Community Learning Center, 313 S. Rio Vista Rd, El Paso. This academy is appropriate for any adult instructor who wants to develop teaching strategies for problem solving, geometry, graphic and numerical analysis. This is the first of three workshops (remaining sessions will be on April 27-28 and May 18-19 ). Participation in all three sessions and the completion of a follow up activity is required in order to qualify for the stipend. For training details go to our Professional Development course listings under the ABE/GED section. Limited to 19 participants. Register Online now! For additional information, please contact Mary Jo Ochoa at (915) 937-1706 or at mochoa16@sisd.net.

April 2007

April 3-4, 2007: Home Visiting Training for Even Start. Texas Family Literacy Resource Center will conduct this training for the West and Far West Regions at a location to be announced in El Paso. For more information, contact the TFLRC.

April 27-28, 2007: GED Math Academy: Teaching Math in the Multilevel Classroom Session 2 – Focus on Calculation will be held on Friday from 4:30 -7:30 pm and on Saturday from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm at the Socorro Community Learning Center, 313 S. Rio Vista Rd, El Paso. This academy is appropriate for any adult instructor who wants to develop teaching strategies for preparing students for the math section of the GED. This is the second of three workshops (remaining session will be on May 18-19). Participation in all three sessions and the completion of a follow up activity is required in order to qualify for the stipend. For training details go to our Professional Development course listings under the ABE/GED section.Limited to 19 participants. Register Online now! For additional information, please contact Mary Jo Ochoa at 915-937-1706 or at mochoa16@sisd.net.

May 2007

May 5, 2007: ESL Academy: Listening and Speaking Session 2: This course presents ideas and activities to get students interacting in English even at the very beginning levels. Teachers will learn how to use pictures and drawings to stimulate conversations, create games to keep students talking, and develop simple role plays to teach every day English. Session 2 will be held on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Socorro Community Learning Center, 313 S. Rio Vista Rd., El Paso. Map to SCLC NOTE: This is the second of three workshops (remaining session will be June 9). Participation in all three sessions and completion of a follow-up activity is required in order to qualify for the stipend available. Limited to 20 participants. Please email us or call 915-937-1725 if you have any questions.

May 11-12, 2007: ESL Academy: Teaching with Technology Session 1: This institute will demonstrate how pictures, story boards, and PowerPoint® presentations can be used to engage students and promote active learning. Participants learn how to use visual materials effectively in teaching and how to engage students in creating their own projects. Teachers will have access to digital cameras, lap tops, and LCD projectors that can be checked out for use in the classroom. Session 1 will be held on Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Socorro Community Learning Center, 313 S. Rio Vista Rd., El Paso. Map to SCLC. NOTE: This is the first of three workshops (remaining sessions will be June 1-2 and June 22-23). Participation in all three sessions and completion of a follow-up activity is required in order to qualify for the stipend available. Limited to 20 participants. Please email us or call 915-937-1725 if you have any questions.Register Online now!

May 18-19, 2007: GED Math Academy: Teaching Math in the Multilevel Classroom Session 3 – Focus on Graphic Literacy and Technology will be held on Friday from 4:30 -7:30 pm and on Saturday from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm at the Socorro Community Learning Center, 313 S. Rio Vista Rd, El Paso. This academy is appropriate for any adult instructor who wants to develop teaching strategies for preparing students for the math section of the GED. This is the last of three workshops. Participation in all three sessions and the completion of a follow up activity is required in order to qualify for the stipend. For training details go to our Professional Development course listings under the ABE/GED section. Limited to 19 participants. Register Online now! For additional information, please contact Mary Jo Ochoa at 915-937-1706 or at mochoa16@sisd.net.

June 2007

June 1-2, 2007: ESL Academy: Teaching with Technology Session 2:This institute will demonstrate how pictures, story boards, and PowerPoint® presentations can be used to engage students and promote active learning. Participants learn how to use visual materials effectively in teaching and how to engage students in creating their own projects. Session 2 will be held on Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Socorro Community Learning Center, 313 S. Rio Vista Rd., El Paso, TX. Map to SCLC. NOTE: This is the second of three workshops, remaining session will be June 22-23. Participation in all three sessions and completion of a follow-up activity is required in order to qualify for the stipend available. Limited to 20 participants. Please email us or call 915-937-1725 if you have any questions.

June 4, 2007: ESL FOR EVERYDAY TEACHING: Powerful Strategies and Activities that Make a Difference - Are you desperate for practical ideas that work in the ESL classroom? Are you looking for strategies to get your students speaking English? Please join us at the Head Start Multipurpose Center, 11670 Chito Samaniego, El Paso, in the room Verne Butler. The training will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue to 12:00 p.m. The workshop will provide (among other benefits) new ideas, sample materials and demonstrations of successful lesson plans. Please email us or call 915-937-1725 if you have any questions. Register Online

June 9, 2007: ESL Academy: Listening and Speaking Session 3: This course presents ideas and activities to get students interacting in English even at the very beginning levels. Teachers will learn how to use pictures and drawings to stimulate conversations, create games to keep students talking, and develop simple role plays to teach every day English. Session 3 will be held on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Socorro Community Learning Center, 313 S. Rio Vista Rd., El Paso. Map to SCLC. NOTE: This is the last of three workshops. Participation in all three sessions and completion of a follow-up activity is required in order to qualify for the stipend available. Limited to 20 participants. Please email us or call 915-937-1725 if you have any questions.

June 13, 2007: BEST Plus Refresher. This training is targeted to individuals who have been trained as BEST Plus Administrators. A new Refresher booklet will be provided. The training will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Socorro Community Learning Center on 313 S. Rio Vista Rd., El Paso, TX 79927. Limited to 30 participants.Laptops will not be required at the training.Please email us or call 915-937-1725 if you have any questions. Register Online now!

June 15, 2007: Learning Disabilities in the Adult Education Classroom – Reading and Making Math Fun and Painless! This training will discuss and provide hands-on Reading and Math strategies for adults with learning difficulties. The training will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. at San Jacinto Adult Learning Center located at 1216 Olive St., El Paso 79901. Availability is limited. Contact the Far West GREAT Center if you have any questions or call (915) 937-1725. Register Online now!

June 15, 2007: BEST Plus Test Administrator Training - This training is targeted to new administrators of the BEST Plus test. The training will be held from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Ysleta Community Learning Center on 121 Padres Dr., El Paso, TX 79907 in the Computer Lab. Limited to 20 participants. Based on the number of registrations received, there may be a maximum limit implemented for each program. Registrants will not be required to bring their own laptop to the training. Please email farwestg@farwestgreat.org if you have any questions or call (915) 937-1725. Register Online now!

June 20, 2007: Ready to Work: An Overview of Work Readiness Certificates: Want to prepare your students for the working environment? Are you looking for something that will help get your students noticed by employers? Join us for this overview of work certificates that can help prepare your students for entry-level employment. This overview will discuss the most common certificates and credentials that are currently offered around the nation. The session targets Program Administrators, Directors and decision makers interested in enhancing their existing programs with employment readiness skills for their students. This workshop will be held at 6611 Boeing, El Paso, Texas, in the Classroom from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Please email farwestg@farwestgreat.org if you have any questions or call (915) 937-1725. Register Online now!

June 22-23, 2007: ESL Academy: Teaching with Technology Session 3: This institute will demonstrate how pictures, story boards, and PowerPoint® presentations can be used to engage students and promote active learning. Participants learn how to use visual materials effectively in teaching and how to engage students in creating their own projects. Session 3 will be held on Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Socorro Community Learning Center, 313 S. Rio Vista Rd., El Paso. Map to SCLC. NOTE: This is the last of three workshops. Participation in all three sessions and completion of a follow-up activity is required in order to qualify for the stipend available. Limited to 20 participants.Please email us or call 915-937-1725 if you have any questions.

July 2007

July 16 & 17, 2007: Classroom Management Institute: Effective Multilevel Strategies for Adult English Language Learners. This two-day institute models effective multilevel lesson planning and grouping strategies based on Texas’ new ESL Content Standards, and provides opportunities for teachers to try out activities and strategies. At the end of the workshop, teachers will be asked to develop and implement their own multi-level lesson plan in their classrooms. This training module has been adapted from CAELA materials on lesson planning as well as a multilevel ESL workshop developed from CALPRO (California adult education professional development system) and a 3-day workshop sponsored by HCDE Adult Education Division. Both sessions will be held at the Region XIX Service Center located at 6611 Boeing, El Paso in the Tierra Del Sol room. Training hours for both days are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Attendees must attend both sessions and the follow-up sessions to receive available stipend. The follow-up sessions will allow participants to share their experience implementing their lesson plan, and to reflect on changes to their instructional practice. Maximum of 20 participants. Please email farwestg@farwestgreat.org if you have any questions or call (915) 937-1725. Register Online now!

July 23 – 24, 2007: Workforce Literacy Institute: Preparing for Work: This two-day institute will be facilitated by Equipped for the Future and will introduce the Preparing for Work Curriculum. The sessions will include hands-on training of curriculum modules and explanation of connections among EFF Standards, SCANS skills, and the Work Readiness Credential. Please join us on both days from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 11670 Chito Samaniego, El Paso, Texas, in Room Dr. Mike Quatrini. Maximum of 30 participants. Participants must attend both days to receive training material and available stipend. Please email farwestg@farwestgreat.org if you have any questions or call (915) 937-1725. Register Online now!

August 2007

September 2007

September 19, 2007: ELT Advantage Online Courses. For a limited time only, six (6) online courses are available free of charge.  The courses available are:

• Introduction to Teaching ESL
• Practical Ideas for the Adult ESL Classroom
• Assessing Language Ability in Young Adults and Adults
• Making the most of Learner Dictionaries
• Teaching ESL Reading
• Communicative Activities for the ESL Classroom

Courses run for six weeks, two 2-hour sessions per week.  Upon successful course completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages).   For course descriptions and registration information, please click here.  Registration form must be completed and submitted no later than 7 days prior to course start date.  For questions, email farwestg@farwestgreat.org or call (915) 937-1706. 

September 26, 2007: BEST Plus Training will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Wednesday at Socorro Community Learning Center located at 313 S. Rio Vista, El Paso 79927.  Training will be limited to 10 participants. Please email farwestg@farwestgreat.org if you have any questions or call (915) 937-1725. Register Online now!

October 2007

October 5, 2007: Texas Adult Credential Training, Session 1 – Do you want to learn more about the Adult Education Credential Project? This training is for you! Please join us on Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The training will provide detailed information about the Credential model, the benefits of pursuing the Credential, and the current process in place in obtaining this Credential. To attend the training, you must be a teacher of record for any adult education program funded by the Texas Education Agency. (Your name must appear in the adult education statewide management system: TEAMS.) Completion of this training is required before beginning the Credential process. This is the first of two sessions. Training location is El Paso Community College, Valle Verde Campus, Room A1129, El Paso. Please email farwestg@farwestgreat.org if you have any questions or call (915) 937-1725. Register Online now!

October 6, 2007: New Teacher Academy V - Session 1: This Academy is targeted to new teachers in the Adult Education field. The facilitator will provide resources to lesson plans, classroom activities, and brainstorming sessions that will assist the attendees in exploring new methods to address classroom needs. A mentoring component is included in the Academy that will connect an experienced teacher with a novice. This session will be held on Saturday from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm at the El Paso Community College - Valle Verde Campus. The room number will be forwarded to all registrants prior to the training date. This is the first of four workshops (remaining sessions Nov. 17, Jan. 19 and March 8). Participation in all four sessions and the mentoring component is required in order to qualify for the available stipend. Limited to 15 participants.Please email farwestg@farwestgreat.org if you have any questions or call (915) 937-1725. Register Online now!

October 12, 2007: Texas Adult Credential Training, Session 2 – This is Session 2 of the training and will take place on Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is the last of two sessions. Training location is El Paso Community College, Valle Verde Campus, Room A1129, El Paso. Participants must attend both sessions to meet the initial requirement for the Credential project. Please email farwestg@farwestgreat.org if you have any questions or call (915) 937-1725.

October 17, 2007: ELT Advantage Online Courses. For a limited time only, six (6) online courses are available free of charge.  The courses available are:

• Introduction to Teaching ESL
• Practical Ideas for the Adult ESL Classroom
• Assessing Language Ability in Young Adults and Adults
• Making the most of Learner Dictionaries
• Teaching ESL Reading
• Communicative Activities for the ESL Classroom

Courses run for six weeks, two 2-hour sessions per week.  Upon successful course completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages).   For course descriptions and registration information, please click here.  Registration form must be completed and submitted no later than 7 days prior to course start date.  For questions, email farwestg@farwestgreat.org or call (915) 937-1706. 

October 19-20, 2007: EL Civics Academy I: ESL Strategies for Navigating a New Culture, Session 1 - Teachers in this course will learn how to create and use activities for EL Civics that engage students, improve language and literacy skills, and build civic involvement. Presenters will demonstrate research-based instructional strategies and will offer hands-on practice for teachers to help students create civic mini-projects using digital photography and video. Teachers will be expected to try out several of the key strategies presented in their classrooms to ensure transfer of learning. Participants will also develop a lesson plan using a common format that shows integration of these strategies into their overall instruction. Participants must attend both session of the Academy. Training will take place at Socorro Community Learning Center, 313 S. Rio Vista, El Paso. Please join us on Friday (10/19) from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday (10/20) from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please email farwestg@farwestgreat.org if you have any questions or call (915) 937-1725. Register Online now!

October 25-26, 2007: Training of Trainers: Principles of Participatory Education, hosted by TAALC. The goal of this workshop is to give teachers/literacy tutors, who have some experience working with students, the skills and techniques needed to provide quality training for their organization. When you receive your certification from this workshop, you will be certified to train those who work with adult education/literacy students. Even if you are not directly involved with literacy/education as a trained tutor/teacher, you are invited to join us at this training to improve your trainer skills and techniques to expand your abilities, and network with other trainers. Registrants are required to attend both days to be certified. Training times are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. The training location is the Head Start Multipurpose Center,  11670 Chito Samaniego, Dr. Lorenzo Garcia room, El Paso. For registration information, email at: valcsm@yahoo.com or call: (361) 582-4273.

November 2007

November 9-10, 2007: EL Civics Academy I: ESL Strategies for Navigating a New Culture, Session 2 - Teachers in this course will learn how to create and use activities for EL Civics that engage students, improve language and literacy skills, and build civic involvement. Presenters will demonstrate research-based instructional strategies and will offer hands-on practice for teachers to help students create civic mini-projects using digital photography and video. Participants must have attended first session of Academy. Training will take place at Socorro Community Learning Center, 313 S. Rio Vista, El Paso. Please join us on Friday (11/2) from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday (11/3) from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please email farwestg@farwestgreat.org if you have any questions or call (915) 937-1725.

November 17, 2007: New Teacher Academy V - Session 2: This Academy is targeted to new teachers in the Adult Education field. The facilitator will provide resources to lesson plans, classroom activities, and brainstorming sessions that will assist the attendees in exploring new methods to address classroom needs. A mentoring component is included in the Academy that will connect an experienced teacher with a novice. This session will be held on Saturday from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm at the El Paso Community College - Valle Verde Campus. The room number will be forwarded to all registrants prior to the training date. This is the second of four workshops (remaining sessions Jan. 19 and March 8). Please email farwestg@farwestgreat.org if you have any questions or call (915) 937-1725.

November 30 - December 1, 2007: 5th Annual El Paso Adult Learning and Literacy Conference. The conference theme is Raising the Bar: Improving Student Performance in Adult Education and will focus on all aspects of adult basic education and family literacy such as ESOL, EL Civics, GED strategies, and workplace issues. The Conference will take place at the University of Texas at El Paso - Union Building, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso. The official hotel for the conference is Hilton Garden Inn El Paso, 111 W. University Ave., El Paso 79902. For more details and registration information visit our website.

December 2007

December 4, 2007: Far West Project GREAT Advisory Council meeting will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Location to be announced as a later date.