January 2007

January 6, 2007: Reading Strategies for Adult Learners in the Content Areas will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. 1215 N. Elm St., Denton 76201. Developing Reading Comprehension Skills is a training that offers hands-on activities which can be used in the development of basic reading skills. The session is open to all reading teachers. No prior experience required. Teachers will learn activities that can be implemented in their individual classroom settings and how these activities relate to TABE. For more information contact Monica Molinar (940) 369-0091 or Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506.

January 6, 2007: Tying Instruction to BEST Plus will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. 1215 N. Elm St., Denton 76201. In this workshop, participants will make an exploration of the BEST test to understand how their students are assessed prior to instruction and subsequently for progress, as well as how students are placed into program levels. Participants will consider what skills and functions are measured by the BEST test and how these skills and functions are supported in the program curriculum goals. Participants will then explore how their own plans for instruction can correspond more closely to these skills, functions and goals. Student Data Profiles will be studied for information that can help in assessment, back-up assessment and instruction planning. All activities will be conducted in an experiential manner to reflect good language classroom practices for adults learners. For more information contact Monica Molinar (940) 369-0091 or Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506.

January 6, 2007: Activities That Promote Oral Fluency will be held from 1:20 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.. 1215 N. Elm St., Denton 76201. A number of activities to promote oral fluency will be looked at. More importantly, a template will be developed to judge and adapt activities so that teachers can direct those activities more toward the development of oral fluency. For more information contact Monica Molinar (940) 369-0091 or Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506.

January 13, 2007: Developing Reading Comprehension Skills will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 425 N. Granbury, Cleburne. Developing Reading Comprehension Skills is a training that offers hands-on activities which can be used in the development of basic reading skills. The session is open to all reading teachers. No prior experience required. Teachers will learn activities that can be implemented in their individual classroom settings. For more information contact Barbara Yoder (817) 202-1110 or Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506.

January 27, 2007: Determining the Workforce-Related Needs of ESL Learners—Where to Start will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. Yvonne Ewell Townview Center, 1201 E. 8th St., Dallas. This session will focus on simple ways to identify and respond to the workforce-related needs of English language learners who are working and/or looking for work. Instructors will review the benefits of workplace/workforce-related ESL instruction and examine the basic skills, knowledge, and competencies required of workers. Easy-to-use work-related surveys will be shared as well as tips on simplifying the language of authentic work-related materials . For more information contact Nelia Jones (972) 749-2541 or Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506.

January 27, 2007: Transitioning ABE/ASE Students to Post-Secondary Education will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Yvonne Ewell Townview Center, 1201 E. 8th St., Dallas. Research has shown that obtaining a GED only has the hoped-for positive economic impact on the graduate’s life when it is the springboard to additional education or training. However, transition to post-secondary education is very difficult for most GED graduates – only 30 to 35% go on to pursue further education. This workshop will provide Adult Education teachers and administrators a basic framework for thinking about, and planning for successful transitioning of GED graduates to post-secondary education. For more information contact Nelia Jones (972) 749-2541 or Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506.

January 27, 2007: GED: Strategies for Learning Success: Adults with Special Learning Needs will be held from Yvonne Ewell Townview Center, 1201 E. 8th St., Dallas. This training will provide participants with concrete put-this-to-work-next-Monday! Ideas for helping adult learners with special learning needs achieve success in the classroom and all learning environments. Participants will learn about the Positive Pyramid for Student Success Multi-Sensory Learning, Squeeze Toys, Each One Teach One, Graphic Organizers and Mnemonics. Participants will also learn about Scotopic Sensitivity. A detailed handout will be provided. For more information contact Nelia Jones, 9972) 749-2541 or Dorris Baker 9972) 749-2506.

January 27, 2007: BEST Plus will be held from 8:00 a..m. to 3:00 p.m. Yvonne Ewell Townview Center, 1201 E. 8th St., Dallas. Participants who successfully complete this certification process will be able to give both the computer adapted and print based version of this new oral proficiency test. This test was developed by the Center for Applied Linguistics. It is an individually administered face-to-face scripted oral interview designed to assess the English language Proficiency of adult English language learners. This test can be used for program placement, progress, program evaluation and diagnosis. BEST Plus scores can be converted to SPL descriptors that align with NRS Functioning Level Descriptors. For more information contact Nelia Jones (972) 749-2541 or Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506. January 27, 2007: BEST Plus Refresher will be held in Two sessions: 8:00-11:00 and 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. Yvonne Ewell Townview Center, 1201 E. 8th St., Dallas. BEST Plus scoring refresher is designed for adult ESL programs that use BEST Plus for assessing the oral English proficiency of adult ESL learners. This course serves as a complement to, but not a replacement for, the 6-hour BEST Plus training that all test administrators must attend before using the test. Adult ESL staff may not participate in a scoring refresher session until they have been trained to administer BEST Plus. For more information contact Nelia Jones 9972) 749-2541 or Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506.

January 27, 2007: ABE/ASE Math Strategies will be held at Region 9 ESC, 301 Loop 11, Wichita Falls 76306 from 9-12 and 1-4. This session is designed to familiarize ABE teachers with math language and problem solving strategies according to real life experiences. Participants will be better prepared to discuss operational problems with their students through:

• Understanding where numbers are used in everyday life
• Developing ability to judge the reasonableness of answers to math problems
• Becoming familiar with the language of math
• Recognizing where math occurs in everyday life
• Practicing problem solving skills
• Reviewing relationship between decimals, fractions and percents
• Playing games
• Understanding the math concept of borrowing and regrouping in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems

For more information contact Kim Sizemore (940) 322-6928 or Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506.

February 2007

March 2007

March 3, 2007: BEST Plus Training will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Grayson County College, 6101 Grayson Dr., Dennison 75020. Participants who successfully complete this certification process will be able to give both the computer adapted and print based version of this new oral proficiency test. This test was developed by the Center for Applied Linguistics. It is an individually administered face-to-face scripted oral interview designed to assess the English language Proficiency of adult English language learners. This test can be used for program placement, progress, program evaluation and diagnosis. BEST Plus scores can be converted to SPL descriptors that align with NRS Functioning Level Descriptors. For more information contact Dorris Baker, (972) 749-2506 or Donna Byrum (903) 463-8745.

March 3, 2007: Moving Forward: Strategies for Transitioning Advanced Level ESL Students to the ABE Level will be held from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.at Lincoln Instruction Center, 5000 S. Oakland Ave, Dallas 75215. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or Nelia Jones (972) 749-2541.

March 3, 2007: Interpreting BEST Scores to Guide Instruction will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.at Lincoln Instruction Center, 5000 S. Oakland Ave, Dallas 75215. In this workshop, participants will make an exploration of the BEST test to understand how their students are assessed prior to instruction and subsequently for progress, as well as how students are placed into program levels. Participants will consider what skills and functions are measured by the BEST test and how these skills and functions are supported in the program curriculum goals. Participants will then explore how their own plans for instruction can correspond more closely to these skills, functions and goals. Student Data Profiles will be studied for information that can help in assessment, back-up assessment and instruction planning. All activities will be conducted in an experiential manner to reflect good language classroom practices for adults learners.

March 3, 2007: ABE/ASE Progress: Charting the Course will be held from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. at Lincoln Instruction Center, 5000 S. Oakland Ave, Dallas 75215. Participants will learn how to use the TABE Diagnostic Profile to develop individual student learning plans. Assessment Policy, instructional strategies, TEAMS gains and outcomes will be covered. All participants will learn how to use the Lesson Plan Builder and design one lesson plan for their class using this tool. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or Nelia Jones (972) 749-2541.

March 3, 2007: BEST Plus Refresher will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Lincoln Instruction Center, 5000 S. Oakland Ave, Dallas 75215. Trained BEST Plus test administrators will review and recalibrate their scoring in order to ensure reliable assessment data. Participants will also have an opportunity to share their insights and questions about administering and scoring BEST Plus. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or Nelia Jones (972) 749-2541.

March 9, 2007: Advisory Committee Meeting will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Village Fair Alternative School, 4949 Village Fair Dr., Dallas. For more information Contact Dorris A. Baker (972) 749-2506.

March 24, 2007: TABE as a Diagnostic Tool will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m at Ft Worth Adult Education Center, 1400 Circle Dr., Ft Worth 76104. This course’s main objective is to enable ABE/GED instructors to use the TABE 9/10 Survey as a diagnostic tool to help formulate an individual lesson plan. The instructors will receive various diagnostic and planning forms. This training is targeted for instructors with any level of experience. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or Sofia Zamarripa (817) 531-4300 x 240.

March 31, 2007: GED Information Workshop will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Center for Community Cooperation, 2900 Live Oak St., 206 Hill Country Room, Dallas 75204. This workshop is designed for educators who are associated with GED/ABE training. Participants will interact among themselves with the guidance of an experienced trainer who will discuss assorted proven techniques and strategies, which are helpful in order to assist any prospective GED Examinee to become successful. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or Nelia Jones (972) 749-2541.

April 2007

April 19-20, 2007: Home Visiting Training for Even Start. Texas Family Literacy Resource Center will conduct this training for the North and East Regions at a location to be announced in the Dallas area. For more information, contact the TFLRC.

May 2007

May 18, 2007: Advisory Committee Meeting. Grayson County Community College, Denison. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information contact Dorris Baker 9972) 749-2506.

June 2007

July 2007

July 14, August 4 and September 15, 2007: GED Academy will be held at Yvonne Ewell Townview Center, 1201 E. 8th St., Dallas from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is an in depth 18- hour professional development activity delivered in three 6-hour sessions. You MUST attend all three sessions. Participants will receive a $400 stipend. The academy will provide GED Test information, assessment and subject content knowledge, Texas Content Standards, teaching-learning strategies, practice in conducting instructional observations and using assessed data to develop lesson plans. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506.

August 2007

August 3-4, 2007: GREAT North Regional Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the University of North Texas Dallas campus. Houston School Rd., Dallas. For more information contact 972-749-2518. Registration form (Microsoft® Word document - Download Microsoft® Word Reader)

August 4 and September 15, 2007: GED Academy will be held at Yvonne Ewell Townview Center, 1201 E. 8th St., Dallas from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is an in depth 18- hour professional development activity delivered in three 6-hour sessions. You MUST have attended the first session held July 14. Participants will receive a $400 stipend. The academy will provide GED Test information, assessment and subject content knowledge, Texas Content Standards, teaching-learning strategies, practice in conducting instructional observations and using assessed data to develop lesson plans. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506.

August 18, 2007: BEST Plus will be held at 1066 W. Magnolia, Ft Worth from 8:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Participants who successfully complete this certification process will be able to give both the computer adapted and print based version of this new oral proficiency test. This test was developed by the Center for Applied Linguistics. It is an individually administered face-to-face scripted oral interview designed to assess the English language Proficiency of adult English language learners. This test can be used for program placement, progress, program evaluation and diagnosis. BEST Plus scores can be converted to SPL descriptors that align with NRS Functioning Level Descriptors. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or Aida Martinez (817) 852-1000. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org

August 18, 2007: BEST Plus Refresher will be held at 1066 W. Magnolia, Ft Worth from 8:30 pm to 12:30 pm. This training is for previously trained test administrators. Participants will receive comprehensive scoring review and practice. Practice on recalibrating scoring procedures ensures scoring accuracy and increases the confidence in scoring among trained test administrators and program administrators. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or Aida Martinez (817) 852-1000. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org

August 18, 2007: Content Standards will be held at Yvonne Ewell Townview Center, 1201 E. 8th St., Dallas from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants will be provided with the tools to effectively implement the content standards. All participants will receive the Texas Adult Education Content Standards and Benchmarks for ABE/ASE and ESL Learners Implementation Guide. For more information contact Dorris A. Baker (972) 749-2506 or Nelia Jones (972) 749-2541. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org

August 18, 2007: Content Standards will be held at Denton Four-County Adult Ed Co-op, 1215 N. Elm St., Denton from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants will be provided with the tools to effectively implement the content standards. All participants will receive the Texas Adult Education Content Standards and Benchmarks for ABE/ASE and ESL Learners Implementation Guide. For more information contact Dorris A. Baker (972) 749-2506 or Steve Johnson (940) 369-0091. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org

August 25, 2007: Content Standards will be held at Denton Four-County Adult Ed Co-op, 1215 N. Elm St., Denton from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants will be provided with the tools to effectively implement the content standards. All participants will receive the Texas Adult Education Content Standards and Benchmarks for ABE/ASE and ESL Learners Implementation Guide. For more information contact Dorris A. Baker (972) 749-2506 or Steve Johnson (940) 369-0091. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org

August 25, 2007: BEST Plus will be held at 1066 W. Magnolia, Ft Worth from 8:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Participants who successfully complete this certification process will be able to give both the computer adapted and print based version of this new oral proficiency test. This test was developed by the Center for Applied Linguistics. It is an individually administered face-to-face scripted oral interview designed to assess the English language Proficiency of adult English language learners. This test can be used for program placement, progress, program evaluation and diagnosis. BEST Plus scores can be converted to SPL descriptors that align with NRS Functioning Level Descriptors. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or Aida Martinez (817) 852-1000. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org

September 2007

September 8, 2007: Content Standards will be held at Arlington ISD Family Literacy, 2315 Stonegate, Arlington 76010 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants will be provided with the tools to effectively implement the content standards. All participants will receive the Texas Adult Education Content Standards and Benchmarks for ABE/ASE and ESL Learners Implementation Guide. For more information contact Dorris A. Baker (972) 749-2506 or Maggie Sohel (817) 319-2089. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org

September 15, 2007: GED Academy will be held at Yvonne Ewell Townview Center, 1201 E. 8th St., Dallas from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is an in depth 18- hour professional development activity delivered in three 6-hour sessions. You MUST have attended the first two sessions held July 14 and August 4. Participants will receive a $400 stipend. The academy will provide GED Test information, assessment and subject content knowledge, Texas Content Standards, teaching-learning strategies, practice in conducting instructional observations and using assessed data to develop lesson plans. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org

September 15, 2007: Content Standards will be held at Lincoln Instruction Center, 5000 S. Malcolm X Blvd, Dallas 75215 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants will be provided with the tools to effectively implement the content standards. All participants will receive the Texas Adult Education Content Standards and Benchmarks for ABE/ASE and ESL Learners Implementation Guide. For more information contact Dorris A. Baker (972) 749-2506. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org

September 27, 2007: Advisory Committee Meeting will be held at 1066 W. Magnolia, Ft. Worth from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org

September 29, 2007: Multi-Level Strategies for Adult English Language Learners will be held at 1066 W. Magnolia, Ft Worth from 8:30 pm to 3:30 pm. This workshop focuses on appropriate lesson planning strategies, grouping strategies and effective multilevel activities. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or Aida Martinez (817) 852-1000. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org

September 29, 2007: BEST Plus will be held at 1066 W. Magnolia, Ft Worth from 8:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Participants who successfully complete this certification process will be able to give both the computer adapted and print based version of this new oral proficiency test. This test was developed by the Center for Applied Linguistics. It is an individually administered face-to-face scripted oral interview designed to assess the English language Proficiency of adult English language learners. This test can be used for program placement, progress, program evaluation and diagnosis. BEST Plus scores can be converted to SPL descriptors that align with NRS Functioning Level Descriptors. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org or Aida Martinez (817) 852-1000.

October 2007

October 5, 2007: BEST Plus will be held at 900 N. Elm, Weatherford 76086 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants who successfully complete this certification process will be able to give both the computer adapted and print based version of this new oral proficiency test. This test was developed by the Center for Applied Linguistics. It is an individually administered face-to-face scripted oral interview designed to assess the English language Proficiency of adult English language learners. This test can be used for program placement, progress, program evaluation and diagnosis. BEST Plus scores can be converted to SPL descriptors that align with NRS Functioning Level Descriptors. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org, or Donnie McGowan (817) 598-2806 x 3226.

October 8, 2007: TEAMS Training will be held at Lincoln Instruction Center, Rm 206, 5000 S. Malcolm X Blvd., Dallas  75215.  Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to enter into TEAMS  participant data, including demographics, profile, assessments (pre and post), class registration, contact hours and outcomes and achievements.  This training will incorporate the following changes to the TEAMS database.  For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org or Conchis Silva (972) 749-2690.

October 11, 2007: TEAMS Training will be held at DISD Administration Bldg, 3709 Ross Ave., Portable 2, Dallas 75204.  Upon completion of this training, participants will be familiar with the various reports that can be ran from TEAMS, and how to use these reports for program improvement.  For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org or Conchis Silva (972) 749-2690.

October 22-23, 2007: TEAMS Training will be held at Irving ISD, 820 N. O’Connor Rd, Irving from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Participants will learn how to enter student demographics, profiles, assessments, achievements. The various reports will also be introduced. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org

November 2007

December 2007

December 5, 2007: North GREAT Center Advisory Committee Meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Village Fair Alternative School, 4949 Villiage Fair Drive, Dallas 75225. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or dbaker@dallasisd.org

December 8, 2007: BEST Plus Yvonne Ewell Townview Center. 1201 E. 8th St., Dallas, TX.8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants who successfully complete this certification process will be able to give both the computer adapted and print based version of this new oral proficiency test. This test was developed by the Center for Applied Linguistics. It is an individually administered face-to-face scripted oral interview designed to assess the English language Proficiency of adult English language learners. This test can be used for program placement, progress, program evaluation and diagnosis. BEST Plus scores can be converted to SPL descriptors that align with NRS Functioning Level Descriptors. For more information contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506.

December 12, 2007: Distance Learning Orientation. Cleburne Adult Education Center, 425 N. Granbury, Cleburne, TX. 5:00 pm -8:00 pm. Participants will be provided with an overview of Distance Learning 101: Teaching Adult Learners at a Distance. They will be provided guidance in how to access and use the course Web site- www.communityzero.com. For more information, contact Dorris Baker (972) 749-2506 or Marilyn Calhoun (972) 749-2637.

December 15, 2007: Texas Adult Education Content Standards, 900 N. Elm St., Weatherford, TX 76086. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants will be provided with the tools to effectively implement the content standards. All participants will receive the Texas Adult Education Content Standards and Benchmarks for ABE/ASE and ESL Learners Implementation Guide. For more information contact Dorris A. Baker (972) 749-2506 or Chip Evans (817) 598-2807.