SHOP TALK # 22:
Rider 82 Curricula
TEA and Texas LEARNS Prepare for Release

Published July 1, 2008

Industry-Specific Curricula for English Language Learners, developed with funding through the Texas Education Agency in response to a legislative mandate passed in the summer of 2005 (Rider 82), are now complete. Texas LEARNS and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) are preparing for the release of the industry-specific ESL curricula and the prerequisite professional development in mid-July 2008.

The product list consists of 26 products, including

• instructor manuals
• lesson plans
• student workbooks
• student recruitment and student orientation modules
• scenarios for problem solving and oral communications
• employability modules and an accompanying website for on-line support for learners and instructors
• assessment materials
• strategies for establishing industry-specific internship initiatives

Each of the three curricula includes materials for a combined 200 hours of instruction in ESL, Math, Technology, and Employability. Materials for each industry sector (sales and service, health care, and manufacturing) consist of four modules, with five lessons in each module. In addition, there are stand alone employability and industry-specific communication components.

Beginning and low intermediate English Language Learners are the targeted audiences for these curricula. The products introduce the limited English proficient to the language of three targeted industry sectors in which many seek entry level employment. Instruction is designed to help learners acquire employment-related language and literacy skills, work readiness skills, and an awareness of critical vocational components. It does not replace occupational training.

Copyrights and Accompanying Professional Development Required. State and federally funded adult education programs have received a copyright license from TEA. Texas LEARNS will distribute to each Adult Education Fiscal Agent a full electronic copy at the Summer Administrator's Institute (July 15-17). If a fiscal agent requires a copy before statewide distribution, contact Laura Aguirre at Texas LEARNS at 713-696-0700 or toll free at 866-696-4233.

GREAT Center staff will answer requests for professional development from grant funded programs that hold a copyright license. Implementation will be based on local need, and hours of instruction will be adapted to each program’s capacity and/or adapted to the specific needs and time constraints of local businesses. Reproduction of the materials will be the responsibility of the local program. Scheduled training opportunities will be posted on the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL) website.

SHOP TALK is a series sponsored by Texas LEARNS to highlight promising practices and address issues, concerns, and questions related to meeting the adult education needs of Texas’ emerging, incumbent, and displaced workers. For additional information or to request that a particular topic be addressed, contact Barbara Tondre at btondre@earthlink.net