Events Calendar:

WXXI Regional Adult Education Network: Serving the Mid-West Region of New York State

Registration is required for all events.

Electronic Registration Form

Schedule of Events Grid

Statewide Training Calendar: Training dates for all required trainings offered by the Regional Adult Education Networks in the state.

ALIES training calendar: See statewide ALIES training dates.

ADA: Laws and Legal Implications, Part I

This interactive session is designed to familiarize participants with present legal issues related to learning disabilities and the rights and responsibilities of both the literacy program and the learner. This workshop is appropriate for administrators and teachers who are involved in student orientation or intake and assessment.

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ADA: Laws and Legal Implications, Part II

This interactive session is designed to further discuss the responsibilities and the rights of both the literacy program and the learner in regard to present legal issues related to learning disabilities. Policy Statements 1-5 from the Learning Disabilities Symposium will be used by participants as working documents. Participants should be familiar with ADA, IDEA, and Rehabilitation Act- Section 504. This workshop is appropriate for administrators and teachers who are involved in student orientation or intake and assessment.

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Adult Education Resource Guide Training (Blue Box)

Description: The AERG is designed to raise the standards of adult education, and link learner's goals to accomplishment in the world of work and in personal challenges. Standards of content and performance are linked to seven major achievement areas. The guidelines of the AERG will enrich your teaching, enhance the learning of your students, and provide you with a blueprint for your curriculum. Participants will receive a box of excellent educational resources.

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ALIES Data Entry

Description: This newly formatted one-day training provides a comprehensive introduction to the ALIES data entry process.  Highlights include:  Navigation of ALIES data entry screens; upgrading ALIES and backing up data; inputting students; classes and instructors;  and updating outcomes, tests and contact hours.

Audience: New programs that are just converting to ALIES, or experienced users who need a refresher.

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ALIES Management Reports

Description: A hands-on exploration of the ALIES reports with a focus on using ALIES data for program management.  Exciting new reports from ALIES Release 5.3 will be featured such as the ability to disaggregate NRS data for program improvement.  Highlights include:  Data Management Reports for Student and Class Information, Ad-Hoc Reports, NRS Data Check Reports, Turnaround Document and Mailing Labels. 

Audience: Experienced ALIES users .

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ALIES: Interactive Report Reviews

Description:

This session provides programs in the Mid-West RAEN and the West RAEN with the opportunity to bring their data and work with ALIES staff to troubleshoot their NRS Reports. Members of the ALIES staff will be available to work one-on-one with your program's NRS data. This unique opportunity allows LAC staff to work directly with users of the ALIES system to improve the quality of the program's NRS data and to work through data issues. This is not a session for programs to do data entry. Experience has taught the LAC that programs who have worked closely with the ALIES staff have far less trouble during NRS reporting time and are able to use their data much more effectively.

It is recommended that both the data entry staff person and program manager attend this session.  ALIES staff will be available for three 2 hour sessions from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: 10-noon, 12:30-2:30, and 2:30-4:30.
Please come at the beginning of your assigned time slot, bring a backed-up version of your data, along with any printed-out data check reports or other documents that help illustrate your issues.

Register through the West RAEN by going to www.wnypdc.org.
Click on Calendar. Click on the right arrow next to July. Click on August 8. Select appointment time. If necessary, you can reach Joyce Munn at 716-631-1236.

Audience: It is recommended that both the data entry staff person and program manager attend this session.

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ALIES: Troubleshooting NRS Reports

Description: Learn how to apply ALIES data check reports to troubleshoot NRS data. Begin by walking through a step-by-step process for determining "why this student does not show up on my report." Then investigate the data and calculations behind NRS Tables 4 and 5 - the Outcome Tables. Finally, explore the program evaluation report, as well as the NRS disaggregate data interface.

Audience: Designed for ALIES users responsible for submitting NRS data. The ideal team for this training is the data entry person and the manager.

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ALIES: Non-Users

Description: This training is for programs using software other than ALIES for the FY2005 NRS Data submission.  It begins with a discussion of NRS policy and a review of the steps to import data into the NRS Tool. Then participants will use the non-ALIES data check reports to troubleshoot NRS data and determine "why a student is not appearing on the NRS Report". In addition, the ALIES data check reports that are applicable to non-ALIES users will be defined and applied. Finally the new NRS disaggregate data interface will be explored.

Audience: Designed for non- ALIES users responsible for submitting NRS data. This is only for programs using Xen Direct, Enroll or another data system approved by NYSED to submit the FY2005 data.

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Virtual ALIES Knowledge Sharing Sessions

Participant-directed webcast meetings to share knowledge, discuss problems, and answer questions, this session takes place at your desk.  Participants log into a web meeting from their computer and dial into a conference call from their phone in order to interact with agency personnel and the presenter. Here's how:

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ASISTS Transition Data Entry Training

This six-hour training session provides a comprehensive introduction to ASISTS (Adult Student Information System and Technical Support). The agenda includes navigating ASISTS data entry screens; inputting student, class, and instructor information; updating outcomes, tests, and contact hours, and running management and funding reports.

All staff that will need to access ASISTS must attend this training in order to receive a username and password for the system. We ask that the people most crucial to the data process attend the first wave of training due to the limited capacity of reserved computer labs.

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NRS Data for Program Improvement

National Reporting System (NRS) Data for Program Improvement
Come see how your data becomes a catalyst for program improvement at New York State's second workshop derived from the NRS Data national staff development initiative. While the first workshop provided foundational skills in Quality Data, this workshop concentrates on using NRS data for program management, change, and improvement. Core features include:

• using data for accountability, program promotion and program management
• the US Department of Education's data use model for program improvement
• NYSED policy and how it shapes program practice
• in-depth analysis of statewide targets vs. program data

Participants will receive a copy of the NYSED Adult Literacy Compliance Self-Review Form and will be shown the new ALIES features for comparative analysis of program data vs. NYSED targets. Therefore, we strongly recommended that at least one staff person of any WIA Title II funded program attend this session. As many of you know, NYSED has begun to place programs on corrective action. This training will take all programs a great deal of the way toward continuous program improvement.

Audience: Program managers and staff of WIA Title II funded programs who have a fundamental knowledge of NRS and data quality.

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NRS New Teachers' Training

This introductory session will focus on informing new adult education teachers and new staff members involved with NRS data collection and reporting about the National Reporting System, (NRS). It will include information about the history and importance of the NRS and its impact on funding, the NRS data flow and teacher responsibilities, the most recent federal and state policies, the development of Education and Employment Plans, the goal setting process and outcome measures. This workshop will demonstrate the importance between classroom teaching and NRS data and reporting.

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NRS Data Management for Teachers

This workshop is designed for program managers and all staff members who are involved with NRS data collection and reporting. Rosemary Matt will report and update participants on the results of this year's program reporting process. This will include information on NRS policy changes, federal and state, for the coming year, what both the state and feds have learned from implementing the NRS accountability system and what programs can do to improve data collection so that they better demonstrate their effectiveness.

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Effective Interpretation of Psychological Assessments

This interactive session is designed to familiarize participants with the process of interpreting test results. Discussion covers tools used to diagnose learning disabilities, the different types of learning disabilities and their implications for students, and how to differentiate learning disabilities from other cognitive disorders.

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GRASP Training

The GRASP (Giving Ready Adults a Study Program) Training Team, certified and sponsored by NYSED, will give an overview of the GRASP Manual. This training will include: Student Eligibility and Program Goals, Program Design and Requirements, Program Administration, and GRASP Materials and Assignments. Participants are asked to bring some of their packets so they can apply concepts presented by the trainers and have their questions and concerns addressed.

This training is for teachers who are new to GRASP and may include those who are currently teaching other SED approved distance learning programs and would like to further understand how to maintain a quality packet program. This is not a recertification training.

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GED Connection and Pre-GED Connection

PBS LiteracyLink's GED Connection is a stand-alone multimedia learning system that helps adult learners advance toward their GED and improve skills needed at the workplace. Combining video programs, print, and online computer technology, GED Connection helps learners develop strategies and practice for success on the GED exam and beyond. Used in the classroom or in a Distance Learning Model, the integrated multimedia components work together to make studying for the GED easy for a busy adult who needs to work at his or her own pace. Included in this training are the requirements for NYSED approved programs to collect EPE for GED Connection delivery.

GED Connection

PBS LiteracyLink's GED Connection is a stand-alone multimedia learning system that helps adult learners advance toward their GED and improve skills needed at the workplace. Combining video programs, print, and online computer technology, GED Connection helps learners develop strategies and practice for success on the GED exam and beyond. Used in the classroom or in a Distance Learning Model, the integrated multimedia components work together to make studying for the GED easy for a busy adult who needs to work at his or her own pace.  Included in this training are the requirements for NYSED approved programs to collect EPE for GED Connection delivery.

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Program Managers' Meeting

Program Managers and literacy coordinators are invited to meet with
staff from the Adult Education and Workforce Development Team. Tom
Orsini, Team Leader, and Robert Purga will be presenting and
soliciting feedback on a concept paper “Re-Inventing New York’s
System of Adult Education through Regional Adult Education
Networks”. This concept paper:

1) describes network roles, including SED, the RAEN, and SED funded
providers
2) describes the proposed scope of the network
3) sets out statewide policy priorities for 06-07 and beyond

Since each of the RAEN regions has developed various components of
the network strategy, a portion of the meeting time will be devoted
to assessing where we are in our respective regions, what areas we
need to develop and what will be our next steps.

Other topics of discussion may be: Report Cards, Distance Learning
policy, Employment Goals and Citizenship Outcome, Post-secondary
transition, raising high school graduation rates (Destination
Diploma), WIA/One-Stops, Program Improvement, Learning Disabilities
and Research Based Reading Instruction, and USNY initiatives

Audience: Program Managers and Literacy Coordinators
Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2006
Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Continental breakfast and
lunch will be provided
Site: Days Inn Batavia, 200 Oak Street, Batavia
Fee: None, although pre-registration is required
Deadline: September 29, 2006

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SMART Training

SMART is a customized program that can be used in the classroom or for distance learning.~ It is designed to meet the needs and goals for a diverse population.~ The SMART packets have TABE aligned lessons and exercises to help improve the student's knowledge and skills in reading and math.~ These TABE aligned lessons focus on skills and knowledge that support the student's efforts in preparing for the New York State TABE 9 and 10 tests, PRE-GED and GED programs.~ In addition, the SMART packets cover important life management topics that enable the learner to deal successfully with the complexities of work and daily living.~ The SMART packets are easy for the student and the teacher to follow.~ They encourage and challenge students in addition to improving the overall quality of their lives

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Math Basics

Math Basics distance learning programs are lively motivational lessons present real-life math as adults use it at home and on the job. Instead of stressing “getting the right answer,” Math Basics offers strategies for looking at the whole problem, helping students improve their math reasoning and problem-solving skills.Math Basics helps build students’ confidence as they study basic operations, weight and measurement, decimals and percents, reading graphs and tables, rounding and estimating, and other essential math skills. “Math commercials” show people using math in their work. The instruction in Math Basics rigorously follows National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards. Learn how to use this program in your classroom in person or at a distance.

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Learning Disabilities 101

This training, adapted from Bridges to Practice, provides a general overview of the nature of learning disabilities and how they impact students in the adult literacy classroom setting. Simulations are used to assist teachers and other staff in understanding their own teaching styles and how that impacts students' ability to learn successfully. (3 Hours).

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Implementing Learning Disabilities Policy in Adult Education Programs

This workshop will give participants practical information on how to write and implement a policy for students with learning disabilities. A review of NYS Education Department guidelines for ADA, grievance procedure and screening will be provided. Step by step support will be provided to guide Adult Education staff in completing the written policy on Learning Disabilities due July 1, 2007.
The morning training session will be followed by facilitated discussion using policy guidelines from the Learning Disabilities Symposium 2006 and that morning’s presentation.

Trainers: The Learning Disabilities Association

The audience for this workshop should be program managers, counselors, intake staff or staff who will have responsibility for implementing ADA regulations.

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Best Plus
Become a certified BEST Plus administrator at this all-day training. Practice administering both the print and computer-based versions of the test, and familiarize yourself with the scoring rubric. Peggy Clatworthy and Mellissa Woodhams, regional trainers certified by the Center for Applied Linguistics, will provide this training.

There is a $30.00 charge for the test administrator guide and practice CDs.

This training is also appropriate for those who attended this training in the past but have had little experience in administering the test and need a review.

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Best Plus: The Big Picture
This workshop will provide an overview of the BEST Plus assessment tool.  Discussion will include information on testing procedures, the types of skills measured and other frequently asked questions. This workshop is tailored for teachers and program coordinators interested in learning about the BEST Plus test but who will not be administering the test. Attendees will not be certified as test administrators.

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Best Plus Score Norming
Designed for certified BEST Plus Test administrators, this workshop provides an opportunity to review the BEST Plus scoring rubric and to discuss BEST Plus scoring benchmarks. There will also be opportunities to practice scoring the test.

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Best Plus Scoring Refresher Workshop

This session is designed to strengthen the scoring accuracy skills learned by trained test administrators in the initial training workshop. Participants will refresh their understanding of the scoring rubric and recalibrate their scoring in order to ensure reliable and accurate scores in Listening Comprehension, Language Complexity, and Communication. Through the use of the Scoring Refresher Videos, the Scoring Activity Video, and the Scoring Refresher Workbook, test administrators will determine their scoring accuracy.

Each participant and their administrator will receive a final Scoring Activity Feedback Sheet. On the Feedback Sheet, overall performance scores will be given for each of the three scoring rubric components. In each of these components, scores will fall into three categories of scoring accuracy: Recommended, Acceptable or Unacceptable. These Feedback Sheets will give program managers and staff the opportunity to remediate areas of scoring difficulty to ensure that only those who are able to score accurately participate in BEST Plus test administration.

Only trained and active test administrators should attend. Program managers are welcome to attend.

After registration, test administrators will be sent a BEST Plus Test Administrator Needs Assessment to be returned prior to the session. Test administrators should review the Test Administrators Guide and bring it to this session.

BEST Plus Scoring Refresher Scoring Activity Session

Those who have recertified successfully (received "acceptable" and/or "recommended" scores in all three areas) at Scoring Activity Sessions in 2007, have the option of attending only the actual testing during the last hour of a scheduled BEST Plus Scoring Refresher training session. During the Refresher Scoring Activity Session, participants will view and score the Scoring Activity to determine their scoring accuracy and further certification as test administrators. There will be no review of concepts and procedures related to administration of the BEST Plus test.

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GED Examiner Training

All Chief Examiners and Alternate Chief Examiners are required to attend a State sponsored staff development training, videocast from the GED Testing Office in Albany, at least once every year. The sessions are held several times a year at various locations. Proctors and Clerks are also invited to attend, but are not required to do so.

For more information about GED Examiner Training:
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ged/cetrng.shtml

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GED Update Videoconference

The NYSED GED Testing Office staff will provide a review of and answer questions on "most asked about" areas, such as age eligibility, correct use of attachments, and testing accommodations. Information will be shared on 2004 statewide and regional testing data and any new 2005 testing changes. In addition, adult literacy regional representatives will be on hand to answer questions on a variety of GED preparation program issues.

For more information about GED Testing:
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/workforce/ged/

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One-Stop Orientation Session

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TABE (Testing of Adult Basic Education) for New Test Administrators

Note: This session is only for new TABE Test Administrators and will certify the attendee to adminster the TABE test.

TABE is a Test of Adult Basic Education in reading, mathematics, and language at all levels. The test is designed to assess skills in the contexts that are most important to adults: life skills, work, and education. TABE provides both norm-referenced and competency-based information to help you evaluate your student’s abilities and plan for individual education and training needs. Adult literacy programs funded by the State Education Department (SED) use TABE to place students in adult basic education (ABE) classes and to measure educational gain. 

Highlights of this session include an overview of the test and scoring tables, effective test administration, SED policies for using the test, using TABE scores for placement, and a discussion of the relationship among TABE test scores, class placement, and outcome reporting. 

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TABE (Testing of Adult Basic Education) Refresher Training

Note: You must take TABE for New Administrators as a prerequisite. Refresher training does not certify administrators to administer the TABE test.

TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) Refresher Training
The TABE is the main test used by adult literacy programs funded by the State Education Department to place students in adult basic education (ABE) classes and to measure educational gain. Highlights include a test and scoring tables overview, effective test administration, using TABE scores for placement and post testing, and a discussion of the relationship among TABE test scores, class placement, and outcome reporting.

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TABE/NRS

This workshop was created to distill the most important information from two day long trainings and present that info in a more manageable amount of time. The trainer will cover the essentials of administering the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) in the morning portion of the workshop. This session is recommended for new TABE Test Administrators and experienced administrators who would like a refresher.

The afternoon portion of the day will be focused on informing adult education teachers about the National Reporting System, (NRS). There will be discussion of the usefulness of NRS as a tool for enhancing services for students, and further developing progressive classroom teaching. This workshop will demonstrate the importance between classroom teaching and NRS data and reporting.

Please feel free to attend the session that is most relevant to you or come for the whole day! When registering online, please indicate whether you intend to participate for a full day or half day in the comment box on the electronic registration form. This workshop is free. Lunch will be provided for those participants who are attending the entire day.

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NRS: Third Wave and Program Report Cards

This workshop is designed for program managers and all staff members who are involved with NRS data collection and reporting. Rosemary Matt will report and update participants on the “third wave” follow-up reporting process. Discussion of program report cards will include information on NRS policy changes, federal and state, for the coming year, what both the state and feds have learned from implementing the NRS accountability system and what programs can do to improve data collection so that they better demonstrate their effectiveness.

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GED Math Calculator Workshop

This workshop is designed to introduce new instructional strategies and practice in the most often missed items on the GED Test. To pass the GED Math Test, you have to push some buttons, right? This workshop offers focused practice with the Casio®fx-260 Solar calculator on GED simulated questions. The main goal of the day is to raise our comfort level with the use of the GED specific calculator through demonstration, practice and actual problem solving.

Each participant will receive a Steck-Vaughn Mathematics Workbook and the Casio®fx-260 Solar calculator.

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Workplace Essential Skills

Workplace Essential Skills uses video, print materials, and the internet to help learners find a new job, train for a better job, or be more successful on the job they already have. The lessons are written at a pre-GED level, and are designed to help build critical thinking and problem solving skills. Developing these skills will also help prepare for the GED test.  You may take this half-day training as an overview of WES;  or, if you previously attended this year's GED Connection training, you can use it as follow-up for incorporating WES  into your program as approved by NYSED.

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Crossroads Cafe

Crossroads Café is a video-based program for teaching English as a second language (ESL).  This series helps students build English language skills and better understand U.S. culture by depicting the lives of six characters who are typical of many ESL/ESOL learners. Included in this training are the requirements for NYSED approved programs to collect EPE for Crossroads Café delivery in a traditional, distance-learning, or combined setting.

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Destination for Labor Market Entry: Session 3

The Mid-West Regional Adult Education Network is pleased to announce that a third Destination: Labor Market Entry workshop, conducted by Dr. Cal Crow, has been scheduled for June 29 at Keuka College.   Workshop highlights will include--

• An introduction to Dependable Strengths
• Strategies to increase self-efficacy
• Ideas for linking academic subjects to career/employability skills
• Appreciate Inquiry as a vehicle for improving learning and motivation • Communication skills to help students develop new identities and create successful futures

The workshop will feature case studies, scenarios, group work, and a variety of hands-on activities that can be used with students.  This is a newly-developed workshop that includes topics not covered in previous sessions.  Everyone attending will gain new ideas and strategies for working with students.  

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Increasing Employability and Resiliency Through Strengths-Based Learning

Major predictors of educational and workplace success include resiliency (the ability to rebound after a setback), identity (how we think about and describe ourselves), and decision-making (how we arrange and rearrange information). Many educators are using strengths-based, positive psychology strategies to enhance these predictors for their students.

Participants in this interactive workshop will learn how incorporating success predictors into their education programs can improve learning, raise achievement levels, increase motivation, and help students become more employable. Handouts will be provided. This workshop is free of cost. Lunch will be provided.

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Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is the initial response to a mental health crisis, or to the mild, moderate or severe symptoms of many common mental health disorders. This training will focus specifically on depression and anxiety disorders.

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Program Managers' Meeting with NYSED

Don't miss the opportunity to catch the Third Wave of the NRS Updates for New York State. New updated information provided at the NRS Conference in Washington, D.C. in February will be shared. Learn which changes are effective immediately and those that will be implemented in FY06 and FY07.
Program staff will be given the opportunity to explore the impact these changes will have on their data collection and reporting. Tom Orsini, team leader AEWD, and Mark Haskins, NRS associate, will be available for questions and concerns.

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Researching and Grant Writing

Pursuing grants isn't about luck or chance-it's about presenting a well-planned program in a concise and convincing manner. This course is designed to demystify the grantwriting process for entry-and mid-level grantwriters, with special emphasis on the field of adult education. You will learn how to provide information about your organization or program, in ways that are meaningful to grantmakers. Course materials include templates that you can customize for use with your own grant applications.

Topics include:

• Researching and selecting grants
• Initiating contact with grantmakers prior to applying
• Preparing information commonly asked for in grant applications
• Creating and formatting budgets for grants
• Tracking and following up grant applications

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Philosophy Fundamentals: Teaching Analytic Thinking

Western philosophy at a basic level, can help develop our abilities to think critically. In this workshop, learn ways to introduce philosophy in the classroom. Get some fresh ideas for encouraging students to think for themselves and clearly articulate their thoughts. Mixing history, current events and creativity, fundamental analytic philosophy can be used as a unique and valuable teaching tool.

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RAEN Book Club

The idea behind having a book club is to give adult education teachers the opportunity to have intellectual, open discussion with their colleagues. We have decided to continue the Book Club into the school year! Our second book is "Love in the Driest Season" by Neely Tucker.

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Denise Bissonnette

Rekindle the Flame: Renewing Purpose and Passion in Work

Inspired by her newest publication, The Wholehearted Journey: Bringing Qualities of Soul to Everyday Life and Work, Denise Bissonnette offers yet another dynamic, inspiring and life altering experience!  Designed to re-ignite the power, passion and purpose which originally drew people to their work, this keynote presentation intertwines poetry, parables, and practical applications to put soul back into the everyday realities of life on the job. 

With warmth, humility and humor, Denise delivers ideas and insights from the world’s great wisdom traditions in a way that is easy to understand, process and apply to the 21 st century workplace. It is said that the coal that has been an ember is easily kindled.  This keynote provides the gentle but deliberate breath that can set the fire within the heart and spirit of the working person aglow.

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"Information Every ESOL Parent Needs to Know" - A Workshop for ESOL Teachers

This workshop will provide resources and information to adult ESOL teachers who are interested in helping adult ESOL students understand the basic procedures of the New York State K-12 system. The Bilingual Education and Technical Assistance Center will discuss K-12 assessments, learning standards, and show examples of an EIA exam at the fourth and eighth grade levels. BETAC will present some ideas for role playing scenarios with ESOL parents, and explain much of the paperwork they may see from the school district, including field trip permission slips and tardy/early release forms. Proper procedures for reporting an absence to the school, visiting the school during the day, setting up a student teacher conference and district required physical examinations will also be discussed.

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ESOL Teacher Share: Using Websites in the Classroom

During these sessions, ESOL teachers will explore websites to enhance instruction. Teachers will have an opportunity to brainstorm and develop lessons as well as share promising practices and network with each other.

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ABE/GED Teacher Share: Using Websites in the Classroom

During these sessions, Adult Basic Education/GED teachers will explore websites to enhance instruction for their adult learners. Teachers will have an opportunity to brainstorm and develop lessons as well as share promising practices and network with each other.

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NIC Satellite Broadcast: Transition from Prison to Community

Public safety is everyone's business. This year, 600,000 offenders will leave prison and return to our communities. Whether released offenders live as law-abiding citizens or return to criminal behavior is largely dependent on the preparations made for their release while in prison and their transition process from prison to the community.

Many jurisdictions have embraced the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Transition from Prison to Community (TPC) Model to increase public safety, support a successful transition process, and utilize scarce taxpayer dollars more effectively. The TPC Model involves community organizations and partnering agencies in creating system change that holds offenders accountable and supports their success in the community.

This 3-hour satellite/Internet broadcast will focus on the TPC implementation experiences of two states - Missouri and Michigan . Panelists will discuss their experiences with and insights to implementing the model.

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Adapting Services to be Culturally & Linguistically Responsive

"Effective systems of care respect and make every effort to understand and be responsive to cultural differences, recognize the unique cultural background of each individual and address proactively the disparities in access, appropriate and relevant services and equitable outcomes." This workshop will focus on the importance of "getting" the most information by asking the right questions with the right methods, and effectively translating the information into service design, and implementation.

Aspects of cultural formulation to include assessing a patient's cultural identity and understanding how culture affects the explanation of the individual's illness, support system, and the clinician-patient relationships as well as understanding how culture affects the assessment and diagnosis of culturally and linguistically diverse individuals will be explored.

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Learning Disabilities Symposium

The New York State Education Department will hold a Symposium, Learning Disabilities in Adult Education, on April 6th 2006 in Chancellor's Hall, Education Building in Albany, New York. This Symposium supports the priority of quality adult literacy programs. Highlights of the Symposium include presentations by Dr. Laura Weisel, nationally recognized adult learning disability expert, as well as Bridges to Practice experts from the National Institute for Literacy. The presentations will lay the groundwork for participants to engage in a common discourse regarding learning disabilities. This Symposium is the first step in a statewide initiative to empower programs to develop local learning disability policies.

LD Symposium Agenda

9:30 - 9:40 Welcome Interim Deputy Commissioner, Jean Stevens

9:40 - 9:50 Goals of the Symposium Tom Orsini Team Leader:

• Provide a core knowledge to discuss implementing learning disability policies within adult literacy programs and external service providers.
• Reflect upon current practice to begin to strategies a plan to implement learning disability policy in programs.
• Sharpen focus to identify and meet the needs of our students by offering quality programs that reach NRS performance benchmarks.

9:50 - 10:50 An Overview on the Special Learning Needs of Adult Students, Dr. Laura Weisel

10:50 - 11:40 Key Legal Concepts in Serving Adults with Learning Disabilities, Jeff Fantine

11:40 - 12:00 Questions and Answers, Next Steps and Logistics for the Afternoon

12:00 - 1:00 Lunch on your own

1:00 - 1:30 Literacy New York, Inc.

• Report on the current initiatives and trainings provided to the literacy volunteer organizations to address and meet the needs of adults with learning disabilities.

1:30 - 2:00 Welfare to Work: Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (ODTA)

• Overview of findings from WTW Learning Disabilities Pilot Projects (January 2005)

2:00 - 2:30 Vocational Rehabilitation: Vocational and Education Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID)

• Services available to address learning disability at the One-Stops

2:30 - 3:30 Break Out Groups: Rooms 5A, 5B, 311, 146

3:30 - 4:00 Report Out and Next Steps: Chancellor's Hall

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Study Circle on Research-Based Adult Reading Instruction

Questions about what research says about teaching adults how to read are particularly relevant as programs and teachers struggle with choosing the most effective ways to develop adults’ reading skills. The Mid-West RAEN is sponsoring a study circle to engage ABE, ASE and ESOL practitioners in discussing theories and concepts related to reading instruction.

In this study circle, you will read short articles on reading research. You, together with 7 to 11 other practitioners, will meet three times to:

• Discuss the research on reading instructions for adults and what it means for reading instruction.

• Consider how you might apply the research in your own classroom or program.

• Make a plan for trying a new research-based strategy for improving reading instruction.

The study circle is organized into three sessions of 3.5 hours each. You will be asked to read four to five short articles before each session for discussion during the study circle. All readings will be provided by the facilitator of the study circle. We ask that you attend all three sessions.

Session One: Think about and share your own perspective on teaching reading, and discuss the research on reading with other participants.

Session Two: Look more in-depth at the reading research, who adult readers are, and how reading research can be applied to reading instruction.

Session Three: Identify how to assess adults’ reading skills and what adult students should know about the reading process. Develop an action plan for using what you have learned in your own classroom or program, identify supports and barriers to change, and develop an action plan as a group.

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NYATEP Regional Meeting

By invitation only

This workshop is the second round of NYATEP facilitated workshops to continue to explore and develop WIA partnerships and other linkages that will increase and deliver adult literacy services across the state. WIA partners and literacy providers will discuss collaborations and issues of workforce and adult education.
Those who are in these local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) will be invited to attend on November 7: Monroe County, Ontario-Seneca-Wayne-Yates Counties, and Genesee-Livingston-Orleans-Wyoming Counties. Those who are in the Chemung-Schuyler-Steuben Counties will be invited to attend on November 8.

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"WIA 101:  The Past, Present, and Future" Webinar 

Based on feedback from last spring's regional meetings, NYSED has sponsored NYATEP to develop and hold this webinar.
This event will feature John Twomey, Executive Director, NYATEP and will provide information on the implementation of WIA, impacts on partners, what is happening today, and implications for the future. Additionally, each webinar participant will receive a CD of the event so the content can be shared. For more information and to link to the webinar, go to

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Summer Reading Institute

Goals of the Workshop:

• To introduce the participants to the scientifically-based research in adult reading and the relationship between adult reading instruction and K - 12 instruction;
• To develop in the participants an awareness of the major components of reading instruction;
• To assist the participants to learn about their own knowledge of reading and reading instruction;
• To introduce the results of the Adult Reading Components Study (ARCS) and the adult reading profiles identified in the study;
• To match assessed student needs to appropriate instructional techniques
• To plan appropriate, individualized reading instruction for all adult students;
• To provide instructional guidance and directions for teaching reading;
• To increase teacher knowledge about reading and to provide resources for the future.

Looking for participant teachers who:

• Have lots of experience teaching reading
• Will understand the research about adult readers
• Will understand about all the components of reading
• Will use new assessment strategies as presented
• Will create dynamic learning environments in adult education classrooms
• Will serve as mentors/leaders as their regions develop training sessions and study circles

Description:

Adults who did not learn to read well as children need well-trained teachers and tutors. This workshop is designed to take the guesswork out of reading and to begin the process of changing the way we look at instruction for adult students. Three full days will be utilized to cover these important topics in adult reading:

• The latest scientifically-based research in reading
• What we mean when we say reading
• Using assessment to inform teaching
• The major components of reading
• Understanding readability and the importance of everyday reading materials in the classroom
• Adult classroom dynamics and reading instruction
• Resources available for classroom teachers that are free and available from the federal government.

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Teachers' Day

The Mid-West RAEN's Teachers’ Day 2008 will feature two keynote addresses during the morning session. The afternoon portion of Teachers’ Day will include a variety of one hour best practices workshops provided by regional adult education teachers.

Teachers' Day - ESOL
Saturday, April 5, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The morning session will feature two keynote addresses. The afternoon portion of Teachers’ Day will include a variety of Learning Strategies Workshops provided by regional adult education teachers

9:00 -9:30 a.m. Sign in/Continental Breakfast

9:30-11:50 a.m."Differentiating and Scaffolding Instruction for Adult ESOL Students"           
Margo DelliCarpini, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of TESOL, Lehman College, The City University of New York                                                
Many Adult ESOL programs in New York State group learners according to oral proficiency levels.  While teachers can rely on a similar level of reception and expressive language skills based on such assessment and grouping techniques, the underlying educational skills and literacy abilities of these students can and does vary greatly.  Differentiated instruction is the answer to the challenge of how to meet the needs of these students.  Differentiated instruction has been successfully implemented in the PreK-12 grade education context.  Adult educators who teach multi-level classes can develop learning experiences that are differentiated in terms of content, process, and product so that all students are engaged in the lesson, are working in their Zone of Proximal Development, and are developing language and literacy skills in meaningful ways.  When teachers develop the knowledge and skills to effectively differentiate instruction in their classroom, time in multi-level settings becomes more efficient and students work cooperatively and collaboratively to complete an authentic task where each student’s contribution is essential to the whole product.

The workshop will provide foundational knowledge on differentiation of instruction; will model differentiated activities; offer concrete suggestions for differentiating content, process, and product; and provide opportunities for participants to develop a mini-lesson applying the principals discussed.  Attention will focus on literacy level students.

Margo DelliCarpini received her Ph.D. in Linguistics from State University of New York at Stony Brook.  Dr. DelliCarpini worked as the TESOL Director of Field Experience & Clinical Practice and taught TESOL methodology courses and general linguistics classes, as well as supervised student teachers and coordinated all field placements for the Linguistics Department at SUNY at Stony Brook. Prior to that, she worked as the Literacy Coordinator for all certification candidates at SUNY at Stony Brook.

Dr. DelliCarpini’s public school teaching experience includes having worked as an ESL teacher coordinator at the secondary level for Eastern Suffolk BOCES and as a family literacy program coordinator and EL/CIVICS program coordinator.

Dr. DelliCarpini is an Assistant Professor of TESOL at Lehman College, The City University of New York, where she teaches courses leading to the M.S.E.D. in TESOL and continues her research in second language literacy development and TESOL teacher education.

12:00 -12:50 Lunch

1:00-3:00 p.m. Learning Strategies Workshops

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Teachers' Day - ABE/GED
Saturday, April 5, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

9:00 -9:30 a.m. Sign in/Continental Breakfast

9:30-11:50 a.m. “Establishing a Safe Learning Environment and Facing Change”
Allen Lampert, Adjunct Faculty Member, University of Southern Maine

What type of learning environments do we create for our students? What does a safe learning environment look like and what can teachers do to help create and maintain one? This interactive workshop will explore the characteristics of the type of learning environments we work in and what steps we can take to make them even better.

Dealing with change is a cornerstone of adult education. Learning equals change on many levels. This workshop will explore the dynamics of change that our students often contend with. In addition, we will look at our own perspectives concerning change as teachers.

Allen Lampert loves to teach. After a distinguished 13-year career in banking culminating as bank president in Boston, Allen entered his first adult education classroom in Wells, Maine in 1995 and has not left since. He now spends his time as an adult education teacher working for Portland Public Schools teaching courses to help adults acquire skills for employment. He also works as an adjunct faculty member for the University of Southern Maine’s adult Education Department teaching a graduate seminar on transformation learning theory. In his spare time, he conducts teaching workshops and has co-authored Understand What You Read and The New Teacher of Adults. Allen has degrees from the University of California, Berkley (B.A.) and the University of Southern Maine (M.S).

12:00 -12:50 Lunch

1:00-3:00 p.m. Learning Strategies Workshops

 

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Screening and Discussion of "Waging a Living"

The term "working poor" should be an oxymoron. If you work full-time, you should not be poor, but more than 30 million Americans - one in four workers - are stuck in jobs that do not pay for the basics of a decent life. "Waging a Living" chronicles the day-to-day battles of four low-wage earners fighting to lift their families out of poverty. The screening will include a discussion with audience participation.

To register please contact Shelley Figueroa at (585) 258-0278 or sfigueroa@wxxi.org.

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EdVideo Online Training

EdVideo Online is a new broadband media resource offered by New York State Public Broadcasting stations over the web and made available for free to all New York State K-12, adult literacy and home school educators. With standards-based media in all core subject areas, teachers and students can access 2,800 full-length videos, 20,000 clips, 4,300 audio files, 25,000 images, and 5,000 print resources. In addition, 350+ PBS and NYS Public Broadcasting titles have been added to the collection. Many broadcast adult education series have been added by NYSED and NYS Public Broadcasting to be available on-demand including: GED Connection, Crossroads Café, On Common Ground, and Workplace Essential Skills. Learn how to search the system, create listings of programs and clips, create classes, lesson plans and link media playlists, quizzes, and assignments to supplement your classroom instruction.

Also learn about other other online web service training offered for Career Achieve and how to sign-up more training..

Instructors for EdVideo Online trainings are WXXI staff from the WXXI Educational Outreach Center. (Marion French, Assistant Vice President, Education & Interactive Services or Andrew Wheeland, Director of Interactive Services.)

The instructor for GST BOCES training is Cynthia Lysczek, Education Specialist, WSKG Public Television & Radio.

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The ESOL Learner: Is It LD or Something Else?

Many adult ESOL learners struggle in learning for relatively simple reasons that are not always addressed or even recognized by their teachers and programs.   In this two-day training, given by Robin Lovrien Schwarz, participants will first learn more about six types of factors that cause adult ESOL learners to struggle.  Then, participants will be aided in designing projects to implement in the academic year.  These projects will help teachers and programs make changes in practice that will address some of the causes for learner struggle and therefore will support better learner outcomes and engagement. 

Robin Lovrien Schwarz, M. Sp. Ed: LD, is an ESOL teacher with 40 years experience and a Learning Disabilities specialist. During 20 years as a consultant in learning problems in native and non-native English speaking adults, Ms. Schwarz has provided professional development and training to programs all over the country and is a frequent presenter at state, national and international conferences. Recent projects in PD include work with the Hudson Valley Catskill Partnership, many technical colleges in Wisconsin, and a large ESOL charter school in Washington, DC.   Ms. Schwarz, author of numerous articles and book chapters, is currently doing contract writing for the National Institute for Literacy on adult ELL’s with no or limited literacy and working on a chapter for the new literature review for Bridges To Practice.  She is also currently a doctoral candidate at Lesley University, Cambridge, MA, in ESOL and learning difficulties.

Due to limited capacity, only teachers and administrators who have been invited by the Mid-West RAEN should register.

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Mathematics - Tips of the Trade

Math is the universal language, yet it is often an abstract function to students that has no meaning in their real lives. Teachers will learn different strategies to teach the basics of math and how they can be applied to both the classroom and the real world. This workshop will provide teachers with different approaches that will enable them to teach students who have not learned the basics of multiplication, fractions, and percentages. During this workshop, teachers will participate in hands-on learning activities that they can use in the classroom with their students.

All participants will receive a resource guide that includes best-practices based on research, activities for classroom use, hand outs that can be duplicated for student use, and online resources they can use for students to learn and practice new skills. Bonnie Vondracek and Susan Pittman, E-Learning Connections, Inc. are the trainers.

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GED Mathematics Training Institute

The U.S. Dept. of Education GED Mathematics Training Institute was designed to the GEDTS analysis of the GED 2002 Series Mathematics Test. The GEDTS analysis identified the questions students were most likely to answer incorrectly, as well as the types of errors students were making. This training will provide sample test questions and strategies for those areas found to be problematic, including the thematic areas of: geometry, calculation, and graphs and tables. This training replicates that of the GED National Mathematics Institute conducted in August, 2006 in Washington, D.C. All participants will receive resource materials that include best-practices based on research, activities for classroom use, hand-outs, and online resources they can use with students. In addition, participants will receive a CD that includes all materials from the USDOE GED Mathematics Training Institute including lesson plans and a more extensive review of each thematic area. Bonnie Vondracek and Susan Pittman,
E-Learning Connections, Inc. are the trainers.

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Teachers' Day at GST BOCES

Friday, October 19, 2007
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

9:00 -9:30 a.m. Sign in/Continental Breakfast

9:30-11:50 a.m. Research-Based Strategies for Adult Reading Instruction

Susan McShane will provide the keynote address for ABE/GED adult educators. Her presentation, "Research-Based Strategies for Adult Reading Instruction", will offer a brief overview of the research, focusing on common reading problems that may explain why many adult learners struggle with their class work and make little progress over time.
This training offers a brief overview of the research, focusing on common reading problems that may explain why many adult learners struggle with their class work and make little progress over time. Research suggests that one source of difficulty may be a deficit that isn’t reflected in a TABE or CASAS test score. This workshop introduces the components of reading that may contribute to a (perhaps unrecognized) reading problem: alphabetic skills, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. It also includes a brief introduction to the common reader profiles identified by research and highlights the diagnostic assessments needed to develop individual profiles. Finally, participants learn and practice a sampling of research-based instructional strategies for addressing adults’ needs in the reading-component areas.

Ms. McShane is a Reading Initiative Specialist at the National Center for Family Literacy. In her current position she authored a book for adult education instructors, Applying Research in Reading Instruction for Adults: First Steps for Teachers. Ms. McShane has more than 20 years of experience in adult education and family literacy and is a national Bridges to Practice (learning disabilities) trainer.

12:00 -12:50 Lunch

1:00-3:00 p.m. Learning Strategies Workshops

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Using The Washington 13 Screening Process for Learning Disabilities

Friday, January 18, 2008
9:00 am to 11:00am

This SED sponsored session is designed to familiarize participants with the many issues related to literacy programming providing screening.  The difference between screening and diagnostic testing will be explored as well as the difference between assessments for instructional purposes for identification of possible learning disabilities. The importance of community linkages will be emphasized.

Instructor for  this session will be Amy Silber, MS. Ed.  Educational Consultant

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Contact Information:

Carol Gaelens
Director, Regional Adult Education Network (Mid-West)
WXXI Public Broadcasting Council
280 State St./P.O. Box 30021
Rochester, NY 14603-3021

Phone: 585-258-0361
Email: cgaelens@wxxi.org

TBD
Program Coordinator, Mid-West RAEN Office
e-mail:

Phone: 585-258-0290
Fax: 585-258-0329