Quarterly esl newsletter january march 2015

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YEAR 10 ISSUE 1

JANUARY/MARCH 2015

ESL Newsletter 10th Anniversary Issue

INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE

SPECIAL POINTS OF

A Word From Our Dean, Dr. Marta Yera-Cronin

INTEREST: EASY LINKS Words of Wisdom

INSIDE THIS

A simple glance at the first newsletter published ten years ago is an

ISSUE: A Word From Our Dean, Dr. Marta Yera-Cronin Ten Years of Unimaginable Change by Anneliesse Prahl

obvious indicator that “we’ve come a long way, baby”. Not only has the 1

newsletter grown and been “jazzed up” considerately by both the growth in number of contributors and the amount of content shared, but so much has happened in these last ten years at IRSC – to the college

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and the individuals who work here. Throughout these years, I have seen many new buildings go up, the creation of several new programs and

What some of our Readers and Contributors 3

thousands of students successfully complete their programs.

have said over the Years

Personally, in 2005 I was working on my fourth year as a faculty

Professional Development Offerings

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from LINCS Take Your Pick

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Learn a Little

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Notes from the Chair By Judy Martin-Hall

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In The Spotlight Collage of Memories

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member in the teacher education department. Three years later, I was the department chair and involved in the creation of five Bachelors in Education degrees (we now have six). In 2011, I became Dean of The School of Education, which includes the high school, ABE/GED and ESL

Techno Tips by Suzanne Ensmann And Much More...

programs. The last three years have been especially rewarding, as I’ve gotten the pleasure to work with the team of the Adult Ed Division. These individuals help to make the dreams of students who dropped out of school and those who struggle with the English language come true.

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The pleasure of watching those students walk across the stage at the completion of their program brings immeasurable pride to everyone in this division. I look forward to being a part of that for the next ten years.


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Ten Years of Unimaginable Change Ten Years ago during my first week on the job as a full time Program Trainer, I was entrusted the task of producing a newsletter for the ESL Department. I have to be honest by saying that I had no clue what a newsletter was. I thought I would have to write a letter to the whole department every week with the news of that particular week. Like a MEMO! I thought to myself, why a letter/MEMO? There must be a better way to communicate news to our department. It was supposed to be a one-page letter sent out weekly. And so I went to my favorite place for finding the answers to all the mysteries of the universe, Google. I asked the oracle of all knowledge to reveal to me what a newsletter was. Like the work of a wizard, there it was, a gazillion answers. By the way, gazillion is a term I learned from our beloved Dr. John Matthews back when I was still a part-time instructor and facilitator. He was one of my mentors. Aha! So that is a newsletter, I said. I had a deadline to meet as I was supposed to send out the first issue the following week. I had to decide what I was going to put in that... whatchamacallit? Oh yeah, it was called a newsletter. The first issue was very simple. A one-page, Word document, and since it was the beginning of January I decided to dedicate the issue to one of my favorite people in the whole wide world, Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr. The ESL Newsletter was born. And so I placed a copy of my first ESL Newsletter in all the mail pouches, full time employees, adjunct instructors, technical assistants, and of course sent it out to the sites. Keep in mind that this was a paper publication. I had no color printer, and so it was black and white. I sent copies of that first newsletter to everyone (misspellings, grammatical errors and all) in our program. That same format continued for a few months until I looked into what it entailed to produce a newsletter. I made a few tweaks here and there and came up with something a little more fun. Still placing paper copies in everyone’s pouches and sending stacks to the sites. I started to see that the value of a publication such as this one can only be of service to all if guest “contributors” were to be included. So I started recruiting my “regulars.” And so weeks, and months and years went by, and the ESL Newsletter evolved to what it is today. A paperless publication. Totally green and sent electronically to all of you on a quarterly basis. We have had the task to share the joyful times and news as well as the sad and heart breaking. The ESL Newsletter has become a springboard of communication not only our ESL Department, but to the entire college as it goes to many other recipients

throughout the institution who have stayed tuned throughout the years. We have witnessed many great accomplishments in our institution, we have shared best practices, new gadgets, eco sound advice, news from all of our sites and campuses. We have had the privilege to have renowned authors as guest contributors, but what has made this a successful publication is the fact that it is made with all of you, our readers, in mind. From the articles and segments, to the best practices and calendar of events, they all have you in mind. We do not know what the next ten years will bring. However, one thing is for sure, whether we continue as the ESL Newsletter or as something broader, you, our reader will always be the most important piece of this whole puzzle. I, Anneliesse Prahl, immigrant to this great nation, daughter of immigrants, and as your humble editor in chief thank you kindly for your support and your continued words of encouragement. I have learned from you so many things, and that knowledge you have so willingly and generously shared has helped me grow in more ways than words can express. To all of my contributors, past, present and future: Mil Gracias! For another ten years of Unimaginably amazing change. Anneliesse Prahl ESL Newsletter Editor


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What some of our Readers and Contributors have said over the Years ob! ce j i n a such l and e n at u e do eautif e a gre v ' u b v Yo It's ng! Ha e rresti ay! Av e t . So n d i w o tn t righ I took i t I p u t . i b y g a t u shin the del st nigh i n i F r la ry fo o finish p. Paul et slee hom fell a

Wow! Great Job! Thanks for sharing Anneliesse! You have a wonderful Spring break too! Shari Johnson

I enjoyed the October ESL Newsletter! Keep up your outstanding work!

Chris Cunningham

Good! Run with it. Brady L Talley (via BlackBerry) Thanks Anneliesse. All the best, David Rosen Director of the Adult Literacy Resource Institute/SABES Greater Boston Regional

Thank you so much for including me on this email! I learned quite a bit – and look forward to future newsletters! Libby p.s. amen to “we all have accents!” :}

Anneliesse, My answer to the Take Your Pick question is: b) Is water from your laundry, shower, and kitchen sink no longer suitable for human consumption, but good to water the lawn or rinse a car. Corrine Anderson Technical Assistant

Anneliesse! Congratulations on the Newsletter!!! It looks great! I loved to see the International Student Event collage and also the Capoeira presentation at Mueller!! Luci

Looks great, as usual! P.S. Thank you for your encouragement!  Brenna

Anneliesse, My answer to the Take Your Pick question is the Caspian Sea. Corrine Anderson

Beau t Chris iful job, A tie K r uege nneliesse ! r

Anneliesse, My answer to the Take Your Pick question is Wiener Schnitzel. Corrine Anderson, Technical Assistant Vs. It’s Sauerbraten! Although I’m more partial to Goulash… Jon U. Bell, Associate Professor Of Astronomy Hallstrome Planetarium Director

So fabulous, Anneliesse! ESL is ready for the next level of this newsletter! If someone uploads it to the cloud, like in Issuu or Google docs, everyone can refer back to them time and time again. Here’s an example of the COSA newsletter I maintained for a few years: http://issuu.com/ sensmann/docs/cosa_newsletterissue_8_march_2012/1  I placed the link to all of them on my website so everyone could access anytime, anywhere, referring back to them over and over again.  Food for thought…  Regardless, though…. It’s superb!  Merry Christmas! Suz


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Professional Development Offerings from LINCS ELL-U—The Best “ESL Specific” PD Available Second Language Acquisition Teaching Emergent Readers Formative Assessment The Role of Culture Principles of Second Language Teaching

Learning to Achieve Learning Disabilities and Accommodations Learning Disabilities and English Language learners Learning Disabilities and Neuroscience Professional’s Guide to Educating Adults LINCS Science Engaging Adult Learners in Science Scientific Practices in Context LINCS Technology and Learning Integrating Technology in the Adult Education Classroom Adult Career Pathways Building Strategic Partnerships Developing Effective Bridge Programs Designing Contextualized Instruction Integrating Career Counseling and Planning Engaging Employers in Adult Career Pathways LINCS Learning Portal Log In https://auth.lincs.ed.gov/idp/Authn/UserPassword Learning To Achieve (L2A) For those of our newsletter readers who wish to expand their knowledge of Adults with Learning Disabilities, there are now more modules being offered online by LINCS. If you wish to take the online modules follow these simple steps: 1. Go to http://moodle.cls.utk.edu/login/index.php 2. Click on "Create New Account" 3. Enter the Enrollment key = LTARRCII 4. Upon module completion and survey completion you will receive a certificate. English Language Learner University (ELL-U) ELL-U is now a member of the LINCS family (Literacy Information and Communication System). You may access all ELL-U resources by visiting the LINCS page at http://lincs.ed.gov/programs/ell-u/ “ELL-U was a free professional development network for ESOL practitioners. The resources developed through this federally-funded initiative were designed to broaden, deepen, and strengthen the knowledge and skills of educators working with adult ELLs. ESOL practitioners and ELLs may continue to leverage these resources and the network of practitioners where hey now reside on the LINCS site. Follow the links below to explore these evidence-based, high quality courses and resources. The National Adult English Language Learning Professional Development Network is a “Professional Development Portal for Adult ESOL Educators.” (http://lincs.ed.gov/programs/ell-u/)


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YEAR 10 ISSUE 1 Take Your Pick

As part of the 10th Anniversary issue of the ESL Newsletter we are adding some of the segments that proved to be very popular, and eventually evolved into something different depending on the trend of the moment. 1) Who said these words? "I'm the decider" a) Bill Clinton b) Margaret Thatcher c) George W. Busch 2) Which was the number one on the top ten most read books of 2005? a) The Broker by John Grisham b) Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling c) 4th of July by James Patterson 3) Who were Superbowl XXXIX Champions? a) Green Bay Packers b) New England Patriots c) Dallas Cowboys Be the first one to answer all three correctly for a chance to win...

Learn a Little

Relampago del Catatumbo, Venezuela

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Igloo Village in Kakslauttanen, Finland.


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Notes from the Chair By Judy Martin-Hall The ESL Newsletter turns 10 this year, so I want to send a special thank you to

Anneliesse Prahl. The newsletter is her brainchild;

Anneliesse has researched and written articles, edited and produced the entire newsletter over this past decade. Under her creative guidance, the newsletter has grown and evolved to fit the changing times. Thanks also to all the contributors who’ve shared your campus/site news, best practices, and

contributed other informative articles.

There have been so many changes and innovations in Adult ESL over these years that the following list isn’t comprehensive. But enjoy a trip down memory lane with these highlights: 

U.S. Citizenship Exam became more rigorous. The price for the exam tripled.

Managed Enrollment adopted at IRSC to improve student persistence and retention.

ESL students began to choose a Career Pathway through career interest inventory.

Burlington English with Career Extensions adopted as our ELCATE core curriculum.

CASAS placement scale changed; test forms and guidelines change numerous times. CASAS TOPSpro management system became web-based – cloud storage of data.

FL DOE curriculum frameworks and IRSC ESL curriculum changes reflected new CASAS levels, new Citizenship exam, infusion of Career Pathways, and alignment with College and Career Readiness.

Florida began to charge Adult Education tuition based on residency; then on flat fee.

Service Learning expanded in ESL – Encuentros, Rankont Kreyol, Language Partners and others.

Main campus of IRSC ESL moved to Blackburn Educational Building.

ESL online courses implemented to expand learning opportunities into digital realm.

Pre-GED/ESOL Transitions courses using PACE curriculum implemented at 4 IRSC ESL campuses.

With each new opportunity, our ESL team helped usher in these innovations by serving on committees, attending trainings, reviewing/recommending texts for adoptions and so much more to ensure that students’ needs were met. Thanks and congratulations on a wonderful decade of creativity, growth and progress! And thanks, especially, for the last 10 years of the newsletter and for 20 years of helping drive our ESL Program forward.


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In The Spotlight Collage of Memories

AP


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Techno Tips by Suzanne Ensmann Reflect on the Past to Envision the Future

So, I’ve been asked to ponder how we’ve advanced with technology over the last ten years. Let’s take a look.  A new phone taught us to use our thumbs to silently communicate before, after or during a meeting. This flip phone is considered an antique according to today’s standards.  iPods revolutionized lifestyles allowing us to personalize music lists to fit in our pockets.  The box style computer was still widely used in most homes and schools (where technology existed). Source: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1104723/Computers-and-Information -Systems-Year-In-Review-2005/250319/Computer-Games

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/21/ technology/21broad.html?_r=0 Facebook had just peaked over the one million mark. Today they sit at over 1.35 BILLION active users monthly! Source: http://www.statista.com/statistics/264810/numberof-monthly-active-facebook-users-worldwide/ Fast forward to TODAY, all of these devices can now be streamed to a wearable device. So what does ten years into our future look like? I see ubiquitous computing for all everywhere, anytime. Wearable devices with which we can control our homes and cars; read our blood pressure and monitor our heartrate will be extensions at our finger tips and the norm, not just the luxury. I want the James Bond watch which projects onto my arm for a larger screen to sync with the Google Glass for which I can nod to turn on and off or wink to take a picture. In the meantime, stay tuned here for blog posts to hear about the results of the Flex wristband wearable technologies our students will be piloting this term to increase their energy, efficiency level and academic performance! Ubiquitous computing will capture the analytics to measure and drive the future. Are you joining us for the ride?


YEAR 10 ISSUE 1

EASY LINKS

PAGE 9 WE ARE ON THE WEB

SHARE YOUR STORIES AND BEST PRACTICES WITH US. AND REMEMBER: “IF YOU HAVE NEWS TO TELL AND BEST PRACTICES TO SHARE… THE ESL AP NEWSLETTER IS THE BEST WAY.”

Words of Wisdom

IRSC Mission Statement Indian River State College is a comprehensive college accredited to award Baccalaureate Degrees, Associate Degrees, and Career and Technical Certificates. As a leader in education and innovation, IRSC transforms lives by offering high-quality, affordable and accessible education to the residents of Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties through traditional and electronic delivery. We commit to: • Creating a superior teaching and learning environment • Cultivating student success • Embracing diversity • Stimulating economic growth • Developing a highly-skilled workforce • Building partnerships to expand opportunities • Providing cultural enrichment and lifelong learning


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