Montana LINCS Update

Montana LINCS Update

4/25/11

Greetings from Montana LINCS

Problems with the links in the email?

Go to the Email Archives in the upper left-hand corner on the home page at http://www.nwlincs.org/mtlincs/index.htm

1. Montana ABLE ShopTalk Summary

Click here http://www.nwlincs.org/mtlincs/opi/shoptalk4-19-11.pdf to view information about trainings.

2. Montana ABLE TABE/BEST+ Training: May 3 & 5

Click here http://www.nwlincs.org/mtlincs/opi/opiableupdates.htm to view information about trainings.

3. Montana ESOL Conference Agenda and Handouts: May 3 (evening) & 4

Click here http://www.nwlincs.org/mtlincs/opi/esl/MT_adult_esl_conference_2011.htm to view

the agenda and handouts.

4. Montana ABLE Student and Program Highlights

Click here http://www.nwlincs.org/mtlincs/opi/student_highlights.htm to read article about Literacy Bitterroot.

5. Assessment Article: Common Assessments a Test for Schools' Technology

Taken from LINCS Assessment Discussion List

Click here http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/04/19/29assess.h30.html?tkn=PTVFR0UOdWzVLSQ7nXMxdAkhSXkxTcSoXf3L&cmp=ENL-EU-NEWS1 for article.

I am subscribed to Education Week Newsletter (K-12) and a featured article this morning caught my attention – it is focused on the first of a series of meetings convened by the US Dept of Education “aimed at informing the two state collaboratives as they design tests for the new common standards in mathematics and English/language arts”.

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/04/19/29assess.h30.html?tkn=PTVFR0UOdWzVLSQ7nXMxdAkhSXkxTcSoXf3L&cmp=ENL-EU-NEWS1

What is pertinent is that these tests will be computer-based and so this initial meeting focused on the challenges that this could present. Much of the article points to the capacity of technology infrastructure within schools. But other points that the article makes are concerns that have been raised here this past week in our discussion on the GED. I hope you find this article informative.

What are your reactions to this article?

What can we learn from what K-12 is now doing?

Thanks!

Marie Cora

Assessment Discussion List Moderator

6. COABE: Any resources to share?

Did any Montana ABLE folks attend COABE? Do you have any resources to share with your Montana colleagues? If so, please click here to email your thoughts or resources to MTLINCS.

7. Council for Advancement of Adult Literacy (CAAL) Survey: Certifying Adult Education Students

Click here http://www.caalusa.org/StudentCert.pdf for survey.

The Council for Advancement of Adult Literacy (CAAL) today released CERTIFYING ADULT EDUCATION STUDENTS: A Survey of State Directors of Adult Education on Certificate Programs in Use. This 16-page Information Brief by Garrett Murphy reports on the findings of a recent survey on the use of certification systems, as reported by state education directors, to validate student attainment in adult education and workforce skills programs. The Brief is available from the CAAL website at http://www.caalusa.org/StudentCert.pdf.

8. ESL: Summary of Culture Shock

Taken from LINCS Diversity Discussion List

I'm pleased to announce that, at long last, the summary/transcripts of a discussion held on this list November 8-12 , 2010 "Culture Shock in the Adult ESL Classroom: Yours and Theirs,” has been completed and is posted online at

http://lincs.ed.gov/lincs/discussions/englishlanguage/10culture_full

Thanks much to my colleague Sharon McKay here at the Center for Applied Linguistics both for facilitating the discussion and working on the “organized transcripts” that are posted on line.

Sharon sifted through nearly 80 posts to organize the discussion summary/transcripts into six topics:

The links above are hyperlinked.

Miriam

Miriam Burt
moderator, adult English language acquisition (ELA) discussion list
mburt@cal.org

9. Health Literacy Discussion: Sharing Our Literacy Action Plan Stories

Taken from LINCS Health Literacy Discussion List

Dear Literacy Colleagues,

Please join us in a story-sharing discussion on the health literacy list THIS WEEK! See the link below for the list announcement and information on how to join this list. (Remember, you can join the list, submit your brief story and then unsubscribe!) http://lincs.ed.gov/lincs/discussions/healthliteracy/11actionplan

Here is a little background: we had a discussion last Fall about using the National Action to Improve Health Literacy. This document came out last year with the goal of improving the nation's health literacy, which in turn should result in a healthier population. You can find the Action Plan at this link:

http://www.health.gov/communication/HLActionPlan/

Why does it relate to you all in the adult education field? I am sure that you can think of many reasons, but also see the Action Plan's 7 goals below and take note of #4 and 5:

The National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy contains seven goals that will improve health literacy and suggests strategies for achieving them:

1. Develop and disseminate health and safety information that is accurate, accessible, and actionable

2. Promote changes in the health care system that improve health information, communication, informed decisionmaking, and access to health services

3. Incorporate accurate, standards-based, and developmentally appropriate health and science information and curricula in child care and education through the university level

4. Support and expand local efforts to provide adult education, English language instruction, and culturally and linguistically appropriate health information services in the community

5. Build partnerships, develop guidance, and change policies

6. Increase basic research and the development, implementation, and evaluation of practices and interventions to improve health literacy

7. Increase the dissemination and use of evidence-based health literacy practices and interventions

Many of the strategies highlight actions that particular organizations or professions can take to further these goals. It will take everyone working together in a linked and coordinated manner to improve access to accurate and actionable health information and usable health services. By focusing on health literacy issues and working together, we can improve the accessibility, quality, and safety of health care; reduce costs; and improve the health and quality of life of millions of people in the United States.

Please let us hear more of the adult educators voices by sharing a story for this discussion!

10. Reading Discussion with Stephen Reder: Understanding Adult Literacy Growth With Various Measures and Time Scales

Taken from LINCS Reading/Writing Discussion List

What: Understanding Adult Literacy Growth With Various Measures and Time Scales

Where: Reading and Writing Skills List

(to subscribe, go to: http://lincs.ed.gov/mailman/listinfo/readwrite . You will be sent an email requesting confirmation of your subscription. Please follow the directions in the email to verify your subscription request).

When: May 2 - May 6, 2011

Guest Facilitator: Dr. Stephen Reder