VALRC

VALRC: The Change Agent for ABE & HSE Instruction
2023-03-01 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Online
The Change Agent is a magazine for adult educators and learners that features relevant, engaging articles — most of them written by adult learners. In this webinar, Cynthia Peters, longtime educator and editor of The Change Agent, will introduce Virginia instructors to this standards-aligned resource and how it can be used to teach reading, writing, and even math. She will demonstrate how Virginia teachers can make use of their free access to The Change Agent and include practical, time-saving teaching ideas and tips.
The Change Agent features writings by adult learners and aims to inspire adult educators and learners to make civic participation and social justice part of their teaching and learning. Each issue explores a different topic through student writing, news articles, opinion pieces, classroom activities, poems, graphics, and cartoons. The Change Agent website includes many additional resources, including audio versions of articles, leveled texts, links between specific Change Agent articles and the College and Career Readiness Standards, and extra resources for each issue.
This webinar focuses on adult basic education (ABE) and adult secondary education (ASE)/high school equivalency (HSE) instruction, but all Virginia adult educators are welcome to attend. A session focused on using The Change Agent with English language learners will be offered on March 2, 2023. If you have questions about accessing The Change Agent (for free) as a Virginia adult educator, please contact Hillary Major, hmajor@vcu.edu, at VALRC.

VALRC: The Change Agent for English Language Instruction
2023-03-02 15:30 - 16:30 | Online
The Change Agent is a magazine for adult educators and learners that features relevant, engaging articles — most of them written by adult learners. In this webinar, Cynthia Peters, longtime educator and editor of The Change Agent, will introduce Virginia instructors to this standards-aligned resource and how it can be used to teach English language learners. She will demonstrate how Virginia teachers can make use of their free access to The Change Agent and include practical, time-saving teaching ideas and tips.
The Change Agent features writings by adult learners and aims to inspire adult educators and learners to make civic participation and social justice part of their teaching and learning. Each issue explores a different topic through student writing, news articles, opinion pieces, classroom activities, poems, graphics, and cartoons. The Change Agent website includes many additional resources, including audio versions of articles, leveled texts, links between specific Change Agent articles and the College and Career Readiness Standards, and extra resources for each issue.
This webinar focuses on English language acquisition and civics instruction, but all Virginia adult educators are welcome to attend. A session focused on using The Change Agent with ABE and HSE learners will be offered on March 1, 2023. If you have questions about accessing The Change Agent (for free) as a Virginia adult educator, please contact Hillary Major, hmajor@vcu.edu, at VALRC.

VALRC: Key Shifts Series - Teaching Learners to Use Evidence
2023-03-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual
Teaching with the CCRS Key Shifts is a series of workshops designed to provide evidence-based strategies for working with complexity, evidence, and knowledge. Each workshop focuses on a different English language arts/literacy key shift and encourages an interactive learning experience. Participants will engage in several activities they can take back to the classroom to help their learners interact with texts in a more meaningful way. The workshops are appropriate for anyone teaching reading, writing, or language skills, and last 90 minutes.
Dates:

Teaching with Complex Texts: A Workshop – Tuesday, February 21, 2023, 1-2:30pm
Teaching Learners to Use Evidence: A Workshop – Tuesday, March 7, 2023, 1-2:30pm
Teaching to Build Knowledge: A Workshop – Tuesday, March 21, 2023, 1-2:30pm

VALRC: Key Shifts Series - Teaching to Build Knowledge
2023-03-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual

GEDTS Tuesday for Teachers: Have You Talked about “Zero” Lately?
2023-03-28 15:30 - 17:00 | Virtual
GED Testing Services offers the Tuesdays for Teachers series as a free professional development offering. Here’s their description of the upcoming March session: We often “talk about nothing, or zero” in day-to-day conversations. A conversation about the “zero” in RLA is certainly “nothing” and has become a serious concern for many educators and their students. We hear the concerns and need to address “the elephant in the room:” the zero in the scoring rubric. In this session, we will answer your questions about “why a zero?” and provide a deeper understanding of the zero. Join us to help students improve their writing skills on the Extended Response and real-world writing. Register today!

VALRC: Contextualized Phonics Instruction
2023-03-29 15:00 - 16:30 | Virtual
This webinar will present strategies for contextualizing phonics instruction in the ESOL beginning literacy or multilevel classroom as well as during one-on-one tutoring sessions. We will discuss strategies for contextualizing phonics instruction and walk through the steps of implementing this strategy in different ESOL instructional settings. Participants will leave the webinar with an understanding of this approach, how it benefits ESOL beginning literacy instruction, and strategies for implementing this approach in the adult ESOL classroom.
Register Here

VALRC Spring Math Webinar Series - Session 1
2023-04-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
The first session will cover the math interest survey responses, including a discussion of the strategies and topics and math instructors want to learn about most.
We will also explore how The Change Agent, an adult learner publication, can be used for contextualized math instruction.
The content focus for webinars 2 and 3 will be determined through discussions and feedback from the first webinar.
Register here.

VALRC: Reading, Writing, and Relevance: Teaching with Adult Learners’ Published Writing
2023-09-13 15:30 - 16:30
In this webinar, find out how to access SPOTLIGHT, Virginia’s annual publication for writing by adult learners, and The Change Agent adult education magazine for social justice. Gain ideas for using writing by adult learners to teach reading and language skills at multiple levels, as models to guide learners through the writing process, to combat learners’ writing anxieties, and to amplify student voice.
Register here.

LINCS AEFLA Week Virtual Celebration
2023-09-18 15:00 - 16:00
Live Session: AEFL Week Virtual Celebration
Description: Join us to celebrate Adult and Family Literacy Week by sharing your student success stories and positive changes in your program from the past year.
Presenter: Erin Vobornik, LINCS Teaching and Learning Group Moderator; Lizelena Iglesias, LINCS Science Group Moderator
Date/Time: Monday, September 18, 2023, 3:00 PM ET (live session)
LINCS Community Group: Teaching and Learning
Online registration is required to participate in the LINCS Event for AEFL Week Virtual Celebration.

VALRC: Digital Literacy for Multilingual Learners Webinar Series, Session 1: Introduction and Integration of the Digital Access and Resilience in Texas (DART) Curriculum
2023-09-19 15:00 - 16:30 | Virtual
Have you struggled to find free resources to teach basic computer skills to multilingual learners? Are you overwhelmed by the idea of pulling together a variety of activities from different sources into a cohesive curriculum for learners who are new to using technology?
This webinar is designed to demonstrate an overview, as well as tips and techniques for using the free and adaptable DART curriculum. Using the 5E Lesson Plan from the DART curriculum, instructors and staff will be guided through Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation of this resource. Participants will have the opportunity to explore and discuss in small groups as they consider how to integrate the curriculum into their own teaching contexts.
This webinar is meant for anyone teaching Digital Literacy skills at the same time as Beginning English skills. Participants will receive links to the curriculum, ideas for integrating all or part of the curriculum into a course, and discuss strategies for program adaptation.
Objectives:

Understand the original purpose of the DART curriculum
Notice the 5E lesson plan as a structure for the webinar and reflect on its use to structure a lesson
Consider adoption of the curriculum in whole or part and discuss local adaptations

Register Here

EARN Training on Promoting Civic Readiness, LINCS
2023-09-20 15:00 - 16:30
Ever wonder what it means to provide instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and civic participation?
The Enhancing Access for Refugees and New Americans project is offering a virtual training to help adult educators, especially those teaching Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE), think about civics activities that promote English learners and immigrants’ civic readiness. This may include supporting eligible students as they move forward on their path to citizenship. The training will include information on the citizenship process and learning more about how adult education and citizenship instruction program providers can work together.
The training, Using IELCE Activities to Promote Civic Readiness and Connections to Citizenship, will be held on September 20th at 3-4:15pm ET/12-1:15pm PT. Register now!

VALRC: Teaching Writing: Evidence-based Practices and Strategy Instruction
2023-09-20 15:30 - 16:30
What does the research say about effective instruction that helps learners improve the quality of their writing? How can teachers can leverage strategy-based instruction to support learners in developing as writers? This webinar will review 11 evidence-based instructional practices and explore specific strategies that learners and teachers can use.
Register here.

Quality Teaching Online Overview Webinar
2023-09-21 13:00 - 14:30
This webinar will cover best practices for designing coherent and effective online courses. Additionally, we will focus on student engagement, building community, and applying Universal Design for Learning and accessibility standards to selecting and implementing instructional materials. Participants will learn to:

apply Universal Design for Learning and accessibility standards to instructional materials;
apply community building strategies in a virtual environment;
design interactive and meaningful activities for online courses; and,
identify best practices for designing an online course.

LINCS: Introducing the LINCS Universal Design for Learning Modules
2023-09-22 15:45 - 17:00
Description: Join us to learn about the new LINCS UDL modules focused on practices and strategies for supporting adults with learning challenges. We’ll also share resources and ideas for programs to create opportunities for learners to disclose their challenges during the intake and assessment processes. Please bring your questions, challenges, and ideas!
Presenter: Mike Cruse, LINCS Learners with Disabilities Group Moderator and Amanda Bastoni, CAST, Inc.
Date/Time: Tuesday, September 22, 2023, 3:45 PM ET (live session)
LINCS Community Group: Learners with Disabilities
Online registration is required to participate in the LINCS Event for Introducing the LINCS Universal Design for Learning Modules.

VALRC: Disabilities and the Adult Learner Webinar Series, Session 1: Introduction to working with adult learners who have disabilities
2023-09-26 13:00 - 14:30
It is important to keep in mind that learning disabilities are life-long. Children with disabilities grow-up to be adults with disabilities. Although, many adult learners go undiagnosed. Learning disabilities affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate movements, or direct attention. This session focuses on how adult educators can help their learners by better understanding the different characteristics of learning disabilities, implementing universal designing for learning (UDL), and utilizing partnerships.
Register

VALRC: Multilevel ESOL Classes Webinar Series, Session 1
2023-09-28 15:30 - 17:00 | Virtual
Do you want to tackle the challenges of teaching multilevel ESOL classes? Are you looking to address the varied learning needs of individual students within one classroom and become an effective multi-level teacher?
This 3 part webinar series will present strategies for effective multi-level instruction and planning for ESOL classes or multi-level classrooms. We will discuss the characteristics of a multilevel class, planning for differentiated instruction and implementing different classroom management strategies for effective instruction. Participants will leave the webinar with an understanding of what multilevel classroom needs consist of, how to prepare and plan for individual students needs, and strategies for implementing differentiated instruction in the adult ESOL multi-level classroom. The resources will include articles, videos and supplemental materials.
Objectives:

Understand the factors of a multilevel classroom and how to identify the needs of all students.
Identify strategies to effectively differentiate instruction in both multi level classrooms as well as leveled ESOL classes while accommodating literacy learners and more advanced students.
Discuss next steps for implementation, including adaptation of materials and strategies with a specific group of learners.

Session 1 will focus on an overview of the multilevel classroom & differentiation strategies.
Register Here

VALRC: Lessons from the Field with Steven Reid: ESOL Basics with Preliterate Adult Learners
2023-10-05 15:00 - 16:30
English language learners who come to the U.S. with no literacy in their first language have unique struggles in learning English. This webinar helps educators understand what these learners are going through and provides tips and ideas for creating lessons for students who speak no English and are not literate in any other language.
Facilitator Steven Reid says, “The limited research that exists on preliterate English language learners primarily focuses on youth under the age of 15. My work recently has focused on how to support teachers and tutors working with adults with little-to-no literacy in their first language (L1). Through academic research and observation of our students and tutors’ successes and struggles, I have compiled strategies and activities to help educators working with preliterate adults trying to learn to speak, read, and write in English. I will also discuss the causes of low L1 literacy and how this impacts L2 acquisition.”
Register Here

LINCS: Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month with the Job Accommodations Network (JAN)
2023-10-09 16:00 - 17:00
Join the LINCS Learners with Disabilities community to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This event will include an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and workplace accommodations. You will learn about the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) service, and practical tips for supporting learners to use JAN resources to request and negotiate workplace accommodations.
Register here.

Literacy Minnesota: Tips and Strategies for Adult Education Math Tutors
2023-10-09 19:30 - 21:30
Join Literacy Minnesota for this interactive session and pick up some ideas that will maximize your impact as a math tutor. This webinar will be appropriate for volunteers assisting a teacher in a math classroom as well as those leading their own classes, small groups or one-to-one sessions. Topics covered will include:

Levels of Math Knowing
Procedural vs Conceptual Understanding
Strategies for Fostering Independent Learning
Asking Facilitating Questions
Productive Struggle

Register here.

VALRC: Disabilities and the Adult Learner Webinar Series, Session 2: Instructional strategies for working with adults with disabilities
2023-10-10 13:00 - 14:30
Disabilities can occur across the lifespan, affecting academic performance, work, and daily living. Individuals with disabilities can have challenges with learning but can exhibit strengths in some areas. This session will provide instructional strategies for working with adults with disabilities, with a focus on incorporating evidence-based strategies into reading instruction.
Register

LINCS Coffee Talk: EL/Civics Resources about Indigenous Peoples
2023-10-10 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
Join us the LINCS Civics Education and Citizenship Group to share promising practices to foster cultural awareness through student discussions about the indigenous people in their country of origin and local Native American communities.
Register here.

LINCS: Engagement in the Hyflex Classroom
2023-10-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Engagement in any classroom modality is essential for a students’ learning outcomes. With an increase in technology in classrooms and the popularity of Hyflex, many instructors are seeking ideas and resources to make Hyflex integration easier and help students be more actively engaged. Join the LINCS English Language Acquisition community group to learn practical techniques, methods, and activities that successfully engage learners in a Hyflex classroom, both online and face-to-face. Presented by Vi Hawes, Pima Community College
Register here.

The Right Question Institute: Foster Client Agency through Building Self-advocacy Skills
2023-10-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
The Right Question Institute (RQI) specializes in designing simple educational methods and tools to teach skills essential for self-advocacy and agency. In this interactive training session, participants will learn a practical method to:

Strengthen clients’ sense of agency and voice as they navigate systems.
Build people’s capacity to advocate for themselves and take action on their own behalf in all places where decisions are being made that affect them, in the legal system and beyond.

This webinar will be relevant to anyone interested in building people’s skills to advocate for their needs. People working on the front lines in legal services, criminal justice, adult education, direct services, community-based organizations, and public agencies are especially encouraged to attend.
Register here.

VALRC: Digital Literacy for Multilingual Learners Webinar Series, Session 2: Integrating Digital Literacy Skills Development Into Daily Lesson Plans
2023-10-17 15:00 - 16:30 | Virtual
Is your class time split into separate English practice and then digital literacy practice? Are you challenged by using technology throughout a lesson plan to support instruction?
This webinar is designed to provide a strategy for integrating standards-based activities, correlated to the Seattle Digital Equity Initiative Digital Skills Framework, into each part of a lesson plan. After an overview, participants will choose and discuss one of the units. They will collaborate on strategies to integrate one objective into a contextualized lesson plan. They will use the Digital Skills Glossary to support their objective.
This webinar is meant for anyone seeking to support learners in developing digital resilience as they develop their English skills. Participants will receive resources including links to the framework and glossary.
Objectives:

Understand the purpose of the Digital Skills Framework and how it is similar to other sets of standards (ELPS, CCRS)
Choose a unit and objective to explore and discuss
Use the Digital Skills Glossary to support the objective being planned

Register Here

COABE: The Correctional Classroom: Cultivating a Culture That Promotes Creativity
2023-10-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
This webinar will teach methods for educators to explore their own creativity and develop classroom approaches that will inspire students. Coach Alisa Smedley will teach proven strategies for collaborating with students and cultivating a passion for their own success. Participants will leave with strategies for building rapport with students, ready-to-use classroom ideas, and important insights about teaching in a correctional setting.
Register here.

LINCS: AI in Adult Education: Possibilities for Teaching and Learning
2023-10-18 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Generative artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of society, so what can it offer students and teachers in the world of adult education? Our guest presenter, Will Linn from the Literacy Assistance Center will introduce the basics of ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing and share ways these AI tools can be applied to the work of adult education to help teachers and learners achieve their goals.
Register here.

Literacy Minnesota: Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
2023-10-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
Come and review the important role of fluency in reading instruction. We will discuss the three key components of reading fluency and look at a variety of activities tutors and teachers can try. We will talk about the mechanics of doing fluency practice via Zoom, Google Meet, Teams or any other remote tutoring tool (including the phone!). Participants will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and share resources. This workshop will be most useful for instructors working with low-intermediate to advanced readers.
Register here.

LINCS: Exploring Workplace Adult Education and Literacy Activities
2023-10-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
What is workplace education and literacy? Join special guest KayLynn Hamilton to learn ways adult education programs can support workforce development and how it aligns with WIOA. (This live Zoom event was originally scheduled in August.)
Register here.

Effective Communication and Access for Job Seekers who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, WorkforceGPS
2023-10-19 15:00 - 16:30
This webinar is a presentation of the best practices, resources and technology available at the American Job Centers for job seekers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
There is no inclusion without accessibility. With October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), it provides the opportunity to have a discussion on how the workforce system can be more inclusive to the job seekers from the deaf and hard of hearing community.

VALRC: Multilevel ESOL Classes Webinar Series, Session 2
2023-10-19 15:30 - 17:00
Do you want to tackle the challenges of teaching multilevel ESOL classes? Are you looking to address the varied learning needs of individual students within one classroom and become an effective multi-level teacher?
This 3 part webinar series will present strategies for effective multi-level instruction and planning for ESOL classes or multi-level classrooms. We will discuss the characteristics of a multilevel class, planning for differentiated instruction and implementing different classroom management strategies for effective instruction. Participants will leave the webinar with an understanding of what multilevel classroom needs consist of, how to prepare and plan for individual students needs, and strategies for implementing differentiated instruction in the adult ESOL multi-level classroom. The resources will include articles, videos and supplemental materials.
Objectives:

Understand the factors of a multilevel classroom and how to identify the needs of all students.
Identify strategies to effectively differentiate instruction in both multi level classrooms as well as leveled ESOL classes while accommodating literacy learners and more advanced students.
Discuss next steps for implementation, including adaptation of materials and strategies with a specific group of learners.

Session 2 will focus on a deep dive of differentiation by the process and the product.
Register Here
