VALRC

VALRC Beginning Literacy Webinar Series: Contextualized Phonics Instruction
2024-04-04 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | 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 as well as connections between this approach and the science of reading. 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.
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ProLiteracy: Starting to Read: Building Phonemic Awareness and Foundation Literacy Skills with Preliterate ELL Students
2024-04-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Adult students who are just beginning their literacy journey while also still learning to speak English face a unique challenge. Preliterate students have no connection to the sound/letter correlation required to read. Many lack even basic print awareness connecting any symbol to a meaning. In this webinar, we will discuss helping preliterate students develop the skills necessary to begin learning to read and write in their new language.
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This webinar is part of the ProLiteracy Teacher Training Plus Series

VALRC: Multilevel ESOL Classes Webinar Series, Session 3
2024-04-09 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 3 will focus on grouping strategies and building community.
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VALRC Lessons from the Field with Cassandra Kramer: Using Digital Literacy to Connect Adult English Learners to Their Families and Communities
2024-04-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Incorporating family-motivated assignments and elements of digital literacy into the ESL classroom can empower adult English learners to succeed in the workforce and at home. In this webinar, join the English Empowerment Center’s Cassandra Kramer to explore mini-projects that can help connect learners to their communities in a digital way. Participants will have the opportunity to work together to create their own family-focused mini project that uses digital literacy. All participants will be able to take the mini-projects highlighted in this presentation and adapt and use them in their own classrooms.
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EdTech: Strategy Sessions
2024-04-12 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual
Learn about the new, open BRIDGES digital skills framework. This framework has been the result of a collective effort to expand digital skills instruction and resources. Then, hear an overview of the research-based, inclusive teaching framework called Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and its application with adult learners. At 2:00 pm stick around to join breakout rooms with one of the lightning talk presenters!
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LINCS: ChatGPT for ESL Instruction
2024-04-12 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers exciting new possibilities for English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms. In this presentation, Yeonjai Rah explores ideas for leveraging AI in three key areas: 1. As a conversation partner and writing tutor for ESL learners. 2. For developing student-centered and culturally relevant teaching materials. 3. As an aid for ESL evaluators. The thoughtful integration of AI has much to offer ESL education. With the right balance of technology and human guidance, AI can enhance learning experiences for students from all backgrounds.
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LACES (Literacy, Adult and Community Education System) Data Training
2024-04-16 13:00 - 2024-04-18 17:00 | Reynolds Workforce Development and Conference Center, 1651 E Parham Rd,, Richmond, 23228, United States

COABE: New Frontiers in Jail Education—How adult education providers can partner with jails to drive MSGs, diplomas, and life-changing experiences
2024-04-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
As tablet technology and secure internet access is growing in jails across the U.S., the ability to deliver a new level of educational opportunities grows as well. There are now more than 700,000 tablets deployed in prisons and jails across the country. This delivery mechanism is changing the way adult education providers can partner with jails to impact their communities. Join this session to see the cutting-edge technology, learn ways in which your program can innovate jail education, and develop a plan for beginning or enhancing jail education in your community.
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Literacy Minnesota: Teaching Reading Vocabulary
2024-04-17 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-30 19:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
Vocabulary is everyone’s favorite reading component! And helping students master reading vocabulary is a key to helping them master comprehension.
But how many words should you teach? And which words are the most important? What strategies are best for helping students learn new words? How do you get students to make new words part of their receptive and productive vocabularies? This webinar will focus on the theory and best practice behind choosing, teaching and reviewing reading vocabulary. You’ll get a chance to learn about (and practice) a variety of activities that can be done remotely or in person. Links to great online resources will also be provided.
This workshop will be most useful for instructors working with low-intermediate to advanced readers.
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ProLiteracy: Instructional Routines for Building Number Sense & Using Structure
2024-04-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Number sense stands as a pivotal pillar of mathematics and numeracy. Yet, guiding learners to cultivate this sense beyond mere drills and repetitive worksheets can pose a challenge. The solution lies in impactful instructional routines that enable learners to uncover patterns and make use of structures in their journey to enhance number sense. Attend this final webinar in the math track to learn effective instructional routines to add to your teaching toolbox.
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This webinar is part of the Teacher Training Plus series

Literacy Minnesota: Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
2024-04-23 14:00 - 16:00 | 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.
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COABE: Updates From the Enhancing Access for Refugees and New Americans Project
2024-04-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Join OCTAE’s Enhancing Access for Refugees and New Americans (EARN) project as we highlight and discuss newly available and upcoming resources to support IELCE implementation. EARN resources include videos, spotlights on effective practices, and guides and tools to support implementation on the topics of immigrant integration, the components of IELCE/IET, instructional delivery approaches, and learner-centered approaches.
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Literacy Minnesota: Reading Activities for Beginning Literacy and Beginning English Language Learners
2024-04-24 19:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
Teaching and tutoring very beginning level ESL readers can be intimidating for volunteers and professional teachers alike. Attend this webinar to get practical activities and ideas for one-on-one, remote and in-person instruction with tech and no-tech options. Leave feeling ready to provide your learners with meaningful and effective reading activities.
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DARS WINDMILLS: Harness the Power of Inclusion
2024-04-25 14:00 - 15:30
Windmills has a proven history of assisting those with and without disabilities to better understand the culture of disability in the workplace.
We will be rotating the following modules:

Fact or Fiction: Jan 25
Whose Fault: Feb 22
Perspectives: Mar 28
Taking Emotions out of Emotional Disabilities: Apr 25
Profiles (coming May 23)
AT and Reasonable Accommodations (coming June 27)

Pre-registration is required. Register HERE.

Atlas ABE: Learning Math Asynchronously: Best Practices, Resources and More
2024-04-25 15:30 - 17:00 | Virtual
Students have incredibly busy schedules and this can prevent them from attending scheduled classes to meet their needs. In the past, we may have simply offered students access to a distance learning platform. Today we have access to a variety of tools and resources to provide students with a more interactive and robust learning experience. Join us as we explore asynchronous learning in the post-COVID era. We will discuss the benefits and challenges of asynchronous learning as well as tools, resources, routines and stories from inside our own asynchronous classrooms.
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Literacy Minnesota: Working with Literacy and Beginning Level ESL Learners
2024-04-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Learners with limited English and literacy skills have unique needs for in-person and remote instruction. Participants will learn best practices and tips for success at this level. They’ll also get several ideas for routines, activities and resources to use in their classes and tutoring sessions.
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Literacy Minnesota: Teaching Intermediate Alphabetics
2024-04-29 19:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
Teaching intermediate alphabetics (syllables, prefixes, suffixes, root words) is a great way to help students build their decoding and comprehension skills. Come learn a variety of fun and easy-to-use routines and activities for helping intermediate-level readers develop these important tools.
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VALRC-TSTM: Civics Education PLC
2024-04-30 15:30 - 17:00 | Online
Do you want to learn more about the classroom-ready lessons and other resources in the Teaching the Skills that Matter (TSTM) Toolkit?
Do you want to gain ideas for incorporating civics education and workforce preparation skills and activities into your teaching?
Do you want to work with experienced facilitators and colleagues around the state to adapt TSTM lessons to support your adult learners?
If you answered “yes,” then join us for the Spring 2024 TSTM: Civics Education Literacy Professional Learning Community (PLC). This three-week, ten-hour PLC is streamlined for instructors and designed to help teachers harness the power of the TSTM Toolkit in their current classroom or learning environment.
This PLC includes:

3, 90-minute “live” PLC sessions, held Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on March 12, March 19, and March 26;
Online collaboration and sharing with your PLC colleagues and facilitator; and,
A 90-minute follow-up session on Tuesday, April 30, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. focused on sustaining TSTM.

Registration for this event is now closed. If you have questions about TSTM, contact Hillary Major at VALRC.

VDOE 2024 Data Office Hours
2024-05-07 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-06-04 14:00 - 15:00

COABE: Recognizing and Responding to Dyslexia in Adults
2024-05-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Most adults with dyslexia don’t even know they have it. During this interactive webinar, Laura will provide attendees with information about dyslexia and share a simple screening instrument to identify characteristics of dyslexia in adults. She will provide research-based reading instruction methods and additional resources that are highly effective for adult learners with dyslexia.
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LINCS: Strategies and Resources for Supporting Highly Skilled Immigrants
2024-05-28 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Are you looking for strategies and resources to support immigrants who are highly skilled? Join our live event with Stefanie Vasquez from World Education Services on May 28, 2024 from 3-4 pm. Participants will leave this event with resources and strategies to better support English learners with accessing and progressing along career pathways in the United States.
Register Here

COABE: The Little Things You Can Do to Make a Big Impact on GED® Math Performance
2024-05-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Sometimes it’s the little things students ignore that could mean the difference between passing or failing the GED® Mathematical Reasoning Test. This session will focus on what teachers need to pay attention to in terms of what students do during problem solving exercises that could help significantly improve students’ performance on the test. This session will also suggest strategies on how to break those bad math habits and provide tips to sustain effective problem-solving practices.
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LINCS: Reading, Writing, and Workforce Prep
2024-05-30 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Do you wonder which reading and writing skills are essential for the workplace? Find out in this LINCS webinar, Reading, Writing, and Workforce Prep on May 30 at 3 PM ET. Join moderators Chrissie Klinger and Steve Schmidt as they discuss workforce prep skills and model activities that prepare students for workplace success.
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LINCS: Teaching Juneteenth
2024-06-03 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
In 2023 Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday, but what is the history of Juneteenth and how can educators use the celebration as an opportunity to teach about American history and the meaning of freedom? In this event, LINCS will cover the history of Juneteenth, and share information and resources to help educators turn the holiday into a celebration and a teachable moment.
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LINCS: From Enrollment to Completion: Supporting Individuals with Learning Differences Achieve Success
2024-06-04 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Join the Teaching and Learning and Program Management community groups as we bridge UDL and wraparound services. Program managers will learn what equitable access to services looks like, and educators will come away with ideas to better support students in need of additional services.
Register Here

Literacy Minnesota: Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
2024-06-04 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.
Register Here

COABE: Accelerating Literacy Acquisition for Multilingual Learners
2024-06-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Discover the transformative power of scientific research in English language instruction. This webinar delves into two crucial areas of study, the science of reading and the science of learning, offering invaluable insights for educators working with multilingual learners. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of evidence-based practices and explore practical strategies to accelerate English acquisition in adult education and correctional settings. Join us in unlocking the potential of scientific approaches in enhancing language and literacy development.
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Literacy Minnesota: Essential Zoom Skills for Online Instruction
2024-06-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Join this hands-on session to learn and practice essential Zoom skills for the virtual classroom that may not be in your repertoire if your experience with the platform is limited to meetings with friends and colleagues at work.
The workshop will cover:
1. Turning off participants’ cameras and microphones.
2. Re-naming participants.
3. Sharing your screen.
4. Annotating your screen.
5. Setting up and visiting breakout rooms.
Please note that you may be asked to participate in discussion groups during the webinar. Please plan to join us from a quiet setting where you can see the PowerPoint slides and use your audio.
Register Here
