VALRC

COABE: Recognizing and Responding to Dyslexia in Adults
2024-05-15 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 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.
Register Here

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.
Register Here

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.
Register Here

Literacy Minnesota: Teaching Reading Vocabulary
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.
Register Here

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.
Register Here

VDOE 2024 Data Office Hours
2024-06-04 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-07-02 14:00 - 15:00

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.
Register Here

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

LINCS: Adult Numeracy Network, an interview of the outgoing president, Heidi Schuler-Jones
2024-06-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Join LINCS for an exclusive interview with Heidi Schuler-Jones, Director of the Adult Numeracy Center at TERC and outgoing President of the Adult Numeracy Network (ANN) as she shares her insights, experiences, and expertise in the field of adult education, particularly in math and numeracy instruction. In this engaging interview, Heidi will discuss effective strategies, best practices, and innovative approaches to enhancing math instruction for adult learners. Whether you’re a seasoned math educator or new to the field of adult education, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in math instruction for adult learners. Don’t miss out on this chance to gain valuable knowledge, connect with peers, and be inspired to elevate your math teaching practices.
Register Here

Literacy Minnesota: Teaching Intermediate Alphabetics
2024-06-12 14:00 - 16:00 | 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.
Register Here

Literacy Minnesota: Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices for Adult Learners
2024-06-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
Learning new languages and skills as an adult is a challenge for most people, and that challenge grows when trauma and stress are present. Trauma and chronic stress can come in many forms, and impact people’s ability to learn new skills and process information in a variety of different ways. In this webinar, learn how stress and trauma can manifest in the adult education classroom, and learn about healing-centered teaching practices that can help to support positive learning behaviors and increase retention and learner comfort.
Register Here

LINCS: Microcredentialing
2024-06-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Can micro-credentials inform employers about prospective and incumbent employees? Join a live Zoom discussion where LINCS moderators, Chrissie Klinger, and Jacki Korengel and guest presenter Sarah Goldammer, Director of the Southern Illinois Professional Development Center, answer your questions about micro-credentialing, such as: (1) How can employers use micro-credentialing to grow their workforce and include it in succession planning?; (2) How are professional developers designing and delivering Micro-credential programs that resonate with practitioners’ needs and aspirations?; (3) Do learners value micro-credentials?; (4) Do they aid learners in demonstrating their acquisition of in-demand skills and/or enhance your career prospects? Don’t miss this one!
Register Here

LINCS: Understanding Assistive Technology for Adult Learners: A Conversation with the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs
2024-06-17 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
Join this conversation with the National Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training (AT3) Center to learn what “assistive technology” means and the devices it includes. Our guest presenters are Kellie Blackwel, Marty Exline, Linda Jaco and Lyssa Prince will discuss the types of services offered by Assistive Technology Act Programs and how to access their services. Participants will identify several ways digital content can be designed with an approach to promote access for all learners and receive guidance on how to take courses on digital accessibility through the AT3 Center.
Register Here

LINCS: Discover In-Class Journaling: An Exciting Way to Enhance Learners’ English, Mindfulness & More
2024-06-18 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
“Journaling with English Learners? How does that even work?” Find out during this LINCS event with our guest presenter, ELA teaching expert Trish Udell. We will discuss the health benefits of journaling, ways to start journaling and keep it going with students, particularly with beginning-level English learners.
Register Here

Literacy Minnesota: Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
2024-06-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Research shows that explicitly teaching a set of comprehension strategies is a great way to help intermediate-level readers maximize their understanding of texts. Come learn a handful of great comprehension tools that will help students develop critical thinking skills and comprehension skills.
Register Here

Literacy Minnesota: Teaching and Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
2024-06-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
You don’t need to be a computer expert in order to teach computer skills! Come learn how help students build their digital literacy skills using Northstar Digital Literacy.
In the webinar, participants will learn:

The features of Northstar Digital Literacy.
How to help learners navigate Northstar digital literacy assessments.
How to use the Northstar instructor-led curriculum.
How to guide learners through the Northstar Digital Literacy Online Learning Modules.
Additional digital literacy resources.

If you are not familiar with Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments, please go to digitalliteracyassessment.org and take the Computer Basics assessment prior to the training.
Register Here

COABE: Sparking Conversations about Race and Equity with Adult English Learners
2024-06-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
English learners with basic conversational skills are often eager to discuss and learn about racism, equity, and justice. However, few opportunities exist to explore these topics in safe, structured settings, and language teachers are sometimes unprepared to effectively facilitate these conversations. This webinar will provide teachers with tools and ideas to encourage critical conversations about race, equity, and justice in their adult English classes. Access to materials to use in the classroom will be shared.
Register Here

Literacy Minnesota: Phonics in Beginning ESL: Recommendations, Activities and Resources
2024-07-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
Phonics–the knowledge of the sounds letters make when they are combined to make words–is essential to beginning literacy and beginning level English language instruction. But, many teachers and tutors lack the knowledge, confidence and resources to teach the topic. Attend this session to learn why phonics instruction is important and leave with several ideas for phonics activities and resources to bring back to your teaching and tutoring sessions.
Register here.

edWeb: Phonemic Awareness in Older Learners: Bridging the Gap
2024-07-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Designed for K12 educators, reading specialists, and literacy advocates, this session will explore how phonemic awareness instruction can be a game-changer for older students who need support with word reading. Despite its critical importance in early reading stages, phonemic awareness remains vital for remediation in older readers, providing a foundation for improved decoding, spelling, and comprehension skills.
Learn more and register here.

COABE: Case Management for ITP Students: A Tiered Approach for Multi-Level Participants
2024-07-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Internationally Trained Professionals as a subset of English language learners have specialized needs compared with the generalized population. Providers can start to serve these individuals where they are through case management by providing customized advising, career exploration, workplace preparation, digital skills, document translation and evaluation along with other intensive services.
Register here.

EdTech Center@World Education: A Framework for Integrating AI in Adult Education
2024-07-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
What questions should we be asking about new AI tools? What questions should we ask ourselves when we leverage those tools? Join this discussion to explore considerations for humans and technology in education and workforce development. Classroom teachers, education leaders, industry experts, and adult learners—ALL are welcome to join and participate in the conversation live on LinkedIn.
Register here.

LINCS: A Virtual Professional Learning Community Example
2024-07-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join this live Zoom event with guest presenter Joanna Botts, Director of Morehead State Adult Education, as she delves deeper into Kentucky’s use of virtual learning communities to facilitate professional development opportunities
Register here.

COABE: IELCE in Action: Preparing Adult Multilingual Learners for High-Demand Machining Jobs
2024-07-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Designing an Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) program can be daunting. Learn how Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College’s Workforce Preparation and Introduction to Machining program is preparing multilingual language learners for entry-level employment in the high-demand field of machining. This engaging, visual-rich webinar will provide an overview of a successful IELCE program, including program design, recruiting, onboarding, and employer partnering.
Register here.

LINCS: Cross-Cultural Approaches to Digital Literacy
2024-07-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
If viewed as a new language, digital literacy is similarly impacted by the cultural and social needs that a learner brings into the classroom. Join our guest presenter, Sarah Haroon Sualehi, PhD Candidate, Texas A&M, to explore what English language instructors can do to understand the social and cultural needs of your students and bridge gaps between learners and content from different cultural backgrounds.
Register here.

LINCS: Storytelling as an Instructional Strategy
2024-07-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Join the LINCS Community Teaching and Learning group for a presentation by Dr. Natalia Balyasnikova from York University, as she delves into the transformative power of storytelling in the realm of adult learning. Dr. Balyasnikova’s research focuses on the English language learning experiences of older immigrants in community-based settings, utilizing innovative narrative ethnographic methods. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore new frontiers in instructional strategy and community engagement.
Register here.

VDOE 2024 Data Office Hours
2024-07-22 13:30 - 15:00 | Online
An (optional) Office Hour for discussing how programs might incorporate the Portal into their student intake and data flow will be held July 22, 1:30-3 p.m. Join at this link, passcode: [REDACTED]
