March 2010 Archive

Word Study Discussion on the NIFL Reading & Writing Skills Listserv (March 29, 2010)

There will be a guest discussion on the National Institute for Literacy's Reading and Writing Skills Listserv from April 5-April 9th.

Description:
The guest discussion will focus on a dialogue on how an intervention, Word Study (Bear, Invernizzi, Templeton & Johnston, 2008), works in adult education settings. Word study is a practical approach founded on orthographic research and requires learners to examine, discriminate and make judgments about word structures, spellings and meanings.

Facilitator:
The guest facilitator is Donita Massengill Shaw, Ph.D. She is an associate professor of Literacy Education at the University of Kansas. Her instructional load includes courses such as literacy methods for preservice elementary teachers, content area reading for secondary teachers, and graduate level courses on foundations of literacy, writing/spelling, comprehension, and the reading specialist leadership class. Donita's research interests include Word Study with adult learners and teacher education. She is passionate about finding efficient and proficient ways to enable adult learners to successfully meet their educational goals.

Preparation:

General Questions to consider:

What is Word Study? What is the history behind the intervention? How does Word Study work with adults when Word Study research has been conducted mainly with children?

To what extent should adult educators work on word knowledge with adult learners when the purpose of reading should focus on comprehension? And writing should focus on communication?

What information is available to guide adult educators in their teaching of word knowledge?

Research Questions to consider:

What does Word Study look like in an adult education setting? (ABE, GED, ESL)

What impact does Word Study have on adult students' reading and spelling?

What do adults say during and after they engage in Word Study?

Background:
To obtain a bit of background regarding word study: http://www.proteacher.org/c/663_Words_Their_Way.html

The official discussion announcement for this discussion can be found at: NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Steps to Successful Nonprofit Videos with Youtube and Flip Video (March 24, 2010)

The Case Foundation will have its first CaseSoup session next Thursday, April 1 at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT, and will be joined by Ramya Raghavan of YouTube and Basho Mosko of Flip Video who will share with the group some of the secrets to creating successful nonprofit videos. Ramya and Basho will be taking questions live via Twitter, UStream chat, or you can send an email before the session to CaseSoup@casefoundation.org. The Case Foundation partnered with YouTube, See3 Communications, Flip Video, and NTEN this past month on the DoGooder Nonprofit Video Awards. While the submission date is now closed, it’s not too early to get a jump start on preparing your best nonprofit videos for 2010.

Stay tuned for more information on other upcoming CaseSoup sessions. Through this medium, the Case Foundation will give you insight on how you can drive sign-ups and donations straight from your videos, find skilled videographers through YouTube’s Video Volunteers program, and even get free products from Flip Video through their Flip For Good program.

Click here for more information: http://www.casefoundation.org/blog/launching-casesoup-serving-steaming-cup-o-good

New ESL Videos Ready for Viewing (March 4, 2010)

The New American Horizons Foundation recently announced that the first two videos of the adult ESL training video project are now available to view. The Foundation expects to have a DVD available for purchase about March 8, and is working on providing an option to download the videos to your computer and burn your own DVD (if you have DVD-burning software). The staff would love to hear your reactions, which you can them by writing a comment on the news blog.

The two videos are Lesson Planning for Life Skills (facilitated by Betsy Wong, Alexandria) and Building Literacy with Adult Emergent Readers. To view the videos, go to: http://www.newamericanhorizons.org/training-videos.

Recording of the next three videos is scheduled for mid-March.

Ida Hill Scholarships: This is a great year to help your student win $1,000 scholarship. Deadline March 1 (February 9, 2010)

Dear Colleagues,

Imagine how pleased your student would be to win a $1,000 scholarship towards reaching their literacy goals. Your job is to nominate them and write a short nomination letter. Should your student win, you will be invited to join the group for the reception dinner. Last year's winners were: Fatima Fakhri and Lynette Hicks.

Each year Altrusa International, Inc. of the Capital City of Virginia is pleased to announce continuation of its statewide annual award of the Ida J. Hill Scholarship. The two selection categories and scholarships are as follows:
Selection 1: $1,000.00
Selection 2: $1,000.00

The purpose is to provide scholarships to two qualifying adults re-entering the workforce or advancing their employment skills. The nominating council or adult education program will be expected to observe progress throughout the year. The only requirements for participation in the scholarship program are the submission of a nomination letter from the organization or agency head, and a letter/statement from the potential recipient indicating interest, current status and career goals, training location or anticipated use of funds, and a statement of need. Plans are to award two scholarships at the Altrusa meeting on March 10, 2010 in Richmond. The deadline for the applications is March1, 2010.

The recipients’ council or adult education office will receive a commemorative plaque. The agency or organization head or designee is invited also to join the recipient at the dinner on March 10, 2010. Attendance at the dinner is required.

Scholarship Packet 2010

Criteria for 2010 Ida Hill Scholarship

Applicant information for scholarship consideration should:

be less than 100 words

be typewritten or in legible handwriting

include location and level of training, employment or training objectives, anticipated use of funds, and a statement of need.

Applicant must be recommended by her local literacy council or adult education leader.

Local literacy council/adult education leaders may recommend one or more applicants.

Local literacy council president/adult education leader must send an accompanying letter of recommendation for each applicant.

Applicant must be an adult re-entering the workforce or advancing employment skills.

Award recipients will be chosen by a selection committee of Altrusa International, Inc. of the Capital City of Virginia.

Award recipient and a council representative will be required to be present at an award dinner in Richmond on March 10, 2010.

Information submitted should provide appropriate mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses.

Application deadline is March 1, 2010.

Application and letter must be sent to:
Joanne Cash, Chairperson,
Scholarship Program,
Altrusa International, Inc. of the Capital City of Virginia,
579 Southlake Blvd.
Richmond, VA 23235.

The VALRC, located at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU School of Education), is funded primarily through the VA Department of Education.