Tutors of Literacy in the Commonwealth Tutor Resource Site

Adult Literacy Grants Available from Dollar General

2012-02-02T07:17:00.004-05:00

Adult Literacy Grants are Available to Programs in 38 States (DEADLINE 2/26/2012)

Dollar General Literacy Foundation Adult Literacy Grants award funding to nonprofit organizations that provide direct service to adults in need of literacy assistance. Organizations must be located within one of the 38 states served by Dollar General stores, and must provide help in at least one of the following instructional areas: adult basic education, general education, diploma preparation, and English language acquisition. The maximum grant amount is $15,000.
Click here to apply for a 2012 Dollar General Adult Literacy Grant.

ESL Conversation Class Topics from Eastside Literacy Council

2012-02-01T12:15:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for topics for conversation with the ESL students you tutor? You can find a large variety of "Talk Time" lesson plans on the Adult Education Tutor Support site of Hopelink Adult Education.

It's Never Too Late

2012-01-12T11:39:00.000-05:00

It’s Never Too Late is a Philadelphia-based grassroots initiative that is dedicated to helping adult non-readers achieve the basic skills needed to cope with the text in their everyday lives.

To learn more about their instructional model to effectively and efficiently teach Adult Beginning Readers check out their website.

Time to Nominate Outstanding Tutors for the 2012 Award!

2011-12-06T14:39:00.000-05:00

Adult Education Programs:

It is once again time to nominate your wonderful tutors for the Outstanding Tutor Award. The Outstanding Tutor for 2012 will be presented with his/her award during the opening luncheon of the PAACE Conference on March 12, 2012. The winner of the award will receive $400 (as will the agency who nominates the winning tutor), registration - including meals - to the PAACE conference, and hotel lodging for the nights of March 12 and 13. The winning tutor will also receive an award to honor his/her achievement.

To nominate a tutor for the Outstanding Tutor Award, the nomination form, found below, must be completed, along with a narrative and a video of the tutor conducting a typical tutoring session. Further guidance can be found in the documents below.

Deadline for nominations is January 15, 2012.

Award winner will be announced February 15, 2012.

Outstanding Tutor Nomination Form, WORD

Outstanding Tutor Nomination Form, PDF

Flyer Outstanding Tutor 2012

Photo Release

Time to Register for the 2012 PAACE Conference!!!

2011-12-03T10:49:00.000-05:00

Conference registration is now open!

It is already December 3, 2011 and PAACE Conference registration opened December 1! Early bird registration is only available for one month and it is an especially good deal for members (hint hint...). Use the links below to take advantage of the special rate before it is too late!

To join PAACE or renew your membership ...

To register for the PAACE Conference ...

Online Sources for Adult Ed Lesson Plans

2011-12-03T09:59:00.001-05:00

Tired of reinventing the wheel?

Check out these sources for adult education lesson plans.

Thirteen Ed Online - Adult Ed
GED Lesson Plans
Resources for Workforce Instructors

Congratulations to Volunteer Instructors

2011-11-08T13:44:00.000-05:00

The following volunteer instructors were nominated to attend the two day Teacher Institute to be held in State College on December 13 and 14. They received notification today that they have been awarded scholarships to attend the event which will be conducted by the state's six content area experts!

Congratulations to:

Christine Atwood, Vita Education Services

John Flamisch, The Literacy Center, Allentown

Ellen Rogovin Hart, Community Learning Center

Gail Madden, Vita Education Services

Deb Scelza, Butler County Community College

Marion Young, United Neighborhood Centers, Family Literacy

Outstanding Adult Educator

2011-11-08T13:40:00.004-05:00

Have someone in mind? Nomination forms can be found here for Pennsylvania's 2012 Outstanding Adult Educator!

Request for Nomination form
Nomination Form
Outstanding Adult Educator Criteria

Outstanding Tutor 2012

2011-10-26T14:21:00.002-04:00

It will soon be time to nominate tutors for the 2012 Outstanding Tutor Award. Watch for more information in the near future!

Registration for Conference Will Open December 1, 2011

2011-10-17T12:26:00.002-04:00

The 2012 annual Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education conference is being held March 12, 13 and 14 at the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College, PA. The focus of the conference is Adult Education: Making a Difference in a Changing World. Registration for the conference and membership renewal links will be open on December 1, 2011.

Rates for the conference are as follows:

Member Nonmember

Early bird (Dec 1- Jan 2) $185 $275

Missed the worm (Jan 3 - Jan 30) $200 $290

Flew into a window (after Jan 30) $215 $305

The hotel rates are $103/single and $113/double.

Math Site

2011-09-15T21:36:00.000-04:00

Need suggestions for teaching math? Check out The Resource Room's page for Math Lessons and Articles.

Article on Adult Literacy in Tulsa World News

2011-09-15T17:44:00.000-04:00

Learn more about adult literacy in Oregon by reading this article:
Tulsa's adult literacy program one of the state's strongest.

Free Online Courses for Instructors Teaching Citizenship

2011-08-08T07:59:00.000-04:00

Check out these three free online courses for instructors teaching citizenship.

MakeBeliefsComix.com Launches Special Needs Section

2011-08-05T16:34:00.001-04:00

MakeBeliefsComix.com, the free online comic strip generator, has launched a new Special Needs Section to help educators, educational therapists and parents use the site to enable children with a wide array of disabilities communicate more effectively and express their ideas by creating comic strips online. Creating comic strips is a fun way to encourage writing and reading.

A High School Dropout's Midlife Hardships

2011-08-05T10:46:00.001-04:00

Listen to or read the story of this high school dropout. You can find the rest of the five part series here.

Literacy Network's Bookmarks

2011-08-05T07:49:00.000-04:00

Check out these bookmarks, started by Literacy Network in Wisconsin. It shares numerous websites on everything from phonics to job seeking to health literacy. (Look at the Tags on the right side of the page for various topics.)

Videos on Numeracy

2011-08-03T17:33:00.000-04:00

This MLoTS link will take you to several numeracy related videos, including lesson plans for GED and pre-GED students.

Video Examples of Technology Used in the Adult Education Classroom

2011-08-03T17:29:00.000-04:00

Captured Wisdom is a set of videos that provide examples of technology being used effectively in the adult education classroom. To access the videos on the OTAN site you will be prompted to register - a quick and easy step which will give you access to numerous resources for those working in adult education.

Workforce Resource

2011-08-03T17:01:00.002-04:00

Check out the new resource posted in the LINCS Workforce Competitiveness Collection. Integrating Adult Basic and Occupational Training: A Review of Research and Practice examines integration of basic skills and occupational training.

New Era of Adult Education in PA

2011-07-18T17:34:00.000-04:00

Adult Education in PA has some significant changes to master. Funding and program cuts have been difficult for the field to grasp. Unfortunately, change is the only thing that remains the same - so now we must move forward.

Tutors of Literacy in the Commonwealth will still be offering services, although they will look a bit different than they have in the past. We are still here with online resources and we will be offering consultation services which will provide ongoing, in depth support specific to the agency, volunteer instructors and tutors. We will grow from this change and the adult learners will benefit - of that we must make certain!

What specific support do you/your agency/your volunteer instructors need?

The Literacy Tribune

2011-06-01T17:04:00.000-04:00

The May issue of The Literacy Tribune, a free bi-monthly newsletter for adult learners, is now available online.

Adult Learner Expresses Gratitude

2011-05-12T08:32:00.000-04:00

How Things Change

Shair, an adult student who is being tutored by a volunteer from Delaware County Literacy Council, gives a speech expressing her appreciation for the help she receives. The speech was featured at a luncheon held April 10, 2011, to appreciate Delaware County Literacy Council's more than 200 volunteers.

Resources to Research!

2011-05-04T08:27:00.000-04:00

The following two sites will provide numerous resources for those tutoring low level adult learners.

Resource Room: Hi-Lo Readers

Harnessing Technology to Serve Adult Literacy

What is your most valued website when tutoring adults?

Good Teaching: The Top Ten Requirements

2011-04-06T15:53:00.000-04:00

This article describes ten requirements for good teachers, and tutors - that means you too!

YouTube Videos about Adult Beginning Readers

2011-04-06T15:28:00.001-04:00

It's Never Too Late: Instructional Model for Teaching Adult Beginning Reading, 4 Part series about an instructional model to effectively and efficiently teach Adult Beginning Readers.

2011 Outstanding Tutor Receives Award

2011-04-06T13:54:00.005-04:00

L. Anson, 2010's Outstanding Tutor, presenting award to Bill

Bill Campbell grew up in East Brady (Clarion Co) Pennsylvania and graduated from Penn State with a BS in Accounting in 1973. Shortly after graduation he began his 28 years of employment in Pittsburgh; he held positions in a variety of accounting, treasury, financial and analytical functions and earned his MBA from Duquesne University.

In the fall of 2000, Bill answered a recruitment ad in the Pennysaver for volunteer ESL (English as a Second Language) tutors for the Greater Pittsburgh

Literacy Council (GPLC). Bill had been looking for volunteer opportunities and he thought teaching ESL sounded interesting. He took GPLC’s tutor training and was assigned his first student, a man from Egypt, in September 2000.

The unexpected end of his career in 2001 left him with a new found freedom that allowed him to jump into ESL tutoring feet first. Over the years, nearly 150 students from around the world have attended his group and one-on-one sessions. Bill often takes his students on field trips, edits their work and utilizes authentic community resources to truly contextualize his instruction. At GPLC, he is a Mentor Tutor, recipient of the Excel Service Award and serves on the committee for the annual recognition event. In 2002, he was recognized as a Community Champion by the Jefferson Awards for Public Service and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for exceptional volunteer service to the community as an ESL tutor with GPLC.

Thanks Bill, for making a difference in the lives of so many. The field of adult literacy is fortunate to have individuals like you working to improve the lives of others.

2011 Outstanding Tutor and Nominees Flyer
2011 Outstanding Tutor and Nominees Flyer

PAACE Conference Right Around the Corner

2011-03-01T12:06:00.000-05:00

The yellow brick road can easily lead you to TLC's table in the marketplace during the annual PAACE conference. On the opening night of the conference there will be a pizza networking event for PAACE divisions; the Adult Literacy Division will be joining together to discuss current affairs, including tutor professional development. Please join us!

2011 Outstanding Tutor Announced

2011-02-21T13:05:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Bill Campbell, a star tutor at Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council! Bill will be presented his Outstanding Tutor Award during the opening luncheon of the PAACE conference on March 14 at the Penn Stater in State College. Thanks to Bill and all the rest of you out there Making a Difference! Your work is truly appreciated.

What Do You Think?

2011-02-05T00:02:00.000-05:00

As TLC attempts to merge a couple of websites, its look is changing. Everything that was on the old Resource Site is still here and it hasn't been changed drastically, so please be patient as some updates are made over the next few weeks. Thank you!

NOMINATIONS CLOSED

2011-01-26T14:12:00.001-05:00

Nominations for the 2011 Outstanding Tutor Award are NOW CLOSED. The winner will be announced February 21, 2011. Thanks to all of you who took the time to nominate a tutor. Once again, the response was great.

New Newsletter for Tutors from TLC

2011-01-24T10:21:00.000-05:00

Please follow this link to find TLC's first issue of our new newsletter Tips for Tutors. What tips do you have to share? Post them here so that I can add them to the next newsletter!

Pennsylvania's 2011 Outstanding Tutor Award

2010-12-10T14:04:00.003-05:00

Are you ready to nominate someone for TLC's Outstanding Tutor Award? Nominations are due by January 25, 2011 and the winner will be announced February 21, 2011. The award will be presented at the opening luncheon of the 2011 PAACE Conference, March 14, Penn Stater Conference Center. Nomination forms can be found in the Outstanding Tutor Award folder on Google Docs. For further information contact Kim.

A Spring Event Being Shared Belatedly :(

2010-10-06T11:13:00.000-04:00

Appreciation for Volunteers that Empower Adults through Literacy

The LIU12 Franklin County Literacy Council hosted a volunteer appreciation luncheon on April 23rd at Hoss' Steak and Sea House. The program was highlighted by memories from 25 years of literacy service that were shared by Lois Strayer and Anne Barton. The literacy council was founded in 1985 with a grant from the Gannett Company. The council is currently supported by the PA Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education, United Way, and community donors.

Volunteer spirit was honored by guest speaker Amy Hicks the Executive Director of Franklin County United Way. In attendance were community leaders including Bernice Crouse, Franklin and Fulton County Library System; Doug Harmon, Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce; and Jan Zimmerman, Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Volunteers were honored for the 3200 hours of service provided to 105 adult students to improve literacy. Marie Steinbacher, council coordinator, expressed appreciation for the dedication that literacy volunteers show as they work with adult learners. .

The following service awards were also presented at the luncheon:

Tutor Achievement - Richard Mowen

Exceptional Tutor Service Award - Linda Jensen

Lifetime Service - Anne Barton

Literacy Volunteer Excellence Award - Pennie Helman

The LIU12 Franklin County Literacy Council was established in 1985 by a handful of volunteers. Eighty volunteers currently assist the council to improve literacy for our county. Each year the council serves over one hundred students as they seek to reach life goals. The council regularly holds volunteer trainings. If you would like to attend training or volunteer to support literacy please call Marie Steinbacher at 717-504-4459 Ext 3504.

Attitude

2010-09-30T09:43:00.000-04:00

A story to motivate...

John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, 'If I were any better, I would be twins!'

He was a natural motivator.

If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, 'I don't get it!'

'You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?'

He replied, 'Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or...you can choose to be in a bad mood

I choose to be in a good mood.'

Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.

Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or...I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life..

'Yeah, right, it's not that easy,' I protested.

'Yes, it is,' he said. 'Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.

You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life.'

I reflected on what he said.. Soon hereafter, I left the XXX Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.

I saw him about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, 'If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?'

I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.

'The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter,' he replied. 'Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or....I could choose to die. I chose to live.'

'Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?' I asked.

He continued, '...the paramedics were great.

They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action.'

'What did you do?' I asked.

'Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me,' said John. 'She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity''

Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live.. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.'

He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude....I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.

Attitude, after all, is everything.

Do You Agree That ...

2010-09-17T15:24:00.000-04:00

Gender Equity Begins with Literacy? Read this blog post to find out more about this issue.

TLC's Ning Site Is Up and Running

2010-09-15T13:12:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Pearson who sponsored TLC's Mini Ning site, which is once again functioning. My apologies for the delay in the site, but jump right in now and start networking with your peers. It makes for GREAT professional development, you know!!

Penn State Students Tutor Adults

2010-09-09T13:05:00.002-04:00

Check out this article to see how Penn State students are working to meet the needs of low literacy adults in Centre County, PA.

Florida Literacy Coalition Shares Its Teacher/Tutor Resource Site

2010-08-18T10:23:00.001-04:00

I put out a request on Twitter for lesson plans for tutors working with adult literacy learners and I received a link from the Florida Literacy Coalition for their Teacher/Tutor Resource Site. Let us know what you found really valuable on this site.

Resources for Workforce Related Lesson Plans

2010-08-16T17:30:00.000-04:00

Go to TLC's Tutoring Adult Learners Using the Internet site to find several links with workforce related lesson plans.

Direct Instruction

2010-08-16T17:28:00.000-04:00

This article will fully explain the concept of direct or explicit instruction. Direct or Explicit Instruction and Mathematics

Adult Education and Family Literacy Resources

2010-08-10T15:56:00.001-04:00

Check out the variety of resources available on this new site, http://www.ableresources.org/ which is a site for Pennsylvania adult education and family literacy tutors, teachers, and administrators.

ESL Resources

2010-08-02T07:53:00.000-04:00

Kitsap Literacy provides a page of ESL Resources.

Milton Whitley, 2010 Winner of the Ruth J. Colvin & Frank C. Laubach Award for Student Excellence

2010-07-30T15:36:00.001-04:00

(As published in ProLiteracy's Voices for Literacy)

"At 52 years old, Milton was unable to recite and print the complete alphabet. He was a self-described man of failure and frustration and, in his own words, "unteachable." "I was locked up in the world," Milton said. "I was basically a dead man walking." Milton was able to survive many years without literacy skills by living with a close friend who helped hide his disability ... until one tragic day in 2004 when his close friend died in his arms. "I was lost. My mind went away," said Milton. Milton was homeless and unemployed. He needed help. That is when he made the decision to learn how to read. The Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) helped change his life.

Today, not quite three years later, Milton has made a complete turnaround. He is gainfully employed, assisting in the shelter where he used to live. He is living independently and writing his autobiography. Moreover, he is a man who understands the importance of adult literacy in his life and in the lives of thousands of other illiterate adults in the world today. " I'm a brand new man. I can read road signs. It's easier to understand things. I know how to look words up in the dictionary. I can balance a checkbook and write a check," Milton reflects.

Learning how to read has not only changed Milton's life, but it has also impacted the lives of everyone around him. Milton has become a strong recruiter for LCMC, all while continuing to improve his own reading skills using Laubach Way to Reading and attending supplemental tutoring sessions.

Just a few weeks ago, Milton received the Ruth J. Colvin and Frank C. Laubach Award for Student Excellence from ProLiteracy. As for Milton's future goals, "I'd like to be a teacher because it will help educate others. This will give me a chance to apply my skills that I have learned in the literacy program."

For more of Milton's inspirational story, please contact ProLiteracy's member organization, Literacy Council of Montgomery County, at www.literacycouncilmcmd.org.

Read the Troy Penny Saver Article on the Outstanding Tutor Award

2010-07-22T10:36:00.000-04:00

Troy Penny Saver's article on the 2010 Outstanding Tutor Award

National Association for Adults with Special Learning Needs

2010-07-21T09:34:00.000-04:00

This is a website for the only association for those who serve adults with special learning needs. Check out the articles, newsletters, and webinars for some great resources on working with adults with special learning needs.

Speak Out for Adult Literacy

2010-07-19T17:32:00.002-04:00

This blog article gives us plenty of reasons to get motivated and Speak Out for Adult Literacy.

Op-Ed on PA's Budget

2010-07-15T10:36:00.000-04:00

Read these thoughts on what is happening with PA's budget, http://ow.ly/2bhJh . (This ran in July 14's issue of the Harrisburg Patriot and will be in the Allentown Morning Call today.)

Concerned about Adult Education Funding in PA?

2010-07-13T18:06:00.001-04:00

You should be! Please read this message from JoAnn Weinberger, PAACE Legislative Committee Chair and President/Executive Director of the Center for Literacy in Philadelphia, act on it, and share it with everyone you can. Get adult learners involved as well - all voices count!

YOUR ACTIONS ARE CRITICAL!

Although the State Budget for 2010-11 was passed and signed by the Governor, there is insufficient revenue in the budget to hold the line items. What does this mean? The $14,887,000 appropriation for adult and family literacy is in jeopardy! The Governor’s Office and the legislature are considering additional ways to cut the budget. Unfortunately, at this point they are not talking about ways to raise sufficient revenue.

What can you do? Here are three action items for your IMMEDIATE attention. We must make sure that the Governor and legislators know that adult literacy is important to the economic health of the Commonwealth.

1. Please go to the following link and sign our petition. Forward the link to friends, family, volunteers, students, board members, community partners, etc. ASAP. Challenge your programs to get over 50 signatures…imagine – if each program in the state got 100 signatures, we’d have 150,000 signatures in over a week! Challenge your teachers to have each student explain the reasons behind the petition and get 15 signatures on the paper petition.
There are almost 1,400 signatures. Our goal was 2,000 by Friday. Your outreach is critical. This petition will be sent to the Governor and legislature. (As of July 13 there were over 2,100 signatures but we are hoping to get 4,000.)

Please help out in this cause and add your voice to the petition:
http://www.gopetition.com/online/37426.html

2. Call, email, or snail mail your state representatives and senators. The message: “Adult literacy is critical for your constituents. It is the needed first step toward getting a job or training for today’s economy. Revenue needs to be increased so your constituents can receive needed services. In the past year, the budget has been cut by almost 50%. ” For student letters, here is a template:

Dear (Senator or Representative)_________________:

This year, despite major state cuts in the adult basic and literacy education budget, I was a lucky one to receive services at ________________ (name of program) and successfully (study for the GED, transition into the workforce, learn workplace skills, study English as a second language, etc.). Let me tell you my story:
Pennsylvania needs to take a balanced approach to the budget. I urge you to stop cutting funding to adult and family literacy education, higher education, hospitals, and social services. Please support increased revenue so there will be no more cuts.
Sincerely,

(Typed Name if word processed)

3. Call or email Senator Casey and Senator Specter and your congressperson. When the state budget was passed, it relied on $850 million from the Federal Government, funding for Medicaid. At this time, Congress has not passed the needed legislation. Therefore, the message is “PA needs the Medicaid Funds (FMAP) in order to balance the state’s budget. Please vote for this appropriation in order to save vital education and human services including adult literacy.”

JoAnn

215-474-1827
weinberger@centerforliteracy.org
www.centerforliteracy.org

True Livelihood Newsletter

2010-07-13T17:39:00.001-04:00

Check out this inspiring workforce oriented newsletter and subscribe for a free monthly electronic version. http://www.diversityworld.com/Denise_Bissonnette/newsletter.htm

Media Library of Teaching Skills Has New Videos Posted

2010-07-13T17:26:00.000-04:00

The Media Library of Teaching Skills (MLoTS) http://mlots.org has just added two new GED prep and pre-GED class numeracy videos, Numeracy: Positive and Negative Numbers and Numeracy: Jeopardy Game for Numeracy Reinforcement. You will find the link to these videos near the bottom of the front page.

MLoTS is free, can be used by individual adult education teachers who want a "video window" into other teachers' classrooms and for more formal (face-to-face and online or blended) professional development. It includes adult education classroom and tutoring videos in reading, writing, numeracy, English language learning (ESOL/ESL) adult secondary education, and family literacy.

Free Online Learning

2010-07-13T15:43:00.000-04:00

Goodwill Community Foundation has a website with interactive lessons in a wide variety of topics. It is well worth checking out!

Cultural Literacy

2010-07-12T19:19:00.000-04:00

This site discusses cultural literacy and learning deprivation. After the narrative you will find links to a variety of lesson plans developed for use with adult learners.

Do you have any lesson plans you would be willing to share? If so, please contact Kim.

Being a Volunteer

2010-07-12T15:46:00.002-04:00

It's not for money, It's not for fame,
It's not for any personal gain.
It's just for love of fellow man,
It's just to lend a helping hand.
It's just to give a tithe of self,
That's something you can't buy with wealth.
It's not with medals won with pride,
It's for that feeling deep inside.

It's the reward down in your heart,
It's that feeling that you've been a part
Of helping others far and near
That makes you be a volunteer!

(Author Unknown)

Health Literacy Videos

2010-06-25T10:12:00.000-04:00

Health literacy videos which can be used with adult learners can be found at this site. Searcher in Charge Health Information

Online Book Study

2010-06-25T10:01:00.000-04:00

TLC will be offering the online book study based on Dr. Beverly Ford's book, "Making Case Management Work" starting August 9, 2010. Please contact Kim if interested in participating.

Outstanding Tutor Receives Award

2010-06-25T09:35:00.001-04:00

Laurie Anson receives her award of a clock, indicative of the time that she has spent - and will continue to spend - helping others increase their literacy skills. Congratulations Laurie and thanks to all the hardworking tutors out there dedicated to increasing the literacy skills of adults.

ESOL Online Resources

2010-06-24T14:32:00.002-04:00

This Computers in Action website is for Integrating Computer Technology into the ESOL Curriculum.

English for All is a free site to help adults learn English.

What website do you like to use with your ESOL learners?

Health Literacy Resources

2010-06-22T21:27:00.000-04:00

Here are two valuable sites with a variety of health literacy resources. The first, the Health Literacy Special Collection, has a section of Resources for Adult Literacy which include: Curricula, General Resources, Health Information for All, Training Opportunities, and Stories by Students.

The second, Research-based Health Literacy Materials and Instruction Guide, has materials for Beginning ABE and ESL levels. Included are sections on Health Professionals, Emergency Care, Self Care, and Talking to Health Professionals.

What health literacy resources have you used and/or developed? Do you have something you would like to share? Contact Kim with the information.

PAACE Conference

2010-06-09T17:40:00.000-04:00

It was great meeting many of you last week at the PAACE conference. I hope those of you who were able to attend truly benefited from the experience. One of the many things that I gained from the conference is that TLC would benefit from one central website that linked to all of our others. While I am working on this, I would like to provide a comprehensive list of the sites that TLC has developed for adult literacy tutoring programs and practitioners. Please follow this link for the comprehensive list. List of TLC Online Resources

Congratulations to the Winner of TLC's 2010 Outstanding Tutor Award!!

2010-05-19T11:07:00.002-04:00

Laurie Anson, of Noxen, PA is the recipient of Tutors of Literacy in the Commonwealth's 2010 Outstanding Tutor Award. Congratulations Laurie!!! Laurie works with the Bradford-Wyoming Literacy Program, headquartered at the Bradford County Library, and will be presented her award at the opening luncheon of the 2010 PAACE Conference on June 1 at the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College.

When observed, Laurie and her learner, 'D', worked in a room with walls peppered with materials relevant to their studies. The learner practically burst into the room in her excitement to get started. She quickly pointed to some pictures on the wall and worked to remember the names of the individuals pictured. 'D' was well aware of what was expected of her throughout the lesson and she was always ready to move on to the next step. Laurie and 'D' obviously have a well developed rapport which helps 'D' refocus when she gets frustrated - she was able to laugh at herself when Laurie touched her shoulder and said "I sense a bit of frustration here...".

To all of you hard-working, dedicated tutors out there - KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! You may be the next Outstanding Tutor.

Please take a minute to comment here on what makes your tutoring sessions exceptional and truly relevant to your learner!

"Outside the Textbook" Blog

2010-05-07T15:01:00.002-04:00

Check out this new blog for tutors. The author of the book "Outside the Textbook", Cathy Varney, has put together this blog for tutors of ESL and ABE adult learners.

http://outsidethetextbook.blogspot.com/

Are You a Cracked Pot?

2010-05-05T10:28:00.002-04:00

Read this inspiring story to find out. You could also share this story with adult learners and build lessons around it.

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water, the cracked pot arrived at the end of the long walk to the master's house only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."

"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"

"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to Your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts. " the pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers that bloom all along the path." Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path and this cheered it somewhat. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path and have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are he would not have this beauty to grace his house."

The moral of this story is that each of us have our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. In this world, nothing goes to waste. You may think like the cracked pot that you are inefficient or useless in certain areas of your life but somehow these flaws can turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

Kind of makes you happy to be a cracked pot, doesn't it?

Looking for Internet Resources to Use When Tutoring Adult Learners?

2010-04-30T09:30:00.000-04:00

Try out this site to find online resources that you can use when working with adult learners.
http://sites.google.com/site/tutoringandtheinternet/home

Lesson Writer

2010-04-27T09:34:00.008-04:00

Have you seen this? If you register with LessonWriter you can use it to create entire lessons for you. The link below has a video of how you can use this site.
http://www.lessonwriter.com/default.aspx

SCOLA Volunteers for Literacy Tutor Resources Page

2010-04-22T05:50:00.000-04:00

Check out SCOLA's page of Tutor links, http://www.scolaliteracy.org/ta-links_to_tutor_sites.htm.
Great resources - this is where I originally found the site Children of the Code.

Does Reading Matter?

2010-04-21T10:14:00.005-04:00

In case you ever wondered if reading was important ... (from Children of the Code site mentioned below).

Children of the Code

2010-04-21T09:32:00.001-04:00

This site is a wealth of information on literacy; viewpoints from professionals, children and adults are provided in numerous information videos that shed a whole new light on the poor literacy skills of our nation.

childrenofthecode.org

Which is your favorite video? Please share by commenting below.

Online Social Networking Site

2010-03-30T10:10:00.004-04:00

If you are interested in becoming a member of an online social networking site (similar to Facebook but strictly for adult literacy program tutors, tutor coordinators, and other similar practitioners) please send me an email.

You can view the home page of the site at: Adult Literacy Tutors

Online Resources

2010-03-24T12:05:00.005-04:00

http://distancewebsites.wikispaces.com/ - This awesome website provides links to numerous topics pertaining to adult literacy. It was put together by the Distance Learning Project, http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/distance_learning/9089

http://www.clese.org/brightideas_eslcurric.htm - This site provides a 16 unit ESL Civics Curriculum designed for very beginning ESL learners.

http://sites.google.com/site/lindaslinks/home/census - This site provides a two part lesson pertaining to the census.

http://www.esldiscussions.com/ - ESL Discussions, 650 conversations from which to choose and 13,000 conversation questions. Use in lessons, to practice speaking, etc.

ESL/ESOL Adult Learning Videos - A variety of professional development videos can be found at this site.

Watch for Further Online Supports for Tutors of Adult Learners

2010-03-18T12:06:00.000-04:00

Are you interested in web-based resources connecting you with other tutors of adult learners?

Tutors of Literacy is planning to start a wiki for tutors as well as a Ning social network account. A wiki is "the simplest online database that could possibly work" quoted from http://wiki.org/wiki.cgi?WhatIsWiki; a wiki allows for anyone to create or edit information so tutors can ask questions, share information and share hyperlinks. Ning is a platform where a social network for a select group of people (namely adult literacy tutors) would be created and it would be similar to a Facebook account.

While this all may sound like overload, my goal is to provide your preferred mode of online support so that you can interact however you choose.

Watch here for links to these new resources.

Have Fun with Vocabulary

2010-02-27T09:03:00.001-05:00

And give free rice to help end world hunger. If you haven't already seen this sight, it is fun to visit - and you can help a good cause. It can be a nice break during a tutoring session; you can choose from a variety of topics (including math topics, English vocabulary and grammar), the screen then shows a word or sentence and several answers/options. When the correct response is chosen, the game moves on to a more difficult question and if an incorrect response is given, an easier question comes next. There is also an option to have the question/word read to the player.

Check it out for a fresh approach to teaching vocabulary, grammar, geography, and more.http://www.freerice.com/index.php

Need a Lesson Plan?

2010-02-23T21:49:00.002-05:00

Check out this site from "The Literacy List", http://home.comcast.net/~djrosen/litlist/lessons.html.

You will find over 20 links to sites that have lesson plans for adult learners, including lessons for basic literacy, adult basic education and ESL. If you are searching for something, you should be able to find it here.

Share your favorites with us by posting a comment below.

Online PD Opportunity Starting March 22

2010-02-23T12:35:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder what else you could do to help adult learners succeed? Of course you have - you are a volunteer tutor!

TLC is going to facilitate an online book study based on the book "Making Case Management Work" by Dr. Beverly O. Ford. Don't panic - no one is expecting you to turn into a case manager! This book simply describes numerous techniques that would also work well for tutors of adult learners.

The 9 week course starts with an introductory webinar and then consists of assignments that involve postings on Discussion Boards. There are two role plays to be done throughout the book study; the majority of the work can be done at times convenient to the individual.

If you are interested in participating in this course, you can sign up in e-campus, https://www.ecampus.ed.state.pa.us/courseregistration.asp?course=1949&Search=Month or contact Kim Rossman, kim@tlcliteracy.org.

What if ... ?

2010-02-15T16:30:00.000-05:00

What if the student ______ ? Hopelink's Adult Education Tutor Support Site has a tutor FAQ page.
http://eastsideliteracy.org/tutorsupport/OneonOne/OneonOneTips.htm
See if your question is answered there. If so, please share it with us.

More from the National Institute for Literacy

2010-02-09T12:39:00.000-05:00

Have you checked out the Basic Skills section of the LINCS Resource Collections? http://www.nifl.gov/lincs/resourcecollections/RC_skills.html
This collection "focuses on reading, writing, mathematics and numeracy resources that can improve instruction in basic skills." Materials are listed in the topics of reading, writing and mathematics and you can search through and find both research and classroom/tutoring materials. One link (Marshall Adult Education: http://www.marshalladulteducation.org/reading-skills-for-todays-adult) takes you to a website with leveled readings for practice with fluency.
Please comment below on what you found most valuable in the Basic Skills section of the LINCS Resource Collection.

Fun with Tutoring

2010-02-09T09:43:00.001-05:00

Ever wonder how you can make your tutoring session more fun? Check out the Minnesota Literacy Council's page on Teaching with Games. http://www.themlc.org/games.html

You can even find a lesson plan on using the farmer's market produce set for a relay game. If you follow the link on the left for Tutor Resources then select Preparing Lessons, you will find several more links such as: Lesson Planning , Tutor Tips, Reading for Life Lessons (including links to free copies of Reading for Life), and Citizenship.

The National Gallery of Writing

2010-02-05T10:11:00.001-05:00

This site is a virtual gallery developed by the National Council of Teachers of English where students can publish their writing, get ideas for writing, read writings of others, and more. You can even set up a gallery for your class or literacy organization! There are numerous ways to use the site; you may want to take some time to get familiar with it before you share it with your learners. ProLiteracy's Winter 2010 publication of Notebook: Resources for the Adult Educator, has an article that discusses various ways to use the site. (This article is available online to ProLiteracy members.)

http://www.galleryofwriting.org/

Writing Resources

2010-02-05T10:00:00.003-05:00

ProLiteracy's Winter 2010 publication of Notebook: Resources for the Adult Educator has some recommended websites related to the writing process. The first of these is thinkfinity.org where you can find lesson plans and other resources involving the writing process. You can enter a Keyword in the gold search box on the right to find further resources. You can also check out the free online course "Writing Without Fear" at literacynetwork.verizon.org/TLN/courses.

The main page of the online writing lab at Purdue University is full of useful resources for teaching writing. owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

ESL Adult Learner and Tutor Resources

2010-02-04T08:56:00.001-05:00

The following link is to a page on the City of Littleton's Immigrant Resources Center site entitled Resources for Citizenship Mentors. While a few of the listed links are broken, most of them will provide useful information for those of you working with ESL learners.
http://www.connectingimmigrants.org/Resources%20for%20Citizenship%20Mentors.htm

What is your favorite ESL site? Please share it by posting a comment.

Refresher

2010-02-02T12:45:00.000-05:00

Ever feel like you could use a refresher course in some of the basics of tutoring adult learners? The article "To Teach So They Can Learn" by Ilda Carreiro King, PhD provides just that. It summarizes adult learner characteristics and appropriate instructor/tutor responses. It also discusses the five critical elements of learning that must be addressed in order for learners to learn.

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B926mnQyIUuxOGQxMWI2MGItM2ZhMi00YmU2LWJjNTItMDdmZDJjOTFhNjc4&hl=en

Ever Have Trouble Maintaining Your Motivation as a Tutor?

2010-02-02T11:46:00.003-05:00

If so, check out this link and the suggestions provided. http://literacy.kent.edu/cra/challenge/tutor.html
At this same site you can find other tutor questions and reader responses by clicking on the left links that say tutor's challenge and then select the option to see reader's suggestions.

NIFL and LINCS

2010-02-01T14:39:00.000-05:00

The National Institute for Literacy (NIFL) has a resource collection which is part of their Literacy Information and Communication System (LINCS). Currently featured is a Workforce Competitiveness collection which has "resources applicable to workforce basic skills education, English language acquisition, and/or technology".

Also available is a Career Pathways Instructional Materials Library and numerous other wonderful resources. Follow this link http://www.nifl.gov/lincs/resourcecollections/RC_workforce.html to find these resources and more.

Health Literacy Materials

2010-01-27T18:11:00.000-05:00

Check out this website for a variety of links to health literacy instructional materials and curricula.
http://www.calpro-online.org/o_guides/healthli/3.asp

Looking for a Lesson Plan Template?

2010-01-27T15:44:00.000-05:00

WERC (Workforce Education Resource Center) has created a lesson plan that will guide you through your tutoring sessions and be especially helpful if you are working on workplace skills. If the learner's goals are not workforce related the template can easily be adapted to work with any focus.

To view and download the template, follow this link then scroll down to WERC Lesson Plan Template. http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/resources_for_adult_education/9086/workforce_education_resources/523341

Having Trouble Creating Objectives for Tutoring Lessons?

2010-01-27T09:08:00.002-05:00

The article "Hey Trainers - Write 38 Instant Measurable Objectives in Minutes" by Karen Miller, provides explicit direction in writing objectives using words that will make the outcomes clearly measurable.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Hey-Trainers-Write-38-Instant-Measurable-Objectives-in-Minutes!&id=402069
Both tutors and adult learners will benefit greatly from the creation and use of measurable objectives.
What techniques do you use to provide structure to your tutoring sessions?

Have You Heard of SABES?

2010-01-26T13:01:00.000-05:00

SABES is the System for Adult Basic Education Support and according to the homepage, "SABES promotes high quality adult basic education services through training, support and resources that improve the skills and knowledge of practitioners and strengthen programs." http://sabes.org/
Check out their Math Bulletin which includes classroom related materials. http://sabes.org/resources/publications/mathbulletin/math-bulletin-dec2009.pdf
Working on writing? The tips and techniques provided in this Workplace Writing Skills publication will be helpful. http://sabes.org/curriculum/instruction/workplace-writing-skills1.pdf
Find these resources and many more on the SABES website. http://sabes.org

Need to Create a Goal?

2010-01-15T20:22:00.001-05:00

Tutoring works best when the tutor and the learner work together to set a goal. SMART goals are a great way to get started.
S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Achievable
R = Realistic
T = Time oriented

Use the document found at this site to develop a SMART goal with your learner. http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0Ad26mnQyIUuxZGZmZ2pxNmJfN2RncWZtYmMz&hl=en
or view it as a PDF: http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B926mnQyIUuxMzlhZDA2MDgtMWI5ZS00ZmU1LTg1ZDktMTZhMDBmNDE5MWE3&hl=en

How has setting a goal improved your tutoring sessions?

Free Online Study Circle Available to PA Tutors

2010-01-14T20:08:00.000-05:00

Pennsylvania tutors have a wonderful opportunity to participate - at no cost - in the Research-based Adult Reading Instruction Study Circle. It is designed to engage adult literacy practitioners in discussing theories and concepts related to reading instruction. The 8 week course starts March 25 and ends May 26, 2010. Participants work on team projects, engage in self-paced activities and readings, as well as asynchronous discussions and synchronous chats with the facilitator and course participants.

If you are interested and willing to commit the time for participating in this course, please contact Kim at kim@tlcliteracy.org.

New Math and Numeracy Discussion List

2010-01-13T08:01:00.002-05:00

The National Institute for Literacy is starting a new discussion list for adult education practitioners (and yes, that includes tutors!). The purpose of the list is to provide a means for ongoing professional development in math and numeracy. The list will share information and resources on motivation and math, common math and numeracy instructional issues, and other related topics so that participants can increase their understanding of adult numeracy and mathematics issues.

To join the discussion list go to: http://www.nifl.gov/lincs/discussions/discussions.html.

Struggling with Tutoring an ESL Learner?

2009-12-30T14:55:00.000-05:00

I just came across this site that was developed specifically for beginning ESL Learners, including those who may be pre-literate in their native language. On the home page of the site is a link for tutors and teachers to follow before using it with ESL learners; after that the site is designed specifically for use by learners. Topics include: a computer tutorial, preliteracy, alphabet, numbers, personal information and greetings.

This is a great site for a variety of topics! Let us know what you used and how well it worked.

http://home.earthlink.net/~brekkmail/index.html

A Tutor Support Site

2009-12-29T09:52:00.000-05:00

Hopelink's adult education tutor support site has FAQs, lesson plans, and further resources. It includes sections for ESL, basic literacy, and lifelong learning. Check it out and let us know what you think.

http://www.eastsideliteracy.org/tutorsupport/

Looking for Curricula to Use with an Adult ESL Learner?

2009-12-29T09:27:00.001-05:00

Check out the curricula available from Arlington Education and Employment Program (REEP).
http://www.apsva.us/15401081182015517/lib/15401081182015517/reepcurriculum/index.html
You will find sections on Instructional Planning, Curriculum Content, Learner Assessment, Resources, Technology Integration, and References.

Principles of Adult Learning

2009-12-23T13:09:00.000-05:00

"Part of being an effective instructor involves understanding how adults learn best." This quote come from the article Principles of Adult Learning by Stephen Lieb, http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/adults-2.htm. This insightful piece succinctly explains:

the characteristics of adult learners
motivation
barriers to learning
and learning tips for effective instructors.

Tutoring with Authentic Materials

2009-12-21T13:38:00.001-05:00

A study sponsored by the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) indicates that using authentic materials with adult learners has positive outcomes. "Results show that students who participate in classes in which real-life literacy activities and texts are used increase the frequency with which they read and write in their daily lives.Such learners also expand the variety of texts they read and write outside of school." For the article "Taking Literacy Skills Home", go to
http://www.ncsall.net/?id=286

This article refers to a teacher (tutor) handbook that is designed to help adult literacy teachers apply the results of this study to their own practice. This handbook, Creating Authentic Materials and Activities for the Adult Literacy Classroom, A Handbook for Practitioners, can be downloaded at http://www.ncsall.net/fileadmin/resources/teach/jacobson.pdf.

Lesson Plan Template

2009-12-18T13:20:00.000-05:00

Here is a link to a lesson plan template that can be very useful when planning your tutoring sessions.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0Ad26mnQyIUuxZGZmZ2pxNmJfNmZrNmZrNWZm&hl=en

Connecting Tutoring Sessions to Workforce Development

2009-12-18T11:58:00.003-05:00

Are you working with a low level learner and wondering how the basic skills that you are working on can be connected to workforce goals? The document, Exploring Work-based Foundation Skills in the ABLE Classroom, Instructional Activities and Resources to Use with Adult Learners, can give you ideas for use in your one on one tutoring sessions.

The document can be found by going to http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/professional_development/9085/workforce_education_pd/523336, scrolling partway down the page until the Foundation Skills Framework for Volunteer Tutors header, and clicking on the link for the mentioned document.
You can also follow this link to access the document through Google Docs: http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B926mnQyIUuxZjE1ZDFkZjMtYjEwMC00ZmY2LWE1OWEtN2M2MTM1ODJlZjY4&hl=en

Also available is the Foundation Skills Framework Resources booklet which contains the Foundation Skills Wheel, Learner Self-Appraisal, and Competency Lists. Go to this link, http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/resources___documents/9086/workforce_education_resources/523341, scroll down to Foundation Skills Tools and click on the Foundation Skills Framework Resources (pdf).

A New Approach to Career Selection

2009-12-18T11:33:00.000-05:00

Are you working on career choices in your tutoring sessions? If so, this Focus on Basics article, Adding a Dimension to Career Counseling, http://www.ncsall.net/?id=371 is a great resource. It explores the use of multiple intelligences to help guide career choices.

Setting Goals with Adult Learners

2009-12-17T18:27:00.003-05:00

Research shows that setting realistic goals and planning instruction around those goals is essential to effective literacy teaching. Check out this tutor's guide: Setting literacy goals and recording progress, from Workbase: The New Zealand Centre for Workforce Literacy Development. http://www.workbase.org.nz/Resource.aspx?ID=210

This guide includes sections on assessing the learner's skills, developing individual learning plans, identifying steps to reach the learner's goals, planning teaching and learning activities, and much more. This is a great practical resource to keep on hand.

Tutors and Professional Development

2009-12-17T09:54:00.001-05:00

Ever wonder why you should participate in ongoing trainings or professional development opportunities? Read the article, "Professional Development for Adult Literacy Tutors", by Dr. Sheila Sherow, Research Associate at the Institute for Adult Literacy at Penn State. The article can be found at this site:
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B926mnQyIUuxMmY5ZWY1OGQtNGZkNS00ODRmLWE0OWEtYWI4MjE2YWYyMjlk&hl=en.

Please share your thoughts, questions, and concerns on this blog. Contact Kim at kim@tlcliteracy.org for more information on professional development opportunities.