The theme of the conference was mostly focused on two areas: 

1. Transitioning ESL students to the workforce and/or post-secondary education
2.  Online/distance learning for adult education.

I attended a couple of sessions on transitioning ESL students/21st Century skills and writing strategies.   I previously thought that this was mostly applicable to the higher levels, but learned that  we really need to begin introducing this at the lower levels and align our program towards that goal.  There were some good ideas on teaching writing at all levels.

I also attended a workshop  about professional development for teachers that want to learn to teach online.  Programs across the country are looking at online learning as a way to serve more students in adult ed.  In order to implement something like this,  schools are realizing that teachers need training before implementing online learning on a larger scale.

The other two workshops I attended were technology related.  One was on how to teach technology skills to pre-literate students. There were some good resources and interesting ideas.  The other workshop was about various resources in technology presented by LINCS-Literacy Information and Communication Systems.  One of the sites he showed us was www.delicious.com.  It is a site where you can save your bookmarks.  Because it is online,  you are able to access your bookmarks anywhere.  I have used this before and it find it to be useful.

Other links: 

•  Project Ideal  about distance education
• Ideas for using technology with students
• Wiki with more ideas
• IBEST
• 21st Century Skills (although focused on K-12, it is applicable to adult ed.)
• CAELA

1. strengthen our partnerships with ROP and Skyline College
2. focus on “transitions” in the ESL Committed Enrollment Orientation for new students 
3.  identify essential skills required for student success beyond ESL instruction and stress workforce training and post-secondary education in our curriculum. 

Increasing and strengthening collaboration and workforce development will continue to be an on-going commitment, and the ESL faculty is invited to participate in building the bridges to GED, Skyline College and vocational training; contact Francisca W. if interested in being on the task force to address the transition from advanced ESL to Skyline.

We discussed how to start the Fall 2010 ESL program at Serramonte Adult with continuing and new students. We decided the process will be as follows:

• Before July 1st, each teacher gives Doreen a list of continuing students and their class assignments for the Fall Semester.  
• Monday, August 23rd, 10:00 – 12:00. ESL staff will assist with committed enrollment orientation and CASAS testing for new students.
• Tuesday, August 24th, in-house staff development, time TBD. New student orientation and testing at 5:30 pm; need for teacher assistance contingent on number of students who sign up.
• Wednesday, August 25th, start of semester. Minimum (2 hour) class period. Orientation and CASAS testing only for returning students in classrooms.
• Thursday, August 26th new and continuing students are in class together and “away we go”!

Azar Grammar