JANUARY

9

3:00–4:30 p.m. ET

LACES Demo Webinar

As part of the statewide transition from SSWS to LACES by LiteracyPro for Virginia adult education data management system, Shannon Stangis will preview some of the features and functionality of the new system. All are welcome to join the webinar which will be recorded and archived. 

The Zoom link may be used to join the webinar – there is no registration form. 

JANUARY

9

2:00–3:00 p.m. ET

VDOE Data Office Hours

Join the VDOE team to discuss data related topics and questions.

JANUARY

18

3:00–4:30 p.m. ET

Lessons from the Field with Ed Sadler: Teaching Digital Literacy to Immigrants

The Blue Ridge Literacy organization provides many services to its learners. One among them is delivering comprehensive digital literacy instruction, which encompasses basic computer operation, internet basics, using email, and basic Windows operating system use. Digital literacy class instruction is instructor-led and provided in person. The primary audience and participants are immigrants who desire to learn computer skills while, in many cases, concurrently learning English. All of the lessons are taken from our Northstar Digital Literacy partner-provided syllabus and presented and applied in every class.

In this webinar, Ed Sadler will share how Blue Ridge Literacy’s digital literacy classes are structured and how they have been successful, even when working with learners who often arrive with limited English proficiency and no past experience using computers. He will focus on the unique manner in which the digital literacy material is presented and demonstrated to help learners understand the concepts.

Featured Resources for Anytime Learning

JANUARY

4

1:00–2:00 p.m. ET

ProLiteracy: Starting from Scratch: Working with Low-level ELL Students with Little-to-no First Language Literacy

Research has shown that one of the primary indicators of how quickly an adult will learn a new language is their educational level in their first language. Those with high literacy levels in their first language will almost universally outperform their peers with lower levels of education. Working with preliterate adults presents unique challenges for English language educators.

Join the webinar, facilitated by Virginia's Steven Reid from Literacy Volunteers Charlottesville/Albemarle, for proven strategies and activities based on academic research and observation to help educators working with preliterate adults learning to speak, read, and write in English. In addition, learn about the causes of low L1 literacy and how this impacts L2 acquisition.

JANUARY

12

1:00–2:30 p.m. ET

EdTech: Strategy Session – 100th Lightning Talk!

Travis Combs, Branch Chief for Applied Innovation and Improvement at the U.S. Department of Ed’s Office of Career Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE), will kick off the session with a special opening address. Then, hear from top ETSS lightning talk speakers, sharing their leading edtech tools and strategies for 2024. Panelists include Kris Klas from the Hubbs Center, Katie Brown of EnGen, Andrea Willis of USALearns, and Jeff Goumas, founder of CrowdED Learning. The session concludes with a conversation with Rick Treitman, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Adobe. Rick’s work focuses on making reading better for everyone. He’ll share insights he’s gained through his work over the years and recently field testing Liquid Mode in adult education settings. Register to attend this milestone event and be part of the future of technology in adult education!

JANUARY

23

1:00–2:00 p.m. ET

ProLiteracy: Back To Basics: Using Phonics to Improve Reading and Engagement Regardless of Students’ Reading Level

Alphabetics is the first of the four components of reading, yet phonics in the classroom is easily overlooked because we assume students know their letter sounds.

Join the webinar, facilitated by Virginia's Janet Sodell from The READ Center, for a basic review of phonics and syllables and how to include these foundational skills in an ABE classroom in a way that is applicable to all levels of readers, engaging, and meets the standards.

JANUARY

25 & 26

9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET

Atlas Language & Literacy Institute 2024 – VIRTUAL

Free virtual conference focusing on language and literacy instruction for adult learners. Registration opens on January 9, 2024!

JANUARY

26

12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

LINCS Coffee Break: Learner Goal Setting

Take a coffee break to join the conversation about learner goal setting. Did you know research indicates that writing down goals increases the likelihood of achieving them? During this discussion, participants will explore frequently asked questions of adult educators, such as: Do adult learners struggle with goal setting and how can we facilitate goal setting? Come to listen, share your experiences and strategies, and learn more about LINCS resources on goal setting.

Check the VALRC Calendar for More Opportunities!