Improving Student Persistence with Center Stage
Presenter(s): Oliva Fernandez, Pearson Longman
Room: Albany

Persistence is often identified with success. So how can we help our students persist in the English language learning and continue succeeding? Learn about techniques and materials in the Center Stage series that support teachers and students as they integrate persistence strategies in their learning.

Community Education: What’s Hot, What’s Not
Presenter(s): Bonnie Coddington, Rush-Henrietta School District
Room: Colonie

Community Education trends change every day. It is important to know when a new trend is on the horizon and when an old one needs to fade into the sunset. Share your hot course ideas with others around the state. Discuss what courses have cooled down over the years and may need to be retired. Bring your brochures and your course ideas to share!

A Model of Professional Development for Adult ESOL Teachers that is WORKING!
Presenter(s): Robin Lovrien Schwarz, Independent Consultant
Room: Schenectady/Troy

Two regions of New York have implemented a sustained professional development project that is helping teachers of adult ESOL become more effective and thus more satisfied in their work. Details of the project will be described and several teachers will discuss their involvement and the impact the project has had on them. (Look for Part II after the break)

ALECC + Moodle: Perfect Together
Presenter(s): Marilyn J. Rymniak, Literacy Assistance Center
Room: Salon A

The 2008-2009 NYSED professional development year will see the launch of ALECC – the state’s new Adult Literacy Education Core Curriculum. This 7-module, 24-hour foundations course for adult educators and practitioners will have a special added feature – Moodle – an easy-to-use on-line course management system (CMS.) Moodle is already being used by universities, community colleges, BOCES, K-12 districts, and businesses throughout the state. This system will help us build collaborative learning communities across the state to conveniently share best practices for continuous program improvement. Come hear about these exciting new developments.

The National Work Readiness Credential
Presenter(s): Michelle Armani, Champlain Valley Educational Services
Karen Colemen, New York State Department of Labor
Room: Salon B

The National Work Readiness Credential is a nationally recognized certificate that demonstrates a candidate’s entry level workplace skills. Participants will be given an overview of the National Work Readiness Credential and Champlain Valley Educational Services curriculum as well as updates to the credentialing examination.

Making the Connection: Improving Literacy Which Opens Doors to Education, Training, and Employment
Presenter(s): Amy Barsha, Morrisville State College
Linda DeMuro, Morrisville State College
Room: Salon C

Improving literacy skills is the foundation so critically needed by many individuals so that one can be successful in the workplace, school or training, and in one’s daily life. In this presentation we will discuss the ways that our college is partnering to improve literacy for employment success.