ABC's of Literacy:
Acting for a Better Community

Room locations in GREEN TYPE.
UC = University Center
SVER = Sverdrup Business & Technology Center
WEBH = Webster Hall

Thursday, May 18, 2006

8:30-9:15 - Registration (registration area will be open throughout the day) (UC Main Lobby)

8:30-4:00 - Poster Session (UC Main Lobby)

9:30-10:30 - Keynote Address by Pauline Lipman (UC Gymnasium)
Opening remarks: Webster University President Richard Meyers

10:45-11:45 - Concurrent Sessions I

1. Computer Literacy in the Classroom (SVER 105)
   Phyllis Shelby
   Participants will explore computer basics, resources, and web-based tools that can be used in the classroom.
2. St. Louis Integrated Health Network: Health Education and Literacy Program (HELP) (SVER 111)
   Kathleen Heldenbrand
   The St. Louis Integrated Health Network’s HELP program focuses on increasing their clientele’s health literacy by the use of Health Coaches to the degree that the individual has attained the independent capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. IHN Health Coaches are individuals who come from within the communities they serve and provide unique one-on-one attention and education for their clients, as well as providing valuable culturally-appropriate feedback to health care providers.
3. Using M&M Candies to Teach Basic Math Skills (SVER 112)
   Laura Dyer
   This presentation will begin with sorting and counting activities and will continue through fractions, decimals, etc. Each participant will receive handouts and their own bag of M&M’s!
4. Popular Education for Teaching and Organizing (SVER 113)
   Melissa Mosley
   The Highlander Folk School in Tennessee, founded by Myles Horton, has been central in labor reform, environmental activism, and adult education movements. In this interactive session, we will watch a video of the popular education model, a model that is integral to Highlander’s work. Then, we will act out this cycle of problem identification, information gathering, action, and reflection using a problem generated from the participants of the session.
5. READ from the START: Family Reading for Emerging Literacy (SVER 114)
   Julie Douglas
   The Missouri Humanities Council’s Read from the Start program encourages parents to read aloud to young children and provides tips for making stories come to life. In this session we will explore ways to use books at home to foster a child’s emerging literacy.
6. Successful Keys to Grant Writing (SVER 115)
   Tammy Gibson
   Learn some of the “secrets of the ages” of successful grant writing that Ms. Gibson has learned from Carey Kaltenbach and from writing over 50 grants with a 90% success rate. This is not a basic grant writing course, but information that can be used to help write a better grant than you’ve written before.
7. Adult Learners Reading Beyond the Words (SVER 118)
   Phyllis Wilkinson
   Educators and tutors must provide scaffolds to support adults with low levels of literacy as they develop skills and strategies. We will demonstrate specific strategies that move learners beyond merely reading words to reading ideas, questioning the author, and making informed decisions – all a part of critical literacy. Session sponsored by Webster Institute for Literacy (WIL).
8. Literacy Education and Revolution in Venezuela: Implications for the U.S. (SVER 120)
   Rebecca Rogers
   In this session I will share – through a photo slide show and presentation – my experiences of participating in an educational delegation in Venezuela. Venezuela is presently in the midst of a literacy campaign aimed to educate the millions of people who did not have access to education. We will discuss implications of the literacy campaign for the United States.
9. Personal Finance Fundamentals – Budgeting for Success (SVER 210)
   Rawn Ford, Lorri Batsie
   Managing personal finances competently is essential to our well being as adults. Learn how a visit to Junior Achievement’s Finance Park is a practical way to teach teens and adults how to budget for financial success.

12:00-1:30 - Awards Luncheon (Emceed by Patty Carleton) (UC Gymnasium)
Welcome: Brenda Fyfe, Dean, School of Education, Webster University

1:30-3:30 - Meet the Author (SVER Lobby)

1:45-2:45 - Concurrent Sessions II

1. Using the Internet (SVER 112)
   Shawanda C. Miller
   Use of the Internet search engines can promote students’ research and investigation skills and enable them to locate on-line information on any possible topic. Unfortunately, some information on the Web is neither accurate nor reputable. Students need to learn how to evaluate this information.
2. The Effect of NCLB on Literacy and Learning [Two hours continuous] (SVER 111)
   Peter Campbell
   No Child Left Behind purports to improve public schools by enforcing a system of standards and accountability through high-stakes testing and sanctions. Instead of improving public schools and increasing the ability of the system to serve poor and minority children, the law is doing exactly the opposite.
3. Language Acquisition for Infants and Toddlers (SVER 112)
   Lynda Ritter
   How do you support language acquisition in infant and toddler classrooms? This session will highlight how and when infants and toddlers learn to understand (receptive) and use (expressive) language. It will help you develop strategies and activities to support language development in the classroom and at home.
4. Rosa Parks and Louis Armstrong Help Unlock the Power of Literacy in an Adult ESOL Classroom (SVER 113)
   Angy Folkes
   This is a demonstration of classroom activities including PowerPoint™ slides with Louis Armstrong singing “What a Wonderful World.” It will include activities for beginning level English language learners and demonstrate how social justice topics are taught. Come and see pictures of students acting out the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
5. Thoroughly Tested ESOL Tutoring Tips (SVER 114)
   Sarah Barnard
   You can benefit from the experience of over 200 hard-working ESOL literacy tutors! What works? What doesn’t? What do you do with this person who’s staring you down for an entire class session???
6. GED Connections Video Study Group and GED Online (SVER 115)
   Joanne Bridges
   The Saint Louis Public Library has two study group programs which provide GED study services to individuals who lack a high school diploma. One program is video based and the other is an online independent study program.
7. Women in Leadership Development [WILD] (SVER 116)
   St. Louis Public Schools Adult Learning Center Students & Staff
   Students and staff participating in the 2005-06 WILD Program used and developed their leadership skills through diverse activities and in various formats. A WILD Program Guide was compiled based on our experiences and is now available for use by others. Learn more about WILD, our 2005-06 series, and our new guide.
8. Second Annual Educating for Change Curriculum Fair Kick Off! (SVER 118)
   The Literacy for Social Justice Teacher Research Group
   On September 30, 2006, the Literacy for Social Justice Teacher Research Group and Literacy Roundtable will host their 2nd Annual Curriculum Fair at the International Institute in St. Louis. In this session, we will share slides and stories from our 1st Annual Fair and workshop your ideas for presenting lesson plans and ideas for anti-racist, anti-sexist, multicultural, and pro-justice education. Please come to this session if you are interested in networking with social-justice focused educators in the St. Louis area.
9. Yesterday’s Style, Today’s Children [Two hours continuous] (SVER 120)
   Kathy Adkisson, Kay Cook
   Could a shift in perspective change the relationship of teacher/tutor and learner? Could an understanding of everyday life, applying simple physics principles, make life easier? This workshop includes: experiencing ourselves differently, seeing today’s children with a fresh look, time for personal applications, and discussion of focus-enhancing exercises.
10. Writing Can Be Fun! [Two hours continuous] (SVER 210)
    Todd Evans
    Writing is important for any student trying to develop his or her language skills. However, tutors and teachers often have a difficult time getting students to write. Trying to put one’s thoughts down in a way that makes sense and at the same time trying to remember all of the rules of grammar and spelling can be daunting to anyone, especially a new writer. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn a writing process and fun activities to get students to enjoy writing. Activities are appropriate for basic literacy and ESOL students at all language levels.

3:00-4:00 - Concurrent Sessions III

1. The Effect of NCLB on Literacy and Learning [Continued] (SVER 111)
   Peter Campbell
   No Child Left Behind purports to improve public schools by enforcing a system of standards and accountability through high-stakes testing and sanctions. Instead of improving public schools and increasing the ability of the system to serve poor and minority children, the law is doing exactly the opposite.
2. I Love "My Attitude!" (SVER 112)
   Jana Groner Herman
   We will be looking at the teacher’s attitude and diversity in the classroom. We will touch on some hot topics! Do I have an attitude? Do I have an attitude with the diversity in my classroom? Come join the fun discussion on a hot topic!
3. Literacy Programs Reconnect Libraries to Their Communities (SVER 113)
   Nora Wikoff
   Although public libraries were first created to help the impoverished, most public library users are middle class and college educated. To fully serve their communities, librarians must reach out to citizens who do not use libraries. This presentation shows how communities benefit when librarians participate in literacy training.
4. Mental Health is a Social Justice Issue (SVER 114)
   Michael Mancini
   Mental health is a social justice issue. People with psychiatric disabilities/mental illnesses have been stigmatized and brutalized throughout modern history. This legacy continues taking many different forms, but always cloaked as ‘treatment’ in the best interests of the person. This presentation will explore the ways in which people with these disabilities have been oppressed historically and the ways in which this continues today – particularly with children. Implications for education and strategies to fight against this oppression will be discussed.
5. Family Support Team Meetings (SVER 115)
   Tammy Gibson, Brian Williams
   The Randolph County Family Literacy Center utilizes a strengths-based family meeting model that focuses first on the individual or family’s strengths and then aides the family in identifying their own needs or issues and forming their own goals and plans. This model helps get to the core issues that hinder the individual in succeeding in their educational and other goals. Participants will be introduced to the model and also see a “live” support meeting in action.
6. Seven Habits of Effective ESOL Literacy Tutors and Teacher Aides (SVER 116)
   Jan Rodriguez
   This session will focus on and discuss seven behaviors that are certain to enhance the effectiveness of any ESOL volunteer or professional in the classroom when put into consistent practice.
7. Get a Healthy, Happy Start to Reading Readiness Using PBS Children’s Programs (SVER 118)
   Sydney Meyer
   Come join Channel 9 and learn how to use Sesame Workshop’s Elmo and his friends to promote healthy reading habits in your classroom or home. During this interactive workshop participants will develop fun, hands-on ways to motivate children to read using PBS children’s programming. Participants will receive a children’s book.
8. Yesterday’s Style, Today’s Children [Continued] (SVER 120)
   Kathy Adkisson, Kay Cook
   Could a shift in perspective change the relationship of teacher/tutor and learner? Could an understanding of everyday life, applying simple physics principles, make life easier? This workshop includes: experiencing ourselves differently, seeing today’s children with a fresh look, time for personal applications, and discussion of focus-enhancing exercises.
9. Writing Can Be Fun! [Continued] (SVER 210)
   Todd Evans
   Writing is important for any student trying to develop his or her language skills. However, tutors and teachers often have a difficult time getting students to write. Trying to put one’s thoughts down in a way that makes sense and at the same time trying to remember all of the rules of grammar and spelling can be daunting to anyone, especially a new writer. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn a writing process and fun activities to get students to enjoy writing. Activities are appropriate for basic literacy and ESOL students at all language levels.
10. We Make the Road by Walking: Exemplary Adult Education Teachers (SVER 239)
    Rebecca Rogers, Mary Ann Kramer
    Building on and sharing the knowledge and practices of exemplary adult education teachers, this session will focus on our study in which we interviewed, observed, and documented classroom practices of adult education teachers nominated as exemplary. The teachers in our sample use innovative literacy practices attached to social purposes to accelerate their students and facilitate their civic engagement.

Friday, May 19, 2006

8:30-9:00 - Registration (WEBH Main Lobby)

9:00-10:00 - Concurrent Sessions IV

1. New Directions in Literacy Instruction (WEBH 322)
   Judith Cochran
   The definition of reading has changed dramatically in the past thirty years. Currently there is a disconnect between reading instruction, assessment, and research. Come and learn new techniques for teaching adult reading that will engage your students as they learn.
2. ABC’s Beginning Readers Workshop [Two hour continuous] (WEBH 323)
   Jeri Levesque
   Designed for adult educators and tutors working in family literacy, AEL, corrections or other literacy programs, this interactive workshop will orient adult educators to current research on best practices associated with teaching adults to read. The workshop will provide strategies for teachers to interpret student assessment results, make decisions, and determine strategies for instruction. It will include information on research regarding adult learning, how research guides instruction, and accountability.
3. (Not) Lost in Translation: Communicating Effectively Through an Interpreter [Two hour continuous] (WEBH 330)
   Marcia Wilderman
   This workshop is designed specifically for professionals working with language interpreters. Topics to be addressed are: requesting language interpretation services; the role of the interpreter; interpreter ethics and confidentiality issues; legal implications; and strategies for working with interpreters.
4. Nourishing Language Development (WEBH 400)
   Jan Watson
   This session will highlight the important responsibility of adults in nourishing and supporting the language and literacy development of young children. Discussion will focus on age-appropriate techniques to support language development and ways care givers can respond to and stimulate language development. Interactive practices and books will be shared.
5. Sound it Out: What is Emergent Literacy [Two hour continuous] (WEBH 401)
   Gina Dattilo
   The members of this workshop will explore ways to extend children’s books through activities. We will discuss the stages of book development. Tips will be given on reading to children and realistic ways to enhance their book selections.
6. Teaching Worker Rights (WEBH 402)
   Joan Suarez
   Increasing numbers of New Americans now enrolled in ESL and GED programs have no information about their rights as workers. This presentation is intended to give service providers information about the state of worker rights in the U.S. today as well as basic information and exercises to use with program students.
7. Managing ESL Classes: A Cross Culture Experience (WEBH 403)
   Stephanie Tolen
   Are you meeting the challenges of Teaching Adult ESL? This presentation will assist ESL instructors in identifying strategies for classroom management, instructional design, and attaining communicative competence.
8. Family on a Mission...is Possible (WEBH 405)
   K. Kalimba Kindal
   This session, designed for professionals working with children and their families, will provide a solid foundation on how to assist families in reclaiming the missing pieces to success through personal power and self empowerment. Learn to determine whether you are doing the right thing for yourself and your families.
9. Empowering Students Through Mini-Course Instruction (WEBH 406)
   Rhonda Jones
   Mini-Courses in AEL engage students, increase retention, offer educational choice, and allow for multilevel instruction. This session will present topics, such as algebra, book clubs, and biology, taught by staff, tutors, and community volunteers. Learn how we implement, manage, and develop curriculum of our ALC Mini-Course Pilot Program and how it can be adapted to various settings.

10:15- 11:15 - Concurrent Sessions V

1. GED Online (WEBH 221)
   Kim Litzau
   GED Online is an Internet-based learning system for all adult education students in the state of Missouri. If work schedules, family commitments, or transportation constraints keep students from regularly attending GED class, the answer might just be GED Online! This program will help teachers/students/tutors understand the enrollment process for GED Online; we will review curriculum and learning systems.
2. Simple Strategies for Reading with Children (WEBH 322)
   Sarah Beaman-Jones
   Recent research demonstrates that giving parents specific strategies for reading with their children from infants to kindergartners will significantly increase reading skills, including comprehension. Come learn and practice these simple techniques recently presented by the US Department of Education.
3. ABC’s Beginning Readers Workshop [Continued] (WEBH 323)
   Jeri Levesque
   Designed for adult educators and tutors working in family literacy, AEL, corrections or other literacy programs, this interactive workshop will orient adult educators to current research on best practices associated with teaching adults to read. The workshop will provide strategies for teachers to interpret student assessment results, make decisions, and determine strategies for instruction. It will include information on research regarding adult learning, how research guides instruction, and accountability.
4. (Not) Lost in Translation: Communicating Effectively Through an Interpreter [Continued] (WEBH 330)
   Marcia Wilderman
   This workshop is designed specifically for professionals working with language interpreters. Topics to be addressed are: requesting language interpretation services; the role of the interpreter; interpreter ethics and confidentiality issues; legal implications; and strategies for working with interpreters.
5. Closing the Achievement Gap (WEBH 400)
   Michael Herron, Phyllis Thomas, Paris Jackson
   This presentation will focus on the African-American academic achievement gap and will include strategies on eliminating this disparity. Intervention methods involve parents, educators, and community leaders as well as students.
6. Sound it Out: What is Emergent Literacy [Continued] (WEBH 401)
   Gina Dattilo
   The members of this workshop will explore ways to extend children’s books through activities. We will discuss the stages of book development. Tips will be given on reading to children and realistic ways to enhance their book selections.
7. Factors Influencing Productive Patient-Provider Interactions in the Care of Chronic Illness (WEBH 402)
   David Pole
   The treatment and prevention of chronic illness requires greater patient participation and self-management than ever, yet the resources, information, and health communications often blame and shame rather than empower individuals. This presentation looks at issues of health literacy and patient-provider communications in the context of the Chronic Care Model.
8. Roundtable 101 (WEBH 403)
   Maggie Dyer, Caroline Mitchell
   Are you a literacy provider in the St. Louis Metro Area? Would you like to find out more about literacy efforts in the region? Come learn about the Literacy Roundtable, a consortium of literacy agencies working in the bi-state area. We provide tutor training, resources, and networking opportunities for literacy programs, as well as promoting advocacy and public awareness around literacy issues.
9. Getting Back to Tutoring Basics (WEBH 405)
   Brenda Boggs
   This session will offer ideas for working with reading students, regardless of their reading grade level. Tutoring strategies, material selection, student input, learning inventories, use of everyday materials, etc. will all be discussed in an attempt to assist tutors in making their efforts more productive with their students.
10. Social Diversity Through Literacy (WEBH 406)
    Carrie J. Pegg
    When coming to a new country, ESL learners and their families are often faced with social barriers as well as language barriers. How do we as teachers teach students that the social barriers between races, classes, religions, etc. are arbitrary and that social diversity is something to embrace? The use of literature and music allows us to look beyond stereotypes and begin teaching for a better world.

11:30-12:30 - Video Presentation (Organizing for Change: Adult Literacy Education in St. Louis, Missouri) (WEBH - Winifred Moore Auditorium)

12:30-2:00 - Box Lunch Discussions (WEBH)