These are great topics. Thanks.

________________________________

From: englishlanguage-bounces at nifl.gov on behalf of Lynda Terrill
Sent: Tue 2/12/2008 3:25 PM
To: englishlanguage at nifl.gov
Subject: [EnglishLanguage 2129] list of topics for discussion


Dear subscribers,

 

I invited you to offer suggestions for discussions for this year by yesterday, February 11. 

Here are the topic suggestions that some of you offered - on- or off-list. 

 

*	Preparing for changes in the citizenship test. Those who teach citizenship prep could share ideas for how our classes will change to prepare students for the new test 
*	Assessment-both standardized assessment related to funding and informal assessments including online resources for assessment 
*	Discussion of the current meaning of "literacy" in adult ESL A related or subtopic is the proper nomenclature for learners who have not had access to school and who do not have proficiency in reading and writing (e.g., preliterate, nonliterate). 
*	Phonics and phonological awareness: "What do you do about phonics?" 

 

Several posters were interested in the definitions of literacy, so, to me, that sounds like a good place to begin. 

 

While I suspect we may not come to consensus, we can learn from each others' perspectives. I will do some background searching on the other topics for later on this year. Meanwhile, as always, thank you for sharing information and bringing up issues of concern as they come up.

 

In my next email, I will offer some definitions of literacy and set up some questions to frame the discussion on "What does literacy mean in adult ESL contexts?"

 

Sincerely, 

 

Lynda Terrill

List moderator

lterrill at cal.org