Nicole,  Acculturation is a better term.  Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Betsy S. Gauss

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Nicole Graves 
  To: The Learning Disabilities Discussion List 
  Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2007 10:24 AM
  Subject: [LearningDisabilities 1216] Re: Focus onBasicsonlearningdisabilities


  Betsy,

  I prefer the term acculturation to assimilation.  To me, as an immigrant,  assimilation implies a loss whereas acculturation implies the possibility to add and to adapt to the new culture.

  Nicole B. Graves
  The Center for New Americans
  MA
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: BKuSh407 at aol.com 
    To: learningdisabilities at nifl.gov 
    Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2007 10:53 AM
    Subject: [LearningDisabilities 1213] Re: Focus on Basicsonlearningdisabilities


    Dear Betsy,

    Thank you for your response.  Yes, I use the Easy True Stories with my ESOL adult low-beginning students with much success!  For my Literacy-Foundations group, I have used the Phonetics Factory lessons by Ideal School Supply Company. I supplement this with the Phonics reader series by Alice Flange, Wonder Books.  This series proves to be successful with my lowest groups.
    Since I have a very high pass ratio with my students (CASAS Test), I know they are learning to read.
    The limitations I encounter are finding materials that incorporate high interest to literacy -low level adult readers.  Most of the material is elementary. These students need material that they can relate to: the challenges of immigration and functioning as a member of their community. Most of my students do not have bank accounts. Only a few can operate an ATM machine. Jobs?  Minimum wage is acceptable as long as they can complete an application form, in English. Healthcare exists only for a select few.  The list goes on.
    Attending ESOL classes is a first step.  They are grateful for any information to help in their assimilation.   
    I try to incorporate as much "real world" information into my program as possible.  The problem is locating the "high interest tools" for our ESOL low level functioning adults.  
    Barbara Kushner
    PS: Of course, retention, is another issue. 





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