Workplace list members,
The following resources have come to my attention during the past week.
I try to include an abstract if one was available with the resource, and
the abstracts are usually cut and pasted from the site where I got it.
In all cases, if I copy an abstract to include, I credit the source and
try to give a link to the original source, if it was online.  Remember
that if the URL extends over two lines of this e-mail, you may have to
cut and past both parts into the address box to access the resource.
Please read on.....
Donna
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New from MDRC <http://www.mdrc.org/index.html>
Staying in Work and Moving Up 
Evidence from the UK Employment Retention and Advancement Demonstration 
Lesley Hoggart, Verity Campbell-Barr, Kathryn Ray, and Sandra Vegeris 
Published by the UK Department for Work and Pensions, September 2006
Employment Retention and Advancement (ERA) programmes are designed to
help support low-paid workers and help them progress in work. However,
the complex lives and diverse aspirations and perspectives of
participants in such programmes can make it difficult to provide
suitable assistance. This study addresses this challenge by exploring
the relevant in-work experiences and attitudes of a sample of
participants in the UK's ERA programme, a large research demonstration
project currently testing the effectiveness of a new approach to
post-employment support.
<http://www.mdrc.org/publications/438/summary.html>

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>From Workforce3 One <http://www.workforce3one.org/>


Webinar Invitation: Competency Model Clearinghouse - Tools for Talent
Development
Date:  October 5, 2006 
Time:  2:00pm Eastern (1:00pm/Central, 12:00pm/Mountain,
10:00am/Pacific) 
Length:  90 minutes 

Description:
The webinar for the Competency Model Clearinghouse was developed to
provide insights about competency models and how they can be used in the
Workforce Investment System to ensure that the skill needs of the
business community are met. This web-based Clearinghouse can be used
along with interactive tools to develop a customized competency model
for a critical industry or occupation within an economic region. It
includes a searchable database that shows how competencies form the
foundation for the development of curriculum, assessment instruments,
certifications, and skill standards. The Clearinghouse also illustrates
how competency models have been used successfully in recruitment
efforts, to develop career pathways, and to support economic development
efforts. The Competency Model Clearinghouse is the repository for the
Framework of Competencies for the High Growth Job Training Industries.
This Framework was developed collaboratively by ETA and industry
experts. Join us for this informative webinar to learn more about how
competency models can be used to focus and enhance critical talent
development efforts within your region. 

Register Now!!!
Registration for this Webinar is limited and seating is on a first-come,
first-served basis. Please click the link below to login to Workforce3
One and register today!
<http://www.workforce3one.org/public/skillbuilding/webinar_info.cfm?id=1
24>

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>From What Works Clearinghouse <http://whatworks.ed.gov/>


The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC), an initiative of the U.S. Department
of Education's Institute of Education Sciences, announces the second
release in a new cycle of findings. The two new intervention reports
cover Dropout Prevention and English Language Learning interventions: 

Dropout Prevention: High school dropout rates continue to be an issue of
national concern. This review focuses on interventions in middle school,
junior high school, and high school designed to increase high school
completion, including techniques such as the use of incentives,
counseling, or monitoring. More information about the Dropout Prevention
topic is available at
<http://www.whatworks.ed.gov/Topic.asp?tid=06&ReturnPage=default.asp>. 

English Language Learning: English language learners are among the most
academically at-risk groups in our schools today, and their numbers will
rise steadily in the near future. This review focuses on interventions
designed to improve the English language literacy or academic
achievement of elementary school students who are English language
learners. More information about the English Language Learning topic is
available at
<http://www.whatworks.ed.gov/Topic.asp?tid=10&ReturnPage=default.asp>. 

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>From National Research Center/National Dissemination Center

<http://www.nccte.org/>

Webcast Focuses on Strategies for Decreasing the Dropout Rates in the
United States
The National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education
(NDCCTE) will present a webcast, "Decreasing the Dropout Rates in the
United States," on Tuesday, October 3, 2006, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
(EDT). 
	Research and empirical evidence have brought school leaders to
the understanding that there must be multiple pathways to high school
graduation. Among those pathways is career and technical education
(CTE). The presenters will discuss recent research and best practices in
CTE, as well as describe other potential strategies and solutions that
schools and parents can use to encourage their students/children to stay
in school. The panel will share data on real-world work connections for
students and raising graduation rates. 
	Presenters for the webcast are the following: Terry Cash,
National Dropout Prevention Center, Clemson University, SC; Stephen
Plank, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; and Samuel Stringfield,
University of Louisville, KY.  <http://www.nccte.org/>

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ASTD's LC (Learning Circuits) Express

Features 

How Blended Learning Changes What We Do 
By Allison Rossett 
Here's a look at blended learning, with an emphasis on what workforce
learning professionals can do to convert this good idea into dependable
results. 
More <http://www.learningcircuits.org/2006/September/rossett.htm>

Rules of Engagement From eLearn Magazine 
By John D. Smith and Beverly Trayner 
Drawing upon their experiences with CPSquare-a community of practice
about communities of practice-the authors offer a framework for
designing online courses. 
More
<http://www.elearnmag.org/subpage.cfm?section=best_practices&article=34-
1>

News 

Training Targets Frontline Managers
The September 2006 issue of T+D magazine reports that management
training is making a strong comeback. Novations Group, a Boston-based
consulting firm, asked more than 3,000 United States senior human
resources executives which employees will receive training and
development in the next year. Frontline managers topped the list at 90
percent-meaning they are scheduled to receive some kind of training in
the next year.
More <http://www.learningcircuits.org/news.html#Laff>

Capella-Commissioned Study Cites Large Market Opportunity
The September 11, 2006, issue of Education Signals, published by Signal
Hill Capital, reports that a new study sponsored by Capella University
indicates that more than half of American adults ages 25 to 60 would
like to pursue additional education-the equivalent of more than 70
million adults. 
More <http://www.learningcircuits.org/news.html#Capella>

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>From Training Zone (UK)  http://www.TrainingZone.co.uk


The Way I See It ... What Makes E-learning Work Today --- [Blended
Learning]
Early predictions of e-learning as a replacement for face to face
learning were misplaced. Instead, it has been recognised that an
integrated programme of face to face events and e-learning modules
combined with other learning tools and applications can be both highly
effective for learners, economical and efficient for the organisation.
<http://www.trainingzone.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=159714>

Updating Basic Skills: I'm Lovin' It!
McDonald's has launched a new in-house career and lifestyle website that
will enable up to 1,000 employees to gain GCSE- equivalent
qualifications over the next 12 months. 
Read more...  http://www.trainingzone.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=159702

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Conference Invitation from Center for Immigrant Education and Training
and the Center for Teaching and Learning of LaGuardia Community College

October is almost here. That means it's time to register for the Bridges
to Opportunity: Workforce Development for English Language Learners
conference taking place October 27th and 28th. Registration is limited
to 100 participants, and pre-registration is required. You must register
in advance to attend. There will be no on-site registration! The
conference fee is just $100 for a two-day event, or $75 for a group of
five or more. For more information please visit the conference web site
at:  http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/ace/bridges 

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