Online Resources for Exploring Assessment Strategies

An overview of the use of rubrics including discussion of their use in adult education.  From the Ohio Literacy Resource Center’s Teacher to Teacher newsletter: http://literacy.kent.edu/Oasis/Pubs/0300-27.pdf

Collection of articles on assessment and rubrics for school-age children:

http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/assess.html

Massachusetts standards for adult education—probably similar to what RI will eventually adopt::

http://www.doe.mass.edu/acls/frameworks/esol.pdf

An online lesson planner that correlates to a rubric maker: http://www.adultedlessons.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=welcome  

Search for rubrics at this site or make your own: http://www.landmark-project.com/classweb/tools/rubric_builder.php3

 

Library ESL Resources

There are several English for New Americans Kits available for check-out.  They come in a variety of formats: DVD (to run on a computer), video, audio CD, cassette, and workbook.  The topics include:  

Everyday Life: At the International Center -- A city tour -- Asking for directions -- Shopping for food -- Finding an apartment -- Opening a bank account -- Using the telephone   

Health, Home and Community: Going to the doctor -- Going to the pharmacy -- Cleaning the home -- Alternative medicine -- Reporting a crime -- Getting things fixed -- Social services  

Work and School: Finding a job -- Enrolling a child in school -- A job interview -- Adult education -- Jobs and training -- Getting a license and buying a car -- Becoming a citizen.

 

Websites (Recommended by Pat):

Writely ( http://www.writely.com/).  This is a free, online collaborative writing tool/service.  Basically, it's a web-based word processor that allows you to draft, share, and collaboratively edit documents. You can even have students edit documents simultaneously.  

RealeBooks ( http://www.realebooks.com).  "RealeBooks are really books -- picture books -- written with RealeWriter software for real audiences. RealeBooks can be printed as small paperback books.  RealeBooks can be shared across the Internet in several ways.  RealeBooks appear on the computer screen exactly like books.  Because they are digital, it is easy to publish them for anyone or any group, located anywhere, at anytime.  You can send your books in an E-mail, or upload them to another web site."  The endorsed by the National Center for Family Literacy.  Take a look and let us know if we should purchase the software.  

English for All ( http://www.myefa.org).  "English for All is a free, multimedia system for adults learning English as Second Language (ESL)."  Topics include job and career advancement, on the job health and safety, accessing services, parenting in the US, accessing learning opportunities and involvement in children's education.  It looks like it is created just for us!  

Jan's Computer Literacy 101 ( http://www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/index.html).  This is a very well organized site with lessons on computer basics, working with words, working with windows, working with numbers, working with the web, and working with presentations.  This can be adapted for use with beginning students and used with intermediate students.  You do need to complete a permissions form to use the site with students.  Most of the content is available in both English and Spanish.