U.S. Civics and Citizenship Online
Preparing Students to Naturalize
SUPPORTING RESOURCES
This section introduces several websites containing information and resources for teachers, tutors, and others who offer citizenship education. They are sponsored by adult education and literacy organizations, government agencies, and organizations providing information and services for immigrants. Links will take users to other relevant websites, original resources, training and technical assistance, and additional professional development materials, curricula, lesson plans, and other resources.
Adult Education Interest Section (AEIS), Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Targets adults learning English, as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors and administrators. Brings together adult education and ESL knowledge, principles, and skills. Has five major purposes: increase awareness of the needs and roles of adult education; address priority areas through workshops, demonstrations, open forums, and discussion sessions; advocate on behalf of the organization's members; cooperate with members to address the needs of ESL students and their families; and expand visibility of ESL and adult education through research and communication. To access this information, you will need to login to the TESOL website.
http://www.tesol.org/s_tesol/sec_document.asp?TRACKID=&CID=260&DID=527
Center for Adult English Language Acquisition (CAELA)
Center for Applied Linguistics
Assists states with emerging populations who are learning ESL. Works with states to promote English language learning and academic achievement of adults learning English. Produces materials for teachers, program administrators, researchers, policymakers, and the general public. Disseminates curricula, program standards, reports, and other research-based information and resources to states regarding effective English language instruction for adults.
http://www.cal.org/caela/
Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL)
Provides research, professional development, curriculum materials, technical assistance, program evaluation, and publications for English language teachers. Resources available for adult civics, English literacy, bilingual education, refugee issues, immigrant education, and language assessment. CAL also runs the Center for Adult English Language Acquisition (CAELA).
http://www.cal.org/
Civic Participation and Citizenship Collection
New England Literacy Resource Center
One of several online collections offered by the New England Literacy Resource Center. Provides annotated list of websites and original resources that address civics for ESL and adult basic education learners, citizenship preparation, professional development, research, and legislation. Includes citizenship teachers’ reflections on classroom activities, resources for students, and materials for teachers.
http://www.nelrc.org/cpcc/prep.htm
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society
Citizenship section of this website contains information about the naturalization process, including RAPID Answers, a quarterly publication providing information updates for practitioners who work with immigrants.
http://www.hias.org/immigration.php
Literacy Assistance Center
Founded in 1983, the Literacy Assistance Center (LAC) provides referrals, training, information, and technical assistance to literacy programs in New York. Offers professional development materials, lesson plans, and curricula designed for youth and adult literacy instructors. Contains links to civics education and citizenship preparation instructional tools and resources on government and voting.
http://www.lacnyc.org/resources/links/civics.htm
Minnesota Literacy Council
Provides direct and indirect literacy services to adults, children, volunteers, and community programs in Minnesota. Features links to information on the U.S. government, U.S. history, the citizenship interview, and other resources to assist in preparing students for the naturalization exam.
http://www.themlc.org/citizenshipresources.html
New Readers Press
ProLiteracy Worldwide
Offers a weekly newspaper and teaching tools for readers at level four and above and a variety of resources for ESL and citizenship classes. For example, Citizenship: Passing the Test is a low literacy test preparation package that includes a student workbook and teacher’s guide. Other multimedia, print, and video resources address preparing for the citizenship interview, U.S. geography, history, culture, and basic facts about American life. Download of Becoming a Citizen: Get Prepared workshop presentation available at no cost. Other video and print resources available for purchase at:
http://www.newreaderspress.com
Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN)
Offers citizenship and English Literacy (EL)/Civcis lesson plans, classroom activities, Internet sites for use with students, and articles on teaching and learning. Also provides a group of over 40 EL/Civics instructional materials that are available for a modest fee. Topics include: parent guidelines to navigating the school system; sample job interviews; financial literacy lessons; and mock citizenship interviews. Links to organizations and other resources on citizenship, EL/Civics, vocational ESL, adult basic education, and lesson plan building tools. Free registration for users required.
http://www.otan.us
ProLiteracy
Serves adult volunteer literacy organizations and adult learners throughout the world. Sponsors a broad range of programs and services for adult learners and their families. Provides accreditation, technical assistance as well as program and professional development services. Offers nationally recognized certification for supervising trainers and trainers of volunteer tutors in basic skills and ESL. Produces training guides and other materials for trainers, teachers, and volunteers.
http://www.proliteracy.org
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
TESOL provides professional development support to teachers of adults who seek to learn or improve their English skills. Services include workshops, online learning opportunities, publications, and Internet-based member communities.
http://www.tesol.org/s_tesol/index.asp
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Provides information and resources to newly arrived immigrants who are ready and eligible to apply for naturalization, and organizations and educators that serve immigrants. Features instructional materials under the Education and Resources section of the website for citizenship and civics education instructors and their students. New resources include Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants, Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons, and the Civics Flash Cards.
http://www.uscis.gov
The White House/Government
Provides descriptions of the three branches of government, federal agencies and departments, and profiles of administration officials. Offers information on current issues, including immigration legislation, descriptions of the various offices and councils reporting to the President, and a Citizens’ Handbook that explains the role of the federal government in a variety of areas, such as education and training, employment, health, and housing. Also provides an interactive forum with Cabinet Secretaries, Senior White House Officials, behind-the-scenes professionals at the White House, and others.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/
