Dear Molly,
We have printed a list of survival skills (I can't quite remember the
source, but I think it's LVA's old ESLOA test book) that everyone needs in
the country. We advise our tutors to ensure that each is in place for the
first several weeks of tutoring, then communication seems to start opening
up. If you would like me to send you the list I'd be happy to do so.
Ann Beck

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From: professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov
[mailto:professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Molly Elkins
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 11:53 AM
To: 'The Adult Literacy Professional Development Discussion List'
Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 1995] Tutors becoming aware of
specificESOL needs



I am very interested in this discussion. I coordinate the Adult Literacy
program at our library, which is powered entirely by volunteers. Many have
experience working with adult learners or ESL, but many also do not. 

 

In our training, we do discuss the importance of meeting the specific
learning needs and goals of the learner, however, if the learner is unable
to articulate, how will an inexperienced tutor be helpful? 

 

I don't want to just throw my hands up and do away with the program, or
require that all volunteers have experience. How can I train or prepare my
tutors to meet the needs of their learners? 

 

Thank you,

 

Molly Elkins
Literacy Specialist
Douglas County Libraries
Phillip S. Miller Library
  100 S. Wilcox Street
  Castle Rock CO 80104
  Map
<http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&addtohistory=&formtype=addr
ess&searchtype=address&cat=&address=100%20S%20Wilcox%20St&city=Castle%20Rock
&state=CO&zipcode=80104%2d1911&search=Get%2bMap> 
Phone: (303)791-READ 

Fax: (303) 688-7655
Email: melkins at dclibraries.org
Web: www.DouglasCountyLibraries.org <http://www.douglascountylibraries.org/>


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From: professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov
[mailto:professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of
robinschwarz1 at aol.com
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 11:15 AM
To: professionaldevelopment at nifl.gov
Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 1911] Re: Requesting Resource Information

 

I hate to be a wet blanket here, but this just caught my eye.  Why don't you
recommend that this person advertise at a local college for someone to tutor
him.  He needs someone who will work with him on his assignments who is able
to meet him at the level of English he already has.   I say this having just
worked with one on one with the FOURTH tutor from the local library Literacy
Services assigned to an ESOL learner with fairly strong English skills.  I
have also worked with numerous literacy service providers in several states
and regularly provide PD sessions for literacy tutors in the state where I
live.   

These tutors mean so well but know so very little about working with ESOL
learners that frankly, it is not a productive match.   Since the tutors do
not know ESOL issues well, they tend to grab at some generic book in hopes
that will appease the learner-- when usually the learner has very specific
needs and goals, as does this learner, which do not get met or addressed at
all.   

I am so disheartened by the gap between what ESOL learners need and what
their literacy tutors are providing that I have decided to speak more
frankly about it.  I have adjusted my sessions with tutors to help them
start with the very basics: let's find out just what English your learner
actually knows and then what he or she really came to you to learn.  

 

Robin Lovrien Schwarz 

-----Original Message-----
From: Sandy Phillips <SPhillips at ci.oceanside.ca.us>
To: lbedford at rushmore.com; The Adult Literacy Professional Development
Discussion List <professionaldevelopment at nifl.gov>
Sent: Thu, 7 Feb 2008 10:37 am
Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 1910] Re: Requesting Resource Information

Laurie,

 

Have him call the Literacy Coordinator at the Stockton Public Library
Peaches Ehrich at (209) 937-8261.  I am sure she can help him locate the
help he needs.

 

Sandy Phillips 
Literacy Coordinator 
Volunteer Coordinator 
(760) 435-5683 
(760) 435-5681 FAX# 
sphillips at ci.oceanside.ca.us 

 

  _____  

From: professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov
[mailto:professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov
<mailto:professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov?> ] On Behalf Of Laurie
Bedford
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 7:38 AM
To: The Adult Literacy Professional Development Discussion List
Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 1909] Requesting Resource Information

All,

I am an adjunct faculty member at an online unversity teaching graduate
courses.   I have a student who is struggling with his writing.   He is an
english languague learner and Spanish is his first language.   He lives in
Stockton, CA.   Does anyone know of any resources in that area that he might
draw upon?  Thanks.

Laurie



Laurie Bedford, Ph.D. 
Adjunct Faculty/Instructional Development Consultant
lbedford at rushmore.com 
605-720-7881 

 

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