Educator Resources

Resources

Education sites containing curriculum, research and the latest information with regards to adult education and English-As-A-Second-Language. Many of these sites have links to other pertinent sites.

Lesson Plans/Standards/Strategies | Governmental/Community Agencies
Policy Information | Literacy Topics | ESOL and EL/Civics Resources

Lesson Plans/Standards/Strategies

Accommodations

AdultEdTeachers.org
This Web site helps adult educators using technology to enhance and improve instruction. Free features include: online Lesson Plan Builder linked to databases of standards, instructional materials and assessments; teachers’ O & A for advice from adult education experts; Internet in the classroom monthly activities; and electronic resources like classroom activities, sties to use with students, lesson plans, and media clips.

Center for Applied Linguistics
The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of research-based language tools and resources related to language and culture. Site Resources: Promotes and improves the teaching and learning of languages; Identifies and solves problems related to language and culture; Serves as a resource for information about language and culture; Conducts research on issues related to language and culture.

ESOL Teacher Lesson Plans
The ESOL Teacher Lesson Plans were developed as part of the training for teachers hosted by the Utah State Office of Education. The teacher trainers were trained by the Center for Adult English Language Acquisition (CAELA). The teacher trainers were trained to present two major topics (1) Multilevel classrooms and (2) Reading instruction. Other trainings will be developed over the next few years.  As a result, adult ESOL teachers across the state had the opportunity to participate in the trainings.  Part of the trainings included lesson plans developed by the participants of the training.  These lesson plans are posted here for your use as requested by the teachers.
            Multi-Level Lesson Plans
            Reading Lesson Plans

Equipped for the Future
This web site is a national standards-based educational improvement initiative for adult basic education and English language learning. Here you will find content standards and a rich collection of supporting products to guide adult learning, instruction, and assessment.

Health Education Resources

Irlen Syndrome/Scotopic Sensitivity
A self test for visual linked stress syndrome, and forms for ordering colored overlays. But beware – when you open that site, it starts with an example of what many people see! A piece of the puzzle for reading problems, learning difficulties, AD/HD, dyslexia, headaches and other physical symptoms through the use of color.

Northwest LINCS
Northwest LINCS provides online resources for the literacy community in the northwestern United States and Pacific Islands.

The Center for Adult English Language Acquisition (CAELA)
CAELA was created to help states build their capacity to promote English language learning and academic achievement of adults learning English. Funded by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE), U.S. Department of Education.

The National Research and Development Centre (NRDC)
NRDC was established by the DfES as part of Skills for Life, the national strategy for improving adult literacy and numeracy skills. NRDC is dedicated to conducting research into adult literacy, numeracy, ESOL and ICT. We are working to help improve the quality of teaching and learning so that young people and adults can progress in life and work.

US Department of Adult Education
The Division of Adult Education and Literacy (DAEL) promotes programs that help American adults get the basic skills they need to be productive workers, family members and citizens. The major areas of support are Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education and English Language Acquisition. These programs emphasize basic skills such as reading, writing, math, English language competency and problem solving.

Utah Education Network
The Utah Education Network web site provides education tools, activities, lesson plans, curriculum guides and professional development for teachers and educators in the state of Utah. You can also find other UEN resources like KULC channel 9, EDNET, and distance learning resources.

Utah State Core Curriculum
Utah State Office of Education Core Curriculum has core curriculum for K-12.

Governmental/Community Agencies

Department of Workforce Services
The Department of Workforce Services (DWS) is "Utah’s Job Connection." DWS is the product of Utah’s bold vision for the future of quality workforce development. It is a consolidation of all employment related functions into a comprehensive service delivery system. Now job seeker and employer customers can access the services they need without the confusion and burden of working with multiple agencies.

SLVHD Salt Lake Valley Health Department
SLVHD provides information to promote and protect community and environmental health. Searches for various health related information can be made. Information regarding food handler classes is available on this site.

Utah Cares
Utah Cares is a free, confidential tool that helps you find state and community services. Utah Cares can help connect you with providers that offer basic services, such as, housing, food, childcare, transportation, financial assistance information and much more.

Utah Clicks
Helps families find and apply for state programs and services. You can now fill out and complete applications for a variety of Utah programs using the streamlined process available on this site.

Policy Information

Education Commissions of the States
The Education Commission of the States provides non-partisan information about education policy to help state leaders develop educational systems.

National Reporting System (NRS)
NRS Web is the primary Web site for the National Reporting System (NRS) for Adult Education. This site includes information about the NRS, recent workshop materials, additional resources, and publications in the field of adult education. In addition, the NRS Web offers a question and answer section, and contact information for project staff, technical working group members, and U.S. Department of Education staff.

NRS Online provides adult education teachers, administrators, and others interested in the adult education program reference material and training related to the guidelines of the National Reporting System.

The National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium
The National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium, incorporated in 1990 by state adult education directors, provides professional development, policy analysis, and dissemination of information important to state staff in adult education.

US Department of Adult Education
The Division of Adult Education and Literacy (DAEL) promotes programs that help American adults get the basic skills they need to be productive workers, family members and citizens. The major areas of support are Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education and English Language Acquisition. These programs emphasize basic skills such as reading, writing, math, English language competency and problem solving.

Literacy Topics

EL/Civics Online
EL/Civics Online is a unique professional development opportunity for ESL instructors and volunteers who wish to incorporate EL/Civics content into their adult ESL classrooms.  The four main online courses are:
U.S. History, U.S. Government, Civic Engagement and The Naturalization Process.  This series of online courses will assist teachers in creating interesting, effective ESL lessons. 

For ESOL or Family Literacy Programs
Raising Children in a New Country: An Illustrated Handbook and the accompanying Toolkit for Working with Newcomer Parents designed for English language learning (ELL) can be downloaded free from Bridging Refugee Youth and Children’s Services (BYRCS).  The new handbook, using basic English texts and communicative illustrations, helps teach American norms and requirements for parental involvement in childrens’ schools, meals and nutrition, street and car safety, disciplinary techniques, and other activities.  The toolkit is designed for teachers, caseworkers and counselors helping refugee families learn English and adapt to American culture. It includes a wealth of Web links to additional resources.  BYRCS is a joint project of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and is supported by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Librarians’ Internet Index: Web Sites You Can Trust
Librarians' Internet Index (LII) is a publicly-funded Web site and weekly newsletter with over 20,000 entries. It is maintained by librarians and organized into 14 main topics and nearly 300 related topics. OVAE recommended site.

Literacy TentWiki
Information related to a variety of adult literacy topics.

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
The 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy is a nationally representative assessment of English literacy among American adults age 16 and older. Sponsored by the (NCES), NAAL is the nation’s most comprehensive measure of adult literacy since the National Center for Education Statistics 1992 National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS).

Northwest LINCS
Northwest LINCS provides online resources for the literacy community in the northwestern United States and Pacific Islands.

The Literacy List
The Literacy List is a large collection of free adult basic education and English language ELL/ESL/ESOL Web sites, electronic discussion lists (listservs), and other Internet resources for adult basic skills learners, teachers and tutors. The resources have been suggested by adult literacy and ELL practitioners. David J. Rosen hosts this site and also has his own publications online at http://newsomeassociates.com

The National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL)
The National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) is a federally funded research and development center focused solely on adult learning. NCSALL's efforts are dedicated to improving practice in educational programs that serve adults with limited literacy and English language skills and those without a high school diploma. This site has links to many other pertinent sites.

The National Institute for Literacy (NIFL)
The National Institute for Literacy's activities seek to strengthen literacy across the lifespan. The Institute provides national leadership regarding literacy, coordinates literacy services and policies, and serve as a national resource for adult education and literacy programs.

US Department of Adult Education
The Division of Adult Education and Literacy (DAEL) promotes programs that help American adults get the basic skills they need to be productive workers, family members and citizens. The major areas of support are Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education and English Language Acquisition. These programs emphasize basic skills such as reading, writing, math, English language competency and problem solving.

ESOL and EL/Civics Resources

A Guide to Naturalization
A Guide to Naturalization provides information on the benefits and responsibilities of citizenship, an overview of the naturalization process, and eligibility requirements.

A Promise of Freedom
A Promise of Freedom is an inspiring short film for immigrant audiences based on the National Constitution Center’s award-winning presentation Freedom Rising. This 12-minute film focuses on the history and founding of our nation and the important rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. The role of immigration in U.S. history is highlighted throughout the film. A Promise of Freedom is an excellent way to begin a session on immigration or citizenship.

Civics and Citizenship Multimedia Presentation
Learning about your country and the rights and responsibilities that accompany citizenship is an important part of being a good citizen. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Office of Citizenship have developed a variety of educational materials that allow immigrants to learn more about U.S. history and government as they prepare for the naturalization test.

Civics and Citizenship Study Materials
This site provides information on the services provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to applicants, petitioners, authorized representatives, community-based organizations, and the general public.
In addition to administering the programs that provide benefits, it answers questions and finds solutions to problems brought to our attention by the public, special interest groups, other government agencies, and the U.S. Congress regarding immigration concerns.

Outstanding Americans by Choice
The Outstanding American by Choice initiative recognizes the outstanding achievements of naturalized U.S. citizens. Through civic participation, professional achievement, and responsible citizenship, recipients of this honor have demonstrated their commitment to this country and to the common civic values that unite us as Americans.

Redesigned Naturalization Test
In the interest of creating a more standardized, fair, and meaningful naturalization process, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently completed a multi-year redesign of the naturalization test. The revised test, with an emphasis on the fundamental concepts of American democracy and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, will help encourage citizenship applicants to learn and identify with the basic values we all share as Americans.

Regional Training Conferences
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will convene FREE regional training conferences for adult civics and citizenship teachers and volunteers to improve their skills in teaching U.S. history, civics, and the naturalization process to immigrant students. 

Resources for New Immigrants
The United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants from all over the world. We value the contributions of immigrants, who continue to enrich this country and preserve its legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity. Though we are a nation of diverse cultures and backgrounds, we are bound by our shared history, the common civic values set forth in our founding documents, and the English language.

U.S. Civics and Citizenship Online
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Office of Citizenship, created U.S. Civics and Citizenship Online* for English Literacy/Civics, citizenship, English as a Second Language (ESL), and other adult education instructors and tutors. Its purpose is to provide a quick and easy path to resources to help instructors prepare students for naturalization and to incorporate civics into ESL instruction.