Breakout Sessions

4 Myths and Truths About Adult English Language Learning

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: PAL
In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore four common misconceptions about how adults learn language, highlighting the strengths of adult ELLs and how to best set learners up for success. Read more about this session.

Academic Pre-GED Gap for Spanish Speakers? Plaza Comunitaria!

Presenter: Rosa-Maria Crocker • PD Category: OTHER
The Plaza Comunitaria is an academic bridge for Hispanic youngsters, adults, and families. An accredited Adult Basic Education pre-GED program available in the US, Plaza Comunitaria de Plano has been running successfully for 19 years. Read more about this session.

Adult Education in Aldine ISD: Why the Family and Community University?

Presenter: Iván Tamayo • PD Category: OTHER
This presentation tells the story of this new initiative in the Aldine school district in Houston, in how we build families’ capacity by addressing their needs and recognizing their expertise and potential. Read more about this session.

Civics is Everywhere! Working Civics into Your ABE Classroom

Presenter: Ann Beeson • PD Category: LIT
This presentation is an innovative way of looking at incorporating civics into your ABE classroom. By infusing content areas, you’ll learn to build lessons using your state or local content standards. Read more about this session.

Delivering Job-Ready Candidates

Presenter: Olga Escamilla • PD Category: OTHER
When workplace skills are integrated into the classroom, programs can better deliver job-ready candidates. When employers see that students have adequate workplace skills and qualifications, they’ll be more willing to hire them. Read more about this session.

Easy Books for Improved Adult Learner Reading Fluency & Comprehension

Presenter: Greta Gorsuch • PD Category: LIT
This session will focus on the important fluency-comprehension relationship. Some simple, easy-to-use methodologies will be demonstrated using authentic, high-interest literacy-supporting books. Read more about this session.

Implementing PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) Cycles for Reading Improvement

Presenter: Brittany White • PD Category: LIT
PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) Cycles can be leveraged to push struggling readers forward. Learn how to empower adult students to use this simple yet practical tool to show improvement and reach their unique reading goals. Read more about this session.

Improving Testing and NRS Gains of ESL Students with TABE CLAS-E Online

Presenter: Chasity Wright • PD Category: OTHER
TABE CLAS-E Online is the only assessment measuring reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills for adult ESL students in both a paper and computer-based format. Read more about this session.

Instructional Strategies for Family Literacy: A Teaching Approach

Presenter: Paula Bauer, AnneMarie Molinari-Sanders • PD Category: LIT
This session will provide attendees with Family Literacy resources that support intergenerational learning and development. We will discuss how to foster a love for family learning that will last a lifetime for students. Read more about this session.

Keep Calm and Math On!

Presenter: Krista Mosher • PD Category: LIT
Math, whether teaching or learning it, tends to cause strong emotions in people. Investigate causes of math anxiety based on research and personal experiences and explore some in-class practices to help combat it. Read more about this session.

Part I: Structured Literacy – Reading Instruction for All

Presenter: Lara Speights • PD Category: LIT
60% of readers need explicit instruction to learn to read. Join Lara, Licensed Dyslexia Therapist and Reading Specialist, to discuss researched reading practices that are beneficial for all, and essential for our most vulnerable. Read more about this session.

Part II: Structured Literacy and Dyslexia with Adult Learners

Presenter: Lara Speights • PD Category: LIT
Across Texas, adults with undiagnosed dyslexia are struggling to read. Join for a conversation about dyslexia around the neuroscience, the red flags, and supporting these learners academically and emotionally. Read more about this session.

Pronunciation for Adult English Language Learners

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: LIT
This interactive workshop will introduce a range of fun, applicable techniques and tools for practicing sound and stress with adult English language learners. Read more about this session.

Seizing the Opportunity with GED!

Presenter: Jonna Forsyth • PD Category: OTHER
We’ve got data, how about you? In this session we’ll take a look at the GED exam, the many resources available to you and your students to support success, and more specifically GED Manager data to support your students! Read more about this session.

Start in the Middle to Get to the Finish: Phonics Tricks for Strugglers

Presenter: Elizabeth Martinez • PD Category: LIT
Many students read the first few letters of words and then guess the rest, reading Brad as Bard, girl as grill, and so on. Attendees will learn to help confused students pronounce the vowel FIRST, to successfully decode English. Read more about this session.

TABE Workforce Readiness – A New Reporting Suite

Presenter: Chasity Wright • PD Category: OTHER
This session will explore how TABE 11 & 12 are now aligned to over 800 of the Bright Outlook careers posted in the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Network (O*Net). Read more about this session.

Building this Plane as We Fly It: A Case Study in Collaboration in Amarillo, Texas

Presenter: Crystal Pennington • PD Category: OTHER
Refugee Language Project lives at the crossroads of community collaboration and a unique organizational identity in its work with refugees in Amarillo, Texas. Listen in on an evaluation of their largest collaboration to date in opening a multi-cultural community center. Read more about this session.

Deeper than Phonics: The Read’em-to-Freedom Family Literacy Campaign

Presenter: Fran-Victoria Stephens • PD Category: Pending
Join us for this half-history, half-inspiration, and wholly revolutionary session! We will uncover the catalytic power of families to convert literacy into freedom. Read more about this session.

Financial Repercussions of Low Adult Literacy in the 21st Century

Presenter: Patricia Noske • PD Category: OTHER
The World Literacy Foundation recently published their final report on the economic and social costs of low literacy. It provides us with a glimpse of the frightening consequences of our collective failure to address the problem. Read more about this session.

The Collaboration Spectrum: How to Enter into Community Partnerships While Maintaining Organizational Identity

Presenter: Crystal Pennington • PD Category: OTHER
Collaboration, at its best, leverages the strengths and resources of multiple groups to accomplish shared goals. In this session, we will look at forming beneficial partnerships that don’t sacrifice the core identity of your organization. Read more about this session.

The Community Connection

Presenters: Kristina Rivas-Jones, Dr. Jenny Walker • PD Category: OTHER
Explore the way community collaboration has revolutionized the experience of adult learners in Texarkana through partnerships between non-profits, higher education institutions, government agencies, and faith-based organizations. Read more about this session.

The Whole Village: How Wrap-Around Support Helped One Young Mother Get on Her Feet and Career Ready

Presenter: Dr. Jenny Walker, Kristina Rivas-Jones • PD Category: OTHER
We know that when an adult learner is struggling with education, they usually struggle in many areas. This case study session will take a deep look at the impact of collaboration with community members to help a student to thrive. Read more about this session.

This is How We Do It: Panel Discussion on Community Collaboration

Panelists: Caroline Goddard, Crystal Pennington, Kristina Rivas-Jones, Jenny Walker • PD Category: Pending
There’s no one right way to do community collaboration – in fact, the more tailored to needs and context collaboration is, the more likely it is to be successful. Hear four panelists from different types of literacy programs across Texas discuss what works. Read more about this session.

Civics is Everywhere! Working Civics into Your ABE Classroom

Presenter: Ann Beeson • PD Category: LIT
This presentation is an innovative way of looking at incorporating civics into your ABE classroom. By infusing content areas, you’ll learn to build lessons using your state or local content standards. Read more about this session.

Building this Plane as We Fly It: A Case Study in Collaboration in Amarillo, Texas

Presenter: Crystal Pennington • PD Category: OTHER
Refugee Language Project lives at the crossroads of community collaboration and a unique organizational identity in its work with refugees in Amarillo, Texas. Listen in on an evaluation of their largest collaboration to date in opening a multi-cultural community center. Read more about this session.

It Takes A Village: How Literacy Programs Can Partner with Workforce to Reach and Teach More Adult Learners

Presenter: Mahalia Baldini • PD Category: OTHER
Employers need a literate workforce. Literacy providers can play an important role as intentional co-creators of a literate and educated workforce. Read more about this session.

Lessons Learned from Adopting Reading Fluency Technology in the Classroom

Presenter: Lara Speights • PD Category: OTHER
Tracking data is important but oftentimes ends up collecting dust. Join us for a discussion on takeaways from an adult literacy program’s integration of reading fluency technology created by a former student. Read more about this session.

The Collaboration Spectrum: How to Enter into Community Partnerships While Maintaining Organizational Identity

Presenter: Crystal Pennington • PD Category: OTHER
Collaboration, at its best, leverages the strengths and resources of multiple groups to accomplish shared goals. In this session, we will look at forming beneficial partnerships that don’t sacrifice the core identity of your organization. Read more about this session.

The Community Connection

Presenters: Kristina Rivas-Jones, Dr. Jenny Walker • PD Category: OTHER
Explore the way community collaboration has revolutionized the experience of adult learners in Texarkana through partnerships between non-profits, higher education institutions, government agencies, and faith-based organizations. Read more about this session.

The Power of Partnerships

Presenter: Caroline Goddard • PD Category: Pending
Partnerships can take many forms! In this session, learn about the creation and growth of the Alamo Workforce Consortium, and its innovative combining of community supports to provide wrap-around services in San Antonio. Read more about this session.

The Whole Village: How Wrap-Around Support Helped One Young Mother Get on Her Feet and Career Ready

Presenter: Dr. Jenny Walker, Kristina Rivas-Jones • PD Category: OTHER
We know that when an adult learner is struggling with education, they usually struggle in many areas. This case study session will take a deep look at the impact of collaboration with community members to help a student to thrive. Read more about this session.

This is How We Do It: Panel Discussion on Community Collaboration

Panelists: Caroline Goddard, Crystal Pennington, Kristina Rivas-Jones, Jenny Walker • PD Category: Pending
There’s no one right way to do community collaboration – in fact, the more tailored to needs and context collaboration is, the more likely it is to be successful. Hear four panelists from different types of literacy programs across Texas discuss what works. Read more about this session.

A Teacher’s Dozen: Activities to Engage Your Learners

Presenters: Martin Loa, Ana Aparicio, Christina Robledo, Cathy Callejo • PD Category: LIT
In-person, virtual, hy-flex… donut worry! No matter what your English language classroom looks like, dunk into our session to learn how to spice up your teaching and make any lesson more engaging. Read more about this session.

Beyond the AEL Tradition: Where Do We Go From Here?

Presenter: Jacqueline Aguilera • PD Category: OTHER
Explore the journey from offering traditional user tech applications to include evolving tech industries and opportunities, pushing digital equity and inclusion boundaries and upskilling & reskilling for the next tech generation. Read more about this session.

DART – Digital Access and Resilience in Texas

Presenter: Glenda Rose • PD Category: LIT
DART is a new curriculum for including digital skills and resilience into ESL classes. Designed primarily for learners with little or no English literacy, the curriculum can be adapted for learners at all levels. Read more about this session.

Dive into Digital: Building Digital Confidence with BurlingtonEnglish

Presenter: Martin Loa • PD Category: OTHER
In this session, we will explore how BurlingtonEnglish immerses students in a digital experience with standards-based, teacher-led instruction to develop English proficiency while integrating essential digital literacy skills. Read more about this session.

Family Math Literacy Initiative Call Center for Texans

Presenters: May O’Brien, Jennifer Bell, Asmaa Benajar • PD Category: OTHER
Introducing: Family Math Literacy Initiative Call Center. Learn about this free one-to-one math instructional support resource for Texas adult learners and their family members. Read more about this session.

Incorporating Virtual Reality in the Adult Education Classroom

Presenters: Dr. Felicia Cumings Smith, Patricia Erwin, Jason Souders • PD Category: Pending
Examine two pilot projects designed to explore how virtual reality can be incorporated into the adult education classroom and learn how immersive education can be used to promote the academic development adult learners. Read more about this session.

Lessons Learned from Adopting Reading Fluency Technology in the Classroom

Presenter: Lara Speights • PD Category: OTHER
Tracking data is important but oftentimes ends up collecting dust. Join us for a discussion on takeaways from an adult literacy program’s integration of reading fluency technology created by a former student. Read more about this session.

Maximizing Your Instruction: Innovative Strategies and Lesson Ideas

Presenter: Ashly Winkle • PD Category: LIT
Now there are on-demand digital literacy curricula, what are you doing to ensure students practice? Explore ways to help students use digital literacy skills in a contextualized environment, using free curricula. Read more about this session.

The Digital Divide in Rural and Latino Communities and the Impact

Presenters: Rebecca Sanchez, Katherine Avila • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about the digital divide in rural and Latino communities, factors associated with digital disparities, research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and strategies to promote digital access and communication. Read more about this session.

A Teacher’s Dozen: Activities to Engage Your Learners

Presenters: Martin Loa, Ana Aparicio, Christina Robledo, Cathy Callejo • PD Category: LIT
In-person, virtual, hy-flex… donut worry! No matter what your English language classroom looks like, dunk into our session to learn how to spice up your teaching and make any lesson more engaging. Read more about this session.

Maximizing Your Instruction: Innovative Strategies and Lesson Ideas

Presenter: Ashly Winkle • PD Category: LIT
Now there are on-demand digital literacy curricula, what are you doing to ensure students practice? Explore ways to help students use digital literacy skills in a contextualized environment, using free curricula. Read more about this session.

The Digital Divide in Rural and Latino Communities and the Impact

Presenters: Rebecca Sanchez, Katherine Avila • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about the digital divide in rural and Latino communities, factors associated with digital disparities, research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and strategies to promote digital access and communication. Read more about this session.

Deeper than Phonics: The Read’em-to-Freedom Family Literacy Campaign

Presenter: Fran-Victoria Stephens • PD Category: Pending
Join us for this half-history, half-inspiration, and wholly revolutionary session! We will uncover the catalytic power of families to convert literacy into freedom. Read more about this session.

Let’s Start at the Very Beginning: Instruction for Literacy Level Adult Learners (2-part session)

Presenter: Andrea Echelberger • PD Category: LIT
Do you work with adult learners who are just beginning to read and write? This session will cover goals, processes, and activities for helping adult ESL and reading learners get successfully started on the road to literacy. Read more about this session.

Part II: Structured Literacy and Dyslexia with Adult Learners

Presenter: Lara Speights • PD Category: LIT
Across Texas, adults with undiagnosed dyslexia are struggling to read. Join for a conversation about dyslexia around the neuroscience, the red flags, and supporting these learners academically and emotionally. Read more about this session.

Sparking Conversations About Race and Equity with English Learners

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: OTHER
English learners with basic conversational skills are often eager to learn about racism, equity, and justice. This interactive workshop will provide teachers with tools to successfully introduce these topics in their classes. Read more about this session.

The Digital Divide in Rural and Latino Communities and the Impact

Presenters: Rebecca Sanchez, Katherine Avila • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about the digital divide in rural and Latino communities, factors associated with digital disparities, research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and strategies to promote digital access and communication. Read more about this session.

The View From the Other Side of the Desk

Presenter: Andrea Echelberger • PD Category: PAL
Ever look at English learners and wish you had a better understanding of their classroom experience? This session will put you in the shoes of beginning language learners to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges ELLs face. Read more about this session.

This is Your Brain On Accents: Accent Bias and Discrimination in the United States

Presenter: Andrea Echelberger • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about accent bias research and ways that accent bias can result in discrimination for non-native speakers of English. Roleplay ways to interrupt accent bias and advocate for English language learners in their communities. Read more about this session.

4 Myths and Truths About Adult English Language Learning

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: PAL
In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore four common misconceptions about how adults learn language, highlighting the strengths of adult ELLs and how to best set learners up for success. Read more about this session.

A Teacher’s Dozen: Activities to Engage Your Learners

Presenters: Martin Loa, Ana Aparicio, Christina Robledo, Cathy Callejo • PD Category: LIT
In-person, virtual, hy-flex… donut worry! No matter what your English language classroom looks like, dunk into our session to learn how to spice up your teaching and make any lesson more engaging. Read more about this session.

DART – Digital Access and Resilience in Texas

Presenter: Glenda Rose • PD Category: LIT
DART is a new curriculum for including digital skills and resilience into ESL classes. Designed primarily for learners with little or no English literacy, the curriculum can be adapted for learners at all levels. Read more about this session.

Delivering Job-Ready Candidates

Presenter: Olga Escamilla • PD Category: OTHER
When workplace skills are integrated into the classroom, programs can better deliver job-ready candidates. When employers see that students have adequate workplace skills and qualifications, they’ll be more willing to hire them. Read more about this session.

Developing Fluency & Vocabulary

Presenter: Andrea Echelberger • PD Category: LIT
Discover methods for teaching vocabulary to beginning level English learners, and ideas for making it stick; explore ways to build speaking fluency and confidence, and activities for one-on-one or small group instruction. Read more about this session.

Discover Transferable Workforce Preparation Skills in Ventures

Presenter: Robin Graybill • PD Category: OTHER
Discover transferable workforce preparation skills in these areas: communication, working with others, critical thinking, self-management, digital literacy and interview skills. You will take away practical lesson ideas. Read more about this session.

Dive into Digital: Building Digital Confidence with BurlingtonEnglish

Presenter: Martin Loa • PD Category: OTHER
In this session, we will explore how BurlingtonEnglish immerses students in a digital experience with standards-based, teacher-led instruction to develop English proficiency while integrating essential digital literacy skills. Read more about this session.

Easy Books for Improved Adult Learner Reading Fluency & Comprehension

Presenter: Greta Gorsuch • PD Category: LIT
This session will focus on the important fluency-comprehension relationship. Some simple, easy-to-use methodologies will be demonstrated using authentic, high-interest literacy-supporting books. Read more about this session.

Implementing PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) Cycles for Reading Improvement

Presenter: Brittany White • PD Category: LIT
PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) Cycles can be leveraged to push struggling readers forward. Learn how to empower adult students to use this simple yet practical tool to show improvement and reach their unique reading goals. Read more about this session.

Improving Testing and NRS Gains of ESL Students with TABE CLAS-E Online

Presenter: Chasity Wright • PD Category: OTHER
TABE CLAS-E Online is the only assessment measuring reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills for adult ESL students in both a paper and computer-based format. Read more about this session.

Let’s Start at the Very Beginning: Instruction for Literacy Level Adult Learners (2-part session)

Presenter: Andrea Echelberger • PD Category: LIT
Do you work with adult learners who are just beginning to read and write? This session will cover goals, processes, and activities for helping adult ESL and reading learners get successfully started on the road to literacy. Read more about this session.

Pronunciation for Adult English Language Learners

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: LIT
This interactive workshop will introduce a range of fun, applicable techniques and tools for practicing sound and stress with adult English language learners. Read more about this session.

SLIFE: Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education

Presenter: Katie Welch • PD Category: LIT
Learn about the unique needs of SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education) and how to tailor your teaching for ESL students who do not have strong literacy skills in their home languages. Read more about this session.

Sparking Conversations About Race and Equity with English Learners

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: OTHER
English learners with basic conversational skills are often eager to learn about racism, equity, and justice. This interactive workshop will provide teachers with tools to successfully introduce these topics in their classes. Read more about this session.

Start in the Middle to Get to the Finish: Phonics Tricks for Strugglers

Presenter: Elizabeth Martinez • PD Category: LIT
Many students read the first few letters of words and then guess the rest, reading Brad as Bard, girl as grill, and so on. Attendees will learn to help confused students pronounce the vowel FIRST, to successfully decode English. Read more about this session.

Stand Out – The Fourth Edition

Presenters: Staci Johnson, Janet Kay • PD Category: OTHER
See what’s new with the Stand Out – The Fourth Edition: NEW Spark Digital platform; NEW Workforce Lessons in every Unit; NEW Life Online Videos focus on Digital Literacy Strategies and Instruction; NEW Literacy Foundations Level. Read more about this session.

Talk Amongst Yourselves: Building Up to Student-Facilitated Conversation

Presenter: Andrea Echelberger • PD Category: LIT
A conversation is more than talking and listening! Learn about three essential skills learners need in order to join a conversation and keep it going. Come ready to participate and try out the techniques yourself! Read more about this session.

The View From the Other Side of the Desk

Presenter: Andrea Echelberger • PD Category: PAL
Ever look at English learners and wish you had a better understanding of their classroom experience? This session will put you in the shoes of beginning language learners to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges ELLs face. Read more about this session.

This is Your Brain On Accents: Accent Bias and Discrimination in the United States

Presenter: Andrea Echelberger • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about accent bias research and ways that accent bias can result in discrimination for non-native speakers of English. Roleplay ways to interrupt accent bias and advocate for English language learners in their communities. Read more about this session.

Academic Pre-GED Gap for Spanish Speakers? Plaza Comunitaria!

Presenter: Rosa-Maria Crocker • PD Category: OTHER
The Plaza Comunitaria is an academic bridge for Hispanic youngsters, adults, and families. An accredited Adult Basic Education pre-GED program available in the US, Plaza Comunitaria de Plano has been running successfully for 19 years. Read more about this session.

Adult Education in Aldine ISD: Why the Family and Community University?

Presenter: Iván Tamayo • PD Category: OTHER
This presentation tells the story of this new initiative in the Aldine school district in Houston, in how we build families’ capacity by addressing their needs and recognizing their expertise and potential. Read more about this session.

Deeper than Phonics: The Read’em-to-Freedom Family Literacy Campaign

Presenter: Fran-Victoria Stephens • PD Category: Pending
Join us for this half-history, half-inspiration, and wholly revolutionary session! We will uncover the catalytic power of families to convert literacy into freedom. Read more about this session.

Family Math Literacy Initiative Call Center for Texans

Presenters: May O’Brien, Jennifer Bell, Asmaa Benajar • PD Category: OTHER
Introducing: Family Math Literacy Initiative Call Center. Learn about this free one-to-one math instructional support resource for Texas adult learners and their family members. Read more about this session.

Financial Repercussions of Low Adult Literacy in the 21st Century

Presenter: Patricia Noske • PD Category: OTHER
The World Literacy Foundation recently published their final report on the economic and social costs of low literacy. It provides us with a glimpse of the frightening consequences of our collective failure to address the problem. Read more about this session.

Incorporating Virtual Reality in the Adult Education Classroom

Presenters: Dr. Felicia Cumings Smith, Patricia Erwin, Jason Souders • PD Category: Pending
Examine two pilot projects designed to explore how virtual reality can be incorporated into the adult education classroom and learn how immersive education can be used to promote the academic development adult learners. Read more about this session.

Instructional Strategies for Family Literacy: A Teaching Approach

Presenter: Paula Bauer, AnneMarie Molinari-Sanders • PD Category: LIT
This session will provide attendees with Family Literacy resources that support intergenerational learning and development. We will discuss how to foster a love for family learning that will last a lifetime for students. Read more about this session.

Building this Plane as We Fly It: A Case Study in Collaboration in Amarillo, Texas

Presenter: Crystal Pennington • PD Category: OTHER
Refugee Language Project lives at the crossroads of community collaboration and a unique organizational identity in its work with refugees in Amarillo, Texas. Listen in on an evaluation of their largest collaboration to date in opening a multi-cultural community center. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL – for Directors & CEOs

Facilitators: Literacy Texas Board Members Ernest Lewis & Alba Austin • PD Category: Pending
Group Chat IRL (In Real Life) sessions bring small groups together for guided conversation. This session is for anyone in leadership at their organization – gather for some real talk about the trials, tribulations, and joys of literacy leadership. Read more about this session.

The Collaboration Spectrum: How to Enter into Community Partnerships While Maintaining Organizational Identity

Presenter: Crystal Pennington • PD Category: OTHER
Collaboration, at its best, leverages the strengths and resources of multiple groups to accomplish shared goals. In this session, we will look at forming beneficial partnerships that don’t sacrifice the core identity of your organization. Read more about this session.

Financial Repercussions of Low Adult Literacy in the 21st Century

Presenter: Patricia Noske • PD Category: OTHER
The World Literacy Foundation recently published their final report on the economic and social costs of low literacy. It provides us with a glimpse of the frightening consequences of our collective failure to address the problem. Read more about this session.

Beyond the AEL Tradition: Where Do We Go From Here?

Presenter: Jacqueline Aguilera • PD Category: OTHER
Explore the journey from offering traditional user tech applications to include evolving tech industries and opportunities, pushing digital equity and inclusion boundaries and upskilling & reskilling for the next tech generation. Read more about this session.

Civics is Everywhere! Working Civics into Your ABE Classroom

Presenter: Ann Beeson • PD Category: LIT
This presentation is an innovative way of looking at incorporating civics into your ABE classroom. By infusing content areas, you’ll learn to build lessons using your state or local content standards. Read more about this session.

Developing Fluency & Vocabulary

Presenter: Andrea Echelberger • PD Category: LIT
Discover methods for teaching vocabulary to beginning level English learners, and ideas for making it stick; explore ways to build speaking fluency and confidence, and activities for one-on-one or small group instruction. Read more about this session.

Discover Transferable Workforce Preparation Skills in Ventures

Presenter: Robin Graybill • PD Category: OTHER
Discover transferable workforce preparation skills in these areas: communication, working with others, critical thinking, self-management, digital literacy and interview skills. You will take away practical lesson ideas. Read more about this session.

Easy Books for Improved Adult Learner Reading Fluency & Comprehension

Presenter: Greta Gorsuch • PD Category: LIT
This session will focus on the important fluency-comprehension relationship. Some simple, easy-to-use methodologies will be demonstrated using authentic, high-interest literacy-supporting books. Read more about this session.

Fulfilling Your Learning Needs with the PD Portal

Presenter: Laura Greer • PD Category: OTHER
Join TCALL for tips on how to use the PD Portal. Learn to create an account; search for, request, and complete professional development; locate certificates of completion, and join and post in Connect Communities. Read more about this session.

Implementing PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) Cycles for Reading Improvement

Presenter: Brittany White • PD Category: LIT
PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) Cycles can be leveraged to push struggling readers forward. Learn how to empower adult students to use this simple yet practical tool to show improvement and reach their unique reading goals. Read more about this session.

Incorporating Virtual Reality in the Adult Education Classroom

Presenters: Dr. Felicia Cumings Smith, Patricia Erwin, Jason Souders • PD Category: Pending
Examine two pilot projects designed to explore how virtual reality can be incorporated into the adult education classroom and learn how immersive education can be used to promote the academic development adult learners. Read more about this session.

Instructional Strategies for Family Literacy: A Teaching Approach

Presenter: Paula Bauer, AnneMarie Molinari-Sanders • PD Category: LIT
This session will provide attendees with Family Literacy resources that support intergenerational learning and development. We will discuss how to foster a love for family learning that will last a lifetime for students. Read more about this session.

Is This Messy Writing or is it Dysgraphia?

Presenter: Leticia Spillane • PD Category: LIT
Presenter will explain how this disability affects people’s ability to write legibly and how it interferes with the ability to express written language. In addition, the presenter will share strategies to help correct writing. Read more about this session.

Keep Calm and Math On!

Presenter: Krista Mosher • PD Category: LIT
Math, whether teaching or learning it, tends to cause strong emotions in people. Investigate causes of math anxiety based on research and personal experiences and explore some in-class practices to help combat it. Read more about this session.

Let’s Start at the Very Beginning: Instruction for Literacy Level Adult Learners (2-part session)

Presenter: Andrea Echelberger • PD Category: LIT
Do you work with adult learners who are just beginning to read and write? This session will cover goals, processes, and activities for helping adult ESL and reading learners get successfully started on the road to literacy. Read more about this session.

Part I: Structured Literacy – Reading Instruction for All

Presenter: Lara Speights • PD Category: LIT
60% of readers need explicit instruction to learn to read. Join Lara, Licensed Dyslexia Therapist and Reading Specialist, to discuss researched reading practices that are beneficial for all, and essential for our most vulnerable. Read more about this session.

SLIFE: Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education

Presenter: Katie Welch • PD Category: LIT
Learn about the unique needs of SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education) and how to tailor your teaching for ESL students who do not have strong literacy skills in their home languages. Read more about this session.

Soft Skills Are Anything But Soft

Presenter: Jacqueline Aguilera • PD Category: OTHER
Getting the job opens the door, but keeping a job takes skill. Soft Skills are essential skills that pave the way towards success. This session explores the elements of what makes “Power Skills” valuable talent currency. Read more about this session.

Talk Amongst Yourselves: Building Up to Student-Facilitated Conversation

Presenter: Andrea Echelberger • PD Category: LIT
A conversation is more than talking and listening! Learn about three essential skills learners need in order to join a conversation and keep it going. Come ready to participate and try out the techniques yourself! Read more about this session.

The View From the Other Side of the Desk

Presenter: Andrea Echelberger • PD Category: PAL
Ever look at English learners and wish you had a better understanding of their classroom experience? This session will put you in the shoes of beginning language learners to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges ELLs face. Read more about this session.

This is Your Brain On Accents: Accent Bias and Discrimination in the United States

Presenter: Andrea Echelberger • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about accent bias research and ways that accent bias can result in discrimination for non-native speakers of English. Roleplay ways to interrupt accent bias and advocate for English language learners in their communities. Read more about this session.

Unleashing Literacy: Dynamic Tools for Adults with Learning Differences

Presenters: Dr. Joan Ickes, Laura Kovalcik, Karen Coffey • PD Category: PAL
60% of adults with literacy problems have undiagnosed learning differences. Participate in activities to learn common learning differences; online screening tools; Texas diagnostic resources; research-based literacy methods. Read more about this session.

Is This Messy Writing or is it Dysgraphia?

Presenter: Leticia Spillane • PD Category: LIT
Presenter will explain how this disability affects people’s ability to write legibly and how it interferes with the ability to express written language. In addition, the presenter will share strategies to help correct writing. Read more about this session.

Part I: Structured Literacy – Reading Instruction for All

Presenter: Lara Speights • PD Category: LIT
60% of readers need explicit instruction to learn to read. Join Lara, Licensed Dyslexia Therapist and Reading Specialist, to discuss researched reading practices that are beneficial for all, and essential for our most vulnerable. Read more about this session.

Part II: Structured Literacy and Dyslexia with Adult Learners

Presenter: Lara Speights • PD Category: LIT
Across Texas, adults with undiagnosed dyslexia are struggling to read. Join for a conversation about dyslexia around the neuroscience, the red flags, and supporting these learners academically and emotionally. Read more about this session.

Unleashing Literacy: Dynamic Tools for Adults with Learning Differences

Presenters: Dr. Joan Ickes, Laura Kovalcik, Karen Coffey • PD Category: PAL
60% of adults with literacy problems have undiagnosed learning differences. Participate in activities to learn common learning differences; online screening tools; Texas diagnostic resources; research-based literacy methods. Read more about this session.

Academic Pre-GED Gap for Spanish Speakers? Plaza Comunitaria!

Presenter: Rosa-Maria Crocker • PD Category: OTHER
The Plaza Comunitaria is an academic bridge for Hispanic youngsters, adults, and families. An accredited Adult Basic Education pre-GED program available in the US, Plaza Comunitaria de Plano has been running successfully for 19 years. Read more about this session.

Delivering Job-Ready Candidates

Presenter: Olga Escamilla • PD Category: OTHER
When workplace skills are integrated into the classroom, programs can better deliver job-ready candidates. When employers see that students have adequate workplace skills and qualifications, they’ll be more willing to hire them. Read more about this session.

Dive into Digital: Building Digital Confidence with BurlingtonEnglish

Presenter: Martin Loa • PD Category: OTHER
In this session, we will explore how BurlingtonEnglish immerses students in a digital experience with standards-based, teacher-led instruction to develop English proficiency while integrating essential digital literacy skills. Read more about this session.

It Takes A Village: How Literacy Programs Can Partner with Workforce to Reach and Teach More Adult Learners

Presenter: Mahalia Baldini • PD Category: OTHER
Employers need a literate workforce. Literacy providers can play an important role as intentional co-creators of a literate and educated workforce. Read more about this session.

Maximizing Your Instruction: Innovative Strategies and Lesson Ideas

Presenter: Ashly Winkle • PD Category: LIT
Now there are on-demand digital literacy curricula, what are you doing to ensure students practice? Explore ways to help students use digital literacy skills in a contextualized environment, using free curricula. Read more about this session.

Seizing the Opportunity with GED!

Presenter: Jonna Forsyth • PD Category: OTHER
We’ve got data, how about you? In this session we’ll take a look at the GED exam, the many resources available to you and your students to support success, and more specifically GED Manager data to support your students! Read more about this session.

Soft Skills Are Anything But Soft

Presenter: Jacqueline Aguilera • PD Category: OTHER
Getting the job opens the door, but keeping a job takes skill. Soft Skills are essential skills that pave the way towards success. This session explores the elements of what makes “Power Skills” valuable talent currency. Read more about this session.

Stand Out – The Fourth Edition

Presenters: Staci Johnson, Janet Kay • PD Category: OTHER
See what’s new with the Stand Out – The Fourth Edition: NEW Spark Digital platform; NEW Workforce Lessons in every Unit; NEW Life Online Videos focus on Digital Literacy Strategies and Instruction; NEW Literacy Foundations Level. Read more about this session.

TABE Workforce Readiness – A New Reporting Suite

Presenter: Chasity Wright • PD Category: OTHER
This session will explore how TABE 11 & 12 are now aligned to over 800 of the Bright Outlook careers posted in the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Network (O*Net). Read more about this session.

The Power of Partnerships

Presenter: Caroline Goddard • PD Category: Pending
Partnerships can take many forms! In this session, learn about the creation and growth of the Alamo Workforce Consortium, and its innovative combining of community supports to provide wrap-around services in San Antonio. Read more about this session.

Family Math Literacy Initiative Call Center for Texans

Presenters: May O’Brien, Jennifer Bell, Asmaa Benajar • PD Category: OTHER
Introducing: Family Math Literacy Initiative Call Center. Learn about this free one-to-one math instructional support resource for Texas adult learners and their family members. Read more about this session.

Keep Calm and Math On!

Presenter: Krista Mosher • PD Category: LIT
Math, whether teaching or learning it, tends to cause strong emotions in people. Investigate causes of math anxiety based on research and personal experiences and explore some in-class practices to help combat it. Read more about this session.

Fulfilling Your Learning Needs with the PD Portal

Presenter: Laura Greer • PD Category: OTHER
Join TCALL for tips on how to use the PD Portal. Learn to create an account; search for, request, and complete professional development; locate certificates of completion, and join and post in Connect Communities. Read more about this session.

Improving Testing and NRS Gains of ESL Students with TABE CLAS-E Online

Presenter: Chasity Wright • PD Category: OTHER
TABE CLAS-E Online is the only assessment measuring reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills for adult ESL students in both a paper and computer-based format. Read more about this session.

Lessons Learned from Adopting Reading Fluency Technology in the Classroom

Presenter: Lara Speights • PD Category: OTHER
Tracking data is important but oftentimes ends up collecting dust. Join us for a discussion on takeaways from an adult literacy program’s integration of reading fluency technology created by a former student. Read more about this session.

TABE Workforce Readiness – A New Reporting Suite

Presenter: Chasity Wright • PD Category: OTHER
This session will explore how TABE 11 & 12 are now aligned to over 800 of the Bright Outlook careers posted in the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Network (O*Net). Read more about this session.

Fulfilling Your Learning Needs with the PD Portal

Presenter: Laura Greer • PD Category: OTHER
Join TCALL for tips on how to use the PD Portal. Learn to create an account; search for, request, and complete professional development; locate certificates of completion, and join and post in Connect Communities. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL – for Directors & CEOs

Facilitators: Literacy Texas Board Members Ernest Lewis & Alba Austin • PD Category: Pending
Group Chat IRL (In Real Life) sessions bring small groups together for guided conversation. This session is for anyone in leadership at their organization – gather for some real talk about the trials, tribulations, and joys of literacy leadership. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL – Volunteer Trends

Facilitators: Literacy Texas Board Members Leticia Spillane & Magda Salazar • PD Category: Pending
Group Chat IRL (In Real Life) sessions bring small groups together for guided conversation. This session is for anyone who works with volunteers – gather and share tips, techniques, and observations about volunteerism in 2023. Read more about this session.

The Community Connection

Presenters: Kristina Rivas-Jones, Dr. Jenny Walker • PD Category: OTHER
Explore the way community collaboration has revolutionized the experience of adult learners in Texarkana through partnerships between non-profits, higher education institutions, government agencies, and faith-based organizations. Read more about this session.

The Whole Village: How Wrap-Around Support Helped One Young Mother Get on Her Feet and Career Ready

Presenter: Dr. Jenny Walker, Kristina Rivas-Jones • PD Category: OTHER
We know that when an adult learner is struggling with education, they usually struggle in many areas. This case study session will take a deep look at the impact of collaboration with community members to help a student to thrive. Read more about this session.

This is How We Do It: Panel Discussion on Community Collaboration

Panelists: Caroline Goddard, Crystal Pennington, Kristina Rivas-Jones, Jenny Walker • PD Category: Pending
There’s no one right way to do community collaboration – in fact, the more tailored to needs and context collaboration is, the more likely it is to be successful. Hear four panelists from different types of literacy programs across Texas discuss what works. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL – Volunteer Trends

Facilitators: Literacy Texas Board Members Leticia Spillane & Magda Salazar • PD Category: Pending
Group Chat IRL (In Real Life) sessions bring small groups together for guided conversation. This session is for anyone who works with volunteers – gather and share tips, techniques, and observations about volunteerism in 2023. Read more about this session.

Start in the Middle to Get to the Finish: Phonics Tricks for Strugglers

Presenter: Elizabeth Martinez • PD Category: LIT
Many students read the first few letters of words and then guess the rest, reading Brad as Bard, girl as grill, and so on. Attendees will learn to help confused students pronounce the vowel FIRST, to successfully decode English. Read more about this session.