About CAL

Past Presentations

Sunshine State TESOL 32nd Annual Convention

Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay Hotel and Marina
April 15 – 18, 2009 Miami, FL
Visit the Sunshine State TESOL 2009 Web site.

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Thursday, April 16, 2009

Resources for Adult ESL Programs and Practitioners

Adult ESL practitioners often work in environments with limited resources and opportunities for professional development. Some may be new to working in ESL, teaching adults, and/or the field of education in general. CAL provides a multitude of free and low-cost resources intended for practical use in understanding adult English language learner populations, designing and implementing appropriate instruction and assessment, and cultivating practitioner knowledge and experience.

The presenters walked the audience through available and easily accessible online and print resources for adult ESL instruction and assessment. Participants learned how to use the CAELA Network and CAELA free websites (www.cal.org/caelanetwork and www.cal.org/caela) and how to locate and use materials on a variety of topics (for example, curricula, program design, language teaching methodologies, teaching all four language skills, using content standards and program standards, working with low literacy level students, and classroom-based assessment). Presenters also shared the information available on the Cultural Orientation Resource Center website (www.cal.org/co), including free cultural profiles of over a dozen adult English language learner and refugee populations. Attendees received many of these resources in a packet.

Presenters also provided an overview of the adult ESL assessments that CAL has developed. BEST Literacy is a standardized assessment of functional reading and writing skills; BEST Plus is an individually administered, standardized assessment of speaking and listening skills. Samples were provided.

Participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and request information about various adult ESL topics. Presenters directed participants to the free resources that may meet their professional development needs. Tips were provided to program directors for using these resources with their teachers.

Presenters: Bryan Woerner and Allene Grognet
Time: 1:15 PM
Location: Fischer Room

Return to CAL's list of past presentations.