November 9, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Learn about the CA Adult Education strategic plan at http://www.otan.us/strategicplanning/index.html. The Needs Assessment is now posted.
The strategic plan will use a system-wide perspective in addressing the need for adult education in California. The plan will reflect an assessment of the context for adult education that considers economic, demographic “driving forces”, statewide educational needs, the federal and state policy environment, system strengths, and comparative information from other states.
Central to the planning process is defining a strategic position that describes the unique value-added role of adult education within the state’s education system and economy.
from http://www.otan.us/strategicplanning/overview.html
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Tagged strategic plan | Leave a Comment »
November 6, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Today begins the last week of our first session of managed enrollment. How are we doing? Our attendance numbers are down…but our persister rates and average gains are up! Remember, at NMUSD Adult School, we’re about SUCCESS…not just access!
To determine and compare our rates of persistence, we identified the percentage of paired scores at the end of Post Test I Week, 2009 and compared it with the percentage of paired scores at the end of Post Test I Week, 2008. We also looked at a comparison of our average gains. Click here for the data.
Posted in Assessments | Tagged average gains, paired scores | Leave a Comment »
November 4, 2009 by Martha Rankin
This evening’s Team Huddle & PLC will be in room 116 at 8:10pm. Please dismiss your class at 8:00pm.
Here’s a preview of the
agenda.
We are a dynamic community of learners and leaders!
We share to impart, impact, improve and empower!
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
November 3, 2009 by mspottsville
Last semester we had the privilege of receiving some wonderful tech tips from our colleagues in the San Diego Community College District. This semester they are hard at work again, providing us with many useful technology tricks and tips that we can benefit from. Be sure to check in every Tuesday to get the latest tip! If you just can’t wait until Tuesday, you can always check out their wonderful tips from last semester in this post: TUESDAY TECH TIPS. See you on Tuesdays!
Posted in Tech Tips | Leave a Comment »
November 3, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Dear NMUSD Adult School Students,
Our school needs your ideas! Please consider joining our 2009-10 School Site Council. Meetings will be conducted in English; therefore, proficiency in English is helpful.
Information and Letter of Interest
Benefits:
- You learn about school policy.
- You build leadership and employability skills.
- You share ideas on school and program improvement.
At NMUSD Adult School, we value our students not only as learners but leaders in our community. Our mission is to provide our learners and leaders the skills necessary to participate effectively as citizens, workers, and family members and be contributing members of the local and global community. We want our learners and leaders to ’deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world.’ (Freire) Serving on our School Site Council is the perfect opportunity to practice these skills and make a difference in our school and local community.” – Martha Rankin
We are a dynamic community of learners and leaders!
Sincerely,
NMUSD Adult School Instructors and Staff
Spanish Translation
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November 2, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Today’s Team Huddle & PLC will be in room 116. Here’s the agenda.
We are a dynamic community of learners and leaders!
We share to impart, impact, improve and empower!
Team Huddle and PLC Meeting Minutes (day)
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
October 30, 2009 by Martha Rankin
From OTAN’s CA Adult Education Digest (#18):
The Fall 2009 issue of CALPROgress contains articles by state and national leaders examining the role of adult education as an indispensible partner to districts and communities, collaborations between adult schools and community colleges, collaboration with the workforce development system, and collaborations in professional development, among other topics. Download a PDF copy.
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | 1 Comment »
October 27, 2009 by mspottsville
Last semester we had the privilege of receiving some wonderful tech tips from our colleagues in the San Diego Community College District. This semester they are hard at work again, providing us with many useful technology tricks and tips that we can benefit from. Be sure to check in every Tuesday to get the latest tip! If you just can’t wait until Tuesday, you can always check out their wonderful tips from last semester in this post: TUESDAY TECH TIPS. See you on Tuesdays!
Posted in Tech Tips | Leave a Comment »
October 27, 2009 by Martha Rankin
November 2 is a non-student day for our K-12 partners. All day classified personnel (including Infant-Toddler staff) attend trainings at the District. Historically, Adult School day attendance is lower on non-student days. So let’s maximize this time!
On November 2, ABE & ESL morning classes will have a “late-start” day so we can meet as a PLC.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Inform students that teacher-directed instruction starts at 9am. You may encourage students to come and work on an independent project from 8am-9am.
- Whittier teachers join BESST Day teachers in room 116 at 8am SHARP.
- PLC meeting – 8am-8:45am
Reminder: 1st session is nearing completion. Are you on pace?
All-Star I Pacing Plan 09_10
All-Star II Pacing Plan 09_10
All-Star III Pacing Plan 09_10
All-Star IV Pacing Plan 09_10
We are a dynamic community of learners and leaders. We share to impart, impact, improve and empower!
Update posted 11/02/09 at 4pm-
Team Huddle and PLC Meeting Minutes
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
October 23, 2009 by Martha Rankin
The CASAS post test is coming!
- November 3 (BESST)
- November 4 (Whittier)
Here’s how you can help your students prepare:
- Electronic practice tests are on our Teacher Resources page.
- Hard copies are in the office’s CASAS cupboard.
- Extra sample test items are found on the CASAS website. You must create a login username/password to access them.
Posted in Assessments | 1 Comment »
October 23, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Adult Education at the BESST Center will have an Intruder “Lockdown” Drill on Monday, November 2nd at 7:55pm.
Please review the BESST Center Lockdown Procedures prior to next Monday’s drill. Thank you, Team!
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | 3 Comments »
October 22, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Check out the new website http://californiaadultschools.org/cas/home.
Key Messages
- California Adult Schools develop skilled workers, strong families and successful communities by offering opportunities to learn at every stage of life.
- California Adult Schools make it convenient and affordable for all students to reach their educational, training, career and personal goals.
- With flexible schedules and convenient locations, the 370 California Adult Schools, which focus on personal as well as professional development, are accessible to more potential students than any other California adult education provider.
Here’s the quick link to Newport-Mesa Adult Education on the CA Adult Schools: Learning for Life website! We rock!! 
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD, Marketing | Leave a Comment »
October 22, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Are you seeking ways to be more
professionally active and involved?
Consider joining our
School Site Council Team!
Our NMUSD Adult School Site Council plays an important decision-making and advisory role at our school. Click on the following link to find out what our Site Council does and how you can get involved… Site Council Info & Letter of Interest
Posted in Site Council | Leave a Comment »
October 21, 2009 by Martha Rankin
As a professional learning community, let’s keep informed of the latest research on adult education. Here are the links to a few publications that I’m reading right now… Hope you’ll join me! Continue Reading »
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
October 20, 2009 by Martha Rankin
In accordance with our NMUSD Adult School Attendance Policy, 2009-10, a student missing 4 consecutive classes without informing his/her teacher of the reason for the absence will be dropped from class. The student must wait until the next session to re-enroll.
When a student has a legitimate reason for absence, the teacher may complete this Absence Excuse Form and submit it to our registrar in the weekly attendance folder. We will not drop students who have an Absence Excuse Form on file.
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD, Attendance | Leave a Comment »
October 20, 2009 by mspottsville
Last semester we had the privilege of receiving some wonderful tech tips from our colleagues in the San Diego Community College District. This semester they are hard at work again, providing us with many useful technology tricks and tips that we can benefit from. Be sure to check in every Tuesday to get the latest tip! If you just can’t wait until Tuesday, you can always check out their wonderful tips from last semester in this post: TUESDAY TECH TIPS. See you on Tuesdays!
Posted in Tech Tips | Leave a Comment »
October 20, 2009 by Martha Rankin
It’s that time of year again!
You bet…It’s CBET (Community-Based English Tutoring).
The purpose of the CBET funds is to provide free or subsidized adult English instruction to parents or other community members who pledge to provide English tutoring to California school children with limited English proficiency.
During our CBET Pledge Drive, our ESL/Family Literacy students will pledge to tutor their children or other children in the community. Please reassure all participants that the information is kept confidential and will be reported in aggregate (i.e. 90% of program participants tutored their children for at least one hour per week).
Here are links to the Tutor Pledge forms; you can project these electronic forms on the SMART Board to increase student understanding:
Please have your students complete them and return the white copies to Martha or Mari no later than Friday, October 30, 2009. Thank you for playing such a vital role in our CBET implementation.
CBET Tutor Pledge Letter
Posted in CBET, ESL | Leave a Comment »
October 13, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Session II is coming up. Here’s what you need to know for our upcoming registration.
2009-10 ESL/ABE/Computer Registration Schedule & Info
It’s important that you keep your attendance rosters clean, so that our office personnel can enroll the appropriate number of new students into our classes. Drop students who have 4 unexcused, consecutive absences. If you wish to excuse absences, please complete an Absence Excuse Form and return it to our office in your attendance folder. Without the Absence Excuse Form, we will drop non-attending students from your roster.
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
October 13, 2009 by mspottsville
Last semester we had the privilege of receiving some wonderful tech tips from our colleagues in the San Diego Community College District. This semester they are hard at work again, providing us with many useful technology tricks and tips that we can benefit from. Be sure to check in every Tuesday to get the latest tip! If you just can’t wait until Tuesday, you can always check out their wonderful tips from last semester in this post: TUESDAY TECH TIPS. See you on Tuesdays!
Posted in Tech Tips | Leave a Comment »
October 6, 2009 by mspottsville
Last semester we had the privilege of receiving some wonderful tech tips from our colleagues in the San Diego Community College District. This semester they are hard at work again, providing us with many useful technology tricks and tips that we can benefit from. Be sure to check in every Tuesday to get the latest tip! If you just can’t wait until Tuesday, you can always check out their wonderful tips from last semester in this post: TUESDAY TECH TIPS. See you on Tuesdays!
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD, Tech Tips | Leave a Comment »
October 5, 2009 by Martha Rankin
On Thursday, October 8, ESL teachers will join together as a Professional Learning Community to revisit our PLC commitments and meet by level teams to analyze student results from our common formative assessments.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Dismiss your class one hour early. We encourage you to assign a homework task on this day.
- Whittier teaching staff joins BESST Day teaching staff in room 114 at 10:15am. Infant-Toddler staff - You may use this time to prep and plan.
- BESST Evening teaching staff meets in room 116 at 8:10pm.
- Bring the results of your end-of-unit tests. Consult your level’s pacing plan.
All-Star I Pacing Plan 09_10
All-Star II Pacing Plan 09_10
All-Star III Pacing Plan 09_10
All-Star IV Pacing Plan 09_10
We are a dynamic community of learners and leaders. We share to impart, impact, improve and empower!
Posted in PLC Work | Leave a Comment »
October 1, 2009 by Martha Rankin
from http://web.nmusd.us/nmusdshakeout
All schools and offices in Newport-Mesa Unified School District will participate in the statewide drill on October 15 at 10:15 a.m. All meeting guests, volunteers, parents and community visitors on our campuses at 10:15 a.m. on this date will be asked to evacuate the buildings in coordination with the drills. Thank you for your understanding. The entire drill and call in procedures should take 15-20 minutes.
For more info and resources… Continue Reading »
Posted in Emergency Prep | Tagged The Great CA ShakeOut | Leave a Comment »
October 1, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Click here to download a detailed attendance grid for Week 13, 2009. You will see daily and weekly averages by section number (ESL and Workplace Readiness classes). You will also see daily/weekly average comparisons between 2009 and 2008 for Week 13 (ESL, Workplace Readiness, and HSD classes).
Data Digest for Week 13:
- Attendance at BESST Day site is up 24% this year from last year.
- Attendance at BESST Night site is down 3% 6% this year from last year.
- Attendance at Whittier site is down 10% this year from last year.
- Attendance in HSD program is up 28% this year from last year.
Posted in Attendance | Leave a Comment »
September 29, 2009 by mspottsville
Last semester we had the privilege of receiving some wonderful tech tips from our colleagues in the San Diego Community College District. This semester they are hard at work again, providing us with many useful technology tricks and tips that we can benefit from. Be sure to check in every Tuesday to get the latest tip! If you just can’t wait until Tuesday, you can always check out their wonderful tips from last semester in this post: TUESDAY TECH TIPS. See you on Tuesdays!
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD, Tech Tips | 2 Comments »
September 28, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Our ongoing professional development is a priority because it has a positive impact on student learning. We use our individual development plans (IDPs) as tools to reflect on our practices, develop our skills, achieve our goals, and further our school mission.
Here is our 2009-10 Individual Development Plan template. It is designed to support and advance our PLC work. Please submit your completed IDP to Bob or Martha by October 15, 2009 October 9, 2009.
Thank you, diligent Learners and Leaders! May you find rich insight and renewed passion in this time of goal setting and self reflection.
Posted in PLC Work | Leave a Comment »
September 28, 2009 by Martha Rankin
We want our substitute teachers to have a productive and pleasant experience with our wonderful students at Newport-Mesa Adult School. To help with this goal, we created the first STEP:
We hope our STEP will help you efficiently create your substitute lesson plans. Remember, you must provide a detailed written lesson plan for the substitute teacher when you are absent.
To review our NMUSD Adult School procedures for requesting a substitute, read When You Need a Substitute.
Posted in ESL | Leave a Comment »
September 28, 2009 by Martha Rankin
It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.
— Albert Einstein
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
September 23, 2009 by Martha Rankin
From CALPRO:
The California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project (CALPRO) offers free professional development courses you can take any time, any place, through the Internet. To get started, all you need is an e-mail account, Internet access, and an average of three hours per week scheduled according to your convenience. Continue Reading »
Posted in Prof. Development | Tagged online professional development | Leave a Comment »
September 23, 2009 by Martha Rankin
3 1/2 weeks into our first session of managed enrollment, we vacillate between hope and terror. Will we be able to provide a better educational experience…increasing student retention, persistence and success? Or, will we see a precipitous decline in the number of students we serve, with no significant learning gains to show for it? To calm anxieties and inform decisions, we turn to the research and the experts in the field. Continue Reading »
Posted in Attendance | 1 Comment »
September 22, 2009 by mspottsville
Last semester we had the privilege of receiving some wonderful tech tips from our colleagues in the San Diego Community College District. This semester they are hard at work again, providing us with many useful technology tricks and tips that we can benefit from. Be sure to check in every Tuesday to get the latest tip! If you just can’t wait until Tuesday, you can always check out their wonderful tips from last semester in this post: TUESDAY TECH TIPS. See you on Tuesdays!
Posted in Tech Tips | Leave a Comment »
September 22, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Here are the BESST Site’s updated emergency preparedness documents for 2009, including our 2009 Emergency Plan, Evacuation Map, Logs, Checklists, Procedures, Radio Assignments, and more…
Continue Reading »
Posted in Emergency Prep | Leave a Comment »
September 21, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Here’s the answer to the most frequently-asked question this week: How are our numbers? I include a snapshot of Week 12, 2008 for comparison sake. Continue Reading »
Posted in Attendance | 2 Comments »
September 16, 2009 by mspottsville
Last semester we had the privilege of receiving some wonderful tech tips from our colleagues in the San Diego Community College District. This semester they are hard at work again, providing us with many useful technology tricks and tips that we can benefit from. Be sure to check in every Tuesday to get the latest tip! If you just can’t wait until Tuesday, you can always check out their wonderful tips from last semester in this post: TUESDAY TECH TIPS. See you on Tuesdays!
Posted in Tech Tips | Leave a Comment »
September 15, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Here is the 2009-10 Office Assistant Certificate Program brochure.
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Tagged Office Assistant cer | Leave a Comment »
September 10, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Start your session right with these essentials: orientation PowerPoints, pacing plans, course outlines, goal setting ideas, student needs surveys, persistence-building strategies, and more!…. Continue Reading »
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
September 10, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Posted in ESL | Leave a Comment »
September 9, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Here is the updated version of NMUSD Adult School’s PowerPoint on Persistence. It is designed to inspire students to attend regularly. It helps create a climate of learning that focuses on learner persistence, learner goals, and learning gains.
We encourage you to show this PowerPoint to your students at the beginning of each session.
Posted in Persistence | Leave a Comment »
September 9, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Here are the revised ESL Pacing Plans and Testing Calendar for 2009-10:
A big THANKS to Mandi for revising our pacing plans and testing calendar to align with our new managed-enrollment session dates!
Posted in ESL | Leave a Comment »
September 9, 2009 by Martha Rankin
In an attempt to better serve students and more accurately measure learning gains, we are piloting a managed enrollment plan for our ESL classes. We offer four nine-week sessions. Read on for more details. Continue Reading »
Posted in Attendance, Persistence | 5 Comments »
June 17, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Program-wide, our attendance is up 12% from last year. Our attendance data supports the commonly-held belief that local demand for adult education increases during economic downturns, as adults turn to our schools to retrain and gain the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in our rapidly changing society and workforce.
Family Literacy class attendance at our main site (BESST Center) was up 67% last week from the same week last year.
Check out all site and program comparisons for week 50: Continue Reading »
Posted in Attendance | 1 Comment »
June 15, 2009 by Martha Rankin
To find what you seek in the road of life, the best proverb of all is that which says: “Leave no stone unturned.”
Edward Bulwer Lytton
Mark your calendars, Team. Continue Reading »
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
June 11, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Our NMUSD Adult School Professional Learning Community was recently spotlighted at two national trainings for state and federal leaders of adult education programs. The National Reporting System training The Local Connection: Building a Data Use Learning Community is a project of the U.S. Department of Education.
In Washington D.C., participants navigated their way around NMUSD Adult School’s e-PLC blog http://adultedmatters.wordpress.com to look at a good example of how schools use technology to sustain professional learning communities in California.
In San Diego on Wednesday, our administrator presented the NMUSD Adult School PLC model at a training to state and federal adult education leaders from across the country: Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Texas, Utah, and Washington. After our presentation, the Principal Research Analyst who led the American Institutes for Research Training shared this comment, “…participants were energized and excited by the possibilities you showed us for sustaining a learning community through technology. I have heard so many positive comments…” The next training to spotlight NMUSD Adult School PLC will be next week in Wisconsin.
We are proud of our proactive 21st century professional learning community at NMUSD Adult School, and we are pleased that others are responding positively to our work as well.
Posted in PLC Work | Leave a Comment »
June 11, 2009 by Martha Rankin
To find what you seek in the road of life, the best proverb of all is that which says: “Leave no stone unturned.” Edward Bulwer Lytton
Tuesday, June 9
Wednesday, June 10
Thursday, June 11
- Whittier Promotional Test
Wednesday, June 17
Thursday, June 18
- Student certificates
- TOPS Updates due
- Last day of school
Please go to the post End-of-Semester Essentials ~ June, 2009 for end-of-semester schedules, tips, and tools.
Monday, June 22
- Adult Ed Graduation, Estancia HS Theater, 7pm
Tuesday, June 23
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
June 10, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Despite both class and program closures in 2009 (advanced ESL class and satellite Distance Learning program), NMUSD Adult School continues to see increased attendance in 2008-09.
Our data supports the claim that local demand for adult education is on the rise during economic downturns, as adults turn to our free and/or modestly-priced adult schools to retrain and gain the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in our rapidly changing society and workforce.
Here are our latest attendance data by site and program:
| Week 48 |
5/26-5/30/ |
5/25-5/29
|
|
| Site/Program |
2007-08 |
2008-09 |
% change |
| BESST AM |
180.8 |
257.8 |
43% |
| HSD |
70.7 |
94.7 |
34% |
| DL, OCC |
11.2 |
14.5 |
29% |
| BESST PM |
231.7 |
223.3 |
-4% |
| Whittier |
81.8 |
83.8 |
2% |
| CMHS |
28.5 |
35.5 |
25% |
| Older Adults |
66.2 |
95.8 |
45% |
| Total |
670.9 |
805.4 |
20% |
| |
|
|
|
| Week 49 |
6/2-6/6 |
6/1-6/5 |
|
| Site/Program |
2007-08 |
2008-09 |
change |
| BESST AM |
178.8 |
245.4 |
37% |
| HSD |
89.8 |
88.5 |
-1% |
| DL, OCC |
9.0 |
10.2 |
13% |
| BESST PM |
238.0 |
208.5 |
-12% |
| Whittier |
78.6 |
84.6 |
8% |
| CMHS |
25.5 |
31.0 |
22% |
| Older Adults |
64.2 |
89.9 |
40% |
| Total |
683.9 |
758.1 |
11% |
Posted in Attendance | Leave a Comment »
June 9, 2009 by mspottsville
Our friends and colleagues in the San Diego Community College Continuing Education Program have been working hard! Cindy Wislofsky and Donna Price are both ESL Tech Resource Instructors as well as ESL Teachers for their school. Every Tuesday they send out a wonderful Tech Tip for everyone to learn from. We have decided to post their Tech Tips on our blog once a week. Stay tuned for some great stuff!
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
May 28, 2009 by Martha Rankin
To find what you seek in the road of life, the best proverb of all is that which says: “Leave no stone unturned.” Edward Bulwer Lytton
May 26-29
- CASAS Post Test II – We will test students who are missing post-tests.
Friday, May 29
- HSD PLC mtg w/Tom Antal, room 110, 10am
Wednesday, June 3
Tuesday, June 9
Wednesday, June 10
Thursday, June 11
- Whittier Promotional Test
Wednesday, June 17
Thursday, June 18
- Student certificates
- TOPS Updates due
- Last day of school
Monday, June 22
- Adult Ed Graduation, Estancia HS Theater, 7pm
Please go to the post End-of-Semester Essentials ~ June, 2009 for end-of-semester schedules, tips, and tools.
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
May 28, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Here again are Martha’s End-of-Semester Essentials to help you hit the lip and rip….without any gnarly wipe-outs.
Keep it smooth, Dudes and Dudettes!
Click on BACK after viewing a file to return to this post.
CASAS Assessment Resources
Certificates
ESL Curriculum Pacing Plans
ESL Student Self-Evaluations (Student Test Scores)
Surveys
Testing and TOPS Update Schedules
TOPS Update Instructions
TOPS Update Materials
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD, ESL | 4 Comments »
May 27, 2009 by mspottsville
Our next Site Council Meeting will be on 6/3/09 in Room 114 from 2:45-4:15pm.
Click here for the agenda.
Click here for the minutes (posted by 6/10)
Posted in Site Council | 1 Comment »
May 13, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Our School Site Council meeting is today, 2:45pm-4:15pm in room 114.
Click here for the agenda.
Click here for the 05/13/09 meeting minutes. (Posted by 05/18/09…sorry 05/19/09, 1:35pm)
Thank you, Jeff, for doing the minutes!!!!
Posted in Site Council | Leave a Comment »
May 11, 2009 by Martha Rankin
To find what you seek in the road of life, the best proverb of all is that which says: “Leave no stone unturned.” Edward Bulwer Lytton
Monday, May 11
- ACSA Celebration of Excellence – Administrator of the Year Award, 4:30-9pm, Irvine Marriott Hotel
Wednesday, May 13
- Site Council Meeting – 2:45pm, BESST, Room 114
Thursday, May 14
- Student Council Meeting – 11am, BESST, Room 123
- PLC Initiative in L.A. – all day (Martha Rankin)
Friday, May 15
- PLC Initiative in L.A. – all day (Martha Rankin)
May 26-29
- CASAS Post Test II – We will test students who are missing post-tests.
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | 1 Comment »
May 11, 2009 by mspottsville
As a follow up to Martha’s previous post about Open Source (free) versions of Word, Excel and Power Point, I wanted to post additional resources available. At OpenEducationDisc, there is a list of MANY other programs that are all free and almost identical to the original versions. There is a PDF creator that you can use without having to purchase Adobe. There is also a mind mapping software that you can use to organize your thoughts and ideas before writing an essay. The page is full of so many resources and the best part is it is FREE! All you need to do is download it to your computer.
Posted in Tech-Enhanced Inst. | 1 Comment »
May 1, 2009 by Martha Rankin
To find what you seek in the road of life, the best proverb of all is that which says: “Leave no stone unturned.” Edward Bulwer Lytton
Tuesday, May 5
- All-Staff Community Meeting: Budget – 4pm, BESST, Room 114
Wednesday, May 13 (Please note date change.)
- Site Council Meeting – 2:45pm, BESST, Room 114
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
April 29, 2009 by mspottsville
Texting. You’ve seen it. You’ve probably even done it. But chances are you don’t do it in class. Guess what? We’re breaking all the rules! We are bringing texting into the classroom! Nearly every student has a cell phone and chances are they are texting in class anyway. Why not have them use their piece of technology as an interactive learning experience?!
At www.polleverywhere.com you can do just that. You can create a survey or poll and have students text their responses in class. All the answers are anonymous and the website will automatically update the results as they come in. Best of all, it’s FREE!
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD, Tech Tips, Tech-Enhanced Inst. | 1 Comment »
April 23, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Mandi and I promised to share CUE Tips from the March CUE Conference. Hey, did you know…? According to Wikipedia Etymology, the word Q-Tip means “Quality Tip.” And, yes, this is a quality tip that can clean out more than ear wax. Listen up, friends… Continue Reading »
Posted in Tech-Enhanced Inst. | 1 Comment »
April 15, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Several hundred community members came to view and admire the work of our N-MUSD Adult School learners and leaders. The April exhibit Orange County through the Eyes of our Students was planned and hosted by students in our Digital Photography and Learning English Through Technology classes.
Both classes are part of our Career & Technical Education program at NMUSD Adult School, which focuses on the acquisition and application of 21st century skills: digital age literacy, inventive thinking, interactive communication, and quality, state-of-the-art results.
To view exhibit pictures and student comments… Continue Reading »
Posted in Marketing | Leave a Comment »
April 13, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Here are a few words of thanks from N-MUSD Adult learners in our English/Computers Career and Technical Education Class.
Continue Reading »
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April 4, 2009 by alabiosa
Botox is known to be somewhat helpful in keeping a person’s appearance youthful if only for a while. But to consistently lessen the effects of cognitive decline, researchers have found that the best remedies are proved to be linked with problem solving, excercise, a healthy diet, sleep and socializing. Among other recommended activities, to keep our brains sharp, are learning a foreign language and using word games such as crossword puzzles. I recently read an article online by the Alliance for Aging Research (in the section entitled the Brain Health Corner) which states:
Learning a new skill or language,completing the crossword puzzle, taking educational courses, even learning to dance-all challenge and help maintain the brain. Choose intellectually stimulating and varied activities-the more demanding, the greater the benefit.” www.agingresearch.org
In a class of stressed out, worked to the bone, adult students ( and teacher), youth is fast fleeting. I make it a point to use many games during ESL class to keep students alert and engaged as much as possible. I emphasize often that games are healthy for their brains. I remind them that every time they play a game they are getting younger. In many cultures, games are frowned upon as part of classroom activities, so foreign students sometimes feel resistant to participating in them as an integral part of the learning process. They view games of any kind to be a waste of time. Not in my class. We play almost every day. When I can get them to embrace the the perspective that learning English is essential, but keeping the brain agile is even more important to their overall health, quality of life, and academic success, it’s amazing how quickly a shift in attitude takes place.There are many games and sites for games out there, but I want to share with you only one such site that I have recently used with my class. It is elcivics.com. Don’t be fooled by the title. I don’t teach El Civics as a focus. I teach ESL. Although there are quite a few materials on civics, holidays, and the United States there are some great crossword puzzles to use with your class. You can copy them freely, for use as an individual student activity, or you can project them on the Smart Board for whole class activities. Of course there are many other crossword puzzle sites and you can still use Puzzlemaker.com, but if you’re a part-time instructor with three different jobs and a life, like me, you would much rather have a ready-to-use resource, right?
Check this one out. It might be helpful to you and your students. Let me know what you think. I’d also love to hear of other sites that you have successfully used.
OK, so playing a game is not as quick a fix as getting a shot of Botox (for that ever deepening wrinkle on your forehead) but it sure is a lot more fun…. So, get off this blog and go play some games!
elcivics.com
Posted in ESL | Leave a Comment »
April 2, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Three-year comparison of total hours:
| 2008-09 |
| |
Adults |
Concurrent |
Totals |
| Summer |
38198.5 |
4900.5 |
43099.0 |
| Sep |
40552 |
2469.5 |
43021.5 |
| Oct |
55439.5 |
2777 |
58216.5 |
| Nov |
50196 |
2425.5 |
52621.5 |
| Dec |
37700.5 |
1900.5 |
39601.0 |
| Jan |
41225.5 |
2168.5 |
43394.0 |
| Feb |
40979.5 |
2219.5 |
43199.0 |
| Mar |
53210.5 |
4792 |
58002.5 |
| Totals |
357,502.0 |
23,653.0 |
381,155.0 |
| 2007-08 |
| |
Adults |
Concurrent |
Totals |
| Summer |
33526.5 |
10295.5 |
43822.0 |
| Sep |
40875.5 |
3042.5 |
43918.0 |
| Oct |
53140.0 |
3822.0 |
56962.0 |
| Nov |
34910.5 |
2196.5 |
37107.0 |
| Dec |
43506.0 |
3098.0 |
46604.0 |
| Jan |
36009.5 |
2512.5 |
38522.0 |
| Feb |
33674.5 |
2399.0 |
36073.5 |
| Mar |
43919.5 |
3974.0 |
47893.5 |
| Totals |
319,562.0 |
31,340.0 |
350,902.0 |
| 2006-07 |
| |
Adults |
Concurrent |
Totals |
| Summer |
30354.0 |
12658.0 |
43012.0 |
| Sep |
34239.5 |
3474.5 |
37714.0 |
| Oct |
48101.5 |
4904.0 |
53005.5 |
| Nov |
32997.0 |
2371.0 |
35368.0 |
| Dec |
38058.5 |
3407.0 |
41465.5 |
| Jan |
40670.0 |
3158.5 |
43828.5 |
| Feb |
32204.0 |
2187.5 |
34391.5 |
| Mar |
41465.5 |
6538.0 |
48003.5 |
| Totals |
298,090.0 |
38,698.5 |
336,788.5 |
Two-year comparison of average hours by site and program:
| Week 39 |
3/24/08-3/28/08 |
3/23/09-3/27/09 |
|
| Site |
2007-08 |
2008-09 |
change |
| ESL / Family Lit BESST Day |
208.2 |
301.6 |
45% |
| High School Dipl |
66.2 |
105.8 |
60% |
| ESL (DL, OCC) |
9.8 |
27.2 |
178% |
| ESL BESST PM |
317.5 |
351.8 |
11% |
| ESL/ Family Lit Whittier |
80.6 |
96.2 |
19% |
| ESL CMHS |
39.0 |
45.0 |
15% |
| Older Adults |
56.4 |
85.2 |
51% |
| Total |
777.7 |
1012.8 |
30% |
Posted in Attendance | Leave a Comment »
April 1, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Our School Site Council meeting is today, 2:45pm-4:15pm in room 114.
Click here for the agenda.
Click here for the 04/01/09 meeting minutes.
Posted in Site Council | Leave a Comment »
March 30, 2009 by Martha Rankin
As we share more teacher-created documents on our webpages, blogs, and wikis, we must educate ourselves on copyright rules and copyleft tools. Here are some resources:
Copyright and Fair Use
Copyleft
Creative Commons
This is a short movie that explains the Creative Commons Copyright process.
Photos
Tech Training Presentation
Posted in Tech Trainings | Leave a Comment »
March 28, 2009 by mspottsville
Here’s a cool website that I have been using in my classroom. It has lots of activities including thematic units, lesson plans, and printable worksheets for your students…and it’s FREE! Check it out!
http://www.theteacherscorner.net/
Posted in ESL, Tech Tips | Leave a Comment »
March 27, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Monday, March 30
Tuesday, March 31
Wednesday, April 1
- Digital Photo Exhibit, OC Through the Eyes of our Students BESST room 112, 11am
- CASAS Post Test I – BESST Afternoon
- Site Council Meeting, BESST room 114, 2:45pm
- Makeup IDs – BESST Evening
Friday, April 3
- Web-based CASAS Implementation Training, 1:30pm
Week of April 6-10 – Spring BREAK!
Thursday, April 16
- Student Council Mtg. BESST room 123, 11am-12pm
If you notice an event that is missing from this list, PLEASE feel free to add the event in our comments field. It’s hard for me to catch them all!
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
March 23, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Wednesday, March 25
Thursday, March 26
Friday, March 27
- 2009-10 WIA II Application Due
Monday, March 30
Tuesday, March 31
Wednesday, April 1
- CASAS Post Test I – BESST Afternoon
- Site Council Meeting, BESST room 114, 2:45pm
- Makeup IDs – BESST Evening
Friday, April 3
- Web-based CASAS Implementation Training, 1:30pm
Thursday, April 16
- Student Council Mtg. BESST room 123, 11am-12pm
If you notice an event that is missing from this list, PLEASE feel free to add the event in our comments field. It’s hard for me to catch them all!
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
March 18, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Here are videos and resources that provide facts, trends and best-practice discussions regarding our state and federal adult education programs. We will integrate the data and ideas into our continuous improvement efforts, using both Site Council and PLC time to examine and reflect on this very important information.
“In every difficult situation is potential value.
Believe this, then begin looking for it.”
Norman Vincent Peale
From CASAS website:
The 2009 Winter California WIA Title II Consortium Video focuses on how to administer our federal programs given our current fiscal uncertainty with our state funded programs. Debra Jones, CDE Adult Education Administrator, presents key performance data from California WIA Title II programs as it relates to student success. Debra also reviews strategies to improve federal performance, how to make the best use of limited resources, and discusses recent trends in adult education programs. Following Debra’s presentation there is a panel discussion with Cherise Moore (Burbank), Carol Hirota (Stockton) and Susan Handy (Bakersfield) regarding how they produce quality programs given these tough fiscal times. This video production is a collaborative effort with CDE, CASAS and OTAN.
Posted in PLC Work | Leave a Comment »
March 18, 2009 by Martha Rankin
From the California Department of Education Adult Education Office:
The purpose of the Adult Education Budget Forum is to provide adult schools with the latest budget information, a place to post questions, receive answers as fast as they can be determined, and view what other programs around the state are doing during these unique and challenging circumstances. The comments section provides an opportunity for you to write about the implications of the budget on your program. By sharing this information, we can build a consensus on “best practices” for the continued success of the Adult Education program.
Posted in Budget | Leave a Comment »
March 13, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Monday, March 16
- Birthday celebration, BESST Lounge, 9:30am
- DL meeting, BESST Office, 11:15am
Tuesday, March 17
Wednesday, March 18
Thursday, March 19
Friday, March 20
Wednesday, March 25
Thursday, March 26
Wednesday, April 1
If you notice an event that is missing from this list, PLEASE feel free to add the event in our comments field. It’s hard for me to catch them all!
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
March 9, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Posted in Budget | 1 Comment »
March 9, 2009 by Martha Rankin
| 2008-09 |
| |
Adults |
Concurrent |
Totals |
| Summer |
38198.5 |
4900.5 |
43099.0 |
| Sep |
40552 |
2469.5 |
43021.5 |
| Oct |
55439.5 |
2777 |
58216.5 |
| Nov |
50196 |
2425.5 |
52621.5 |
| Dec |
37700.5 |
1900.5 |
39601.0 |
| Jan |
41225.5 |
2168.5 |
43394.0 |
| Feb |
40979.5 |
2219.5 |
43199.0 |
| Totals |
304291.5 |
18861.0 |
323152.5 |
| 2007-08 |
| |
Adults |
Concurrent |
Totals |
| Summer |
33526.5 |
10295.5 |
43822.0 |
| Sep |
40875.5 |
3042.5 |
43918.0 |
| Oct |
53140.0 |
3822.0 |
56962.0 |
| Nov |
34910.5 |
2196.5 |
37107.0 |
| Dec |
43506.0 |
3098.0 |
46604.0 |
| Jan |
36009.5 |
2512.5 |
38522.0 |
| Feb |
33674.5 |
2399.0 |
36073.5 |
| Totals |
275642.5 |
27366.0 |
303008.5 |
| 2006-07 |
| |
Adults |
Concurrent |
Totals |
| Summer |
30354.0 |
12658.0 |
43012.0 |
| Sep |
34239.5 |
3474.5 |
37714.0 |
| Oct |
48101.5 |
4904.0 |
53005.5 |
| Nov |
32997.0 |
2371.0 |
35368.0 |
| Dec |
38058.5 |
3407.0 |
41465.5 |
| Jan |
40670.0 |
3158.5 |
43828.5 |
| Feb |
32204.0 |
2187.5 |
34391.5 |
| Totals |
256624.5 |
32160.5 |
288785.0 |
Posted in Attendance | Leave a Comment »
March 9, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Wednesday, March 11
- Spanish Nutrition Class, 8:30-9:30am and 9:45-10:45am, BESST
Learn how to take care of your heart…nutrition class, heart healthy cooking, and the importance of exercise. 
We will offer two sessions:
- 8:30am-9:30am in room 113
- 9:45am-10:45 in room 114
Classes are in Spanish.
Tuesday, March 17
Wednesday, March 18
Thursday, March 19
Friday, March 20
Wednesday, March 25
Thursday, March 26
Wednesday, April 1
If you notice an event that is missing from this list, PLEASE feel free to add the event in our comments field. It’s hard for me to catch them all!
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | 2 Comments »
March 4, 2009 by Martha Rankin
| Week 35 |
2/25/08-2/29/08 |
2/23/09-2/27/09 |
|
| Site |
2007-08 |
2008-09 |
change |
| BESST AM |
219.4 |
278.4 |
27% |
| HSD |
71.0 |
82.8 |
17% |
| Satellite (DL, OCC) |
39.0 |
29.2 |
-25% |
| BESST PM |
318.5 |
322.5 |
1% |
| Whittier |
81.2 |
92.2 |
14% |
| CMHS |
44.5 |
35.5 |
-20% |
| Older Adults |
55.6 |
82.2 |
48% |
| Total |
829.2 |
922.8 |
11% |
Posted in Attendance | Leave a Comment »
March 4, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Our School Site Council meets today, Wednesday, March 4, 2009, from 2:45 to 4:15pm at the BESST Site, room 115.
The proposed agenda has been posted for a week. No changes were proposed by our staff.
Here is today’s agenda.
Posted in Site Council | Leave a Comment »
March 4, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Here is a collection of informational resources on the new state budget.
Association of CA School Administrators (ACSA)
Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN)
School Services of CA (SSC)
Senate Bill No 4
Posted in Budget | Tagged Adult Education, state budget | Leave a Comment »
March 4, 2009 by Martha Rankin
New on NPR: All Tech Considered
Every Monday, All Things Considered will air its new series called All Tech Considered to explore the sometimes daunting – always changing – world of technology. Are you baffled by your cell phone? Wondering what your kids mean when they say they’re tweeting on Twitter? Whatever it may be, All Tech Considered is here to explore it with you.
This morning I listened to Video Games As Community-Building Tool [1 min 30 sec]. I’m becoming interested in the subject as my nine-year-old son is doing more and more social gaming with his friend across town.
There is a range of topics; here’s just a few to whet your appetite:
Posted in Tech Tips | Leave a Comment »
March 3, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Here’s what’s coming up at Newport-Mesa Adult School!
Wednesday, March 4
March 5-7
Wednesday, March 11
Spanish Nutrition Class, 8:30-9:30am and 9:45-10:45am, BESST (click on graphic for info)
Tuesday, March 17
Wednesday, March 18
Friday, March 20
If you notice an event that is missing from this list, PLEASE feel free to add the event in our comments field. It’s hard for me to catch them all!
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | 1 Comment »
February 26, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Wow, look at these averages by site!! Way to go!!!
| Week 33 |
2/11/08-1/15/08 |
2/9/09-2/13/09 |
|
| Site |
2007-08 |
2008-09 |
change |
| BESST AM |
214.4 |
305.2 |
42% |
| HSD |
64.8 |
79.8 |
23% |
| Satellite (DL, OCC) |
8.0 |
25.0 |
213% |
| BESST PM |
323.2 |
346.2 |
7% |
| Whittier |
75.6 |
95.6 |
26% |
| CMHS |
45.0 |
51.5 |
14% |
| Older Adults |
55.0 |
74.6 |
36% |
| Total |
786.0 |
977.9 |
24% |
Posted in Attendance | 3 Comments »
February 26, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Student Council Members - Feb 26, 2009
Our Student Council Meeting is today from 11am-12pm in room 123.
Sign-In Sheet
Meeting PowerPoint (Feb 26, 09)
Update – February 26 at 1:20pm
Please join me in welcoming our new representatives to the N-MUSD Adult School’s Student Council 2008-09!
We also wish to congratulate the following members for being elected to these leadership posts:
☼ Carmen Leticia Gonzalez – President
☼ Oscar Napoleon Rodriguez – Co-President
☼ Isabel Monroy – Secretary
☼ Gloria Urrea Delgado - Co-Secretary
☼ Gerardo Mendez – Tech Assistant
☼ Sergio Rodriguez Manzo – Tech Assistant
Posted in Student Council | 1 Comment »
February 25, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Here’s what’s coming up at Newport-Mesa Adult School!
Thursday, February 26
Wednesday, March 4
March 5-7
Wednesday, March 11
Spanish Nutrition Class, 8:30-9:30am and 9:45-10:45am, BESST (click on graphic for info)
Tuesday, March 17
Friday, March 20
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | 1 Comment »
February 25, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Thanks to NMUSD ED Tech’s offer, Mandi and I will be attending the annual state technology conference, Computer Using Educators, held in Palm Springs on March 5-7. Thanks, Ed Tech!
Our Tech Team elected Mandi to be our site tech coordinator for 2008-09. Thank you, Mandi, for representing our teachers.
Mandi and I are excited to attend CUE on behalf of N-MUSD Adult School. We will attend sessions on Thursday - Saturday. We invite you to 1) peruse our session options in the CUE Brochure and 2) email us if there is anything you want us to investigate on your behalf.
When we return, we will share our newly acquired skills and resources in various ways (blog, peer mentors, tech tips…) to ensure that our students and staff all benefit from our training.
Still talkin’ ’bout a technolution…
More soon…:)
Posted in Tech-Enhanced Inst. | 1 Comment »
February 25, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Our next Site Council Meeting with be Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 2:45-4:15pm, BESST Site, room 115.
Please preview the agenda draft and email Martha mrankin@nmusd.us with any proposed changes to the agenda prior to the meeting. Thanks!
Posted in Site Council | 1 Comment »
February 17, 2009 by Martha Rankin
I’ll be frank. Joining the CASAS 2.0 World has not been easy for me. It may surprise you to learn that I’ve been grieving these past couple of years as I come to grips with the fact that my beloved old 03_R test series is going away.
Now, readers, you have two choices here:
1) Walk with me through the five stages of my grief process by clicking Continue Reading » now. (It’s all part of the process, People.)
or
2) Fast forward to the acceptance and hope stage and know that NMUSD Adult School will soon switch to the 080R test series and begin e-testing.
Continue Reading »
Posted in Assessments | 4 Comments »
February 17, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Hail Up Close in Laguna Hills
Hail in Martha's Backyard
Posted in ESL | Leave a Comment »
February 12, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Written by Alma A. Sariñana, NMUSD School/Community Facilitator, HOPE Clinic
Hi Adult Teachers!
I wanted to thank you for supporting and promoting our Flu Clinic today. Let me commend all of your work. We gave 71 flu immunizations to the students this morning.
I wanted to inform you that we still have more flu vaccine available for the staff, students and community. Please do not hesitate in calling the clinic or myself with questions or to schedule appointments. The clinic’s number is 949-515-6725 and my number is 949-515-6737.
Once again, thank you for your support and collaboration in making today’s flu clinic a success. I look forward to continue working with all of you.”
Click here to access the N-MUSD HOPE Clinic webpage for more information.
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
February 12, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Newport-Mesa Adult School and Orange Coast College are working together to offer a FREE computer class on the Orange Coast College campus on Saturday mornings from 9am-12pm.
Learn how to surf and search on the Internet with ease!! Discover how to create powerful PowerPoints like the pros. Gain proficiency in Microsoft Word. Come add essential 21st century skills to your bag of tricks!
The class is designed to meet the needs of English Language Learners. All are welcome!
informational flyer
memo to teachers
Posted in Career Technical Ed | Leave a Comment »
February 5, 2009 by Martha Rankin
What do our attendance trends tell us?
| |
|
2008-09 |
|
| |
Adult |
Concurrent |
Totals |
| Summer |
38,199 |
4,901 |
43,099 |
| Month 1 |
40,552 |
2,470 |
43,022 |
| Month 2 |
55,440 |
2,777 |
58,217 |
| Month 3 |
50,196 |
2,426 |
52,622 |
| Month 4 |
37,701 |
1,901 |
39,601 |
| Month 5 |
41,226 |
2,169 |
43,394 |
| |
263,312 |
16,642 |
279,954 |
| |
|
2007-08 |
|
| |
Adult |
Concurrent |
Totals |
| Summer |
33,527 |
10,296 |
43,822 |
| Month 1 |
40,876 |
3,043 |
43,918 |
| Month 2 |
53,140 |
3,822 |
56,962 |
| Month 3 |
34,911 |
2,197 |
37,107 |
| Month 4 |
43,506 |
3,098 |
46,604 |
| Month 5 |
36,010 |
2,513 |
38,522 |
| |
241,968 |
24,967 |
266,935 |
| |
|
2006-07 |
|
| |
Adult |
Concurrent |
Totals |
| Summer |
30,354 |
12,658 |
43,012 |
| Month 1 |
34,240 |
3,475 |
37,714 |
| Month 2 |
48,102 |
4,904 |
53,006 |
| Month 3 |
32,997 |
2,371 |
35,368 |
| Month 4 |
38,059 |
3,407 |
41,466 |
| Month 5 |
40,670 |
3,159 |
43,829 |
| Totals |
224,421 |
29,973 |
254,394 |
We can also look at our attendance (summer – January) since 2000! In this snapshot, I include the % change.
| |
2000-01 |
2001-02 |
change |
| Adult |
249,108 |
253,973 |
2% |
| Concurrent |
16,539 |
18,805 |
14% |
| |
|
|
|
| |
2001-02 |
2002-03 |
change |
| Adult |
253,973 |
249,114 |
-2% |
| Concurrent |
18,805 |
20,291 |
8% |
| |
|
|
|
| |
2002-03 |
2003-04 |
change |
| Adult |
249,114 |
216,485 |
-13% |
| Concurrent |
20,291 |
21,260 |
5% |
| |
|
|
|
| |
2003-04 |
2004-05 |
change |
| Adult |
216,485 |
225,193 |
4% |
| Concurrent |
21,260 |
20,476 |
-4% |
| |
|
|
|
| |
2004-05 |
2005-06 |
change |
| Adult |
225,193 |
216,479 |
-4% |
| Concurrent |
20,476 |
21,718 |
6% |
| |
|
|
|
| |
2005-06 |
2006-07 |
change |
| Adult |
216,479 |
224,421 |
4% |
| Concurrent |
21,718 |
29,973 |
38% |
| |
|
|
|
| |
2006-07 |
2007-08 |
change |
| Adult |
224,421 |
241,968 |
8% |
| Concurrent |
29,973 |
24,967 |
-17% |
| |
|
|
|
| |
2007-08 |
2008-09 |
change |
| Adult |
241,968 |
263,312 |
9% |
| Concurrent |
24,967 |
16,642 |
-33% |
| |
|
|
|
Click here for graphs.
Posted in Attendance | Leave a Comment »
February 2, 2009 by Martha Rankin
NMUSD Adult School Student Council, 2007-08
In order to expand our school leadership and ensure that our schoolwide action plan is in alignment with student needs, we are continuing our NMUSD Adult School Student Council.
Our 2008-2009 Student Council will meet 5 times (Feb-June). Student Council members will
- share helpful ideas on how to improve our program
- represent the needs and interests of their classmates
- offer suggestions and make decisions on how to increase student attendance and participation
Posted in Student Council | 5 Comments »
February 2, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Week of February 2-6
Tuesday, February 3
- 1st day of ESL & Tech Class at Sonora, 8am-11am
Wednesday, February 4
- Site Council – canceled
- Health & Safety Mtg. – SIMC, 3pm (Martha)
Friday, February 6
- ACSA Regional Mtg. – 11:30am-1:30pm, Irvine AS (Martha)
Coming Up…
Wednesday, February 11
- Prof. Growth/Tech Mtg. – 2:30-4pm, room 114
February 16 -20 – Presidents’ Recess
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
January 30, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Check out these PowerPoints from CASAS.
Ideas for Use: You can take your class into our lab, and each student can 
work through the PowerPoint. Or, you can project the PPT onto your SMART Board and invite students up to select the correct answers while the rest of the class writes the answers in their notebooks.
CASAS Test Prep for the 21st-century learner!
Click here to get to CASAS download center.
Posted in Assessments | 1 Comment »
January 30, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Our Dynamic Community of Learners and Leaders!
Dear Newport-Mesa Community Leaders!
Newport-Mesa Adult School is a dynamic community of learners and leaders!
We are eager and honored to promote a lifetime of learning for our Newport-Mesa parents and community members.
Spring Semester is February 2 - June 18, 2009.
Please check out our offerings of FREE classes…and childcare!!
Adult Ed Poster 2008-09
Informational Flyer – English
Informational Flyer – Spanish
Spring Brochure – English
Spring Brochure – Spanish
We are more than happy to send you a promotional packet for display and distribution at your site. Simply leave me a comment or send me an email with the following information, and we’ll get a packet out to you ASAP:
|
School or Agency:
|
|
|
Contact Person:
|
|
|
Quantity of flyers:
|
|
|
Quantity of posters:
|
|
|
Quantity of brochures:
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Our mission is to provide lifelong educational opportunities and services which address the unique needs of individuals and communities by providing adults with the knowledge and skills necessary, including technology, to participate effectively as citizens, workers, parents and family members, and be contributing members of the local and global community.
You may also visit our website for more information.
Posted in Marketing | Leave a Comment »
January 29, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Our Site Council Meeting on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 has been canceled.
Our next Site Council Meeting with be Wednesday, March 4, 2009.
Please preview the agenda draft and email Martha mrankin@nmusd.us with any proposed changes to the agenda prior to the meeting. Thanks!
Posted in Site Council | 1 Comment »
January 28, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Class Orientation PowerPoints
Course Outlines
Goal Setting
Pacing Guides (ESL)
Persistence-Building Strategies
Student Transfer Policy & Procedure
Surveys
Posted in ESL | 5 Comments »
January 28, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Over 30 parents came to yesterday’s orientation meeting at Sonora Elementary School to learn about our new English and Technology class for adult learners. The class will begin February 3rd, 2009 and will meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 8am-11am.
Prospective students met their teacher (Jeff Corrigan), learned about the class with the help of a Class Orientation PowerPoint, completed a Student Needs Assessment and registration paperwork, and received a complimentary study binder, provided by the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Costa Mesa.
For more details on the class, please view:
Posted in Marketing | Leave a Comment »
January 28, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Here is a comparative look at average attendance by site and program for Week 30 (1/21/08 vs 1/19/09).
| Week 30 |
1/21/08-1/25/08 |
1/19/09-1/23/09 |
|
| Site |
2007-08 |
2008-09 |
change |
| BESST AM |
140.0 |
200.5 |
43% |
| HSD |
67.7 |
79.7 |
18% |
| Satellite (DL, OCC) |
11.8 |
11.7 |
0% |
| BESST PM |
237.3 |
281.7 |
19% |
| Whittier |
71.8 |
75.8 |
6% |
| CMHS |
39.5 |
43.0 |
9% |
| Older Adults |
49.0 |
78.8 |
61% |
| Total |
617.1 |
771.2 |
25% |
So good to see BESST Night in the black!! Congrats, team!!! Your “intersession class” really seemed to give us the boost we needed.
Here’s a comparative look of our total average attendance for 1st semester, 2007-08 vs. 2008-09.
| Week |
2007 |
2008 |
change |
| Week 14 |
1013.3 |
1005.0 |
-1% |
| Week 16 |
970.3 |
997.5 |
3% |
| Week 18 |
910 |
1003 |
10% |
| Week 20 |
901.6 |
934.9 |
4% |
| Week 22 |
Thanksgiving |
| Week 24 |
761.3 |
818.7 |
8% |
| Week 26 |
Winter Break |
| Week 28 |
683.3 |
719.8 |
5% |
| Week 30 |
617.1 |
771.2 |
25% |
Posted in Attendance | 2 Comments »
January 27, 2009 by Martha Rankin
NMUSD Adult School is uniting with Sonora Elementary School to offer a FREE English and Technology class on Sonora’s campus. The class will meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8am-11am.
To learn more about the class, check out these resources:
Posted in Marketing | 1 Comment »
January 26, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Week of January 26-30
- Orientation PowerPoints for Next Level ESL
- Individual and class goal reflections
- Achievement Awards
- Persistence Celebration
Tuesday, January 27
- ESL Orientation at Sonora – 8-11am
Wednesday, January 28
- OCC Presentations at BESST – 8:11am
- Birthday Celebration – 2:30-3:30pm, BESST Lounge
Friday, January 30
Go to End-of-Semester Essentials for surveys, orientation PowerPoints, certificate templates…
Week of February 2-6
- 2nd semester enrollment
- CASAS Pre-tests for NEW students
Wednesday, February 4
- Site Council Mtg – 2:45-4:15pm, BESST, Room 114
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
January 21, 2009 by Martha Rankin
During these disquieting economic times, let us trumpet the value of California Adult Schools. We know the impact of adult education on our state education and economy. Let us share these truths with our state legislators, our communities, and our schools.
These talking points come from Laura Preston, Legislative Advocate for ACSA.
The Governor’s proposal in the budget discussions regarding “maximum flexibility” is a concern to adult education programs and schools because adult education is an important part of the overall K-Adult academic program. It also does not consider the 150 years that adult education has contributed to the economic stimulus and job training programs in California.
- Adult schools are the largest, most cost-effective workforce development program in the state.
- Adult schools serve 1.5 million students annually.
- During an economic downturn, student enrollment significantly increases in adult schools as people turn to adult schools to up-grade their job skills, complete job training, and receive certification.
- Statistics show that when adult schools offer English classes on school campuses, school attendance of school-age children increases.
- If parents are successful and English literate, their children are far more apt to be successful academically.
- Adult schools have seen a significant increase in 18-22 year old students and assist the school district with drop-out retrieval, student recovery programs, CAHSEE intervention, and providing GED test preparation.
- The students that will be displaced are the least likely to have transportation and are unable to pay higher fees for their education.
- Maintaining adult education programs will keep 15,000 teachers and staff employed.”
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January 20, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Our attendance is up! Check out this comparative look at attendance the second week in January 2008 vs. 2009.
| Week 29 |
1/14/08-1/18/08 |
1/12/09-1/16/09 |
|
| Site |
2007-08 |
2008-09 |
% change |
| BESST AM |
171.2 |
231.0 |
35% |
| HSD |
60.5 |
73.5 |
21% |
| Satellite (DL, OCC) |
6.8 |
17.0 |
150% |
| BESST PM |
308.5 |
286.5 |
-7% |
| Whittier |
87.2 |
78.8 |
-10% |
| CMHS |
40.5 |
45.0 |
11% |
| Older Adults |
49.8 |
74.2 |
49% |
| Total |
724.5 |
806.0 |
11% |
Facts that influence the figures:
- Based on input from our Student Council and attendance trends, we moved Spanish GED from Whittier to BESST Day in 2008-09. Our Spanish GED attendance is up approximately 20% in 2008-09.
- Due to low attendance, we eliminated an afternoon ESL class at Whittier in 2008-09.
- We closed some under-performing Distance Learning satellite sites and offered additional timeslots at BESST Center in 2008-09. Our D.L. attendance is up dramatically…150% last week.
- We added an Older Adults class at Autumn Years in 2008-09. Our Older Adults attendance is also up considerably…49% last week.
- We mitigated a continuing decline at BESST Evening by adding an “intersession” multi-level ESL class to accommodate a surge of early enrollees. Last week we were down -7%…but that is an improvement from -16% the week before…and -15% the week before that.
Any ideas on the recent surge at CMHS??? We’re happy to see it back in the black!
Posted in Attendance | Tagged Attendance, Newport-Mesa Adult School | 2 Comments »
January 16, 2009 by Martha Rankin
On Tuesday, 01/20/09, the BESST Center will join Rea Elementary in an all-site earthquake drill at 1:15pm.
Here’s what you can do to prepare:
Prior to the Drill
Grey font = recommended but not required
During the Drill
Posted in Emergency Prep | 2 Comments »
January 16, 2009 by Martha Rankin
We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny… Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, January 19
“The aim is to make the holiday a day ON, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our beloved nation closer to the “Beloved Community” that Dr. King envisioned.”
Week of January 20-23
- TOPS Updates
- Student Transfer Slips
- End-of-Semester Self-Evaluations
- Class Surveys
Tuesday, January 20
- Earthquake Drill (with Rea El) – 1:15pm
Wednesday, January 21
- School News Article Due (spotlight on HSD program)
Friday, January 23
- Student Transfers due to Patsy
- TOPS Updates due to Martha
Week of January 26-30
- Orientation PowerPoints for Next Level ESL
- Individual and class goal reflections
- Achievement Awards
- Persistence Celebration
Tuesday, January 27
- ESL Orientation at Sonora – 8-11am
Friday, January 30
Go to End-of-Semester Essentials for the essentials you’ll need these next two weeks (surveys, orientation PowerPoints, TOPS Update instructions, Self-Evaluations…)
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | 1 Comment »
January 15, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Here’s a comparative look at our average attendance by site and program. We’re comparing 1st week of January, 2008 to 1st week of January, 2009.
| Week 28 |
1/7/08-1/11/08 |
1/509-1/9/09 |
|
| Site |
2007-08 |
2008-09 |
% change |
| BESST AM |
149.6 |
205.6 |
37% |
| HSD |
55.8 |
66.5 |
19% |
| Satellite (DL, OCC) |
7.4 |
13.0 |
76% |
| BESST PM |
291.5 |
245.2 |
-16% |
| Whittier |
88.2 |
79.6 |
-10% |
| CMHS |
42.0 |
35.5 |
-15% |
| Older Adults |
48.8 |
74.4 |
52% |
| Total |
683.3 |
719.8 |
5% |
Posted in Attendance | Leave a Comment »
January 14, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Video posted on TeacherTube
Runtime: 07:37
Posted in Tech-Enhanced Inst. | Leave a Comment »
January 14, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Video posted on TeacherTube
Runtime: 03:49
Posted in Tech-Enhanced Inst. | Leave a Comment »
January 13, 2009 by Martha Rankin
As the sun sets on 1st semester at Newport-Mesa Adult School, here again are Martha’s End-of-Semester Essentials to help you hit the lip and rip….without any gnarly wipe-outs.
Keep it smooth, Dudes and Dudettes!
Click on BACK after viewing a file to return to this post.
CASAS Assessment Resources
Certificates
ESL Curriculum Pacing Plans
ESL Student Self-Evaluations (Student Test Scores)
Orientation PowerPoints
Surveys
Testing and TOPS Update Schedules
TOPS Update Instructions
TOPS Update Materials
Posted in ESL | Tagged end of semester | 10 Comments »
January 9, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Tuesday, January 13
- PLC Team Meeting has been CANCELLED.
Wednesday, January 14
- Promotional Test, BESST AM, PM, Night, before break
Thursday, January 15
- Promotional Test, Whittier AM, before break
Friday, January 16
- Student Certificate Requests Due to Mari
Monday, January 19
Week of January 20-23
- TOPS Updates
- Student Transfer Slips
- End-of-Semester Self-Evaluations
- Class Surveys
Friday, January 23
- Student Transfers due to Patsy
- TOPS Updates due to Martha
Week of January 26-30
- Orientation PowerPoints for Next Level
- Individual and class goal reflections
- Achievement Awards
- Persistence Celebration
Friday, January 30
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Leave a Comment »
January 9, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Student Council 2007-08
Student Council asked for it! They helped make it! THEY GET IT!
How do learners become LEADERS at N-MUSD Adult School? Continue reading to learn how our 2007-08 Student Council changed how we do intake & orientation at our school. View/save/edit our student-created PowerPoints and use them in your classes for Orientation Week…and beyond. Continue Reading »
Posted in ESL, Persistence | Tagged Adult Education, orientation PowerPoints, Persistence | 1 Comment »
January 9, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Click link for Evacuation Procedures.
Lessons Learned from today’s drill:
- Radio operators should switch from channel 1 to 2 for communication with Rea.
- We need room key for WIC.
- Search & Rescue partners need to work together, not separately, for their own safety and efficacy.
- We need a key that opens all rooms for Search & Rescue team.
- Infant-Toddler Lead Teacher needs a hands-free method for carrying radio.
If you have other “lessons learned” from today’s Fire Drill, please add them in the comment field or email Martha. Thank you!
Posted in Emergency Prep | 4 Comments »
January 5, 2009 by Martha Rankin
Month of January
Thursday, January 8
- CASAS Post Test II, BESST AM, PM, Night, after break
-
Students w/ 2 benchmarks do not test.
Friday, January 9
- CASAS Post Test II, Whittier AM, after break
-
Students w/ 2 benchmarks do not test.
- Fire Drill, 1:25-1:35pm, BESST Center & Rea El.
Tuesday, January 13
- PLC Team Meeting, 2:45-4:15pm, BESST Center, Room 114
-
Email Martha if you’re interested in serving on this team.
Wednesday, January 14
- Promotional Test, BESST AM, PM, Night, before break
Thursday, January 15
- Promotional Test, Whittier AM, before break
Friday, January 16
- Student Certificate Requests Due to Mari
Monday, January 19
Week of January 20-23
- TOPS Updates
- Student Transfer Slips
- End-of-Semester Self-Evaluations
- Class Surveys
Friday, January 23
- Student Transfers due to Patsy
- TOPS Updates due to Martha
Week of January 26-30
- Orientation PowerPoints for Next Level
- Individual and class goal reflections
Friday, January 30
- Achievement Awards
- Persistence Celebration
- End of Semester
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | 3 Comments »
December 17, 2008 by Martha Rankin
Tonight and tomorrow I will give a 15-minute Persistence Presentation to each ESL class at the BESST Center.
The presentation objectives are:
- increase attendance during these ADA-lean winter months
- stress the importance of persistence and goal attainment
- show how attendance & persistence directly impact our program
- inform students of the many learning opportunities at NMUSD Adult School
For more on persistence in adult education, read John P. Comings’ Persistence: Helping Adult Education Students Reach Their Goals.
Posted in Persistence | Tagged Adult Education, Persistence | 1 Comment »
December 17, 2008 by Martha Rankin
Check out CALPRO’s 2009 Online Professional Development Courses.
For these courses, all you need to get started is an e-mail address, an Internet connection, and a few hours a week for study, scheduled at your own convenience. Besides getting to exchange ideas with colleagues in the course, participants may also register for Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Enrollment is limited to 20 participants per course, and is on a first-registered, first-enrolled basis.
You can register here for the gift that keeps on giving.
Posted in Prof. Development | Tagged Adult Education, CALPRO, online courses, professional development | Leave a Comment »
December 15, 2008 by Martha Rankin
In these tough economic times, our community of learners and leaders are asking about JOBS! Check out the new career information on our Newport-Mesa Adult School Website and share this resource with your students.
How Do You Get There?
- Go to http://adulted.nmusd.us/.
- Click on the RESOURCES drop down menu.
- Select Career Training.
Posted in Career Technical Ed | Tagged Adult Education, career training | Leave a Comment »
December 12, 2008 by Martha Rankin
Mark your calendars now!
Tuesday, December 16
- Emergency Prep Training, 7:30am-3:30pm, Costa Mesa Civic Theater (Mike, Martha, Larry, Patsy, Jose Luis, Michael, Mandi)
Wednesday, Dec 17
- Martha’s 15-Minute Talk on Persistence, 6:30-8:30, BESST Classes
Thursday, December 18
- Martha’s Talk on Persistence, 8:30-11am & 12-2:30pm, BESST Classes
- Adult Ed Holiday Celebration, 2:45-4:45pm, BESST Center
Friday, December 19
Winter Recess - Dec 22-Jan 2
Thursday, January 8
- CASAS Post Test II, BESST AM, PM, Night, after break
- Students w/ 2 benchmarks do not test.
Friday, January 9
- CASAS Post Test II, Whittier AM, after break
- Students w/ 2 benchmarks do not test.
- Fire Drill, 1:25-1:35pm, BESST Center & Rea El.
Tuesday, January 13
- PLC Team Meeting, 2:45-4:15pm, BESST Center, Room 114
- Email Martha if you’re interested in serving on this team.
Wednesday, January 14
- Promotional Test, BESST AM, PM, Night, before break
Thursday, January 15
- Promotional Test, Whittier AM, before break
Friday, January 16
- Student Certificate Requests Due to Mari
Monday, January 19
Week of January 20-23
- TOPS Updates
- Student Transfer Slips
- End-of-Semester Self-Evaluations
- Class Surveys
Friday, January 23
- Student Transfers due to Patsy
- TOPS Updates due to Martha
Week of January 26-30
- Orientation PowerPoints for Next Level
- Individual and class goal reflections
Friday, January 30
- Achievement Awards
- Persistence Celebration
- End of Semester
Posted in Adult School - NMUSD | Tagged Newport-Mesa Adult School | Leave a Comment »
December 12, 2008 by Martha Rankin
Adult Education at the BESST Center, in coordination with Rea Elementary, Health Services, Hope Clinic, and Language & Assessment Center will have a Lockdown Drill on Friday, December 19th at 9:45am. Break will be from 9:20-9:35am on this day only.
Please review the BESST Center Lockdown Procedures prior to next Friday’s drill. Thank you, Team!
Posted in Emergency Prep | Tagged emergency preparedness, lockdown drill | 2 Comments »
December 10, 2008 by Martha Rankin
Here is a 2007 vs. 2008 comparison of the average daily attendance by site and program.
| Week 23 |
11/26-11/30 |
12/01-12/5 |
|
| Site |
2007 |
2008 |
% change |
| BESST AM |
192.8 |
237.8 |
23% |
| HSD |
67.2 |
70.0 |
4% |
| Satellite (DL, OCC) |
10.4 |
20.0 |
92% |
| BESST PM |
344.5 |
292.2 |
-15% |
| Whittier |
88.6 |
85.6 |
-3% |
| CMHS |
64.0 |
34.5 |
-46% |
| Older Adults |
45.0 |
78.6 |
75% |
| Total |
812.5 |
818.7 |
1% |
| Week 20 |
11/5 – 11/9 |
11/10 – 11/14 |
|
| Site |
2007 |
2008 |
change |
| BESST AM |
Wikis in Plain English
