TRACK 1: PARTNERSHIPS 

Leveraging Critical Student Support from State and Local Agencies 

Anson Green 
Alamo Colleges 

Naomi Gunderson  
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services 

Rick Yañez 
Alamo Colleges 

In an era where the state is asking colleges and adult education providers to do more with less funding, Alamo Colleges has developed win-win partnerships with state support agencies and community-based organizations that bring critical support services to students at no extra cost.  Learn how Alamo Colleges is working closely with the Department of Assistance and Rehabilitative Services to both identify and support customers with mental, cognitive and physical disabilities.  

TRACK 2: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT INNOVATIONS 

I-BEST and TISESL: Making Sense of the Acronyms and Selecting the Appropriate Model for Your Students 

Carrie Tupa
Alamo Colleges 

Sofia Zamarripa
Fort Worth ISD 

Aída Morossini Martínez  
Fort Worth ISD 

This session will describe two of the more prominent instructional training models being used in Texas to assist lower-skilled students in entering and completing college level technical training. Both the I-BEST (integrated Basic Education Skills Training) and TISESL (Texas Industry Specific English as a Second Language) models integrate basic education and English with technical content.  Presenters will outline the models, alignment of competencies, and describe implementation and required the technical assistance.  

TRACK 3: COMPLETION AND TRANSITIONS 

Piecing Together Career Information for the International Trained ESL Student 

Sonia Aguirre
Welcome Back Center for International Trained Healthcare Professionals, Alamo Colleges 

During this session participants will examine the growing trend of international trained and educated individuals who are enrolling in ESL classes. There will be an overview of the Welcome Back Initiative as well as other resources. Helpful take-away handouts with career pathways for international trained healthcare professionals, which can be easily used with any professional seeking to become recertified, will be available.   

TRACK 1: PARTNERSHIPS 

TISESL (Texas Industry Specific English as a Second Language): A Pathway to Collaboration and the World of Work 

Sofia Zamarripa
Fort Worth ISD 

Nikki Pollard  
Stone Academy
 

Margerie Tucker  
The Women’s Center of Tarrant County

 Aída Morossini Martínez  
Fort Worth ISD 

In response to Education Rider 82 of the 79th legislative session, 2005, Texas LEARNS, the State Office for Adult Education and Family Literacy, took on a number of activities to address this mandate. Through research and consideration for adult learners’ needs and the needs of the business and industry community, the designed curricula focused 

on adults with limited English proficiency and on industry sectors in which many adults seek level entry employment. This presentation will include a brief overview and history of the Texas Industry Specific English as a Second Language, (TISESL) along with its three industry specific curricula, Sales and Service, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and its two stand alone components, Employability and Communication Scenarios. The session focus will be on accessing training, marketing the curricula, TISESL implementation, getting students prepared for work, data, and the successful collaboration with all partners. 

TRACK 2: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT INNOVATIONS 

Building College Ready Skills and Computer Literacy for Lower Skilled Adults: A Curriculum for Building Rigor in One Week 

Esther Metcalf 
Alamo Colleges, St. Philips College 

Carrie Tupa
Alamo Colleges 

One of the biggest challenges adult students face in the transition in from adult basic education to college is the classroom environment, which is drastically different from one setting to the other.  The adult basic education classroom is typically strongly student-centered and supportive, and the college classroom often provides a much harsher and higher-stakes setting.  In this presentation, participants will learn how, in several Alamo Colleges bridge programs, rigor and high-expectations are instilled in an environment which is still student-centered and supportive, giving students a supportive transition to the world of the college classroom.   

TRACK 3: COMPLETION AND TRANSITIONS 

Employer-based Programs and Services to Support the Career Growth of Under-Skilled Workers 

Jacque Burandt 
University Health System 

John E. Dewey 
ITM 

Kara Hill 
Hill Bros. Construction 

For most under-skilled adults, employment and career advancement is the primary reason they return to educational services. Most either want a job or a better job and career path.  To most effectively deliver on these goals, community colleges, workforce boards and adult education providers must listen and development programs that are responsive to employer needs.  This session will feature employers from the health services, construction and manufacturing industries who will speak on both the pressures and responses to hiring, training and retaining under-skilled workers.