SCLLN Professional Development Conference 2008

SCLLN Professional Development Day

June 13, 2008

@ Holiday Inn Sea World - San Diego, CA

8:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Dear Literacy Professional:

This year we have another full day of workshops that were created as a result of the membership requests. The new location is in beautiful San Diego, close to beaches, shops, restaurants and the University of San Diego. This year, you can make it a weekend excellent workshops by attending the SCLLN Professional Development and READ/San Diego’s Tutor Conference the following day at the spectacular University of San Diego. We hope you are able to find two workshops that you are excited about and will help you hone your skills as an adult literacy professional. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact SCLLN.

Space is limited to 50 people for this conference.

Please return your registration form as soon as possible (see below).

HOLIDAY INN
3737 SPORTS ARENA BLVD.
SAN DIEGO, CA 92110
800-383-5430

Registration Fee: $175.00

(includes breakfast, two workshops, and afternoon snack).

Register Now.

Payment due prior to June 13, 2008

There will be no refunds after June 1, 2008

Accommodations @

San Diego Holiday Inn Sea World: 1-800-383-5430
Rate: 129.00 (Reference SCLLN for the special rate)

Workshops

A Strategic Approach to Volunteer Management: Stephen H. Velez-Confer
This participative workshop will focus on how volunteer management is part of the strategic positioning of the nonprofit. There will be a maximum opportunity for the participants to discuss volunteer management as strategic positioning.

To Persist or Not to Persist: Kathy St. John
Many programs are looking for strategies to increase their learners’ persistence. Research shows that adult learners spend an average of 58 hours in literacy activities in a program before leaving for a period of at least three months. This average falls far short of the 100 hours needed to make a grade-level gain. If programs can increase their learners’ persistence they can increase the chances that learners will make learning gains that will make a demonstrable difference in their lives.

Wacky for Wikis: Overview & Introduction to Blogs & Wikis: William S Byrne
Just what is a Wiki ? How is it different from a Blog ? Create a blog for your own Literacy Program. Or, an SCLLN Tutor/Learner Blog or Wiki tomorrow. It’s Easy. It's up and running in minutes.

Speaking of Reading: Starting a Book Club in your Literacy Program

Rod Williams and Sandy Phillips
Why should you consider starting a book club in your literacy program? How do you go about setting one up? How expensive is it? What are the benefits to adult learners? To volunteer tutors? To the program? Several Literacy Coordinators will discuss their clubs’ respective histories, challenges, logistics, and success stories during this workshop. Plenty of helpful handouts will be provided. If you’ve even considered starting a book club in your program, this is one workshop you won’t want to miss.

Registration Form

Name:

Current Position/Title:

Institutional Affiliation:

Preferred mailing Address:

Home Phone:

Work Phone:

Fax Number:

E-mail address:

Please check which workshops you would like to attend:

9:00-12:00□ A Strategic Approach to Volunteer Management
□ Wacky for Wikis: Overview & Introduction to Blogs & Wikis

12:15-1:30 Lunch

1:30-4:30□ To Persist or Not to Persist
□ Speaking of Reading: Starting a Book Club in your Literacy Program

Fax or email this sheet by May 20, 2008 to:

ksandmanhurley@sandiego.gov

Fax: 619-527-5485.

Send Payment to:

Rose Saylin, Literacy Specialist
Huntington Beach Library Literacy
7111 Talbert Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714-375-5102 or 714-841-3765

SCLLN Calendar: April 2008

Upcoming Events
@ SCLLN's calendar » Tutor Workshops and Events

Tutor Orientation - Newport Beach Public Library
Tue, Apr 15 10:00am
Central Library

Tutor Orientation - Newport Beach Public Library
Tue, Apr 15 10:00am
Central Library

Tutor Training - San Diego County Library
Sat, Apr 19 10:00am
El Cajon Branch

Tutor Training - San Diego County Library
Tue, Apr 22 5:30pm
Encinitas Branch Library

Tutor Training - Ventura County Library
Wed, Apr 23 5:00pm
Ventura Adult Ed Room 203

Tutor Training - Ventura County Library
Thu, Apr 24 5:00pm
Simi Valley Library

Trivia Showdown 6 - Covina Library
Tue, Apr 29 6:00pm
Nick's Taste of Texas

Painting with Words - Palmdale City Library
Tue, Apr 29 6:30pm
Palmdale Playhouse

Burbank Library - Burbank Library Services Director Sharon Cohen announces the winning team, the Jeopardy Rejects.

Trivia Champions: Burbank Public Library

Burbank Library Services Director Sharon Cohen announces the winning team, the Jeopardy Rejects.

Valley News: Apr 4, 2008 by Louise Paziak

The 2008 Trivia Challenge to benefit the Burbank Public Library's Literacy Services was held at the Castaway Restaurant on March 27. The competition featured 23 teams from local businesses and service organizations who participated in this year's event.

The winners at the end of the evening were the "Jeopardy Rejects," Dale Bailes, Al Vaca, and Cameron Ward.

Money raised from this event helps fund literacy services to the community.

Great night, I had a blast and I hope you made a lot of money for literacy! Please know from someone who puts on events, I know what goes into them and last night was well coordinated and ran very smoothly. You and your staff know how to throw a fundraiser! This was my first year attending and I plan on attending from here on out.

Brady - Leadership Burbank
p.s. I cannot believe we got taken out of the competition on a BEER question!
Adult Learners speech:

"My name is Karine Ghazarian. I am Armenian from Iran. I have 2 children in school.

I moved to the United States because Christians in Islamic Iran couldn't have a safe life and had few opportunities. When my first daughter was born in Iran, we moved to the US. We moved because we believed that the US allowed people from different nations, races, and religions to live together and to complete their own dreams and goals.

I speak 3 languages: Armenian, Farsi, and now English. When I first arrived in the United States, I took ESL classes at a community college. But i wanted to learn more. I decided to participate in the Burbank Library's Literacy program. I started almost 2 years ago.

Participating in the Literacy program has allowed me to learn to read better, to improve my pronunciation, and has made speaking easier. Now, if someone calls and speaks English, I understand more and talk to them in English more comfortably.

The literacy program lets me send notes to my children's teachers and get more information from them.

The literacy program has allowed me to read story books to my children. We read every night and my daughter's English reading and speaking skills have improved.

I am thankful for dear Robyn. She has given me her time and has made me interested in reading novels. I recently completed 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott. The literacy program has helped me feel comfortable in speaking and communication, and of course reading in English. I hope Robyn is always safe, happy, and successful."

Thank You.

SCLLN Tutor Workshop Calendar - April 2008

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Tutor Workshop & Event Calendar: April 2008
- visit SCLLN for State & National events -

Apr 1: Learner Orientation - Newport Beach P L

Tutor Workshops and Events Presenter: Newport Literacy. Ticket Phone: 949.717.3875. Tuesday, April 1, 2008, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Newport Beach Public Library 1000 Avocado, Newport Beach CA 92660. 

Apr 7: Tutor Training - Huntington Beach P LTutor Workshops and Events Also: April 9, 14, 16 and 21. Presenter: Huntington Beach Public Library. Ticket Phone: 714.375.5102. Contact: Rose Saylin. Monday, April 7, 2008, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Huntington Beach Library 7111 Talbert Huntington Beach CA. 

Apr 10: Tutor Training - Burbank P L

Tutor Workshops and Events Register for the first session of a 15-hour workshop: also Apr 12 & 19. Adult Literay & Youth Literacy programs: improve reading, spelling and writing skills. Learn how to use Discover Intensive Phonics. 818 . 238 . 5577. Presenter: Burbank Public Library. Ticket Phone: (818)238-5577. Contact: Literacy Office. Thursday, April 10, 2008, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Burbank Public Library Auditorium 110 N Glenoaks Burbank CA 91502. 

Apr 15: Tutor Orientation - Newport Beach P L
Tutor Workshops and Events 949 . 717 . 3875. Ticket Phone: 949.717.3875. Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 10:00 AM. Central Library 1000 Avocado Ave. Newport Beach, CA 92660. 

Apr 16: Literacy Festival - Antelope ValleyLocal Conferences and Events 3rd Annual Festival: "Storytelling: sponsored by: WORD AV Contact Rod Williams 661 . 267 . 5682. Saturday, April 26, 2008, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Antelope Valley Mall 1233 Rancho Vista Palmdale CA 93551

Apr 29: Trivia Showdown 7 - Covina Library
Tutor Workshops and Events Tickets: $15.00 For More info: 626 . 858 . 4553. Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Nick's Taste of Texas 545 N Citrus Covina CA.

California Literacy Events: April 2008

California Literacy Events & Conferences: April 2008
- visit SCLLN for more Literacy & Library events -

Apr 1: Peg Leg Liar's Contest
Local Conferences and Events Every April Fool's Day. Contestants spew 5-minute long fabrications. Free. Tuesday, April 1, 2008. Peg Leg Smith Monument Henderson Canyon Road Borrego Springs CA 92004. For more info visit

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/CABORpegleg.html

National Poetry MonthAnnual Events Academy of American Poets. Tuesday, April 1, 2008. For more info visit
http://www.poets.org/

Apr 2: International Children's Book DayAnnual Events Internation Board on Books for Young People. Wednesday, April 2, 2008. For more info visit
http://www.ibby.org/

Apr 5: Literary Orange: Festival of AuthorsLocal Conferences and Events Orange Co. Public Library, UC Irvine Libraries and California Center for the Book event to celebrate literacy. Price - High: $75.00. Ticket Phone: 714-566-3034. Saturday, April 5, 2008, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Hyatt Regency 11999 Harbor Bl Garden Grove CA 92840. For more info visit
http://www.literaryorange.org/

Apr 10 - 13: CATESOL State ConferenceState and National Conferences Thursday, April 10, 2008 – Sunday, April 13, 2008. Sacramento, CA. For more info visit

http://www.catesol.org/

Apr 13: AOTA Annual Conference & Expo
State and National Conferences American Occupational Therapy Assoc. Thursday, April 10, 2008 – Sunday, April 13, 2008. Long Beach CA. For more info visit
http://www.aota.org/

Apr 13 – 19: National Library Week
Annual Events Sunday, April 13, 2008 – Saturday, April 19, 2008. For more info visit
http://www.ala.org/

Apr 14 – 20: Young People's Poetry WeekAnnual Events Celebrate poetry ! Monday, April 14, 2008 – Sunday, April 20, 2008. For more info visit
http://www.cbcbooks.org/

Apr 16: BER: 6 Trait Writing Strategies (Gr 3-6)Local Conferences and Events Anaheim: Apr 16 Pasadena: Apr 17. Presenter: Bureau of Education & Research. Ticket Phone: 800.735.3503. Tuesday, April 15, 2008. San Diego. For more info visit
http://www.ber.org/

Apr 15 – 21: National Library WeekAnnual Events Tuesday, April 15, 2008 – Monday, April 21, 2008. For more info visit
http://www.ala.org/

Apr 16 – 22: Young People's Poetry WeekAnnual Events Celebrate poetry ! Wednesday, April 16, 2008 – Tuesday, April 22, 2008. For more info visit
http://www.cbcbooks.org/yppw

Apr 21: Literary Orange - Orange County P LLocal Conferences and Events A Celebration of Authors $95 ($75 early bird-March 1) 714 . 530 . 0718. Monday, April 21, 2008, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Hyatt Regency 11999 Harbor Bl Garden Grove CA 92840. For more info visit
http://www.ocpl.org/literaryorange

Apr 22: SCTE Spring Conference
Local Conferences and Events Southland Council of Teachers of English. Tuesday, April 22, 2008. Museum of Tolerance Los Angeles CA. For more info visit

http://www.scteweb.org/

Apr 26 – 27: L A Times Festival of BooksLocal Conferences and Events Saturday, April 26, 2008 – Sunday, April 27, 2008. UCLA. For more info visit
http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks

Apr 28: Special Education - LDACA
Local Conferences and Events Learning Disabilities Association of California 2 panels: Are Transitional Services Meaningful Are Symptomatic Behaviors Targeted for Disciplinary Action 866 . 532 . 6322. Monday, April 28, 2008. Joan Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice University of San Diego 5998 Alcala Park San Diego CA 92110. For more info visit

http://www.ldaca.org/

Apr 28: We Tell Stories - Santa Monica P LLocal Conferences and Events Storytellingfor Librarians, Teachers, and Families Children's Literacy Council of Southern California Contact: 323.651.3513. Monday, April 28, 2008, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Santa Monica Public Library 601 Santa Monic Bl Santa Monica CA. For more info visit
http://www.storyteller.net/stories

MAY

May 1 – May 2: Health Literacy ConferenceLocal Conferences and Events "Health Literacy in Primary Care: Best Practices and Skill Building" Scheduled Keynote Speaker: Richard H. Carmona, M.D. M.P.H. FACS The 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006). Presenter: Institute for Healthcare Advancement. Thursday, May 1, 2008 – Friday, May 2, 2008. Hyatt Regency Irvine Irvine CA. For more info visit

http://www.iha4health.org/index.cfm/CFID/7224488/CFTOKEN/51389239/MenuItemID/190.htm

May 1 – 4: Village of Tales Storytelling FestivalLocal Conferences and Events Storytelling for all ages. Thursday, May 1, 2008 – Sunday, May 4, 2008. Ojai CA. For more info visit
http://www.villageoftales.org/

Literacy Jobs

The SCLLN blog posts literacy jobs in California. Listings can be for member libraries or other libraries or agencies. There are also 2 national links.

2 Recent ads:

KOREH L.A. - Americorps Literacy Coordinator, LA
Last day to apply: April 24, 2008

Foothill Family Shelter - Literacy Coordinator, Upland
Open

Check the Jobs Label for recent ads:

Carlsbad PL: Prin Libr - Library Learning Ctr
Covina PL: Literacy Coordinator
Literacy Assistance Center (National)
LiteracyNews.com (National)
Redwood City PL: Tutor/Student Coor-Mar 20
Tulare PL: Literacy Asst (PT)

Please Use GoodSearch and GoodShop - Earn $ $ $ for SCLLN

With Just a Click of a Button !

Writer To Writer 2008: Books Change Lives

California Library Literacy Services
7th Annual Writing Challenge for Adult Learners

Writer To Writer 2008: Books Change Lives

Adult Learners!

Read or listen to a book that inspires you
Write a letter to the author

Deadline: July 31, 2008 – Thursday
Ceremony: November 14, 2007 - San Jose: CLA Conference

Adult learners from California Library Literacy Services will select and read a book and then write to the author about how that book changed their lives. 4 Levels:

~ Emerging - dictated letter to tutors or staff~ Beginning - write basic short, simple sentences on their own
~ Intermediate - write more complex sentences with larger vocabulary
~ Advanced - writing independently with little technical support

In 2007, over 140 learners sent letters that showed depth and perception that warmed the hearts of everyone who read them. The letters opened a window into the lives of our learners to show how their reading affects their lives. From these letters we can all learn how reading a book can dramatically influence and change a life.

The top 30 letters will be published in a book and the California State Library website.

The letters of the 2007 winners and finalists @

Sponsors
Bay Area Literacy Network
Southern California Library Literacy Network
California Library Literacy Services
California Library Association, Literacy Services Section

2008 SCLLN Literacy Conference: Storytelling

Southern California Library Literacy Network – 2008

One of the highlights of the day was the 90 minutes spent with Patti Christensen, where she explained how she teaches story telling. She explained how she uses props to help her learners (she calls them learners instead of students) warm up to reading through story-telling.

At the end of her presentation she passed around her Mother's old button box and asked every participant to feel the contents and select one button that brought forward a memory for them. Then she asked to hear those stories.

~ One man came to the head of the group holding a large circular, four-holed, flat, mostly undecorated button. He said when he was a young man he went on travel to Europe for his job and in that other country he met and fell in love with a business woman from another company . . . . .

~ A second person stood and offered a story. The woman held up a big, two holed white button. My parents died when I was young, she said. And I was put in an orphanage. All the little girls, like me wore cotton pinafores designed like my mother's apron had been . . . . .

~ A third person stood to tell about the very tiny golden button she held between two fingers and a thumb. One day when I was very young, she said, I met a cricket in my bedroom. What is that you have on your face? I asked the cricket and he said he was wearing a magic gold face mask . . . . .

I rewrote all three stories this morning with all the details I could recall. This morning I shared my experience and these stories with my Braille reading group and they enjoyed hearing the button stories as much as I did. What followed for us was a half hour of shared folklore and family recollections -- all that, brought about by Patti Christensen's brilliant presentation on Saturday morning.

Thank you again for your generosity. You and the folks at the library have been enormously kind to me. I feel quite blessed to work there and hope my library experiences with you and the students we help just keep getting better and better.

Jackie Cotton

Storytelling Resources:

Festival

Storytelling on the Internet

~ Brave Tales: Developing Literacy Through Storytelling
by Will Coleman, Network Continuum Education 2007

SCLLN Tutor Workshop Calendar - March 2008

SCLLN Literacy Library Calendar - March 2008

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Event Calendar: October 2007
- visit SCLLN for more events -

Mar 1: Tutor Training - San Luis Obispo City-County LibraryTutor Workshops and Events Volunteer !Also: March 8 A two-session workshop designed for certification as a volunteer tutor. Previous teaching experience is not necessary. All that is needed is the desire to help others. You will learn strategies to teach basic speaking, reading and writing skills in Learning Centers located throughout the county. Presenter: San Luis Obispo Literacy Council. Ticket Phone: 800.549.4219. Saturday, March 1, 2008, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. 1264 Higuera S: 102 San Luis Obispo CA 93401

Mar 1: Tutor Training - San Diego County LibraryTutor Workshops and Events Volunteer ! Help adults improve reading & writing skills. 888 . 466 . 0668. Presenter: LEARN - San Diego County Library. Ticket Phone: 888.466.0668. Saturday, March 1, 2008, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Vista Library Vista CA.

Mar 15: Tutor Training - Los Angeles Public Library
Tutor Workshops and Events All volunteers must be interviewed First ! Contact: 213 . 228 . 7037. Presenter: Los Angeles Public Library. Ticket Phone: 213.228.7037. Saturday, March 15, 2008, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Harbor Gateway Library Harbor City CA.

Mar 19: Tutor Orientation - Oceanside READSTutor Workshops and Events Orientation Training: March 22: 9am - 4:30 pm. Presenter: Oceanside Public Library. Ticket Phone: 760.435.5680. Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Learning Center 321 N Nevada Oceanside CA 92504.

Mar 27: Trivia Challenge FUNdraiser - Burbank Public LibraryTutor Workshops and Events Three-person teams competer for title of Trivia Champion. Teams: $200.00. Tickets: $15.00 Silent Auction and Opportunity Drawing 818 . 238 . 5577. Thursday, March 27, 2008, 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Castaway Restaurant 1250 Harvard Rd Burbank CA 91501.

California Literacy Events - March 2008

California Literacy Events & Conferences

March 2008

Mar 2: Diamond Literary Festival - San DiegoLocal Conferences and Events Contact: 619.913.0626. Sunday, March 2, 2008 – Monday, March 3, 2008. San Diego CA. For more info visit
http://www.diamondliteraryfestival.org/.

Mar 3: Read Across America Day
Annual Events National Education Association Dr. Seuss's Birthday. Monday, March 3, 2008. For more info visit
http://www.nea.org/

Mar 7: Charlotte S Huck Children's Literature FestivalLocal Conferences and Events Friday, March 7, 2008 – Saturday, March 8, 2008. University of Redlands Redlands CA. For more info visit
http://www.redlands.edu/childrensliteraturefestival.xml

Mar 7: CATE 2008
State and National Conferences Friday, March 7, 2008 – Sunday, March 9, 2008. Long Beach CA. For more info visit
http://www.cateweb.org/

Mar 7: Mariposa Storytelling FestivalState and National Conferences Ticket Phone: 800.903.9936. Friday, March 7, 2008 – Sunday, March 9, 2008. Mariposa CA. For more info visit
arts-mariposa.org

Mar 13: West Coast Literacy Conference
Local Conferences and Events Presenter: Foundation for Comprehensive Early Literacy Learning. Thursday, March 13, 2008 – Saturday, March 15, 2008. Pasadena CA. For more info visit
http://www.cell-exll.com/

Mar 13: California Language Teacher's Association ConferenceState and National Conferences Thursday, March 13, 2008 – Sunday, March 16, 2008. Marriott Hotel Irvine CA. For more info visit
http://www.clta.net/index1.html

Mar 22: Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium - CALICOState and National Conferences Education and technology. Tuesday, March 18, 2008 – Saturday, March 22, 2008. Holiday Inn Golden Gateway San Francisco CA. For more info visit
calico.org

Mar 28: Cesar Chavez Education ConferenceState and National Conferences Free to students, teachers and the public. 1 unit credit will be offered on site. Free and relaxed parking. Limited free lunches will be available. Friday, March 28, 2008 – Saturday, March 29, 2008. Kremen School of Education CSU Fresno Fresno CA. For more info visit
http://testingabuse.blogspot.com/

2008 SCLLN Literacy Conference - Guest Speaker: Jonathan Mooney

Southern California Library Literacy Network
2008 Conference

Guest Speaker: Jonathan Mooney
author of The Short Bus: A Journey Beyond Normal - Holt, 2007

Labeled "dyslexic and profoundly learning disabled with attention and behavior problems," Jonathan Mooney was a short bus rider. Ultimately, Mooney surprised skeptics by graduating with honors from Brown University. But he could never escape his past, so he bought his own short bus and set out cross-country, looking for kids who had dreamed up magical, beautiful ways to overcome the obstacles that separated them from the so-called normal world.

If you would like to send a comment: Jonathan

If you were unable to attend, you can watch a video at BarryTalk of a conversation on NewsRap with Barry Gordon (Nov 7, 2007) - 2 parts.

Some comments from those who attended the Conference:

~ I just want to congratulate the conference committee for a great conference. I heard nothing but praise that day. (Rose – Huntington Beach)

~ I would like to second this sentiment. I had a great time in my workshop and at lunch everyone seemed quite happy about their experience. I thought Jonathan Mooney was great and I think he confirmed a lot of what we tell ourselves, our tutors, and our learners every day. Great Job! (Kelli – San Diego)
~ Congratulations SCLLN! Great job! (Jose – San Diego)
~ The same here, everyone seemed to really enjoy the conference and Jonathan Mooney was a great key note speaker. (Sandy – Oceanside)

Check Out his books @ Your Local Library: CalCat or WorldCat

Learning Outside The Lines: Two Ivy League Students With Learning Disabilities And ADHD Give You The Toolsby Jonathan Mooney and David Cole, Fireside 2000
two "academic failures" who graduated from Brown University at the top of their class teach you how to take control of your education and find true success.

2008 SCLLN Conference: Feb 23 - Wikis

Wacky for Wikis
Southern California Library Literacy Network
Annual Conference, Feb 23, 2008

2 sessions on blogs and wikis for adult learners and tutors. An overview of history, statistics, how easy it is to do a blog or wiki, and the many reasons to blog. This was posted during the session and then edited the following week.

Looked at the SCLLN website and blog. Also looked at Burbank Public Library's blogs and wiki. Looked at a few blogging platforms: Blogger, WordPress and TypePad among others. How to do a blog search on Google and Technorati.

Watched a video about blogging @ CommonCraft which also has a terrific tutorial about wikis.

Hope some of the adult learners and tutors are interested in creating a blog or a wiki for SCLLN or a personal blog of their own.

Included this link if you are interested in the reading levels of a particular blog or wiki.

Blog Readability Test

Upland Library - Beyond the Basics: ALLI 2008

Beyond the Basics: ALLI 2008

Upland Library is hosting the 2008 Adult Learner Leadership Institute (ALLI, formerly known as the Henry Huffman Leadership Institute), on the second Saturday of January through June, at the Carnegie Cultural Center, 123 D St.

ALLI is a six-month leadership development program for advanced learners. ALLI students build self-esteem while acquiring public speaking skills, research techniques, and learning styles. They also learn elements of fundraising, advocacy and special events production. ALLI workshops are facilitated by the previous year’s Institute graduates.

Adult Literacy Office, Upland Public Library: (909) 931-4212.

Riverside County Library - Lake Elsinore club members learn about English, each other.

Lake Elsinore club members learn about English, each other.
Press-Enterprise: Jan 31, 2008 by Aaron Burgin

Nearly four years ago, Elsa Sanchez formed a club she hoped would help immigrants of all nationalities find the key to success in the United States -- learning English.

Today, the Lake Elsinore International Club continues to promote that goal, as people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds meet to learn English and immerse themselves in each other's cultures and talents. The Lake Elsinore City Council honored the club at a City Council meeting this month.

Sanchez now has her sights set on the club's expansion to other cities in the Inland area and the rest of the state.

"I think this is something that everyone should be doing," Sanchez said. "It is hard for immigrants to come to the country and succeed without knowing English; They feel isolated. When they learn English they are able to be productive and be good citizens and community members."

Sanchez knew how it felt to be locked out of the American dream because of the language barrier. After immigrating to the U.S. from Peru in 1989 and moving to Lake Elsinore in 2000, Sanchez, a certified nurse assistant, took her state tests to become a licensed vocational nurse. Her English failed her, Sanchez said. . . . .

. . . . . Sanchez began taking literacy classes with Melodie Earickson, a Riverside County Library literacy coordinator, at the Lake Elsinore Library in 2002. By 2004, she wanted to continue her lessons after library hours.

The International Club was born.

The group meets twice a week in homes throughout the city. The focus of the meetings is the teaching and use of English in social and conversational situations. The meetings normally follow literacy lessons with Earickson at the library. . . . .

. . . . . Guests, including city and school officials, and professionals such as doctors, teachers and government workers, will sometimes speak at the meetings. Sanchez said their presence provides the members with role models. . . . . READ ON

For more information, call the International Club at 951-490-7385.

2008 SCLLN Tutor Workshop Calendar

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Event Calendar: February 2008
- visit SCLLN for State & National events -

Feb 23: SCLLN Annual Tutor - Learner Literacy Conference
Registration Form, Workshop Grid @ Web Link

The Best 1-Day Literacy Conference in California !

DoubleTree Hotel 100 The City Drive Orange CA 92868

Feb 2: Scrabble-Thon - Escondido Public Library
Support Literacy Services ! Ticket Phone: 760.747.2233. Saturday, February 2, 2008. Escondido Public Library Escondido CA.

Feb 2: Tutor Training - San Luis Obispo City-County Library
A two-session workshop designed for certification as a volunteer tutor. Previous teaching experience is not necessary. All that is needed is the desire to help others. You will learn strategies to teach basic speaking, reading and writing skills in Learning Centers located throughout the county. Also Feb 9. Phone: 800.549.4219. Saturday, February 2, 2008, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. 1264 Higuera S:102, San Luis Obispo CA 93401.

Feb 5: Tutor Training - San Diego County Library
Also: Feb 6 Volunteer ! Help adults improve reading & writing skills. 888.466.0668 LEARN - San Diego County Library. Tuesday, February 5, 2008, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Vista Library Vista CA.

Feb 9: Youth Literacy - Oceanside READS
Orientation Training: Feb 9: 9am - 1:30 pm. Phone: 760.435.5680. Wednesday, February 6, 2008, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Learning Center 321 N Nevada Oceanside CA 92504.

Feb 9: ESL Tutor Training - San Diego County Library
Also: Feb 16 - 10am to 4 pm. LEARN – San Diego County Library. Phone: 619.442.1481. Saturday, February 9, 2008, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Kroc Salvation Army Community Ct. Bldg A 6605 University San Diego CA. 

Feb 9: Tutor Training - Los Angeles Public Library
All volunteers must be interviewed First ! Phone: 213.228.7037. Saturday, February 9, 2008, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Cahuenga Library Los Angeles CA. 

Feb 13: Tutor Orientation - Newport Beach Public Library
Also: Feb 27; Mar 5, 12, and 19. Phone: 949.717.3875. Wednesday, February 13, 2008, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Central Library 1000 Avocado Ave. Newport Beach, CA 92660.

Feb 16: Tutor Training - San Diego County Library
Volunteer ! Help adults improve reading & writing skills. LEARN - San Diego County Library. Phone: 888.466.0668. Saturday, February 16, 2008, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. El Cajon Library El Cajon CA. 

Feb 23: SCLLN Annual Tutor - Learner Literacy Conference
The Best 1-Day Literacy Conference in California !
Saturday, February 23, 2008, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
DoubleTree Hotel 100 The City Drive Orange CA 92868.

John Corcoran - Teacher Who Couldn't Read

An Open Book
High school teacher who couldn't read shares his story as an advocate of education
San Diego Union Tribune: January 26, 2008 by Stephanie K. Parry

OCEANSIDE - John Corcoran taught in the Oceanside Unified School District for 17 years and didn't know how to read.

(By the time) I was 48 years old, I had already graduated from college, taught school for 17 years in California, and I couldn't read or write or spell my native language of English," Corcoran said. This spring, Corcoran, 70, will publish his second book, "Bridge to Literacy: No Child or Adult Left Behind."

"This book really is a call for action. It's a call for gathering all the tribes on both sides of the bridge," Corcoran said. "We, as a society, cannot leave all of this to the teachers."

Corcoran's first book, "The Teacher Who Couldn't Read," told his story of struggling through elementary and high school and then college, and his subsequent experiences as an illiterate educator.

He said he wanted the world to know he didn't beat the system by faking his way through life.

"The system beats people who can't read every single day," Corcoran said.

He explained how he cheated his way through school by stealing copies of tests to memorize and having friends complete his assignments.

"I knew how to read the system, and I knew how to read people," Corcoran said.

He hid his secret from everyone except his wife, Kathleen.

"My wife was the person who did my reading and writing for me. She was my translator in a sense," Corcoran said.

Then he heard about a program at Carlsbad City Library that taught adults to read. He said he decided to try it in 1986, even though he doubted his ability to learn.

"As an adult who doesn't know how to read, we usually think something is wrong with our brain and we can't learn," Corcoran said. "So we give up on the system early, and we give up on ourselves and we carry this with us, this insecurity and fear of the written word."

He recalled lying in bed every night and thinking he wouldn't go back to his tutoring sessions because he didn't think they would do any good.

"I was going because I almost felt sorry for this 65-year-old woman (Eleanor Condit) who thought she could teach me how to read," Corcoran said.

Some days the pair would hold their classes in a room at the fire station next door to the library. The firefighter who opened the door for them was one of Corcoran's former students, so Corcoran asked his tutor to pretend he was teaching her how to read so his secret wouldn't be revealed.

Corcoran said he participated in the program for 13 months and was able to improve his reading comprehension.

"When I went from the second-grade level to the sixth-grade level, I thought I'd died and went to heaven. It whetted my appetite (to learn more)," Corcoran said.

"What we do is help people participate in their life by helping them improve their literacy skills," said Carrie Scott, literacy coordinator at the Carlsbad City Library.
. . . . .
His experiences led Cocoran to become an advocate for education, and he served under former presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton on the board for the National Institute for Literacy. He also served on the San Diego Council on Literacy and the executive board of the Literacy Network of Greater Los Angeles.

He has spread his message on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "Larry King Live" and "20/20."

"I just went to the library to learn how to read," Cocoran said.

"I didn't think I would learn how to read ... and here I am writing a second book." READ ON

Literacy facts:
~ More than 20 percent of adults read at or below a fifth-grade level.
~ Forty-three percent of people with the lowest literacy skills live in poverty.
~ Workers who lack a high school diploma earn an average of $452 a month. Source: National Institute for Literacy

Learn more:
For more information on learning to read, contact the San Diego Council on Literacy at (888) 850-READ (7323) or visit literacysandiego.org.

Local adult reading programs
Palomar College (760) 744-1150
Oceanside Public Library (760) 435-5680
MiraCosta College (760) 795-8710
Escondido Public Library (760) 747-2233
Carlsbad City Library (760) 434-2998

2008 SCLLN Tutor-Learner Conference - Guest Speaker: Jonathan Mooney

Southern California Library Literacy Network

Tutor - Learner Literacy Conference

February 23, 2008

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

DoubleTree Hotel, Anaheim

Guest Speaker: Jonathan Mooney

author: The Short Bus

Labeled "dyslexic and profoundly learning disable with attention & behavior problems," Jonathan Mooney was a short bus rider. He graduated with honors from Brown University. Unable to escape his past, he bought his own short bus and criss-crossed the country looking for kids who had dreamed up magical, beautiful ways to overcome the obstacles that separated them from the so-called normal world.

Some of the Sessions:
~ Research Based Fluency & Comprehension
~ Creating Writers
~ Fluent Oral Reading
~ Storytelling as a Literacy Tool
~ Mechanics of Sound
~ Intro to Blogs & Wikis
~ What is Dyslexia
~ Using Picture Books w/ Adult Learners
~ Pronunciation Workshop

$50.00: Members
$75.00: Non-members
$10.00: Adult Learners

For More Information: 714 . 566 . 3070

Escondido Library - Scrabble - Thon: February 2

Scrabble - Thon: February 2

Escondido Public Library's Literacy Services will host its fourth annual Scrabble-thon competition from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 2 at Emmanuel Faith Community Church, 639 E. Felicita Ave.

Scrabble-thon is open to the public -- high school-age students and adults. The entry fee for teams of four is $100; individual entries cost $30. Entry registration will close Jan. 28.

Proceeds will go toward providing literacy services in the community, benefiting adult learning communities, family literacy programming, mobile library services and early-learning labs. There also will be a multi-item raffle and a silent auction, featuring autographed items from Baseball Hall of Famer Dave Winfield. Trophies will be given to first- and second-place winning teams, and first- and second-place individuals.

Scrabble-thon is sponsored by the Altrusa of Escondido Foundation, the Bank of Escondido, North County Times and the San Diego Council on Literacy. Registration and information: 760 . 747 .2233.

San Luis Obispo Library - Speaking A Language of Caring

SPEAKING A LANGUAGE OF CARING

Unsung Heroes a Tribune Special SeriesMarita Gifford Teaches English to Her Fellow Employees in the Paso Robles Inn Laundry Room
Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA): December 23, 2007

You won't find any of the usual schoolroom items -- computers, desks, bookshelves -- in Marita Gifford's classroom.

But make no mistake, she's transformed the laundry room at the Paso Robles Inn into a center for learning.

Gifford, 72, is executive housekeeper at the Paso Robles Inn, but her second title is teacher.

Just six months after starting her job at the inn a few years ago, she organized a program to teach English language skills to Spanish-speaking staff members.

. . . . . . .

Eager to help her students even more, Gifford went through a tutoring program for volunteers offered by the San Luis Obispo Literacy Council. The literacy council provided training and materials that helped her broaden the classes. READ ON

SCLLN Tutor Workshop Calendar - January 2008

Southern California Library Literacy Network
Event Calendar: January 2008
- visit SCLLN for more events -

Jan 7: Tutor Orientation - READ / OC
You must attend a Tutor Training Orientation and complete all sessions of the workshop. 714 . 566 . 3070. Ticket Phone: 714.566.3070. Monday, January 7, 2008, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Brea Community Center 695 Madison Way, Brea, CA 92821.

Jan 9: Advance To Literacy: Open House - Colton Public LibraryPresenter: Colton Public Library. Ticket Phone: 909.370.5182. Wednesday, January 9, 2008, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Colton Public Library, Main Library 656 N. Ninth St. Colton, CA 92403.

Jan 9: Tutor Orientation - READ / OC
You must attend a Tutor Training Orientation and complete all sessions of the workshop. 714 . 566 . 3070. Ticket Phone: 714.566.3070. Wednesday, January 9, 2008, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Heritage Park Regional Library 14361 Yale Ave, Irvine, CA 92604.

Jan 10: Tutor Training - Burbank Public Library
Register for the first session of a 15-hour workshop: also Jan 12 & 26. Adult Literay & Youth Literacy programs: improve reading, spelling and writing skills. Learn how to use Discover Intensive Phonics. 818 . 238 . 5577. Presenter: Burbank Public Library. Ticket Phone: (818)238-5577. Contact: Literacy Office. Thursday, January 10, 2008, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Burbank Public Library Auditorium 110 N Glenoaks Burbank CA 91502.

Jan 12: Tutor Training - Los Angeles Public LibraryAll volunteers must be interviewed First ! Contact: 213 . 228 . 7037. Presenter: Los Angeles Public Library. Ticket Phone: 213.228.7037. Saturday, January 12, 2008, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Pacoima Library Pacoima CA.
Jan 12: Tutor Training - San Luis Obispo City-County Library
A two-session workshop designed for certification as a volunteer tutor. Previous teaching experience is not necessary. All that is needed is the desire to help others. You will learn strategies to teach basic speaking, reading and writing skills in Learning Centers located throughout the county. Also Jan 26. Presenter: San Luis Obispo Literacy Council. Ticket Phone: 800.549.4219. Saturday, January 12, 2008, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. 1264 Higuera S: 102 San Luis Obispo CA 93401.

Jan 17: SCLLN General MeetingThursday, January 17, 2008, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM. Heritage Park Regional Branch, OCPL 14361 Yale Irvine CA 92604. For more info visit

Jan 26: Tutor Training - San Diego County LibraryVolunteer ! Help adults improve reading & writing skills. 888 . 466 . 0668. Presenter: LEARN - San Diego County Library. Ticket Phone: 888.466.0668. Saturday, January 26, 2008, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. El Cajon Library El Cajon CA.
http://www.sdcl.org/

Feb 2: Scrabble-Thon - Escondido Public LibrarySupport Literacy Services ! 760 . 747 . 2233. Ticket Phone: 760.747.2233. Saturday, February 2, 2008. Escondido Public Library

Feb 2: Tutor Training - San Luis Obispo City-County LibraryA two-session workshop designed for certification as a volunteer tutor. Previous teaching experience is not necessary. All that is needed is the desire to help others. You will learn strategies to teach basic speaking, reading and writing skills in Learning Centers located throughout the county. Also Jan 26. Presenter: San Luis Obispo Literacy Council. Ticket Phone: 800.549.4219. Saturday, January 12, 2008, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. 1264 Higuera S: 102 San Luis Obispo CA 93401.