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PA WIN Newsletter
April 2003
ESL Training Trend
Workplace education programs focus on the literacy and basic skills training that workers need to gain new employment, retain present jobs, advance in their careers, or increase productivity. As we approach the end of this program year, we have seen an increased interest in ESL trainings for incumbent workers. This trend is not something that is unique to Pennsylvania; however, it is a national trend that is in its early stages.
The U.S. Department of Labor does not presume that all workers have proficiency in oral English and U.S. culture. It takes seriously the special challenges faced by the large number of limited English proficient (LEP) workers who are part of the American workforce, recognizing the special needs of language minority learners if they are to compete for gainful employment. This leaves the door wide open for educators and their workforce partners to promote equal access to educational and job training opportunities without linguistic and cultural bias, and extends to assessment and accountability considerations as well. These workers are recognized by one or more distinct characteristics:
- They are learners who may have little in the way of English language skills but have strong academic preparation in their home countries. These individuals are often limited in their work opportunities because they lack the socio-cultural and linguistic skills needed for effective communication, team building, and conflict resolution.
- They are learners who have strong oral English language skills but weak or marginal literacy skills. They often lack the academic skills needed to access information, cope with extended texts, solve abstract problems, and deal with hypothetical situations. They require programs that upgrade their English language skills and prepare them to benefit from academic, vocational, and job training opportunities.
- They are learners who lack both the oral English interaction and literacy skills needed to access information, express their ideas, and solve communication problems in English; they may also lack culturally appropriate coping skills.
The previous information was provided at the United States Department of Education Web site at http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/AdultEd/workplace.html take a look at the site, because you may also be pleasantly surprised by what else is linked. Highlighted as a Noteworthy Project is our own PA WIN!
Mark your Calendar
ESL in the Workplace Forums will be taking place in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Erie and Bethlehem during the month of April. Come share your views and insights with employers and educators in your region. Find dates and registration information on the training calendar.
PA WIN has announced the Annual Spring Conference. This year's theme is PA WIN Quality; Building What Works. It will be held at The Penn Stater Conference Center on May 15-16, 2003. Check the training calendar for more information.
Comments from the field
"This was a wonderful project because the entire staff at The Prime Rib provided input. The owner was extremely supportive of his workers. The fact that he posted their vocabulary words around the kitchen to reinforce learning was helpful." -Judi Taylor-Dunn, Center for Literacy on ESL training with The Prime Rib
"We realized how important it is to really know and understand your learner audience in order to not only relate to each individual learner, but to be able to touch upon and/or circumvent "hot topic" issues. By doing this, you can encourage the positive discussion and interaction that you desire and stay away from the negative discussion and interaction that you do not desire." - Emmett Baxendell, Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh on Conflict Resolution Training with Green Meadows Apartments
"Even though all participants worked in the same department, the class was multi-content in addition to the expected multi-level. There were workers and their direct supervisors in the class and though much of the content overlapped, some did not. With the help of a talented and experienced instructor, this worked out very well." - Linda Grosse, The Volunteer English Program on English at Work training with Summerfield Suites by Wyndham
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