TRACK B Sessions

Know Your Learner's Brain (A1, B1, C1, D1) - Full-day session

A brief description about Educational Kinesiology and how these exercises are important for the brain and how they can build a learner's confidence to be a life long learner. A key set of 5 exercises are taught, learned and experienced throughout the session. This session is hands on, engaging and allows the participants to experience the Train Your Brain program using the suggested movements. It adds the FUN back into learning and gives tutors/educators the tools to understand why people learn the way they do.

Presenter:

Liana Bohn has studied and taught Educational Kinesiology to all ages for the past 18 years. She is currently studying how the brain learns how to read and incorporating this information into a program she has developed called Train Your Brain. Train Your Brain is a combination of physical and mental exercises, which allows the learner to reprogram the brain to suit his/her learning style.

 Purpose: To help tutors and adult educators understand how their brain and body work together to learn and retain information.

 Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn how to assess their students and share the key exercises with them to create a positive learning experience
• Participants will assess their own learning profile, how to assess their students, and then teach the simple 5 exercises used for successful learning
• Participants will be able to answer the questions: Why is my student struggling? What can I do to help them learn differently that best suits their needs?

Session Threads:  Learner-Centred Assessment, Tutor Training, Adult Literacy, Foundational Learners and Learning, Foundational Life Skills

Intended Audience:

• CALP Program Facilitators / Instructors, CALP Volunteer Tutors
• Any level of experience

"It's not you, it's me." Knowledge Transfer / Succession Planning (A2- B2) - Half-day session

To emphasize the importance of and practical guide to Knowledge Transfer / Succession Planning for Managers, Directors, Operational Staff, Board Members.

Presenter:

Mona Crocker is currently the Executive Director of Rocky Learning Centre. She is an Adult Education Instructor/Facilitator and has taught the following: NAIT, RDC, RCLC, Bridges to Employment; Rocky Mountain House (2000-2007), Keyano College, Fort McMurray (1984-1987),  Adult Upgrading (INAC), Fort Providence, NWT (1981-1982). And she’s had a lot of fun along the way!

Purpose: To define differences between Knowledge Transfer and Succession. To discuss planning strategies. To share practical planning tools.

Learning Objectives:

• To start planning now - it’s never too early to start planning for the future. “Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.” (Eleanor Roosevelt). That Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is your friend - a practical guide
• Discuss and share good practices and ideas for Knowledge Transfer. Start thinking about and/or planning using the Knowledge Transfer Template
• Practical Knowledge Transfer Template (digital and/or paper). Listed requirements from CRA, Service Canada, Societies Act, Banking regulations for signatory changes. Webliography of reference & research sites - with descriptions

Session Threads:  Succession Planning

Intended Audience:

• CALP Operational Staff, CALP Program Staff, CALP Executive Directors / Senior Staff / Managers
• Experienced staff

Budgeting & Finances 101 for CALPs (A3, B3, C3, D3) - Full-day session

This session will provide insight and tips regarding financial responsibilities for CALP Directors and Administrators. Topics will include financial tasks specific to CALP organizations including revenue and expense transaction entries, source document requirements, reconciliations, budgets/reports to the board including actuals vs budget as well as grant reporting requirements.

Presenter:

Lisa Rohr works with Business IQ Training. She has over 10 years of experience instructing accounting and financial skills as well as skills for computer literacy and competency. Lisa is an excellent communicator who has had the opportunity to work with a number of CALP programs offering unique educational services.

Purpose: Increase understanding of financial responsibilities and CALP grant financial reporting responsibilities.

Learning Objectives:

• This session will be focused towards Program Directors or Administrators who are currently tasked with the role of their organization's financial records and responsibilities. Information will also be useful to board members (specifically the Treasurer)
• As the session will be delivered through interactive learning, participants will complete paper exercises that will assist them in learning to understand the basic accounting cycle requirements
• A detailed handbook outlining all financial topic areas covered within the session will be provided to each participant. In addition, participants will receive tools and resources for managing their bookkeeping responsibilities such as a sample Chart of Accounts

Session Threads: Operations/Management, Budgeting & Finances, Board Development, Tools and Resources

Intended Audience:

• CALP Board Members, CALP Executive Directors / Senior Staff / Managers
• New staff

CALP Essentials for Family Literacy Programs (A4, B4, C4, D4) - Full-day session

Are you a new family literacy practitioner in a CALP-funded program? Are you curious about how family literacy programming can reach adult foundational learners while supporting learning for the whole family?

Presenters:

Rebecca Still is the West-Central Regional Support Staff with the CLN and has over 20 years experience in adult learning. Rebecca has first-hand experience as a tutor and coordinator for adult and family literacy programs. She is passionate about supporting adults on their learning journey, whether they are a practitioner or a foundational learner.

Wendy Peverett is the Professional Development Specialist at ECALA. She has been in the field of family and adult literacy as a program developer, facilitator, mentor and trainer for over 20 years. Being the recipient of the Ruth Hayden Family Literacy Practitioner Award in 2016 is a highlight in her career.

Purpose: In this participatory training, CALP-funded staff will learn what family literacy programming is, how well suited it is to the needs of adult foundational learners and their families, and which practices support effective CALP-funded family literacy programs.

Learning Objectives:

• To support your program in aligning to the CALP Guidelines, you will also gain an understanding of the programming requirements for family literacy programs as outlined in the CALP Guidelines
• Participants will explore how family literacy programs can build on the everyday ways that families use literacy in their home and community
• Participants will take away a copy of the CALP Essentials for Family Literacy participant guide CALP Guidelines, as well as suggested resources and links for further learning

Session Threads: CALP-funded Family Literacy Programs

Intended Audience:

• CALP Operational Staff, CALP Program Staff, CALP Program Facilitators / Instructors, CALP Board Members, CALP Volunteer Tutors, CALP Executive Directors / Senior Staff / Managers
• Any level of experience

CALP Guidelines 101 (A5 - B5) - Half-day session

CALP-funded organizations all work towards the same vision: Changing lives through adult foundational learning in connected communities. This introductory workshop demystifies the CALP Guidelines to give you clear information about CALP programming, operational and financial requirements. With a strong understanding of the CALP Guidelines and requirements, your CALP will be well positioned to make the greatest impact in the lives of adult learners in your community. CALP Guidelines 101 is an introductory workshop for new CALP staff, board members and staff looking for a refresher in the CALP Guidelines.

Presenters:

Emily Robinson Leclair is fond of saying that she carries a copy of the CALP Guidelines with her wherever she goes. This guiding document provides CALP staff with both the direction and flexibility to support adult literacy and foundational learners in their communities. Her vision for 2020 includes a pocket sized version of the Guidelines! 

Lori St. Cyr is the Métis & Indigenous Liaison with the CLN. She started her learning path in the CALP world, as a CALP coordinator/facilitator in her home community of Peavine Métis Settlement. Lori feels she is lucky to have found her special place in the CALP world. She is well versed in the CALP Guidelines and enjoys coaching and mentoring CALP staff across Alberta.

Purpose: Participants will gain an understanding of the purpose and role of the CALP Guidelines in CALP operations and program delivery.

Learning Objectives:

• We will examine CALP’s programming priorities, financial practices, and key operational elements in relation to the requirements set out in the CALP Guidelines
• Participants will gain clarity on the alignment between your CALP programming and the CALP Guidelines and will take home an assessment tool to identify areas of strength and areas for further attention
• Participants will take away a copy of the CALP Guidelines

Session Threads: Operations/Management, Literacy & Foundational Learning (LFL)

Intended Audience:

• CALP Operational Staff, CALP Program Staff, CALP Program Facilitators / Instructors, CALP Board Members, CALP Volunteer Tutors, CALP Executive Directors / Senior Staff / Managers
• Any level of experience

Introduction to Adult Foundational Learning (A6, B6, C6, D6, E6, F6, G6, H6) - Two-day session

This 2-day training workshop aligns with the Government of Alberta Community Adult Learning Program (CALP) Guidelines, and is intended to give CALP practitioners knowledge, skills and strategies that will help them be successful in their roles. Introduction to Adult Foundational Learning (IAFL) takes a hands-on approach for exploring how to engage and support adult foundational learners in our communities. This training will also provide the opportunity for new and seasoned CALP practitioners alike to participate in a collaborative learning environment, which fosters building and strengthening CALP communities of practice.

Note: Attendance for both full days is required to receive a certificate.

Presenters:

Cheryl Lovstrom is the Central Region Support Staff with CLN. She draws from her prior experience in the CALP system and her enthusiasm for adult foundational learning to help staff and facilitators understand CALP-funded programming. Cheryl is passionate about lifelong learning and believes in the power of CALP-funded programs to build foundational skills in adult learners.

Val Rathjen has been engaged in the community adult learning world since 2005. Her journey began as a Coordinator at Flagstaff Adult Learning for 10 years, and has continued as a member of the CLN’s Regional Support team. She has both operational and program experience along with years of working with learners in small town Alberta. Helping CALP staff acquire the skills and tools they need for success is her passion.

Purpose:

The purpose of this required training is for CALP staff to learn approaches and strategies for creating learner-centred programming for adult foundational learners that aligns to the CALP guidelines.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will gain an understanding of adult foundational learning, the priorities for CALP programming, and be introduced to strategies for creating relevant and effective adult learning experience
• We will examine theory and practice-based approaches to enhancing adult learner engagement and success in CALP Literacy and Foundational Learning programs
• Participants will take away a copy of the IAFL manual and CALP Guidelines, as well as suggested resources and links for further learning

Session Threads: Literacy & Foundational Learning (LFL), Foundational Learners and Learning

Intended Audience:

• CALP Operational Staff, CALP Program Staff, CALP Program Facilitators / Instructors, CALP Board Members, CALP Volunteer Tutors, CALP Executive Directors / Senior Staff / Managers
• Any level of experience

Learning Disabilities 101 – Serving the LD Learner in a CALP Setting (A7-B7) - Half-day session

Most of the adult learners CALPs serve are LD. Your CALP can stop the cycle of failure for this under served and misunderstood population! Learn how to identify and serve adults with learning disabilities confidently with a CALP specific approach and effective strategies.

Presenter:

Karen Plourde started her career with a B.Ed. and an endorsement in Deaf Education. She has worked as a CALP coordinator for 7 years in Slave Lake. Karen has over 30 years’ experience teaching adults in Alberta with emphasis on effective learning strategies and advocacy for adults who struggle with academic learning often due to undiagnosed Learning Disabilities.

Purpose: Learn how to identify and serve adults with learning disabilities.

Learning Objectives: 

- Participants will learn about:

• LD Identification - how to identify a CALP learner with a disability - what to look for
• Assessments - formal and informal
• LD Types - dyslexia, dysgraphia, auditory processing, phobias, spatial deficits
• Types of learning disabilities and the impact on academic learning
• Components of a successful approach to success  
• Your role as a CALP practitioner uniquely situated to positively impact learners

- Participants will role-play some scenarios with simulated exercise

Session Threads: Adult Literacy, Foundational Learners and Learning, Learner Support Services, Tutoring in Literacy and Foundational Learning (LFL), Facilitation Skills and/or Instructional Strategies, Learning Disabilities

Intended Audience:

• CALP Program Staff, CALP Program Facilitators / Instructors, CALP Board Members, CALP Volunteer Tutors
• Any level of experience

Using the New Foundational Life Skills Materials (B8) - 80-minute breakout session

NorQuest College has developed modules in Foundational Life Skills. There are 10 modules that are all available to Community Adult Learning Programs to use. Each module includes a Facilitator guide and a learner workbook. Life skills may be an area that foundational learners need to develop prior to entering into courses to prepare them for the work place or further education. Find out what the modules are, how to locate them and strategies for using them with learners.

Presenter:

Glen McCalpin has worked for NorQuest College for 20 years and has been teaching and developing materials for the foundational math courses up to grade 10 math. He teaches online asynchronous courses and understands the challenges of self-paced learning. He is also the main contact person responsible to support CALPs with these foundational materials and the Foundations for Learning Programs.

Purpose: To become familiar with the new foundational Life Skills modules and how to use them with learners.

Learning Objectives:

• How to locate and use the materials with learners and facilitators
• Participants will practice using the modules and develop skills on how to use them with their learners. They will also be able to share their experience with tutors and instructors at their site
• The ability to locate and use the materials effectively with learners

Session Threads: Adult Literacy, Foundational Learners and Learning, Foundational Life Skills, Learning Activities, Tutoring in Literacy and Foundational Learning (LFL), Tutor Training, Instructional Strategies, Regional Stewardship and Post-Secondary Connections

Intended Audience:

• CALP Program Staff, CALP Program Facilitators / Instructors, CALP Volunteer Tutors
• Any level of experience

Teaching ESL Learners with Learning Differences (B9) - 80-minute breakout session

Learners take in, process, participate and interact with the learning environment in many different ways. For ESL learners, these differences are often attributed to language ability and/or the settlement process. ESL students with Learning Differences may struggle in programs or may experience frustration with language progress. In this interactive session, you will be introduced to a variety of strategies and good practices to support ESL students with Learning Differences. You will also learn about and share the resources and supports available to both learners and instructors to support this community of learners.

Presenters:

Wanda Chell is a LINC instructor at NorQuest College. She has 20 years of inter(national) experience teaching a wide variety of learners. She strives towards creating inclusive and dynamic learning environments. 

Heidi Schlack is a LINC instructor at NorQuest College. She has been involved with the ESL/EFL field for over 20 years as an instructor and curriculum developer in Japan and Canada. Her current interest is in advocating for learner needs and supports.

Purpose: To empower tutors and teachers with strategies, tools and resources to better address the needs of ESL learners with Learning Differences.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn teaching strategies to support ESL learners with Learning Differences
• During the session, participants will practice using the strategies shared and will be asked to contribute successful practices gleaned from their own experience and study
• Participants will take away ideas and strategies that can be tried with ESL learners. We will also share a list of the known resources available in Alberta to support ESL learners with Learning Differences

Session Threads: Adult Literacy, English Language Learning, Learning Activities, Newcomer Supports for English Language Learners, Tutoring for English Language Learners (ELL), Learner-Centred Assessment, Learning Disabilities, Instructional Strategies

Intended Audience:

• CALP Program Facilitators / Instructors, CALP Volunteer Tutors
• Any level of experience