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About This Program

This English Literacy and Civics Education program was made possible by a two-year grant provided by the U.S. Department of Education awarded to the Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).

Continuous review of the ESOL and civics lessons during staff development sessions resulted in the identification of a sequential, month-by-month order of topics that was intended to guide the scope of the curriculum. This served to focus the skills-based teaching program and the civics workshops. It also helped the librarians prepare materials in advance to support instructional activities.

 

Program Components:
The major goal of the project was to establish two learning centers in high need communities, which enabled immigrants in Westchester County to become literate, acquire civics skills and become naturalized citizens. The curriculum and subsequent lessons can be adapted for students at any level. Technology labs were established in two public libraries, which also hosted the daily English language literacy classes taught by BOCES teachers. During the two-year project, 1,636 adult students improved their language skills and 2,000 attended citizenship workshops.

The Technology Labs

Students worked in the Technology Lab before, during or after their classes, or some combination thereof. Under the guidance of computer aides, students learned basic computer skills and Internet usage, which enabled them to work with education software that supplemented instruction in ESOL, Citizenship, and English and Spanish language GED classes. Library Computer Lab software included:

  • Rosetta Stone
  • English Discoveries
  • Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing
  • Focus on Grammar

Staff Development

Staff development was held throughout the two years. Teachers and computer aides focused on the development of the monthly themes into a comprehensive curriculum, replete with lesson plans that addressed the complex and diverse needs of the non-English speaking immigrant populations. Topics included:

  • Reflective practice
  • Experiential computer activities incorporating technology into the curriculum
  • Content-specific linguistic and lesson objectives for civic and life skills themes
  • Incorporating prepared resources
  • Teaching strategies
  • Computer technology integration
  • Using library resources to support curriculum


Summer Institute

The Staff Development Summer Institute was held for several days between June and September, 2001. The agendas were organized to enable teachers, computer aides and librarians to share their work, collaborate, and gain greater familiarity with computers and computer assisted instructional models. In addition, they identified and developed resources and materials that were suitable and relevant for adult learners. The Summer Institute topics were:

Year One:
  • Best teacher practices and cooperative learning
  • Computer-aided instruction for computer aides
  • Computer aides sharing their knowledge of Internet web sites
  • Computer training and software review

Year Two:

  • Reflective practices
  • Development of the Resource Guide
  • Model lessons centered on the monthly themes
  • Sharing lessons that incorporated library resources

Collaborators

The Center for Adult and Community Services of Southern Westchester BOCES led a Consortium of agencies, which included:

  • Southern Westchester BOCES

    The Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) was the Lead Educational Agency for this project and, as such, hired all staff, developed all contracts, collected data, facilitated staff development and workshop offerings, interfaced with the libraries, and monitored and administered the program.

  • The Westchester Library System (WLS) and Services

    Classes were held in two public libraries in which computer labs were installed to support instruction and research. Library materials were gathered and made ready to support the civics themes.

  • Services, Education and Resources of Westchester (SER)

    SER of Westchester offered workshops on citizenship and naturalization and topics related to the monthly themes. The programs were advertised in the community in English and Spanish and included topics such as Knowing Your Community, Immigration Law, and Choosing a Career Path.

  • Mercy College

    College staff facilitated staff development, especially as it related to reflective practice and supportive technology.


© Copyright Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services (SWBOCES).