Merry Christmas from Pam's ABE students

ABE Transitional Success Story for the Holidays

I like to hear happy stories with nice endings around the holidays. All too often the news is full of doom and gloom. Please allow me to share an ENMU-R ABE success story with you this season. It's a short story that I hope will encourage you and others.

Robert Mckinney, pictured above, earned his GED through the ENMU-R ABE program last summer. This fall semester he enrolled as a full time student at ENMU-Roswell. He just brought in his grades to us today. He earned four "A"s and two "B"s in his classes and wished to share his success with us. Robert does not know it, but he could not have given us a better present this Christmas. We know that Robert's success this semester will lead to success next semester and beyond. Robert's positive steps should also encourage others who earn their GED to continue their education. Today the Grinch's heart grew and grew.

Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad!

Merry Christmas from the ENMU-R ABE Office

We want to wish everyone a wonderful and safe Christmas Holiday and New Year. We appreciate all the help and support we receive from our wonderful teachers and our partners in the community. Feliz Navidad!

Pete Domenici Visit's Roswell Zoo to Dedicate Poe Corn Character Counts Plaque

Senator Pete Domenici dedicated a plaque to Poe Corn at the Roswell Zoo today. Domenici applauded the hard work of Poe Corn on Character Counts in Chaves County. In today's world, Domenici stressed, the teaching of the character pillars of responsibility, citizenship, and truthfullness are vitally important. The Senator reminded everyone that we must encourage young peole to take advantage of every learning opportunity possible. Reflecting on the globalization of labor and trade, Pete emphasized that unless we maintain an educated and moral population with solid character traits our position in the world will decline.

Career Fair

Yesterday, the ENMU-R ABE program participated in the Youth Career Fair held at the Roswell Civic Center. ABE staff member Susan Isaacs (pictured on top) graciously managed the booth and fielded questions from young job seekers. Smiling broadly, MISTIC employee Jasmine Whalen (pictured below) worked to recruit employees for her employer. Ms. Whalen graduated from the Roswell Job Corps Center in 2006 and is now a full time employee with MISTIC. Jasmine earned her GED at Job Corps and was a completer of the Protective Service Program. Ms. Whalen plans to attend college next semester and pursue an advanced degree. She understands that without completing more education she is unlikely to advance in whatever field she pursues.

New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe Academy Cadets take Pre-GED Tests

Approximately eighty-two New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy (NMYCA) cadets took the official practice GED test today. Administered by ABE Coordinator, Mary Salyards, the official practice test will help the cadets know their chances of passing the GED they are scheduled to take in mid-December. The GED passing percentage for the NMYCA is usually above fifty percent. This figure is substantially higher than most similar programs tht work with at-risk youth. It is especially impressive since the academic portion of the program is only sixteen weeks. Every cadet, almost with exception, cycle after cycle, improves their math, reading and writing skills. Good Job Cadets, instructors, and everyone else connected with NMYCA!

Data Tech and Director's Training at UNM Valencia

Tyler Weldon (at left) explains new ABE data audit procedures to directors and data techs. During this training Tyler explained some helpful searches and useful queries using LACES. Data Techs and Directors had an opportunity last Friday to ask questions about student rollover issues, performance checks, and the new desktop auditing process. Approximately forty ABE personnel attended the four-hour training.

Pam's Class Learns a little about Integers

ABE Instructor Pam Wolfert guides her students through some exercises on integers. Roughly 80% of the students who enter ABE GED classes need assistance in Math. Most students need refreshing on fractions, decimals, or geometry before attempting the GED Math test. All too frequently people feel math is their Achille's heel. With a little work and review, most people find they can improve their math abilities very rapidly.

A Spooky Halloween at ENMU-R ABE

Mild-mannered ABE work-study student Miguel turns in super crime fighter Batman every Halloween. When little ghouls and goblins drop by ABE each year to pick up candy and treats, we all feel safe knowing Batman is here to protect us. This year ENMU-R put on a Fall Carnival that featured a petting zoo, duck pond, gourd bowling, ring toss, potato sack race, and a cake walk. The popular and talented band Mickey and the Motorcars entertained everyone with a concert in the PAC from 7pm until 9pm that evening. Batman kept everyone safe the entire evening.

Character Counts for Fronnie Bealer

Two New Mexico Youth ChalleNge Academy (NMYCA) students won first prize for thier Art and Poetry entries in the 2007 Character Counts College Competition. NMYCA student Tyrone Clemmons won $100 for his artwork depicting the pillars of character and NMYCA student Joseph Hall won $100 for his poem about the importance of character. Last night at Roswell High School both students were honored along with their ABE instructor Fronnie Bealer. Ms. Bealer has been a very active supporter of Character Counts in Chaves County for several years. Each year Ms. Bealer has had winning students. For more information about Character Counts, please visit CharacterCounts.org.

Spanish Math Class

Engineer and ESL student Martin is teaching math in Gina's ESL class every morning from 11-12 am. He's teaching fractions and algebra. Martin el ingeniero y estudiante de la clase ESL esta trabajando con los estudiantes en fraciones y algebra.

Good-bye Party for Yuko

We miss you in Roswell, NM, USA!

Hello from Ms. Luna's Dexter, NM ABE/ESL Class

On 10/3/07 the ENMU-R ABE Directors visited Ms. Luna's ABE/ESL class located at the Dexter Elementary School. All of Ms. Luna's students were BEST tested either for the first time or for a follow-up. ABE Assistant Director Hilda Pacheco-Peeples talked to the students about earning their GEDs and continuing their education at ENMU-R. Ms. Luna has a great bunch of motivated and engaging students. Thanks for the priviledge of visiting with your class.

C-SPAN Documentary Video Conference

Please take a second to visit C-SPAN's student cam contest site. $50,000 in prizes is being offered for a good student produced documentary. If you are not interested you should still visit this site to see some of the past winning videos. Please feel free to share these videos with your classes-----they're EDUCATURIFIC!!!!

http://www.studentcam.org/

Great Link for 50 Simple Ideas on How to Use Technology in the Classroom.

http://www.classroomtech.org/integration/50ways.htm

Congratulations Andrea G!

ABE Instructor Andrea G. had her baby at 1am today, September 27, 2007.

His name is Robert Fred and he weighed in a 7lbs 15 oz, 22 inches long.

CONGRATULATIONS ANDREA!!!!!!!

ENMU-R ABE Classroom Expectations

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Gina and Susan!

Citizenship Information

Here is the best link you need to help your students earn their citizenship.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis

This is the official US Government Site for all Citizenship Questions!!!

Welcome Video

What's on the GED?

Writing Skills
Part 1 – (55 questions 75 minutes)30% sentence structure30% usage25% mechanics15% organization
Part 2 – (Essay – 45 minutes)
Social Studies
(50 questions – 80 minutes)40% history25% civics and government20% economics15% geography
Science
(50 questions – 80 minutes)45% life science35% physical science20% earth and space science
Language Arts/Reading
(40 questions – 65 minutes)75% literary text25% non-fiction text
Mathematics
Part 1 – 25 questions – 45 minutes – Casio fx 260Calculator Part 2 – 25 questions – 45 minutes20-30% number operation and number sense20-30% measurement and geometry20-30% algebra and pattern

ENMU-R 2007 GED Testing Dates

ENMU-R 2007 GED Testing Dates
We will continue testing at 5:00pm by appointment only.Please call 624-7227 or 624-7183 for more information.ENMU-Roswell reserves the right to adjust testing dates as necessary and required.
***(SP)*** DESIGNATES SPANISH TESTING ONLY!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Tuesday, January 24, 2007 (SP)
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007 (SP)
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007 (SP)
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007 (SP)
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007 (SP)
New Mexico Youth Challenge May 29 - June 5, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007 (SP)
Tuesday, July 10 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007 (SP)
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Tuesday, August 30, 2007 (SP)
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007 (SP)
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007 (SP)
Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Tuesday, November 20, 2007 (SP)
New Mexico Youth Challenge November 26-30, 2007 (tentative)
December 10, 2007 Retest NMYC
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007 (SP)

Useful Websites to Help You Learn the English Language

http://www.eflnet.com/vocab/index.php
Photo Dictionary, Listening Quizzes, and Vocabulary Games

http://www.myefa.org/login.cfm
English For All is a free Web-based multimedia system for adults learning English as a second language. English For All was created as part of the Cyberstep Project. The project was funded by the United States Department of Education to meet the challenge of creating and distributing multimedia learning materials for the hardest-to-serve ABE and ESL adult learners.

http://www.ohiou.edu/esl/english/vocabulary.html#VocStudy
English learning site created by Ohio University. Site is an excellent link for anyone interested in improving their vocabulary or if they are already an advanced English language speaker. The site also covers English idioms, slang, and word history.

http://www.languageguide.org
Excellent multilingual vocabulary site—site says words in English and displays word in text in the following languages: English - Français - Español - Deutsch - Português - Русский - Italiano - Polska - Ελληνικά - 简体中文 - 繁體中文 - 日本語 - 한국어 - عربي – Türkçe. This site also contain Pictorial Vocabulary Guides, Grammar Guides, and Interactive Readings

http://www.eslgo.com/forum.html
Offers: ESL English class Beginner, ESL class Intermediate, ESL Advanced ESL classESL writing class, ESL quiz center, and English practice.

http://www.lclark.edu/~krauss/toppicks/vocabulary.html
English learning websites based on student ESL levels- Level 100 = beginner/advanced beginner, Level 200 = intermediate, Level 300 = upper intermediate, Level 400 = advanced. This website has many links and offers a wealth of material and information to anyone who wishes to learn more English.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/esl/eslstudent.html
Website offers: General language resources, Online courses, Grammar, Spelling, Idioms, and Vocabulary. This site also offers help with specific tasks Quizzes, tests, software and interactive sites.

http://home.gwu.edu/%7Emeloni/eslstudyhall/
This is an excellent site for new learners. This site offers listening, reading, writing, US culture, and grammar, and vocabulary labs with an easy interface system.

http://www.english-online.org.uk/course.htm
Site is a good source for understanding English similes, grammar, or if one is interested in taking a series of online English courses.

http://iteslj.org/links/ESL/Dictionaries_and_Reference_Materials/
This site offers links to multiple online language dictionaries.

http://www.pdictionary.com/
Online picture dictionary available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. Excellent flashcard learning activity that is quick and simple.

National Character Counts! Week
October 21-27, 2007

The National Character Counts” Week will be observed the fourth week of
October, October 21-27, 2007.

Several events have been planned for the county and schools.

We would like to encourage your support and help with the National Character Counts! Essay, Poetry, and Art Competition by encouraging students at your school to participate in the event.

Character Counts! Essay Contest

Students will write an essay about one of the suggested maxims or timeless truths for everyday living. (See attached lists for elementary and middle school/high school).

Grades 1-2 $20.00 80 words minimum
Grades 3-5 $30.00 120 words minimum to 500 words
maximum
Grades 6-8 $60.00 150 words minimum to 1000
words maximum
Grades 9-12 $80.00 250 words minimum to 1000
words maximum
College $100.00 500 words minimum to 1000
words maximum

Character Counts! Poetry Contest

Students will write a poem about one of the maxims or timeless truths for everyday living. (See attached lists for elementary and middle school/high school).

Grades 1-2 $20.00 minimum of 12 lines
Grades 3-5 $30.00 minimum of 20 lines
Grades 6-8 $60.00 minimum of 30 lines
Grades 9-12 $80.00 minimum of 60 lines
College $100.00 minimum of 90 lines


Judges will be looking for accurate discussions related to the maxims.

Character Counts! Art Contest

This contest will include any medium except computer-generated artwork. The
subject is the student’s interpretation of maxims or timeless truths for everyday living. (See attached lists for elementary and middle school/high school). Judges will consider originality. Two-dimensional (no larger than 18” x 24”) and
three-dimensional (no larger than 18” x 24”-height, width, depth) work will be accepted.
Preschool-Kindergarten $10.00
Grades 1-2 $20.00
Grades 3-5 $30.00
Grades 6-8 $60.00
Grade 9-12 $80.00
College $100.00

Note-only one cash prize will be awarded in each division. Each of the winning essays will receive a certificate.


Additional resources for teachers may be obtained at internet site:
www.FFL-essays.org

Only one entry for each category in each age group may be entered from
each school. Please make in building selections and display in your school during National Character Counts! Week.

All entries must be turned into Cla Avery, Executive Director, Character Counts! in Chaves County, Character Counts! Office, located in the Roswell Chamber of Commerce, 131 W. Second Street, Roswell, NM, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 11.

Each entry in the Essay, Poetry, and Art contests must be an individual
project. No group projects will be accepted. Each entry must be labeled with the correct entry form completely filled out and attached. *PLEASE INDICATE THE MAXIM ON THE TAG.
The students winning each area of competition will be recognized at the 10th Annual Super-Celebration at Roswell High School Commons area on Thursday, October 25, at 6:00 P.M. The winning students will read their essays and poems, and the winning artwork will be displayed at the awards program.


These are additional suggestions for activities that you might consider conducting at your school:

a. Allow students to read a maxim as part of the announcements of the
day during National Character Counts! Week.

b. Allow students to wear one of the Pillar colors on Pillar Wednesday, October 24.

Blue-Trustworthiness
Yellow-Respect
Green-Responsibility
Orange-Fairness
Red-Caring
Purple-Citizenship

c. Register at the www.CharacterCounts.org site for additional ideas.

d. Refer to the National Character Counts! Week ideas, activities,
announcements, plays, posters, bookmarks, pledges, etc. (Handout)

e. Foundations for Life Maxims for Elementary, Middle School, High
School (Handout)

Thank you so much for your help and support!

TIPS FOR ABE INSTRUCTORS

IMPORTANT NOTE AND TIPS FOR GED INSTRUCTORS

THIS IS A GUIDE AND SHOULD NOT BE USED AS YOUR SOLE SOURCE OF ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR GED CLASS

20 SIMPLE TIPS TO MAKE THINGS BETTER FOR YOU AND FOR YOUR STUDENTS

1. SMILE EVERY DAY

2. PLAN YOUR LESSONS PRIOR TO CLASS—GOOD TEACHERS ARE USUALLY GOOD PREPARERS

3. KEEP YOUR STUDENTS BUSY ON MEANINGFUL ACTIVITES FROM THE SECOND THEY WALK INTO YOUR CLASS UNTIL THEY LEAVE.

4. VARY THE ACTIVITIES—CHANGE THE PACE NOW-AND-THEN

5. USE OUTSIDE RESOURCES AND MATERIALS THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN THE ENMU-R ABE BOOK ROOM

6. USE VISUAL AIDS—COMPUTER PROJECTOR, WHITEBOARD, BLACKBOARD, MODELS, POSTERS, PICTURES, ETC.

7. MAKE YOUR STUDENTS WRITE ESSAYS, POEMS, LIMERICKS, SONNETS, NOVELS, ETC.

8. TRY TO SHOW THE REAL WORLD RELEVANCE OF ALL YOUR ACTIVITIES—EX. GEOMETRY HELPS CARPENTRY…

9. GIVE VOCABULARY EXAMS—THEY ARE SIMPLE AND STUDENTS RECEIVE QUICK MASTERY—VOCABULARY IS A MAJOR WEAKNESS OF MOST ABE STUDENTS—THEY CAN READ, BUT THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND THE WORDS.

10. DO AS MANY HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES AS POSSIBLE

11. MAKE SURE ALL YOUR STUDENTS KNOW THE BASIC MULTIPLICATION TABLES

12. IF YOU HAVE ACCESS TO COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET HAVE YOUR STUDENTS WRITE RESEARCH PAPERS ON TOPICS THAT INTEREST THEM.

13. HAVE YOUR STUDENTS DO ORAL PRESENTATIONS

14. INCORPORATE ART AND LITERATURE INTO YOUR CLASS ACTIVITIES

15. GIVE YOUR STUDENTS HOMEWORK OCCASSIONALLY

16. PLAY GAMES WITH YOUR STUDENTS

17. DRESS PROFESSIONALLY AND YOUR STUDENTS WILL SEE YOU AS A PROFESSIONAL

18. RESPECT YOUR STUDENTS AND THEIR CULTURE

19. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ADMIT TO TELL YOUR STUDENTS THAT YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND SOMETHING!!!!!! YOUR STUDENTS WILL RESPECT YOUR HONESTY AND BE ABLE TO BOND WITH YOUR BETTER---IF YOU DO UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING PLEASE COME SEE ME BECAUSE I HAVE PLENTY OF QUESTIONS.

20. REMEMBER THAT ALL YOUR STUDENTS ARE DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE AND BRING THEIR OWN EXPERIENCES TO YOUR CLASS—YOU WILL LEARN A GREAT DEAL FROM YOUR STUDENTS IF YOU LET THEM.

BASICS OF TEST OF ADULT BASIC EDUCATION (TABE) AND GED TEST INFORMATION

SO—You are a GED instructor and people keep talking about TABE. What is the TABE? The TABE is the test that is initially administered to every ABE/GED student. It is the ruler for measuring grade level ability and improvement. It is a proven test that is arguably the best way to see if someone can pass the GED test. In a nutshell, students who score below an 8.5 Grade Level Equivalency (GLE) will not pass the GED. People who test above 8.5 GED should pass the GED if:
1. They can write and essay
2. Show up for the test
3. Do not have any areas of extreme weakness—example—high on all tests but only have a 3.8 GE in one area

Therefore, you want your students to be at least 8.5 to have a chance of passing the test. It is recommended that you do not send anyone to test who scores below a 9.5 on TABE test.

GED TEST

A student must score an average of 450 on each test to pass the GED with no single test below 410.

A student can retake any test only three times in a calendar year in NM.

Generally, a student must wait 60 days before re-testing on any subject.

Students who have high reading scores are very likely to pass every test except math.

Most of the Math GED questions are set up as word problems.

Students need to know geometry and how to read graphs to pass the GED.

The test is timed and there is no penalty for guessing incorrectly. Therefore, please tell your students to make sure they answer every question.

Please remind your students who complain that don’t like timed tests that life is a timed game.

What is Adult Basic Education

ADULT BASIC EDUCATION

What is Adult Basic Education?

Adult Basic Education is a division serving adults, 16 years of age and older, who function below the high school completion level. Its emphasis is on Reading, Numeracy, and English Literacy. Adult educators help the adult students to design individual learning plans that correspond to their personal needs and goals: e.g. ,to get a job; to obtain a GED; to enroll in a community college or other training/educational program; to learn the English language, understand the U.S. culture and participate in society; to help their children with their homework and achieve success in school; to get off welfare and earn a family-sustaining income. The Adult Basic Education Division’s mission is to provide the highest quality leadership, services, support, and technical expertise to Adult Basic Education Program personnel, students, partners and communities.

Adult Basic Education Funding History

Adult Basic Education in New Mexico relies on two major sources of funding for its 29 administrative sites in more than 100 communities. State funding comes from the General Fund and is allocated according to a workload driven formula. Federal funding is allocated through a competitive Request For Proposal process. New Mexico experienced a 23% increase in combined state and federal funding over the past five years.

Adult Basic Education Enrollment
Adult Basic Education students are considered enrolled in a program after clocking 12 hours of instructional time. During the three most recent years, Adult Basic Education programs served enrolled students at an average annual cost of $340 per student (state and federal funding combined).

STUDENT OUTCOMES

Adult Basic Education students set goals upon entry into a program. All students are tracked throughout the fiscal year to determine progress toward meeting stated goals. Goal achievement is counted after the student exits the program. The default goal for every student is educational learning gains moving through the following competencies:

• Adult Basic Education (ABE) Levels 1-4
• Adult Secondary Education (ASE) Levels 5-6
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 1-6
Core outcomes for performance measures also include:
• Entered Employment
• Retained Employment
• Obtained a GED
• Entered Postsecondary Education or Training

The State Adult Basic Education Division negotiates performance measures on learning gains and core outcomes annually with the U.S. Department of Education Division of Vocational and Adult Education..