Phases
Project Description
The purpose of this project was to build capacity and expertise in the emerging field of ESL literacy in Alberta by developing an online resource to connect ESL literacy practitioners across Alberta and Canada, promote opportunities for professional development, and provide access to ESL literacy resources and classroom materials. The outcomes of this project were the development of the ESL Literacy Network and the ESL Literacy Curriuculum Framework.
"I have been getting some great information from the ESL Literacy Network. I used the information about LIFE (Learners with Interrupted Formal Education) in a section of my monthly newsletter and listed the website as a place to get more information for working with ELLs. It is a great resource!" - Network member
ESL Literacy Network
The Centre launched the ESL Literacy Network, an online community of practice, created by and for ESL literacy educators on March 31, 2011. The Network provides resources and information to support the professional development of ESL literacy practitioners working with adult learners.
The Network is informed by years of research and practice. The information, resources, and tools represent the collaborative efforts of Centre faculty and feedback from provincial and national advisory committees and focus groups. Visit the ESL Literacy Network to learn more about:
- ESL literacy and LIFE (Learners with Interrupted Formal Education)
- Curriculum development for ESL literacy programs
"I really enjoyed the online webinar. All of us working with ESL literacy learners are very lucky to have this Network. It is so nice to know that there is a whole community of us out there to connect with! I honestly feel the ESL Literacy Network is setting a global standard in ESL Literacy." - Network member
ESL Literacy Curriculum Framework
The ESL Literacy Curriculum Framework is a Centre resource designed to guide adult ESL literacy practitioners through a process of curriculum development. The framework outlines a process of curriculum development in five stages:
- Stage One: Understand Needs
- Stage Two: Determine Focus
- Stage Three: Set Learning Outcomes
- Stage Four: Integrate Assessment
- Stage Five: Demonstrate Accountability
Throughout the stages, there are key considerations in the curriculum development process for program administrators and for classroom instructors. The framework also provides additional resources that outline more in-depth information in specific areas of ESL literacy, including:
- Recommendation for integrating technology
- Recommendation for integrating numeracy
"I am just writing to thank you for excellent online resources. I am the director of an ESL program at a small college. We are working to develop an ESL literacy program. I have been looking for information on program development, and your site has been, by far, the most useful." - Network Member