eVALBEC 
December 2014 | VALBEC | Web version
In this Issue
Committee News
Professional development
1. VALBEC 2015 Conference - Call for presentations
'Streams of potential: what lies beneath' • Friday May 15, 2015
2. ACER National Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Conference 2015 - Call for papers
3. Call for Writings and Artwork
4. Master of Education
Resources
5. Community Law Kit
6. A Fuller Sense of Self
7. Voiceless Journeys - Photography exhibition on refugee experience
Your input please
8. Who is delivering Foundation Skills?
9. SEE Programme evaluation
10. Free feedback on learner's core skills - participate in trials of the new Foundation Skills Assessment Tool (FSAT)
Freebies
11. Does your group need folders, stationery or furniture?
Committee News
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Sandra Wolfe (Co-President) was one of the ACAL representatives at Australia Pacific Basic Education conversations at RMIT. It was about International Basic Education and lifelong learning in developing countries. The group discussed Australian views on Education for general quality, Education for disadvantaged groups and Lifelong learning. One of the representatives from RMIT will take it to Australian Education Council.
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Sandra Wolfe (Co-President) organised the LLN in the Workplace forum on Friday, 7th November at CAE, Melbourne. Both presenters, Veronica Volkoff and Rosemary Sharman, were excellent and participants found the forum very interesting and wanted tools that they could apply. They requested more information on this business model.
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Linno Rhodes (Co-President) attended the AGM of ANHLC as a VALBEC representative. The new CEO is Bridget Gardner.
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The VALBEC committee have a planning day scheduled for January 21, 2015 to map out ideas for the coming year.
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The committee would like wish all VALBEC members a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.
Professional development
1. VALBEC 2015 Conference - Call for presentations
'Streams of potential: what lies beneath'
Friday May 15, 2015
The theme of the 2015 VALBEC conference, Streams of potential: what lies beneath, seeks to encourage exploration of the sometimes hidden elements that inform delivery of language, literacy and numeracy in a wide a range of contexts: community, workplace, accredited and pre-accredited programs.
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How are the new voices in analysing the goals and processes of language, literacy and numeracy delivery reframing the professional persona of the LLN teacher?
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How are teachers designing courses in ever changing contexts and conditions?
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How are teachers and programs recruiting, retaining and reconnecting students from diverse backgrounds?
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How are teachers negotiating with the differing needs of students while maintaining the standards of funding requirements?
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How can the Language, Literacy and Numeracy field continue to tap into the potential of its workforce to bring to the surface learning that is transformative?
2. ACER National Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Conference 2015 - Call for papers
ACER invites contributions for the 4th National Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Conference (NALLNAC) on the theme of ‘Equipping for the future: Assess, train, learn’.
Taking place in Adelaide on 14 and 15 May 2015, the conference addresses key issues surrounding adult and youth literacy and numeracy assessment, teaching and learning. Interested presenters working in adult LLN and foundation skills across all areas of vocational education and training are invited to submit a conference presentation or workshop addressing key issues arising from your teaching and assessment practices, contexts, issues or research.
The call for presentations is now open until 12 December 2014.
3. Call for Writings and Artwork
Women's Perspectives #10 - Messages
We Learn seeks original writings and artwork by Adult Learners in literacy, GED, ESOL, and all other adult basic education & training programs. This We Learn Journal will showcase original writings and artwork by adult literacy/basic education students across all levels. Student writers and artists are encouraged to reflect and to share ideas on the theme 'Messages'.
4. Master of Education
Learning options have never been more accessible or more exciting. The Master of Education (International) at Charles Darwin University combines a global learning ethos with hands-on opportunities to apply theory and practice across areas of research such as wellbeing and sustainability, identity language and culture, digital futures and ways of knowing. Online and summer semester fast track options, internship placements with national or overseas partners and a thesis option to build your research capacity. Join educators at the International Graduate Centre of Education at CDU and kickstart your career change now.
More or email igce@cdu.edu.au
Resources
5. Community Law Kit
The Community Law Kit, developed by TAFE Queensland English Language and Literacy Services, addresses a range of legal issues and life skills that every student and migrant new to Australia needs to live as an independent adult in our community. It explores legal problems faced every day in the community - such as shopping, renting, taking public transport, neighbour disputes, bullying, dealing with debt etc. and makes practical suggestions for what we can do, say and write in order to assert our legal rights, prevent legal problems arising and get help when needed.
This kit consists of: Community Law Music CD, Struggles in Stranger Street – Reader, Community Law in Action – Learning Resource, The Law Book – A Community Law Reference.
Purchase or call (07) 3261 1300.
6. A Fuller Sense of Self
Tricia Bowen recorded the stories of adult literacy students which illuminated the lives and learning experiences of these students, while describing the challenges they faced, the events that had provoked their decision to return to 'school', and ultimately how their lives had changed and shifted following that decision to undertake adult education. Their stories reflect a changing sense of personal identity and growth in self confidence to engage with the world.
7. Voiceless Journeys
Photography exhibition on refugee experience
The journey, struggle, survival & achievements of people from diverse backgrounds who have left their countries as a result of internal problem and conflict.
Wednesday 3rd December 7.30 -9.00 231 Carlisle st, St Kilda East
Your input please
8. Who is delivering Foundation Skills?
'Foundation Skills' refer to English language, literacy and numeracy skills (e.g., listening, speaking, reading, writing, digital literacy and use of mathematical ideas) and employability skills (e.g., collaboration, problem solving, self-management, and information and communication technology (ICT) skills).
Building the capacity of those who deliver foundation skills is a key component of the National Foundation Skills Strategy for Adults. But to do this we need to know more about who is delivering foundation skills: What skills and expertise do you bring with you? What professional development have you had? What skills would you like to develop further?
This survey, being conducted by NCVER as part of the National Foundation Skills Strategy Project (Element 1), is a starting point in learning more about those who are teaching or helping people develop their foundation skills, either in a paid or voluntary capacity.
The survey should only take about 10 - 20 minutes to complete and will be open until 19 December 2014.
9. SEE Programme evaluation
To ensure that the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) programme continues to meet the Government’s objectives, the Department of Industry is undertaking an independent evaluation of the programme. ACIL Allen Consulting has been engaged to conduct the evaluation.
The evaluation will examine current funding arrangements, and the quality of programme outcomes, as well as programme appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency. Stakeholder consultation and feedback will play a vital role in informing the outcomes of the evaluation. ACIL Allen Consulting will be engaging with stakeholders through surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews.
Consultations close on 14 December 2014
More at ACIL Allen Consulting or by contacting SEEevaluation@acilallen.com.au
10. Free feedback on learner's core skills - participate in trials of the new Foundation Skills Assessment Tool (FSAT)
ACER is developing the free and comprehensive Foundation Skills Assessment Tool (FSAT) for the Department of Industry. Trials of FSAT have now commenced. We have received many expressions of interest in participating in the FSAT trials, however, we still need more learners to undertake the trial assessments. And we have just released new skill areas including Listening and Learning and some Core Skill for Work. The trials will continue for a few more months, and providers receive reports of their learner's performance.
Register here to take part in the trials.
Freebies
11. Does your group need folders, stationery or furniture?
Green Collect have an abundance of folders due to our Green Collect office relocation programs. Folders are available at no charge. All have been used. Most are in very good condition. Ring binders and lever arch folders available in assorted colours and sizes. Perfect for schools, here in Australia or overseas. We have them in boxes of 25 or bailer bags of 150.
Other items available at a small cost include stationery, filing cabinets, furniture and computer equipment. All items are distributed or sold 'as is'.
To arrange a time to look at items or discuss details call Nick Ray 0417 114 492 or email nick.ray@greencollect.org