Jan. 01: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Jan. 01: New Year’s Day. All campus offices closed.
Jan. 05: Basic English classes begin
Jan. 06: Three Kings Day (Christianity)
Jan. 12: English for Success classes begin
Jan. 13: Time cards due for period of Jan. 01 – Jan. 15
Jan. 15: Electronic time entry due for period of Jan. 01 – Jan. 15
Jan. 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. No classes; all campus offices closed.
Jan. 20: Penguin Awareness Day
Jan. 29: Time cards due for period of Jan. 16 – Jan. 31
Jan. 31: Electronic time entry due for period of Jan. 16 – Jan. 31
Feb. 02: Groundhog Day
Feb. 12: Abraham Lincoln’s birthday
Feb. 13: Time cards due for period of Feb. 01 – Feb. 15
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day
Feb. 15: Electronic time entry due for period of Feb. 01 – Feb. 15
Feb. 16: Presidents’ Day
Feb. 24: Mardi Gras (Christianity)
Feb. 25: Ash Wednesday (Christianity)
Feb. 26: Time cards due for period of Feb. 16 – Feb. 28
Feb. 27: Presidents’ Day observed by Columbus State. No classes; all campus offices closed.
Feb. 28: Electronic time entry due for period of Feb. 16 – Feb. 28
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Admissions testing changes - Errata
The following corrects/clarifies some details about what I just sent you regarding the Admissions testing changes. Thanks to Corbin C. for the corrections.
1) The two parts are taken in the following order: essay, then computer. It doesn't matter a lot, but it would reduce confusion with students if it was listed in that order as well.
2) Students may only retest once in 2 years. It's not just about resources, it's also about the quality and security of the test. The more the students take the test, the more likely they are to perform better because of familiarity, rather than ability. (I believe the update indicated multiple retests were possible and that there was a free test every year.)
Admissions testing changes
There have been significant changes in the way Admissions testing is done for ESL students. Please review this information carefully so you can give students the correct information.
[x] Yes [ ] No
This will serve as the referral for the Testing Center to permit the student to take the test.
After reviewing the COMPASS/ESL test, it is clear that we will need to create a Basic English 6 course in order to ensure that students who leave the Basic English program will be truly ready for admission to the College. This will also entail some adjustments to the curriculum and other class testing. More details on these changes will be forthcoming.
Where is the TC? (Testing Center)
The Testing Center is located on the lower level of Aquinas Hall in room 002, on Columbus State’s main campus, 550 East Spring Street, near downtown Columbus. Students should report the Receptionist/Receiving Area and then they will be directed to the Testing Arena.
COMPASS/ESL Placement Test
The COMPASS/ESL Placement Test is a computerized assessment for new students used to identify the appropriate starting level for ESL. If you take the COMPASS placement test, you must report two hours before the Testing Center closes.
Testing Center Policies and Procedures
- The MLAB (Michigan Test) is no longer being given as the Admissions test for ESL students. As of now, students will take the COMPASS/ESL test.
- The COMPASS/ESL test is administered on a walk-in basis (no appointment necessary) in the Testing Center in Aquinas Hall.
- The test has two parts: the first part is a computer-based English assessment; the second part is a written composition (written by hand).
- There is no charge when a student to take the COMPASS/ESL test for the first time. HOWEVER, if a student takes the COMPASS/ESL test for again within a year, there is a $20 charge each time after the first.
- It does not help students to take the test before they are ready. Further, when students take the test repeatedly, it takes up valuable computer resources as well as time spent scoring the compositions.
- A student who receives a perfect score on the Basic English Placement Test can be referred to take the COMPASS/ESL test if he or she wishes.
- NOTE: The Basic English Placement Test will have a new revision in place by the beginning of January.
- When a student passes Basic English 5, Basic Writing 1 or Basic Writing 2, he or she will receive a certificate with the following information added to it:
[x] Yes [ ] No
This will serve as the referral for the Testing Center to permit the student to take the test.
After reviewing the COMPASS/ESL test, it is clear that we will need to create a Basic English 6 course in order to ensure that students who leave the Basic English program will be truly ready for admission to the College. This will also entail some adjustments to the curriculum and other class testing. More details on these changes will be forthcoming.
Where is the TC? (Testing Center)
The Testing Center is located on the lower level of Aquinas Hall in room 002, on Columbus State’s main campus, 550 East Spring Street, near downtown Columbus. Students should report the Receptionist/Receiving Area and then they will be directed to the Testing Arena.
COMPASS/ESL Placement Test
The COMPASS/ESL Placement Test is a computerized assessment for new students used to identify the appropriate starting level for ESL. If you take the COMPASS placement test, you must report two hours before the Testing Center closes.
Testing Center Policies and Procedures
- Everyone is required to present photo identification when reporting to the Center. If an individual does not have identification, an exam will not be administered.
- Students will need to know their Cougar/Student ID number when coming to take exams.
- Students must report for testing in the Center at least one hour prior to closing. Anyone reporting later than one hour prior to closing will not be allowed to take an exam that day. In order to take the COMPASS placement test, an individual must report two hours prior to the Center’s closing.
- No children are allowed in the Center and/or to be left unattended while testing is in progress. If this is discovered, the examinee will be required to discontinue testing and leave the Testing Center.
- No food or beverages are allowed in the Center. Exceptions are made only in documented medical situations. Electronic devices are not permitted when taking an exam. Test administration will be discontinued if your device rings.
- Bathroom breaks are not allowed. Once you have begun your exam, you may not leave to go to the restroom.
- Personal belongings must be placed in the designated area when in the testing room. Only required exam materials are allowed in the testing area.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Update - December 22, 2008
Thank you! for your patience and your kind wishes while I was out sick. I’m back in the office if you need me. Thanks also to Sharon and Kimberly for keeping things together while I was out.
What do I do ... ?
... if I have trouble accessing the electronic time entry?
Contact the Help Desk at 287-5050 (5050 from a campus phone).
... if I have trouble accessing my GroupWise e-mail?
Contact the Help Desk at 287-5050 (5050 from a campus phone).
... if there is a problem with my pay?
Contact the Payroll Office at 287-5792 or 287-5791 (5792 or 5791 from a campus phone).
Please let me know as well if there is a problem so I can have the information for my records.
... if I can’t find information I need and Tara isn’t available?
Contact Kimberly Gholson (287-3869) or Sharon Ward (287-2072). They should be able to assist you.
Teaching schedule for Winter 2009. At the end of this Update is the DRAFT of the teaching schedule for next term. Please let me know as soon as possible if any changes are needed. As always, I do my best to accommodate as many people as possible. The final schedule will depend on registration numbers and instructor availability.
English for Success 2009. The English for Success program will begin in January. At this time, we expect classes to begin at all sites on Monday, January 12. I will send out further details as soon as they are confirmed.
What do I do ... ?
... if I have trouble accessing the electronic time entry?
Contact the Help Desk at 287-5050 (5050 from a campus phone).
... if I have trouble accessing my GroupWise e-mail?
Contact the Help Desk at 287-5050 (5050 from a campus phone).
... if there is a problem with my pay?
Contact the Payroll Office at 287-5792 or 287-5791 (5792 or 5791 from a campus phone).
Please let me know as well if there is a problem so I can have the information for my records.
... if I can’t find information I need and Tara isn’t available?
Contact Kimberly Gholson (287-3869) or Sharon Ward (287-2072). They should be able to assist you.
Teaching schedule for Winter 2009. At the end of this Update is the DRAFT of the teaching schedule for next term. Please let me know as soon as possible if any changes are needed. As always, I do my best to accommodate as many people as possible. The final schedule will depend on registration numbers and instructor availability.
English for Success 2009. The English for Success program will begin in January. At this time, we expect classes to begin at all sites on Monday, January 12. I will send out further details as soon as they are confirmed.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Evaluations - Autumn 2008
Here are some selected responses from the Autumn 2008 Basic English student course evaluations:
2. What did you like most about the textbook?
(1) I like the cd-room class with the computer.
6. Was the course useful to you? Why or why not?
(1) I can approve my speaking, writing and listening. I learned a lot of grammar. I never heard before and I can use speak with American people. They understand me better than before.
(2) because when i started this course I understand little bit English but now i understand everything and I read and wrote every sentence.
(3) Because I improve knowlage of Grammer, preposition and comunicate each other.
(4) I Love the course. I Learning more
(5) because it helps me to learn the language and convversation to other people (I am not hesitate)
2. What did you like most about the textbook?
(1) I like the cd-room class with the computer.
6. Was the course useful to you? Why or why not?
(1) I can approve my speaking, writing and listening. I learned a lot of grammar. I never heard before and I can use speak with American people. They understand me better than before.
(2) because when i started this course I understand little bit English but now i understand everything and I read and wrote every sentence.
(3) Because I improve knowlage of Grammer, preposition and comunicate each other.
(4) I Love the course. I Learning more
(5) because it helps me to learn the language and convversation to other people (I am not hesitate)
Monday, December 8, 2008
Test results
Students should go to Room 1090 to find out their score and receive their certificates. Results should be available by a week after the student has taken the test.
Calendar - December 2008
12/09 -- Eid-al-Adha (Islam)
12/10 -- Human Rights Day
12/13 -- Time cards due for period of 12/01 – 12/15
12/15 -- Electronic time entry due for period of 12/01 – 12/15
12/15 -- Nancy’s birthday
12/15 -- Bill of Rights Day
12/18 – Anna-Marie’s birthday
12/18 -- UN International Migrants Day
12/21 -- Winter Solstice
12/21 -- Hanukkah begins (Judaism)
12/24 -- Christmas Eve (Christianity)
12/25 -- Christmas Day (Christianity)
12/26 -- Kwanzaa begins
12/29 -- Muharram (Islam)
12/29 -- Time cards due for period of 12/16 – 12/31
12/31 -- Electronic time entry due for period of 12/16 – 12/31
12/31 -- New Year’s Eve
12/10 -- Human Rights Day
12/13 -- Time cards due for period of 12/01 – 12/15
12/15 -- Electronic time entry due for period of 12/01 – 12/15
12/15 -- Nancy’s birthday
12/15 -- Bill of Rights Day
12/18 – Anna-Marie’s birthday
12/18 -- UN International Migrants Day
12/21 -- Winter Solstice
12/21 -- Hanukkah begins (Judaism)
12/24 -- Christmas Eve (Christianity)
12/25 -- Christmas Day (Christianity)
12/26 -- Kwanzaa begins
12/29 -- Muharram (Islam)
12/29 -- Time cards due for period of 12/16 – 12/31
12/31 -- Electronic time entry due for period of 12/16 – 12/31
12/31 -- New Year’s Eve
English for Success - 2009
I am very happy to announce that the County plans to renew the English for Success contract for 2009. We had to make some severe cuts to the budget and change some program plans at the last minute, but after that, it was recommended for approval.
English for Success - 2009
I am very happy to announce that the County plans to renew the English for Success contract for 2009. We had to make some severe cuts to the budget and change some program plans at the last minute, but after that, it was recommended for approval.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Update - November 13, 2008
Time cards and electronic time entry. If you have submit a time card and have not submitted your time card to me for the period of November 1 – November 15, please do so today to avoid possible delay of your pay.
Electronic time entry is due by November 15 for this period.
Basic English 3 instructors — There is a website that will give you helpful hints and extra activities for the classes using Grammar Form and Function: http://www.mhhe.com/gff1. Check it out!
Instructors — Careers are generally a topic of great interest. If you have the opportunity, I would suggest the following website as a class activity (Note — This will work much better in a computer lab, where each student can go through the exercise on his/her own.):
http://www.losrios.edu/lrc/ois/index.html
Private tutoring — I mentioned in a recent Update that I am making available a tutoring list, so when students ask for potential tutors, I have information to give them. This is just a reminder that if you are interested in private tutoring and would like to have your information available, please send me your name, contact information, hourly rate and specialty areas (if any).
ALSO — Just a note — You should NOT tutor your own students at a cost. Students in your classes who need extra tutoring should seek it from another instructor or another source. Charging for tutoring your own students is generally considered a conflict of interest.
English for Success instructors – Please ask your students to let you know in advance if they know they will be absent for more than a few days. This will help us differentiate between students who are absent for cause and those who have simply disappeared.
Also, no new students are being accepted into the current English for Success classes unless they are assigned there by Franklin County. If you have any questions about new students in your class, please let me know.
English for Success program status. The current English for Success program contract ends in December 2008. We have submitted a proposal to Franklin County for a new English for Success contract for 2009 and are hoping for good news soon. I’ll let you know as soon as I have any news.
Electronic time entry is due by November 15 for this period.
Basic English 3 instructors — There is a website that will give you helpful hints and extra activities for the classes using Grammar Form and Function: http://www.mhhe.com/gff1. Check it out!
Instructors — Careers are generally a topic of great interest. If you have the opportunity, I would suggest the following website as a class activity (Note — This will work much better in a computer lab, where each student can go through the exercise on his/her own.):
http://www.losrios.edu/lrc/ois/index.html
Private tutoring — I mentioned in a recent Update that I am making available a tutoring list, so when students ask for potential tutors, I have information to give them. This is just a reminder that if you are interested in private tutoring and would like to have your information available, please send me your name, contact information, hourly rate and specialty areas (if any).
ALSO — Just a note — You should NOT tutor your own students at a cost. Students in your classes who need extra tutoring should seek it from another instructor or another source. Charging for tutoring your own students is generally considered a conflict of interest.
English for Success instructors – Please ask your students to let you know in advance if they know they will be absent for more than a few days. This will help us differentiate between students who are absent for cause and those who have simply disappeared.
Also, no new students are being accepted into the current English for Success classes unless they are assigned there by Franklin County. If you have any questions about new students in your class, please let me know.
English for Success program status. The current English for Success program contract ends in December 2008. We have submitted a proposal to Franklin County for a new English for Success contract for 2009 and are hoping for good news soon. I’ll let you know as soon as I have any news.
Time card reminder
As I've mentioned in various e-mails (and as is on your Letter of Agreement) --
For the period of the 1st through the 15th of the month, I need your time card by the 14th, so it can go through the approval process and get to Payroll in time to get you paid for that period on the 30th/31st.
For the period of the 16th through the 30th/31st of the month, I need your time card by the 29th, so it can go through the approval process and get to Payroll in time to get you paid for that period on the 15th of the following month.
For the period of the 1st through the 15th of the month, I need your time card by the 14th, so it can go through the approval process and get to Payroll in time to get you paid for that period on the 30th/31st.
For the period of the 16th through the 30th/31st of the month, I need your time card by the 29th, so it can go through the approval process and get to Payroll in time to get you paid for that period on the 15th of the following month.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Student usernames and passwords
All noncredit students have usernames and passwords to allow them to use the computer labs. They also have CSCC e-mail accounts. Here is the way they can discover their usernames and passwords:
1. Go to the main CSCC webpage (cscc.edu)
2. From the Quicklinks drop-down menu at the right, choose "Usernames/Passwords". This will take them to the Password discovery page.
3. Follow the instructions.
4. If there are problems, call the Help Desk at 287-5050. (5050 from a campus phone)
1. Go to the main CSCC webpage (cscc.edu)
2. From the Quicklinks drop-down menu at the right, choose "Usernames/Passwords". This will take them to the Password discovery page.
3. Follow the instructions.
4. If there are problems, call the Help Desk at 287-5050. (5050 from a campus phone)
Monday, October 20, 2008
Substitutes
If an instructor asks you to sub and you are able to do so, that’s great. Be sure to let me know so I will be aware when you submit those hours.
ALSO - The upper limit of 30 contact hours per week is College policy and is not negotiable. You may not exceed 30 hours per week for any reason, including substituting for another instructor.
ALSO - The upper limit of 30 contact hours per week is College policy and is not negotiable. You may not exceed 30 hours per week for any reason, including substituting for another instructor.
Monday, September 29, 2008
LI Update - September 29, 2008
HAPPY EID!
Eid date(s). As many of you know, the date of Eid is determined by a lunar calendar and the sighting of the moon. For this reason, the exact date is not yet definite. Therefore, attendance may be spotty on Oct. 1, 2 and/or 3.
Instructors – If you celebrate Eid, please let me (and your students!) know when you will not be here. You can make up the day(s) at the end of the term.
Calendar: October – November, 2008
Thursday, 10/2: Eid al Fitr [Islam]
Wednesday, 10/8: Yom Kippur [Judaism]
Sunday, 10/12: Happy birthday, Marian!
Monday, 10/13: Columbus Day holiday. No classes. All campus offices closed.
Monday, 10/13: Time cards due for the period of 10/1 – 10/15.
Wednesday, 10/15: Electronic time entry due for the period of 10/1 – 10/15.
Thursday, 10/16: National Boss Day.
Monday, 10/20: Birth of the Bab [Bahá’í]
Friday, 10/24: United Nations Day.
Wednesday, 10/29: In-Service Day. No classes. All campus offices closed.
Wednesday, 10/29: Time cards due for the period of 10/16 – 10/31.
Friday, 10/31: Hallowe’en.
Friday, 10/31: Electronic time entry due for the period of 10/16 – 10/31.
Saturday, 11/1: All Saints Day [Catholicism]
Sunday, 11/2: Daylight Savings Time ends (2:00 a.m.). Turn clocks BACK one hour.
Monday, 11/3: Happy birthday, Stacy!
Tuesday, 11/4: Election Day.
Tuesday, 11/11: Veterans Day. No classes. All campus offices closed.
Wednesday, 11/12: Time cards due for the period of 11/1 – 11/15.
Wednesday, 11/12: Birth of Bahá’u’llah [Bahá’í]
Friday, 11/14: Electronic time entry due for the period of 11/1 – 11/15.
Thursday, 11/20: Great American Smokeout
Wednesday, 11/26: Time cards due for the period of 11/16 – 11/30.
Thursday, 11/27 – Sunday, 11/30: Thanksgiving holiday. No classes. All campus offices closed.
Sunday, 11/30: Electronic time entry due for the period of 11/16 – 11/30.
Friday, September 26, 2008
LI Update - September 26, 2008
Welcome to Autumn Quarter!! At the end of this update you will find the updated teaching schedule. Please let me know right away if there are any further changes that need to be made. Basic English classes start on Monday, Sept. 29.
Forms, information and papers. You will find the following important first-day materials on the counter across from the mailboxes. Please pick up enough materials for your class(es). Pick up extras if needed. Return any unneeded forms for others to use. And please let me know whenever we are running low on any materials!
-- Background Information forms (beige). Have your students complete these; return them to me as soon as possible.
-- BE Policies and Procedures handout (pink). Be sure each student has a copy of this important document, and go over it in detail in class.
-- Attendance forms. You should turn in attendance to me each week. This form is provided for you, but if you have another form you prefer (electronic, for example), please feel free to use it.
-- Demographic survey form (white half sheet). Have your students complete these; return them to me as soon as possible.
-- Class syllabus (yellow). These will be ready by the end of the first week of classes. Be sure each student has a copy of the syllabus. NOTE: The syllabus is provided as a guideline of what we would like to see covered in that class. If the class as a whole is having difficulty in a certain area, please use your best judgment in regard to spending more time on a certain topic, even if it means not . I strongly suggest using quizzes (written and/or verbal) to be sure your students are understanding the material presented.
Rosters. Current rosters are in your mailboxes. As most of you know, we often get a lot of students who add during the first week of classes. I’ll send updated rosters at the beginning of the second week.
Time cards and electronic time entry. If you work September 29 and/or 30, you will need to submit that time no later than September 30. That is a separate time period from October 1 – 15.
A little bit of moving. A few things have been moved around during break. Please note:
Basic English instructor resources are now in the area where the microwave is so they will be more accessible. The resource room is now only for after-school resources, not Basic English.
The desks in the open area in our office suite have been moved around for better use of space. There will be two computers available for instructor use. If you have items stored in the overhead bins there, some of them may have been moved. Please see me if you have any questions.
The Central Registration Office has been rearranged for greater efficiency and security.
Is my class going to run? Might it be canceled?
Registration is still in progress. As of now, there are FOUR confirmed classes. Please come to your class(es) ready to teach the first week. The final decision will be made about class cancellations at the end of the first week. If your class is canceled, you will be paid for the hours taught during the first week.
When a class is confirmed, a Letter of Agreement (LOA) will be generated for your class. Remember that payment is ALWAYS generated by means of time cards or electronic time entry (as applicable). You will not be paid if you do not submit your time as directed.
English for Success schedule. Good news! Classes at Centro Esperanza Latina will begin on MONDAY, Sept. 29.
Forms, information and papers. You will find the following important first-day materials on the counter across from the mailboxes. Please pick up enough materials for your class(es). Pick up extras if needed. Return any unneeded forms for others to use. And please let me know whenever we are running low on any materials!
-- Background Information forms (beige). Have your students complete these; return them to me as soon as possible.
-- BE Policies and Procedures handout (pink). Be sure each student has a copy of this important document, and go over it in detail in class.
-- Attendance forms. You should turn in attendance to me each week. This form is provided for you, but if you have another form you prefer (electronic, for example), please feel free to use it.
-- Demographic survey form (white half sheet). Have your students complete these; return them to me as soon as possible.
-- Class syllabus (yellow). These will be ready by the end of the first week of classes. Be sure each student has a copy of the syllabus. NOTE: The syllabus is provided as a guideline of what we would like to see covered in that class. If the class as a whole is having difficulty in a certain area, please use your best judgment in regard to spending more time on a certain topic, even if it means not . I strongly suggest using quizzes (written and/or verbal) to be sure your students are understanding the material presented.
Rosters. Current rosters are in your mailboxes. As most of you know, we often get a lot of students who add during the first week of classes. I’ll send updated rosters at the beginning of the second week.
Time cards and electronic time entry. If you work September 29 and/or 30, you will need to submit that time no later than September 30. That is a separate time period from October 1 – 15.
A little bit of moving. A few things have been moved around during break. Please note:
Basic English instructor resources are now in the area where the microwave is so they will be more accessible. The resource room is now only for after-school resources, not Basic English.
The desks in the open area in our office suite have been moved around for better use of space. There will be two computers available for instructor use. If you have items stored in the overhead bins there, some of them may have been moved. Please see me if you have any questions.
The Central Registration Office has been rearranged for greater efficiency and security.
Is my class going to run? Might it be canceled?
Registration is still in progress. As of now, there are FOUR confirmed classes. Please come to your class(es) ready to teach the first week. The final decision will be made about class cancellations at the end of the first week. If your class is canceled, you will be paid for the hours taught during the first week.
When a class is confirmed, a Letter of Agreement (LOA) will be generated for your class. Remember that payment is ALWAYS generated by means of time cards or electronic time entry (as applicable). You will not be paid if you do not submit your time as directed.
English for Success schedule. Good news! Classes at Centro Esperanza Latina will begin on MONDAY, Sept. 29.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Course evaluations Summer 2008
Here are some of the responses from this term's Basic English course evaluations:
Question 2. What did you like most about the textbook?
(1) I like making who question.
(2) I like this book. It’s explain more garammer
(3) I like about the textbook story.
(4) The interresting articles, and good explanation
Question 6. Was the course useful to you? Why or why not?
(1) My writing skills improved. My vocabulary is richer. I hope the class is longer
(2) I knew, what I didn’t know. It was helpfull
(3) Because i improve most of my mistakes in my pronunciation and writing.
Question 2. What did you like most about the textbook?
(1) I like making who question.
(2) I like this book. It’s explain more garammer
(3) I like about the textbook story.
(4) The interresting articles, and good explanation
Question 6. Was the course useful to you? Why or why not?
(1) My writing skills improved. My vocabulary is richer. I hope the class is longer
(2) I knew, what I didn’t know. It was helpfull
(3) Because i improve most of my mistakes in my pronunciation and writing.
Friday, August 22, 2008
BE Demographics Update - Summer 2008
Since Summer of 2005, we have had students from 109 countries in the Basic English program.
Africa 63%
Asia 12.7%
Europe (except Spain) 4.2%
Spanish-speaking countries 16.4%
Middle East 2.1%
Other 1.6%
# of responses = 189
If we compare Summer 2007 and Summer 2008, we see the following changes in our student population:
| | SU 07 | SU 08 | Change |
| Africa | 50.8% | 63.0% | + 12.2% |
| Asia | 9.6% | 12.7% | + 3.1% |
| Europe (except Spain) | 2.7% | 4.2% | + 1.5% |
| Spanish-speaking countries | 30.5% | 16.4% | - 14.1% |
| Middle East | 3.7% | 2.1% | -1.6% |
| Other | 2.7% | 1.6% | -1.1% |
| | | | |
| # of responses | 187 | 189 | |
Only time will tell if this is a one-time occurrence or if there is a real shift in our population going on.
The answer to the question “Do you have a job? If so, do you work full-time or part-time?” also yielded some interesting information when compared to last summer quarter.
| | SU 07 | SU 08 | Change |
| Full-time | 47.8% | 37.8% | -10.0% |
| Part-time | 18.4% | 18.5% | + 0.1% |
| No | 33.8% | 43.7% | + 9.9% |
| | | | |
| # of responses | 157 | 135 | |
Other information from the in-class surveys for Summer 2008 ...
- Youngest student: 19 years old
- Oldest student: 65 years old
- Average age: 32.1 years old
TIME in the U.S.
- Shortest time: 4 days
- Longest time: 13 years
- Average time: 4.1 years
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Current pay rate
Instructors --
Just as a reminder, your pay rate for the 2008-2009 year is $21.53 per hour.
Just as a reminder, your pay rate for the 2008-2009 year is $21.53 per hour.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Testing schedule – Summer 2008
Shelly’s class (1:00 – 4:00) Saturday, Sept. 6
Shelly’s class (5:30 – 8:30) Thursday, Sept. 4
Basic English 5
Manning’s class (8:00 – 9:30) Thursday, Sept. 4
Tafsir’s class (1:00 – 4:00) Saturday, Sept. 6
Tafsir’s class (6:00 – 8:00) Wednesday, Sept. 3
Basic Writing 1 (9:30 – 12:30) Wednesday, Sept. 3
Basic Writing 2 (9:30 – 12:30) Thursday, Sept. 4
Ramadan begins Sept. 2, 2008
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan will begin on Sept. 2. Muslims who observe Ramadan do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset until the celebration of Eid al Fitr, which takes place on Oct. 2.
The first week of Ramadan is often challenging for students as they become accustomed to not eating or drinking (or smoking, if they are smokers) during the day. Depending on the time of the class, students may need to take a brief break for prayer. Furthermore, if you have a class that is in progress at the time of sunset, be aware that your Muslim students should be able to take a brief break to pray and break their fast. There is no problem with students eating or drinking in class (except in a computer lab!), as long as they do it without disturbing other students.
BE testing procedures
Please read this information carefully.
For security purposes, all tests will be kept in my office.
ALL DAYTIME instructors -- Come to my office to pick up the tests you need. If I'm not in, Kimberly, Suzanne, Stacy and Thelma all have a key to my office.
Basic English 1, 2 and 3 EVENING and WEEKEND instructors -- I will leave tests in a sealed envelope in your mailboxes.
Basic English 4 and 5 EVENING and WEEKEND instructors -- Be sure to come to my office BEFORE the date of your test to pick up the tests you need. If I'm not in, Kimberly, Suzanne, Stacy and Thelma all have a key to my office.
Tests for BE4, BE5 and Writing 1 & 2 have now been sorted correctly. (Sorry about last term, folks...). Here are the tests and test sections that should be used for each class.
Basic English 4
Test: 9E Survey (Tests are labeled Set B.)
Section: Reading -- pages 1 - 15
Basic English 5
Test: 9E Complete Battery (Tests are labeled Set C.)
Section: Reading -- pages 1 - 19
Basic Writing 1 and Basic Writing 2
Test: 10 E Complete Battery (Tests are labeled Set A.)
Section: Language -- pages 45 - 58
For security purposes, all tests will be kept in my office.
ALL DAYTIME instructors -- Come to my office to pick up the tests you need. If I'm not in, Kimberly, Suzanne, Stacy and Thelma all have a key to my office.
Basic English 1, 2 and 3 EVENING and WEEKEND instructors -- I will leave tests in a sealed envelope in your mailboxes.
Basic English 4 and 5 EVENING and WEEKEND instructors -- Be sure to come to my office BEFORE the date of your test to pick up the tests you need. If I'm not in, Kimberly, Suzanne, Stacy and Thelma all have a key to my office.
Tests for BE4, BE5 and Writing 1 & 2 have now been sorted correctly. (Sorry about last term, folks...). Here are the tests and test sections that should be used for each class.
Basic English 4
Test: 9E Survey (Tests are labeled Set B.)
Section: Reading -- pages 1 - 15
Basic English 5
Test: 9E Complete Battery (Tests are labeled Set C.)
Section: Reading -- pages 1 - 19
Basic Writing 1 and Basic Writing 2
Test: 10 E Complete Battery (Tests are labeled Set A.)
Section: Language -- pages 45 - 58
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
CALENDAR: August - September, 2008
AUGUST
13 Time cards due for period of 8/1 - 8/15
14 Hawa Jibril poetry reading and book introduction at CSCC!
15 Electronic time entry due for period of 8/1 - 8/15
15 Seth's birthday
15 Patty V's birthday
21 Jan W's birthday
28 Time cards due for period of 8/16 - 8/31
31 Electronic time entry due for period of 8/16 - 8/31
SEPTEMBER
01 Labor Day. No classes; all campus offices will be closed.
02 Basic English Summer classes end this week.
02 Ramadan begins. (Islam)
06 Beverly's birthday
12 Time cards due for period of 9/1 - 9/15
15 Electronic time entry due for period of 9/1 - 9/15
16 Independence Day (Mexico)
17 Citizenship Day (U.S.)
29 Basic English Autumn classes begin this week.
29 Time cards due for period of 9/16 - 9/30
30 Electronic time entry due for period of 9/16 - 9/30
30 Rosh Hashanah (Judaism)
13 Time cards due for period of 8/1 - 8/15
14 Hawa Jibril poetry reading and book introduction at CSCC!
15 Electronic time entry due for period of 8/1 - 8/15
15 Seth's birthday
15 Patty V's birthday
21 Jan W's birthday
28 Time cards due for period of 8/16 - 8/31
31 Electronic time entry due for period of 8/16 - 8/31
SEPTEMBER
01 Labor Day. No classes; all campus offices will be closed.
02 Basic English Summer classes end this week.
02 Ramadan begins. (Islam)
06 Beverly's birthday
12 Time cards due for period of 9/1 - 9/15
15 Electronic time entry due for period of 9/1 - 9/15
16 Independence Day (Mexico)
17 Citizenship Day (U.S.)
29 Basic English Autumn classes begin this week.
29 Time cards due for period of 9/16 - 9/30
30 Electronic time entry due for period of 9/16 - 9/30
30 Rosh Hashanah (Judaism)
Observations
Each term I will come around and do brief observations of instructors and classes -- so don't be surprised if you see me come and sit in the back of your class for a while!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tests - BE4 & above
Basic English 4 - Reading test: 3.5 or above
Basic English 5 - Reading test: 5.0 or above
Basic Writing 1 - Language test: 4.5 or above
Basic Writing 2 - Language test: 5.5 or above
Basic Reading 1 - Reading test: 4.5 or above
Basic Reading 2 - Reading test: 5.5 or above
Basic English 5 - Reading test: 5.0 or above
Basic Writing 1 - Language test: 4.5 or above
Basic Writing 2 - Language test: 5.5 or above
Basic Reading 1 - Reading test: 4.5 or above
Basic Reading 2 - Reading test: 5.5 or above
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
More Basic English course descriptions
These courses can be taken alone or with the core Basic English series.
Basic Communication 1
This course focuses on correct pronunciation, basic conversation and building of vocabulary. There is no prerequisite.
Basic Communication 2
In this class, students will continue to improve their vocabulary, pronunciation and conversation skills through guided discussions of various topics of interest. There is no prerequisite.
Basic Writing 1
This course will help students improve their writing skills with a variety of sentence types, using pre-writing techniques, good grammar, proper sentence structure and correct pronunciation. Students in this class should be at least at the level of Basic English 5.
Basic Writing 2
This course helps students who complete Basic Writing 1 to continue the improvement of their writing skills. Students in this class should have completed Basic Writing 1.
Basic Reading 1
This course helps students improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, and reading speed. Students in this class should be at least at the level of Basic English 4.
Basic Reading 2
This course helps students who complete Basic Reading 1 to continue the improvement of their reading skills. Students in this class should have completed Basic Reading 1.
Introduction to Computers for
In this course, studens who are unfamiliar with computers can learn the basics of using a computer, including using a word processor, saving and printing documents, entering data on a spreadsheet, using e-mail and finding information on the Internet.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Classroom changes
I have learned that some instructors are moving their classes into computer labs where they are not scheduled to be. If you need to use a computer lab for a day (or more), let me know a day or so ahead of time so we can make a room request through the proper procedure. Only in this way can we capture the room usage and ensure that the room is not going to be used by someone else that day.
Focus on Grammar resources
There are (free!) resources available for instructors and students who use the Focus on Grammar text. Just go to the following web address and click on the links for Teacher Resources or Student Resources at the left.
Photocopies!
As you know, I have frequently asked
Beginning now, instructors should bring me all their copy requests. I have asked for the copy codes to be changed for Basic English and our projects. As soon as they are changed, only Kimberly and I will have the code. This will remain the case until more restrained habits are established for Duplication.
On-campus instructors: I suggest making more use of the classroom computers and overhead projectors for exercises whenever possible, instead of photocopying worksheets. This will save paper and costs.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Basic English Policies and Procedures
UPDATED 10/8/10
1. ATTENDANCE. Success in class depends on regular attendance. Your teacher keeps a record of your attendance in the class. § If you must be absent from class, you should let your teacher know why you were not in class. Try to bring some document to your teacher to show why you were absent. For example, if you were sick, bring a note from your doctor.
If you must leave class early, tell your teacher before the class starts that you will need to leave before the end of the class that day. It is not polite to just get up and walk out of the class.
2. RESPECT. It is very important for the instructor and the students to show respect for each other.
§ Be sure to dress appropriately for class. If you have questions about what is appropriate, ask your teacher.
§ Show respect for your teacher and other students through your actions and your language. Don’t interrupt other students, and do not speak while the teacher is talking to the class.
§ Please turn off cell phones and pagers while you are in class.
3. FEES for the course must be paid. If your fees are not paid, you may not continue to attend the class.
§ Also, you are responsible for buying your own books, unless the books have already been paid for through some other source.
§ You are responsible for buying your own notebooks, pencils, folders, etc., to use in the course.
4. You will have a TEST at the end of the course. This will determine whether or not you go to the next level of Basic English.
5. SEVERE WEATHER POLICY. In the event of severe weather which could force the College to close or to cancel classes, such information will be broadcast on radio and television stations. Students who reside in areas which fall under a Level 3 emergency should not attempt to drive to school even if the College remains open. Assignments due on the day the college is closed will be due the next scheduled class period. If an examination is scheduled for a day the campus is closed, the examination will be given on the next class day.
Students who miss a class because of weather-related problems, when the class is held as scheduled, are responsible for readings and other activities as assigned. It is a student’s responsibility to keep up with readings and other assignments when a scheduled class does not meet, whatever the reason.
6. CHILDREN. Columbus State Community College policy does not allow children in classrooms, computer labs or student lounges. In offices or hallways, children must be attended at all times. Please do not bring your children to class. Your instructor will ask you to leave if you bring children to the classroom.
7. REFUNDS. If you decide to drop this class and require a refund, please note the following policy:
You will receive …
• If you drop the class before it starts … 100% of the course fee.
• If you drop before the end of the second
week of class … 100% of the course fee.
• If you drop after the end of the second
week of class … 0% of the course fee.
To drop a class, you MUST go to the Non-Credit Registration Office (Room 1090) and complete a Drop form. If you do not complete the form before the deadline, you will not be eligible for a refund.
8. CHANGING SECTIONS. If you want to change to another Basic English class, you must go to the Non-Credit Registration Office (Room 1090) and complete a Change form. Changes must be made by the second week of class. After the end of the second week, you cannot change sections without a documented reason.
9. The Columbus State Student Handbook gives detailed information on all your rights and responsibilities as a Columbus State student. You can pick up a copy of the Handbook in the Central Registration Office (Room 1090) or read it online.
10. If you have any QUESTIONS, PROBLEMS or COMPLAINTS, please contact either of the following:
• Your instructor
• The Non-Credit Registration Office
Center for Workforce Development (WD)
Room 1090
1. ATTENDANCE. Success in class depends on regular attendance. Your teacher keeps a record of your attendance in the class. § If you must be absent from class, you should let your teacher know why you were not in class. Try to bring some document to your teacher to show why you were absent. For example, if you were sick, bring a note from your doctor.
If you must leave class early, tell your teacher before the class starts that you will need to leave before the end of the class that day. It is not polite to just get up and walk out of the class.
2. RESPECT. It is very important for the instructor and the students to show respect for each other.
§ Be sure to dress appropriately for class. If you have questions about what is appropriate, ask your teacher.
§ Show respect for your teacher and other students through your actions and your language. Don’t interrupt other students, and do not speak while the teacher is talking to the class.
§ Please turn off cell phones and pagers while you are in class.
3. FEES for the course must be paid. If your fees are not paid, you may not continue to attend the class.
§ Also, you are responsible for buying your own books, unless the books have already been paid for through some other source.
§ You are responsible for buying your own notebooks, pencils, folders, etc., to use in the course.
4. You will have a TEST at the end of the course. This will determine whether or not you go to the next level of Basic English.
5. SEVERE WEATHER POLICY. In the event of severe weather which could force the College to close or to cancel classes, such information will be broadcast on radio and television stations. Students who reside in areas which fall under a Level 3 emergency should not attempt to drive to school even if the College remains open. Assignments due on the day the college is closed will be due the next scheduled class period. If an examination is scheduled for a day the campus is closed, the examination will be given on the next class day.
Students who miss a class because of weather-related problems, when the class is held as scheduled, are responsible for readings and other activities as assigned. It is a student’s responsibility to keep up with readings and other assignments when a scheduled class does not meet, whatever the reason.
6. CHILDREN. Columbus State Community College policy does not allow children in classrooms, computer labs or student lounges. In offices or hallways, children must be attended at all times. Please do not bring your children to class. Your instructor will ask you to leave if you bring children to the classroom.
7. REFUNDS. If you decide to drop this class and require a refund, please note the following policy:
You will receive …
• If you drop the class before it starts … 100% of the course fee.
• If you drop before the end of the second
week of class … 100% of the course fee.
• If you drop after the end of the second
week of class … 0% of the course fee.
To drop a class, you MUST go to the Non-Credit Registration Office (Room 1090) and complete a Drop form. If you do not complete the form before the deadline, you will not be eligible for a refund.
8. CHANGING SECTIONS. If you want to change to another Basic English class, you must go to the Non-Credit Registration Office (Room 1090) and complete a Change form. Changes must be made by the second week of class. After the end of the second week, you cannot change sections without a documented reason.
9. The Columbus State Student Handbook gives detailed information on all your rights and responsibilities as a Columbus State student. You can pick up a copy of the Handbook in the Central Registration Office (Room 1090) or read it online.
10. If you have any QUESTIONS, PROBLEMS or COMPLAINTS, please contact either of the following:
• Your instructor
• The Non-Credit Registration Office
Center for Workforce Development (WD)
Room 1090
What is a "completed" time card?
A completed time card is one that has
Incomplete time cards will be returned to you for correction; if this happens, your pay might be delayed.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
How to submit your time.
As you know, in order to be paid, you must submit the hours worked. There are two ways to do this.
- Basic English instructors submit their time electronically, through CougarWeb. If you have not done this before, let me know and I’ll show you how.
- Instructors paid by contracts or grants need to fill out time cards.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
More websites
LANGUAGE WEBSITES
englishclub.com
spellorg.com
OhioABLE.org
wordchamp.com
RSCC Online Writing Lab / OWL — Writing guides
www.sa.sdsu.edu/htcUDWTQuestionsA.pdf
ProZ.com
Chalk & Talk
http://www.press.umich.edu/esl/examsuccess.jsp
englishclub.com
spellorg.com
OhioABLE.org
wordchamp.com
RSCC Online Writing Lab / OWL — Writing guides
www.sa.sdsu.edu/htcUDWTQuestionsA.pdf
ProZ.com
Chalk & Talk
http://www.press.umich.edu/esl/examsuccess.jsp
Monday, June 30, 2008
First-day materials
Instructors, you will find the following important first-day materials in a black milk crate on the counter next to the microwave and coffeemaker. (For those of you who remember the fish tank, the milk crate is where the fish tank used to be.) Please pick up enough materials for your class(es). Pick up extras if needed. Return any unneeded forms for others to use. And please let me know whenever we are running low on any materials!
-- Background Information forms (beige). Have your students complete these; return them to me as soon as possible.
-- BE Policies and Procedures handout (pink). Be sure each student has a copy of this important document, and go over it in detail in class.
-- Attendance forms. You should turn in attendance to me each week. This form is provided for you, but if you have another form you prefer (electronic, for example), please feel free to use it.
By the end of this week, two more items will be available for your use. I’ll let you know when they are back from Duplication.
-- Demographic survey form (blue). Have your students complete these; return them to me as soon as possible.
-- Class syllabus (yellow). Be sure each student has a copy of the syllabus. NOTE: The syllabus is provided as a guideline of what we would like to see covered in that class. If the class as a whole is having difficulty in a certain area, please use your best judgment in regard to spending more time on a certain topic, even if it means not . I strongly suggest using quizzes (written and/or verbal) to be sure your students are understanding the material presented.
-- Background Information forms (beige). Have your students complete these; return them to me as soon as possible.
-- BE Policies and Procedures handout (pink). Be sure each student has a copy of this important document, and go over it in detail in class.
-- Attendance forms. You should turn in attendance to me each week. This form is provided for you, but if you have another form you prefer (electronic, for example), please feel free to use it.
By the end of this week, two more items will be available for your use. I’ll let you know when they are back from Duplication.
-- Demographic survey form (blue). Have your students complete these; return them to me as soon as possible.
-- Class syllabus (yellow). Be sure each student has a copy of the syllabus. NOTE: The syllabus is provided as a guideline of what we would like to see covered in that class. If the class as a whole is having difficulty in a certain area, please use your best judgment in regard to spending more time on a certain topic, even if it means not . I strongly suggest using quizzes (written and/or verbal) to be sure your students are understanding the material presented.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Professional Development Opportunity
For those who are interested, there are some great (and very inexpensive!) online classes in TESOL. You can check them out at eltadvantage.thomson.com.
Useful Web Pages (3)
English Grammar Online References
http://www.educationworld.com/
http://www.thestudyplace.org/welcome.taf
http://esl.about.com/cs/vocabulary/
http://www.wcer.wisc.edu/step/ep301/Spr2000/multimedia/litcomics.htm
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar
http://www.refdesk.com/factgram.html
http://esl.about.com/blgrammar.htm
This is the electronic site for a very interesting magazine on immigration and education.
Useful Web Pages (2)
http://www.manythings.org/
http://www.free-english.com
http://www.educationworld.com/
http://www.eslcafe.com/
http://www.smic.be/smic5022/
http://a4esl.org/
http://www.onestopenglish.com
http://www.thestudyplace.org/welcome.taf
http://esl.about.com/cs/vocabulary/
http://www.wcer.wisc.edu/step/ep301/Spr2000/multimedia/litcomics.htm
http://ilc2.doshisha.ac.jp/users/kkitao/library/student/ch12.htm
http://www.ohiou.edu/esl/english/vocabulary.html
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/index.html
http://www.ilovethatteachingidea.com/
http://www.americanteachers.com/
http://www.sitesforteachers.com/
http://www.ohioable.org/neable/
http://www.theholidayzone.com/links.html
http://www.free-english.com
http://www.educationworld.com/
http://www.eslcafe.com/
http://www.smic.be/smic5022/
http://a4esl.org/
http://www.onestopenglish.com
http://www.thestudyplace.org/welcome.taf
http://esl.about.com/cs/vocabulary/
http://www.wcer.wisc.edu/step/ep301/Spr2000/multimedia/litcomics.htm
http://ilc2.doshisha.ac.jp/users/kkitao/library/student/ch12.htm
http://www.ohiou.edu/esl/english/vocabulary.html
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/index.html
http://www.ilovethatteachingidea.com/
http://www.americanteachers.com/
http://www.sitesforteachers.com/
http://www.ohioable.org/neable/
http://www.theholidayzone.com/links.html
Useful Web Pages (1)
Here are some of the web pages I've found to be useful and/or interesting. Please comment and/or add. This will give us a bank of shared Internet resources.
www.longmanusa.com/multimedia
This is the "tour" site for Longman Publishing, with some of their new multimedia products.
www.nelrc.org/changeagent
This is the electronic site for a very interesting magazine on immigration and education.
www.google.com/educators
www.dolch-words.com
www.grammarandmore.com
www.longmanusa.com/multimedia
This is the "tour" site for Longman Publishing, with some of their new multimedia products.
www.nelrc.org/changeagent
This is the electronic site for a very interesting magazine on immigration and education.
www.google.com/educators
www.dolch-words.com
www.grammarandmore.com
Basic English 1 - 5 course descriptions
BASIC ENGLISH 1
In Basic English 1, students will be introduced to English pronunciation, the alphabet, numbers and basic literacy (reading and writing), as well as American culture as it relates to life skills.
BASIC ENGLISH 2
Using present and past tenses, students will expand their abilities and knowledge in written and spoken vocabulary, questions and answers and description. The course also includes a secondary emphasis on life skills, culture and reading comprehension.
BASIC ENGLISH 3
Basic English 3 is a course designed to improve vocabulary skills as well as reading comprehension and writing ability. Students will build on previous knowledge and pave the way for further learning.
BASIC ENGLISH 4
In Basic English 4, students will work to improve vocabulary, writing skills, grammar ability and reading comprehension.
BASIC ENGLISH 5
This course is designed to further improve the reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary skills of students seeking to improve their ability in English.
Mastery of Basic English 4 and 5 is especially important for those students who plan to continue toward credit coursework through the College, the Academic Enrichment program and/or preparation toward the GED.
In Basic English 1, students will be introduced to English pronunciation, the alphabet, numbers and basic literacy (reading and writing), as well as American culture as it relates to life skills.
BASIC ENGLISH 2
Using present and past tenses, students will expand their abilities and knowledge in written and spoken vocabulary, questions and answers and description. The course also includes a secondary emphasis on life skills, culture and reading comprehension.
BASIC ENGLISH 3
Basic English 3 is a course designed to improve vocabulary skills as well as reading comprehension and writing ability. Students will build on previous knowledge and pave the way for further learning.
BASIC ENGLISH 4
In Basic English 4, students will work to improve vocabulary, writing skills, grammar ability and reading comprehension.
BASIC ENGLISH 5
This course is designed to further improve the reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary skills of students seeking to improve their ability in English.
Mastery of Basic English 4 and 5 is especially important for those students who plan to continue toward credit coursework through the College, the Academic Enrichment program and/or preparation toward the GED.
Miss Tara's life story (short)
In case anyone wondered ...
It’s been a long, twisty path, but I finally ended up in the field (more or less) that I intended to be in when I was a little girl. As the sign on my office door says, “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I have ended up where I needed to be.” (Douglas Adams)
Columbus in the 1960s and 1970s was a much different city from the Columbus of 2007. Many people have heard me tell the story about my 8th-grade Spanish teacher, who told me that it was really nice that I was taking Spanish, “but you have to understand that you’ll never meet any real Spanish speakers in Columbus”.
At the time, that was not too far from the truth. Columbus today is much more interesting – and a lot more fun.
I fell in love with the Spanish language when I was in the fifth grade, and I started taking classes when I was 11. I was at a used-book sale at Barnett Elementary School and saw a Spanish textbook. I opened it and started looking through it and was transfixed by a picture of the Court of the Lions at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. What went through my 10-year-old brain was, “I must go there and see that and meet those people. To do that, I need to learn this language.” I bought the book, but of course made no progress with it at all.
(And when I did finally get to Spain nearly 20 years later, I went to the Alhambra. It was a beautiful day in May. The smell of roses and oranges hung in the air. The sound of water was everywhere from fountains and channels cut into the handrails of the stone staircases. Kittens followed me around looking for just one more bite of the ham sandwich I’d shared with them. Then, without really knowing where I was, I turned a corner and there it was, with sunlight pouring down on it – the Court of the Lions. Just like in the picture so long ago. I stood there and burst into tears.)
I come from a long line of teachers and should-have-been teachers. Apparently, it’s in the blood. My “School Days” book (you know – the one to be added to each year with the school picture and spaces to fill in information such as “My friends” and “What I want to be when I grow up”) shows that when I was in kindergarten, I intended to be a teacher. That held true pretty much through elementary school and junior high. By high school, I became more specific: English teacher ... maybe. I had some serious doubts about my ability to handle some of the students I saw in normal junior-high and high schools. And elementary students? No way.
Taking journalism in high school and working on the high-school newspaper got me thinking about other directions to take my love for words. Then there was the consideration of what major to have in college. My first plan was to major in English; but was that practical? Strangely, it was the comedian Gallagher who really got me thinking about that, with his line: “If you’ve got a degree in English and you don’t teach, what do you you? Open up a poem repair?”
So I graduated from Columbus Alternative High School in 1981 and got my BA in journalism (with a minor in Spanish) from OSU in 1984. At that point, I was thinking about being an international journalist; however, one of my professors told me I wasn’t “obnoxious enough to be a good journalist”. (There are those who would disagree with that assessment, I’m sure.)
One of my professors in the Romance Languages Department at OSU suggested that I go on for a master’s degree, which I did. In 1986, I received my MA in Romance Languages and Literature. During that period, I taught my first ESL class (for the Diocese of Columbus) and then began working part-time for a place called – yes, really – the House of Tutor.
At that point, I was completely burned out. I’d been in school since the age of four. But money still had to be made, so I started temping. That eventually led to a job in the marketing department of Wendy’s International, where I did marketing research, budget coordinator and advertising materials work. By the time I left, my title was Advertising Materials Administrator.
From there I went to the Marketing Department at Combustion Engineering (which two months later was bought by ABB Process Automation). Four years later I was near the breakdown point. I was not doing what I wanted to do – I wanted to TEACH!
I started taking classes part-time in the Ph.D. program in the Spanish and Portuguese Department at OSU. Then my department at ABB was downsized, and I was out of a job. So I moved to full-time graduate student status, and got a TA position. I was back in the classroom!! And loving every minute of it.
In 1997 I finished my classwork for the doctorate and my funding ran out. I started teaching Spanish and ESL as an adjunct in the Modern Languages Department at Columbus State. In 1999 Garry Fourman and I wrote the grant for what would become the Language Institute. On January 3, 2000, the Language Institute was officially born. (I’ll let the Language Institute have its own bio.)
In August 2000, I graduated from OSU with my Ph.D. in Hispanic Linguistics. Derek and I were married in December of 2001. We have a house in Clintonville and four cats. We enjoy reading, writing and music.
It’s been a long, twisty path, but I finally ended up in the field (more or less) that I intended to be in when I was a little girl. As the sign on my office door says, “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I have ended up where I needed to be.” (Douglas Adams)
Columbus in the 1960s and 1970s was a much different city from the Columbus of 2007. Many people have heard me tell the story about my 8th-grade Spanish teacher, who told me that it was really nice that I was taking Spanish, “but you have to understand that you’ll never meet any real Spanish speakers in Columbus”.
At the time, that was not too far from the truth. Columbus today is much more interesting – and a lot more fun.
I fell in love with the Spanish language when I was in the fifth grade, and I started taking classes when I was 11. I was at a used-book sale at Barnett Elementary School and saw a Spanish textbook. I opened it and started looking through it and was transfixed by a picture of the Court of the Lions at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. What went through my 10-year-old brain was, “I must go there and see that and meet those people. To do that, I need to learn this language.” I bought the book, but of course made no progress with it at all.
(And when I did finally get to Spain nearly 20 years later, I went to the Alhambra. It was a beautiful day in May. The smell of roses and oranges hung in the air. The sound of water was everywhere from fountains and channels cut into the handrails of the stone staircases. Kittens followed me around looking for just one more bite of the ham sandwich I’d shared with them. Then, without really knowing where I was, I turned a corner and there it was, with sunlight pouring down on it – the Court of the Lions. Just like in the picture so long ago. I stood there and burst into tears.)
I come from a long line of teachers and should-have-been teachers. Apparently, it’s in the blood. My “School Days” book (you know – the one to be added to each year with the school picture and spaces to fill in information such as “My friends” and “What I want to be when I grow up”) shows that when I was in kindergarten, I intended to be a teacher. That held true pretty much through elementary school and junior high. By high school, I became more specific: English teacher ... maybe. I had some serious doubts about my ability to handle some of the students I saw in normal junior-high and high schools. And elementary students? No way.
Taking journalism in high school and working on the high-school newspaper got me thinking about other directions to take my love for words. Then there was the consideration of what major to have in college. My first plan was to major in English; but was that practical? Strangely, it was the comedian Gallagher who really got me thinking about that, with his line: “If you’ve got a degree in English and you don’t teach, what do you you? Open up a poem repair?”
So I graduated from Columbus Alternative High School in 1981 and got my BA in journalism (with a minor in Spanish) from OSU in 1984. At that point, I was thinking about being an international journalist; however, one of my professors told me I wasn’t “obnoxious enough to be a good journalist”. (There are those who would disagree with that assessment, I’m sure.)
One of my professors in the Romance Languages Department at OSU suggested that I go on for a master’s degree, which I did. In 1986, I received my MA in Romance Languages and Literature. During that period, I taught my first ESL class (for the Diocese of Columbus) and then began working part-time for a place called – yes, really – the House of Tutor.
At that point, I was completely burned out. I’d been in school since the age of four. But money still had to be made, so I started temping. That eventually led to a job in the marketing department of Wendy’s International, where I did marketing research, budget coordinator and advertising materials work. By the time I left, my title was Advertising Materials Administrator.
From there I went to the Marketing Department at Combustion Engineering (which two months later was bought by ABB Process Automation). Four years later I was near the breakdown point. I was not doing what I wanted to do – I wanted to TEACH!
I started taking classes part-time in the Ph.D. program in the Spanish and Portuguese Department at OSU. Then my department at ABB was downsized, and I was out of a job. So I moved to full-time graduate student status, and got a TA position. I was back in the classroom!! And loving every minute of it.
In 1997 I finished my classwork for the doctorate and my funding ran out. I started teaching Spanish and ESL as an adjunct in the Modern Languages Department at Columbus State. In 1999 Garry Fourman and I wrote the grant for what would become the Language Institute. On January 3, 2000, the Language Institute was officially born. (I’ll let the Language Institute have its own bio.)
In August 2000, I graduated from OSU with my Ph.D. in Hispanic Linguistics. Derek and I were married in December of 2001. We have a house in Clintonville and four cats. We enjoy reading, writing and music.
Document security
Please keep in mind that occasionally we have students in the office and Xerox areas. Please be sure that all tests and other items of a personal/sensitive nature are not left out where students may see them.
Is my class going to run? Might it be canceled?
“Is my class definitely going to run? Might it be canceled?”
Registration is still in progress. As of now, there are NO confirmed classes. Please come to your class(es) ready to teach the first week. The final decision will be made about class cancellations at the end of the first week.
If your class is canceled, you will be paid for the hours taught during the first week.
When a class is confirmed, a Letter of Agreement (LOA) will be generated for your class. Remember that payment is ALWAYS generated by means of time cards or electronic time entry (as applicable). You will not be paid if you do not submit your time as directed.
Registration is still in progress. As of now, there are NO confirmed classes. Please come to your class(es) ready to teach the first week. The final decision will be made about class cancellations at the end of the first week.
If your class is canceled, you will be paid for the hours taught during the first week.
When a class is confirmed, a Letter of Agreement (LOA) will be generated for your class. Remember that payment is ALWAYS generated by means of time cards or electronic time entry (as applicable). You will not be paid if you do not submit your time as directed.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
English for Success Update
As you may remember, we had been told by Franklin County
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
BE Testing - Spring 2008
Basic English testing schedule. Below is the testing schedule for this term. If you have any questions or need to request any changes, please let me know. For easy access anytime, this schedule will also be posted on my door and on the blog (http://lang-inst.blogspot.com).
Class: BE 4 (M-F – 8:00 a.m.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Wednesday, June 11
Class: BE4 (T,Th – 9:30 a.m.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Thursday, June 12
Class: BE4 (S,Su – 1:00 p.m.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Saturday, June 14
Class: BE4 (T,Th – 5:30 p.m.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Thursday, June 12
Class: BE5 (M,W – 9:30 a.m.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Wednesday, June 11
Class: BE5 (M,W,F – 6:00 p.m.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Wednesday, June 11
Class: BE5 (S,Su – 1:00 pm.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Saturday, June 14
Class: BE5 (M,T,W,Th – 12:30 p.m.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Thursday, June 12
Class: Writing 1 (T,Th – 9:30 a.m.)
Test: Language (Language Test Kit)
Test date: Thursday, June 12
Class: Writing 2 (M,W – 9:30 a.m.)
Test: Language (Language Test Kit)
Test date: Wednesday, June 11
Test instructions.
- Basic English 1, 2 and 3. You should give the test within the last two days of the course. Tests will be in your mailboxes this week.
- Basic English 4, Basic English 5, and Basic Writing. Since we have a limited number of test kits, we will need to coordinate test dates as well as pickup and return of kits to ensure that all the instructors can have access to what they need. Please pick up the materials just before your test and return them immediately after the test is over.
- Be sure to check the type of kit you need – READING or LANGUAGE.
- Some kits consist of more than one plastic folder. Pick up a complete kit!
- Kits are labeled on the outside of the plastic folders.
- Kits will be located in the CABINET below the FISH TANK.
Class: BE 4 (M-F – 8:00 a.m.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Wednesday, June 11
Class: BE4 (T,Th – 9:30 a.m.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Thursday, June 12
Class: BE4 (S,Su – 1:00 p.m.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Saturday, June 14
Class: BE4 (T,Th – 5:30 p.m.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Thursday, June 12
Class: BE5 (M,W – 9:30 a.m.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Wednesday, June 11
Class: BE5 (M,W,F – 6:00 p.m.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Wednesday, June 11
Class: BE5 (S,Su – 1:00 pm.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Saturday, June 14
Class: BE5 (M,T,W,Th – 12:30 p.m.)
Test: Reading (Pages 1-21 in “E” booklet)
Test date: Thursday, June 12
Class: Writing 1 (T,Th – 9:30 a.m.)
Test: Language (Language Test Kit)
Test date: Thursday, June 12
Class: Writing 2 (M,W – 9:30 a.m.)
Test: Language (Language Test Kit)
Test date: Wednesday, June 11
Test instructions.
- Students should mark their responses on the answer sheets. They should NOT write in the test booklets.
- Have the students complete the information above the solid black line.
- They may use pen or pencil.
- Students should be given 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the test (either Reading or Language).
Monday, June 2, 2008
June-July 2008 Calendar
JUNE
5 Spring term of English for Success ends at Somali Senior and Family Services
5 UN World Environment Day
6 Anniversary of D-Day (1944)
8 Race Unity Day
11 – 15 Spring term of Basic English (on campus) ends.
Instructors, don’t forget to turn in the tests, completed course evaluation sheets (in your mailboxes) and your teaching preferences for next term!
13 Spring term of English for Success on campus ends.
13 Completed time cards due (for period of 6/1 – 6/15)
14 Flag Day
15 Father’s Day
15 Electronic time entry due (for period of 6/1 – 6/15)
19 Juneteenth
20 Summer Solstice
27 Spring term of English for Success at Centro Esperanza Latina ends.
27 Basic English at Catholic Social Services ends.
27 Completed time cards due (for period of 6/16 – 6/30)
30 Summer term of Basic English (on campus) begins.
30 Electronic time entry due (for period of 6/16 – 6/30)
JULY
1 Summer term of English for Success begins at all sites.
4 Independence Day. No classes. Campus offices are closed.
9 Martyrdom of the Bab (Bahá’í)
14 Completed time cards due (for period of 7/1 – 7/15)
15 Electronic time entry due (for period of 6/1 – 6/15)
29 Completed time cards due (for period of 7/16 – 7/31)
31 Electronic time entry due (for period of 7/16 – 7/31)
5 Spring term of English for Success ends at Somali Senior and Family Services
5 UN World Environment Day
6 Anniversary of D-Day (1944)
8 Race Unity Day
11 – 15 Spring term of Basic English (on campus) ends.
Instructors, don’t forget to turn in the tests, completed course evaluation sheets (in your mailboxes) and your teaching preferences for next term!
13 Spring term of English for Success on campus ends.
13 Completed time cards due (for period of 6/1 – 6/15)
14 Flag Day
15 Father’s Day
15 Electronic time entry due (for period of 6/1 – 6/15)
19 Juneteenth
20 Summer Solstice
27 Spring term of English for Success at Centro Esperanza Latina ends.
27 Basic English at Catholic Social Services ends.
27 Completed time cards due (for period of 6/16 – 6/30)
30 Summer term of Basic English (on campus) begins.
30 Electronic time entry due (for period of 6/16 – 6/30)
JULY
1 Summer term of English for Success begins at all sites.
4 Independence Day. No classes. Campus offices are closed.
9 Martyrdom of the Bab (Bahá’í)
14 Completed time cards due (for period of 7/1 – 7/15)
15 Electronic time entry due (for period of 6/1 – 6/15)
29 Completed time cards due (for period of 7/16 – 7/31)
31 Electronic time entry due (for period of 7/16 – 7/31)
Friday, May 30, 2008
Security on campus
Always be aware of your surroundings. If something seems “wrong”, take a minute to consider why you feel that way.
Don’t just dismiss your feelings; there may be a reason for your concern.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from a co-worker or a supervisor if you feel that your or others may be at risk.
Contact Public Safety at 287-2525 (2525 from a campus phone) if you believe there is immediate danger.
If you are leaving campus after dark, you may call Public Safety to escort you to your car. This is especially important if you are parked far away from campus.
Don’t leave your valuables (this includes textbooks!) unattended.
Be sure your students are aware of what to do in case of an emergency on campus or elsewhere. They should know whom to call and how to talk about emergency situations.
Don’t just dismiss your feelings; there may be a reason for your concern.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from a co-worker or a supervisor if you feel that your or others may be at risk.
Contact Public Safety at 287-2525 (2525 from a campus phone) if you believe there is immediate danger.
If you are leaving campus after dark, you may call Public Safety to escort you to your car. This is especially important if you are parked far away from campus.
Don’t leave your valuables (this includes textbooks!) unattended.
Be sure your students are aware of what to do in case of an emergency on campus or elsewhere. They should know whom to call and how to talk about emergency situations.
Late registrations
LATE REGISTRATIONS for BE classes will no longer be permitted after the end of the
second week of class. Students who come after that time will be able to register for the following term. Late registrations are disruptive to the instructor and the other students; further, they do not permit the late-entering student the full benefit of the course.
second week of class. Students who come after that time will be able to register for the following term. Late registrations are disruptive to the instructor and the other students; further, they do not permit the late-entering student the full benefit of the course.
Certificates
CERTIFICATES will no longer be mailed out, unless we have a request from a student.
Students should come to the Central Registration Office (WD 1090) to pick up their certificates. They will need to bring some form of identification with them (CougarID card, driver license, utility bill, etc.) so we can be sure we are giving the certificate to the correct student. Students may not pick up certificates for others. Scores will not be given out over the telephone.
Students should come to the Central Registration Office (WD 1090) to pick up their certificates. They will need to bring some form of identification with them (CougarID card, driver license, utility bill, etc.) so we can be sure we are giving the certificate to the correct student. Students may not pick up certificates for others. Scores will not be given out over the telephone.
Teaching supplies & resources
Those of you who have been here a while will remember our long-standing dream that someday we would have resources available for the instructors to use in their classes. That day has arrived.
There are instructional resources and supplies stored in several places in the office area:
Bookshelves in the waiting area (just as you enter the office suite)
Resource room next to my office
Grey cabinets across from the microwave and fish tank
Cabinets across from the mailboxes
These are for the use of all the instructors. If you take something, please be considerate and return it when you’re done so others may use it as well.
As a note, there are dry-erase markers and erasers in the cabinet across from the mailboxes. If you notice the supply getting low, let me know and I will order more.
There are instructional resources and supplies stored in several places in the office area:
Bookshelves in the waiting area (just as you enter the office suite)
Resource room next to my office
Grey cabinets across from the microwave and fish tank
Cabinets across from the mailboxes
These are for the use of all the instructors. If you take something, please be considerate and return it when you’re done so others may use it as well.
As a note, there are dry-erase markers and erasers in the cabinet across from the mailboxes. If you notice the supply getting low, let me know and I will order more.
Classroom suggestions
Here are some of the very good suggestions and comments I’ve received recently from you about how to make our classes better:
Be sure the students understand the parts of speech and the functions of those parts within a sentence.
Money is an important aspect of American life. Be sure the students at the Basic English 2 level understand money and how to write checks and read bills. We will be trying to find materials that will cover these topics.
Dictation is a good way to strengthen listening skills. After giving a number of sentences of dictation to the students, have them turn those statements into questions (or make them negative) for further practice with word order in questions and negatives.
Be sure the students understand the parts of speech and the functions of those parts within a sentence.
Money is an important aspect of American life. Be sure the students at the Basic English 2 level understand money and how to write checks and read bills. We will be trying to find materials that will cover these topics.
Dictation is a good way to strengthen listening skills. After giving a number of sentences of dictation to the students, have them turn those statements into questions (or make them negative) for further practice with word order in questions and negatives.
Address & phone number changes
Have you moved since you were hired? If so, have you changed your address with Human Resources?
This is important, because at the end of the year your W-2 will be sent to whatever address HR has on file. Be sure your address is current!
Has your telephone number changed? If so, be sure to change your telephone number with Human Resources as well.
If you are unsure about whether or not HR has your current information, let me know and I can look it up on the system for you. However, to make changes, you will need to go to HR and complete a request form to change the information in your file.
This is important, because at the end of the year your W-2 will be sent to whatever address HR has on file. Be sure your address is current!
Has your telephone number changed? If so, be sure to change your telephone number with Human Resources as well.
If you are unsure about whether or not HR has your current information, let me know and I can look it up on the system for you. However, to make changes, you will need to go to HR and complete a request form to change the information in your file.
Photocopies
If you need to make photocopies for your classes, please make only as many as necessary. Also:
If you have a quantity to be made, bring them to me three business days in advance of when you need them and I will have them sent to Duplication. This saves money!
If you have a very large quantity, we may need to create a packet and have the students purchase it.
Thank you for helping us to save on costs. This lets us keep providing copies on an as-needed basis for instructors.
If you have a quantity to be made, bring them to me three business days in advance of when you need them and I will have them sent to Duplication. This saves money!
If you have a very large quantity, we may need to create a packet and have the students purchase it.
Thank you for helping us to save on costs. This lets us keep providing copies on an as-needed basis for instructors.
Instructor contractual requirements
Instructors are hired as contractual employees -- that is, you are considered an employee during the period of the course you are teaching. The following information is important for instructors to read and follow. It is assumed that all instructors agree to these stipulations.
I agree to the following:
1. I will follow the course structure as requested by CSCC and maintain the total number of instructional hours agreed upon, including dates and time of day.
2. Evaluations of student progress, attendance and other course documentation will be provided to the Language Institute as required.
3. I will not replace myself with another instructor without approval of the Language Institute.
4. Any expenses, including duplicating, will be approved through the Language Institute before expenses are incurred.
5. Payment will be generated only by means of TIMECARDS or ELECTRONIC TIME ENTRY, to be turned in to the Language Institute Coordinator no later than 4:00 p.m. on the 15th and last business day of each calendar month during the contract period. Timecards and/or electronic time entry must reflect the number of contract hours taught during the period.
5a. I understand that if I do not turn in my timecard or electronic time entry on time, payment for the amount will be delayed until the following pay period.
5b. My timecard or electronic time entry will not exceed the agreed-upon number of hours for that period without the prior written approval of my supervisor.
6. Failure to meet any of the above agreements could result in dismissal, court action and/or withholding of wages until full agreement is completed.
7. I understand that the College is under no obligation to contract with me for future work.
I agree to the following:
1. I will follow the course structure as requested by CSCC and maintain the total number of instructional hours agreed upon, including dates and time of day.
2. Evaluations of student progress, attendance and other course documentation will be provided to the Language Institute as required.
3. I will not replace myself with another instructor without approval of the Language Institute.
4. Any expenses, including duplicating, will be approved through the Language Institute before expenses are incurred.
5. Payment will be generated only by means of TIMECARDS or ELECTRONIC TIME ENTRY, to be turned in to the Language Institute Coordinator no later than 4:00 p.m. on the 15th and last business day of each calendar month during the contract period. Timecards and/or electronic time entry must reflect the number of contract hours taught during the period.
5a. I understand that if I do not turn in my timecard or electronic time entry on time, payment for the amount will be delayed until the following pay period.
5b. My timecard or electronic time entry will not exceed the agreed-upon number of hours for that period without the prior written approval of my supervisor.
6. Failure to meet any of the above agreements could result in dismissal, court action and/or withholding of wages until full agreement is completed.
7. I understand that the College is under no obligation to contract with me for future work.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Pay periods, time cards & electronic time entry
There are two pay periods each month:
The 1st through the 15th
The 16th through the last day of the month.
COMPLETED paper time cards for a period are due to me TWO business days before the last day of that time period. For example, a time card covering the May 1-15 would be due to me on May 13.
NEVER put time from more than one time period on a time card.
A COMPLETED time card must have your name, CougarID or SSN, days & hours worked, ACCOUNT NUMBER, pay rate, total hours, total pay and your signature. Incomplete time cards are likely to be returned to you for correction. This may result in a delay of your pay until the next time period, so check each time card for accuracy!
Electronic time entry (also called WTE, or Web Time Entry) is done through CougarWeb. If you enter time in this way, you will need to enter your time for a given time period NO LATER than midnight on the day after the period ends. For example, time entry covering May 1-16 could be entered no later than May 16.
I strongly recommend not waiting that long, however. If you wait until May 16 and your web connection is down, or CougarWeb is down for some reason, your pay will be delayed until the next time period, and there's nothing I can do about it.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
The 1st through the 15th
The 16th through the last day of the month.
COMPLETED paper time cards for a period are due to me TWO business days before the last day of that time period. For example, a time card covering the May 1-15 would be due to me on May 13.
NEVER put time from more than one time period on a time card.
A COMPLETED time card must have your name, CougarID or SSN, days & hours worked, ACCOUNT NUMBER, pay rate, total hours, total pay and your signature. Incomplete time cards are likely to be returned to you for correction. This may result in a delay of your pay until the next time period, so check each time card for accuracy!
Electronic time entry (also called WTE, or Web Time Entry) is done through CougarWeb. If you enter time in this way, you will need to enter your time for a given time period NO LATER than midnight on the day after the period ends. For example, time entry covering May 1-16 could be entered no later than May 16.
I strongly recommend not waiting that long, however. If you wait until May 16 and your web connection is down, or CougarWeb is down for some reason, your pay will be delayed until the next time period, and there's nothing I can do about it.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
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