Basic Skills Forum

Recent Questions and comments from Instructors:

ESL Teacher:

I think that the ESL required staff meeting at the beginning of the year is a good starting point for communication between the faculty, staff and administration, but there needs to be more communication and education about the roles of administrators. I would like to see a “Dear Administrator or Dear Dean” column much like the “Dear Abby” column. It would also be nice to have a place where teachers and staff can see what the responsibilities of each dean and administrator are. Many teachers don’t even know who their dean is. If there’s an issue teachers are more likely to talk to the union than an administrator.

Nilo E. Lipiz:

I like the idea of an administrator column where faculty and staff can ask questions or make comments regarding anything related to SAC SCE. We can set this up and start talking.
I also think posting administrative flow charts would show each administrator’s current areas of responsibility. This will be easy to accomplish.
In regards to receiving training on how to utilize the equipment available to instructors in the classroom or from the Resource Center, we have part-time coordinators who will be able to assist anyone on how to incorporate the use of technology in their classrooms. This service may be arranged by contacting Susan Gaer at CEC.
Thank you for posting your comments!

Joyce Basch:

I hope the Basic Skills material will fit into the El Civics topics because there is not sufficient time in a semester to do text work, El Civics, and Casas. FANTASY………It would be marvelous if funds could be used to expand the physical size of the rooms so that more computers would fit into the rooms. Then, more students would have the opportunity, each class time, to use, study and learn on the computer. I do not need a reply!

Malena Copeland:

You get a reply anyway 8). Joyce, thank you for participating on the blog! Your comments are very much appreciated. Fitting in core curriculum in addition to EL Civics and Casas, can be quite challenging. We must always be mindful that our number one aim should be to improve the lives and education of our students. The focus of this project is not in any way meant to add more work to our wonderfully dedicated faculty and staff, but rather to help us incorporate 26 effective practices that will enhance the way that we implement our lessons and run our institution. This blog provides us with the means to explore these practices and share our experiences as well as our creative innovations. It’s also a place to express our concerns about our school, the best practices and this project. Here, we can discuss the way we have implemented these 26 best practices, and learn about what works best for our classes.

By creating a collaborative environment, the Basic Skills Initiative will facilitate communication in our institution and provide us with an outlet to voice our opinions and try new strategies. It will also provide new technology, equipment, books, classes, and much more. I thank you again for contributing to the blog and encourage you and everyone to participate often, because your experience and involvement is valuable to the institution, and most especially, to our students.

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