Greetings,

Recently, I rejoined this listserv by raising the topic of "concurrent
language and technical training," which generated some interesting comments.
Yesterday our moderator invited me to introduce myself, share my connections
to workplace literacy and my reasons for joining the list.

Briefly, I am writing my dissertation proposal on technical and language
skill training for NNS adults.  My research is born out my experience w/ a
VESL program for 130 "dislocated" workers.  Due to  enormous challenges
(untrained staff, One Stop politics, students' educational backgrounds,
logistics & resources) participants did not meet their goal of obtaining
family sustaining jobs.  My experience, unfortunately, was not an anomaly.

As a result, I hope to learn more from those whose practices are promising,
as many of you have written extensively about.  One intriguing theme I've
identified is that of collaboration between stakeholders, particularly
content and literacy instructors.  In my recent chapter, ³How much English
does Maria need to give a manicure?² I discussed collaboration and genre
regarding access to and successful participation in skill and language
training.  I would like to hear from you (either on or off list) about
investigating these foci so I can make the best contribution to our Field.

Last but not least, hopefully it¹s appropriate on this listserv to raise the
white elephant: how the Bush administration's ideology prioritizes the
military at the expense of the work we do to meet the needs of immigrants.
I hope to hear from others who agree there is an urgent need for progressive
dialogue and action among us about this emergency, which directly affects
how -- or even whether -- we serve newcomers struggling in the current
political climate. 

Thank you Donna Brian, for inviting me to introduce myself in this way, and
thanks to those of you who would like to share ideas and comments about what
I¹ve raised.

Laurie
-----------------------------
Laurie Ketzenberg
Doctoral Student
TESOL/CITE
Temple University



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