AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in solving community problems. AmeriCorps is an opportunity for someone, like you, to transform your life and the lives of those around you. It's a chance to apply an individual's skills toward helping others and meeting local critical needs.

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a real difference in our community?

Contact opportunity@tarrantlit.org to learn more about the Texas Family Literacy AmeriCorps Initiative and how you can help share these opportunities with individuals you know. Texas Family Literacy AmeriCorps positions are open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents with a Bachelor's degree in any field. All service positions are full-time for eleven months beginning August 1, 2013.

We have a great line-up of spellers and sponsors again this year! THANK YOU to all who have agreed to help out this year with our Corporate Spelling Bee on April 16th!
Many thanks to Alcon, Atmos Energy, Lockheed Martin, Star-Telegram, BNSF Railway, Red & Julie Goldstein, JPS Foundation, Roger & Jane Nober, Teak Tree Capital, TCU, Joan Trew, Williams Trew Sotheby's International Realty, UNT Health Science Center, Acme Brick, AllianceTexas, A Development of Hillwood, Bank of Texas, Cook Children's Health Care Center, Ken & Tahita Fulkerson, Mark and J.R. Labbe, Linbeck, Omni Fort Worth Hotel, Plains Capital Bank, Mayor Betsy Price, Rotary Club of Fort Worth, The Stayton at Museum Way, Tarrant County College, Dennis & Kathryn Thompson, United Way, UT Arlington and the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel!

Tarrant Literacy Coalition has two immediate volunteer needs. Please share these needs with your friends and family so that they can be filled as quickly as possible.

1. Open to anyone 16+: Kids' Vision Fest 2013
February 1, 2013 8:00 am-4:00 pm
TCC-Trinity River
Details: Kids Vision Fest is a free festival offering free eye exams and glasses to children 5 to 12 who qualify, plus free vision screenings for children of all ages, educational activities, entertainment, games, giveaways and more. Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks. Volunteer assignments will be given out at Volunteer Orientation to later be announced. If you are unable to commit to the entire event time, please let us know, as we can work with your schedule. However, we do require a minimum of a 4 hour commitment.
Contact Tiffany Lopez for details (tiffany.lopez-hamilton@tccd.edu)
Sign up here: http://tccd.student-hub.com/Events/Event/Summary.aspx?EventID=1226372

2. Spanish GED Tutor: Open to bilingual (Eng/Spanish) adults interested in helping adult students prepare to take the GED in Spanish.
2.5hrs/wk during the spring semester (Tuesday or Thursday evening)
WSISD-Family Resource Center (76108)
Details: Adults without a high school diploma come to classes across the Metroplex ready to make a difference in their lives by earning a GED. Tutoring is extremely valuable in GED preparation, in particular for students starting at a lower level benefit tremendously from extra help and encouragement to persist in their studies.
We are looking for tutors specifically working with adult students preparing to take the GED in Spanish. Tutors will work with their students in small groups to master the core GED subjects: Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies, and Science. Spanish knowledge is especially critical in writing grammar and mechanics.
Commitment of 2-3 hours per week is required for at least 6 months. Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings in White Settlement (76108). Please fill out our online volunteer candidate form (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDhOSDFFNVZWNzRlNlNzbzBBS21MZWc6MQ#gid=0) to be contacted about available positions and program details.

Click the link to view the newsletter:
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/New-Year-s-News.html?soid=1102643130380&aid=WBqgmblg11w

Contents:
ESL Training
Fourth Friday
Lucky Laptop Recipients
Upcoming Events
Quick Links
A Year in Review
We Want to Feature YOU!

Please see this important linked document! If you TEACH or SUPERVISE an ESL program in our area, you may apply for reimbursement for registration to this International ESL Conference. We are fortunate that this conference is going to be in our own backyard this year – but you need to apply right away!

GED Testing Service is pleased to announce the following new webinars on the 2014 GED® test to be held January and February 2013. Select the link underneath each scheduled session to access the registration form of the session you would like to attend.

2014 GED® Test 101
(Monday, January 14, 2013, 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. EST)
This hour-long webinar will provide you with an overview of the key features of the new GED® test that launches in January 2014. The session will include a summary of the major similarities and differences between the current 2002 Series and the new 2014 GED® test, a review of the item types, information about test length, how the Passing Standard will be set, where the test will be given, when the new practice test will be launched, the kinds of reports resulting from the test, and more. Get grounded in the basic facts to help you get ready for what's to come in 2014!
• January 14, 3:30 p.m. EST session:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGE2ZHBPd21zazZyY1ByMmh4T01jS0E6MQ
• January 14, 5:30 p.m. EST session:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGRKZXllcno4bm56MEVsN0EtMHBxa2c6MQ

Exploring the Reasoning through Language Arts Module of the 2014 GED® Test
(Tuesday, January 15, 2013, 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. EST)
This hour-long webinar focuses on the content and structure of the Reasoning through Language Arts module of the GED® test to be launched in 2014. Learn more about the content that is the same as and what has changed from the 2002 Series, including how reading and writing have been integrated, information about the Extended Response item that replaces the current Language Arts, Writing Part II Essay, and more.
• January 15, 3:30 p.m. EST session:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dG00dGxwZ0txZUYxdmFXOXU4LVNpNGc6MQ
• January 15, 5:30 p.m. EST session:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEtRTV9rLUNaSk1aWkNia0YxY0ZEb2c6MQ

Exploring the Social Studies Module of the 2014 GED® Test
(Tuesday, January 22, 2013, 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. EST)
This hour-long webinar focuses on the content and structure of the Social Studies module of the GED® test to be launched in 2014. Learn more about the content that is the same as and what has changed from the 2002 Series test, including the social studies content areas, the new social studies practices, the new Extended Response items that will appear on each Social Studies test form, and more.
• January 22, 3:30 p.m. EST session:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFhJWkppTnhWa1prSDU1ZVpnWjVtVFE6MQ
• January 22, 5:30 p.m. EST session:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDFHWlVZRjk5d0U2bGxUV3hneWJibmc6MQ

Exploring the Science Module of the 2014 GED® Test
(Wednesday, January 30, 2013, 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. EST)
This hour-long webinar focuses on the content and structure of the Science module of the GED® test to be launched in 2014. Learn more about the content that is the same as and what has changed from the 2002 Series, including the science content areas, the new science practices, the two short answer items that will appear on each science test, and more.
• January 30, 3:30 p.m. EST session:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFdkcDk2eXVpSHZteXI1N1JfUHRCWnc6MQ
• January 30, 5:30 p.m. EST session:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFBvbFdsZ0dGOG9vMWp6aWpoS0hvUHc6MQ

Exploring the Mathematical Reasoning Module of the 2014 GED® Test
(Tuesday, February 5, 2013, 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. EST)
This hour-long webinar focuses on the content and structure of the Mathematical Reasoning module of the GED® test to be launched in 2014. Learn more about the content that is the same as and what has changed from the 2002 Series, quantitative problem solving, algebraic problem solving, the new mathematical practices, how the on-screen calculator will be used, and more.
• February 5, 3:30 p.m. EST session:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGd6MVNaUlhWWC1tdDZ6TDYtMVZKWkE6MQ
• February 5, 5:30 p.m. EST session:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHN6SGotM3RRQUVsQklrSUFyaHpIQ3c6MQ
If you're unable to attend, remember that all webinar sessions will be archived on the web for your convenience. These recordings will be available for on-demand access approximately 10 days after the webinar is initially presented.
You are receiving this invitation because you registered to receive updates on the 2014 GED® test at GEDtestingservice.com. Watch your email for additional invitations to future webinars as well as announcements and updates on the 2014 GED® test.
Questions? Email us at GED2014@GEDtestingservice.com.
Sincerely yours,

Martin D. Kehe
VP, Products
GED Testing Service

Please read the recently released Texas Interagency Literacy Council Report.
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/svcs/adultlit/interagency-literacy-report.pdf

The Tarrant Literacy Coalition invites all literacy volunteers and staff to the Annual Holiday Appreciation Celebration on Thursday, Novemeber 15, 2012 from 2:30-4:30 at the First United Methodist Church Wesley Hall.
Please RSVP by Monday, November 12, 2012 to receive parking instructions.
817-870-0082 or info@tarrantlit.org

Basic ESL Training for New ESL Teachers of Adult Students
January 18-19, 2013
First Baptist Grapevine Fellowship Center
Reservations required by Friday, January 11th
Cost: $35
Please RSVP to kpeiser@suddenlink.net

Click the link to download the current edition of the Tarrant Literacy Coalition monthly newsletter.
http://www.tarrantliteracycoalition.org/file_download/d1f43a5c-567a-44b1-bce9-3d2d6b064bdd
Thanks for reading!

The Tarrant Literacy Coalition is now accepting applications for an AmeriCorps VISTA position. It is essential that we fill this full time position at the Tarrant Literacy Coalition because as you all know, we operate with a very small staff, and our AmeriCorps positions are critical to the work we do. For more information visit: http://www.tarrantliteracycoalition.org/file_download/71e7e42e-ee1e-4560-8816-c86ab179edc1, FAQ: http://www.tarrantliteracycoalition.org/file_download/71954652-5de4-4622-80d1-0d7d683e0aa3
To apply right now visit: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=32975&fromSearch=true
Deadline to apply is Friday, September 28th.

Invest in people who want to improve their lives through education.
To learn more check out our video promoting North Texas Giving Day!
http://youtu.be/77ksSCMiaLQ

This is a note that came to us earlier this week. Juanita received assistance from the Tarrant Literacy Coalition to take the GED exam.

When you contribute to the Coalition, you help us open the door to opportunity for students just like Juanita - all over our community.

Today is North Texas Giving Day, and every contribution we receive today will be multiplied through matching funds from the Communities Foundation of Texas.

Please, log on now to https://northtexasgiving.s3.amazonaws.com/npo263821487.html and make your contribution - or call our office and make a contribution over the telephone. Help us help others who want to make a better life for themselves and their families. (817) 870-0082 or (817) 917-5485

Also, check out our Facebook page throughout the day for Giving Day updates. http://www.facebook.com/tarrantliteracy

Have you heard about the massive Open House Giveaway? This is an annual event that you will not want to miss. Our new office is once again full of boxes. These are not boxes that we will unpack and settle in with; these boxes are full of educational materials and books for all ages looking for a good home.

Check out our latest Facebook photo album for an idea of how much and what kinds of materials will be given out. Then imagine how wonderful it will be to spend some time with the Tarrant Literacy Coalition staff and other area literacy providers talking unhurriedly about how things are going and what you would like to see happening.

Have I convened you yet? Now it's time to email your RSVP to jbosmans@tarrantlit.org (to make sure we have enough refreshments). Add Open House to your calendar (September 8th from 10-1) and be sure you note our new address: 4750 Benbrook Hwy S., Fort Worth, TX 76116.

Hope to see you Saturday!!!
Jen Rollins

Click the link to download the current edition of the Tarrant Literacy Coalition monthly newsletter.
https://tarrantliteracycoalitionorg.presencehost.net/file_download/3a97fd43-90fc-4d3c-aca9-8351f41bd04e
Thanks for reading!

Free books!

Free...

Books!

Come to our open house on September 8th, International Literacy Day and see our new office, meet our new VISTA, and....
You guessed it, FREE BOOKS!

Jaise and Jen have been out of the office and working up a sweat collecting books and resources from around town to give out to you to use with your literacy programs just for coming to our open house.

Please RSVP to jbosmans@tarrantlit.org to ensure we have enough refreshments for all.

September 8, 2012
10am-1pm
4750 Benbrook Hwy
Fort Worth, TX 76116

Isn’t it exciting walking into a store and finding boxes of crayons on sell for 50¢ and spiral notebooks 10 for $1? I love walking down the school supply isles and examining the latest trends for grade school students. However, as the Fourth of July displays were coming down and the back to school displays were being set up, my thoughts were increasingly returning to my resuming GED class.
I wonder what the theme should be for this semester. I wonder what will benefit my students the most. Last semester, we focused on writing. During every class meeting the students’ assignments directed them to put pencil to paper and turn their thoughts into words.
One thought I have had, with the imminent changes to the GED, is how I can integrate computer literacy into my classroom. However, this desire seems just about impossible without a computer lab. Another thought I have been tinkering with, is if I could creatively integrate soft skills and work etiquette into my Language Arts lessons.
The start of a new semester brings so many possibilities; it is really quite exciting. If you or your organization are starting something new this semester, please share it. You never know when an idea you have had may spark a moment of creative genius for someone else.

Jennifer Rollins is an AmericorpsVISTA member and has served the Tarrant Literacy Coalition since November 2011. During that time she has assisted in teaching GED Language Arts at the White Settlement ISD Family Resource Center and is passionate about preparing her students well.

Facebook now has more than 901 million users and chances are, you're one of them. We use Facebook too! Visit our page between August 12-18th, like our page and contest status, and you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of two $25 Amazon gift cards. Share this email with your friends and family for their chance to win also.
http://www.facebook.com/tarrantliteracy

Click the link to download the current edition of the Tarrant Literacy Coalition monthly newsletter.
http://www.tarrantliteracycoalition.org/file_download/e3fee2f4-10a1-420e-85cd-689b07eb4a06
Thanks for reading!

Click the link to download the current edition of the Tarrant Literacy Coalition monthly newsletter.
http://www.tarrantliteracycoalition.org/file_download/1d083663-8e61-4205-b470-e5181fe6e8f5
Thanks for reading!

Click the link to download the current edition of the Tarrant Literacy Coalition monthly newsletter.
http://www.tarrantliteracycoalition.org/file_download/d2fd94d0-87ab-4b40-8c81-9bcd4c198a98
Thanks for reading!

Click the link to download the current edition of the Tarrant Literacy Coalition monthly newsletter.
http://www.tarrantliteracycoalition.org/file_download/c0854575-5782-49a8-b360-ea3b34a92240
Thanks for reading!