Star Gazer Newsletter

The National STAR Training Network (NSTN) launched the third cohort of STAR trainer certification this fall. Cohort 3 included trainers from Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and North Carolina. The Training of Trainers (TOT) event was held on November 2-4, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas. The network of STAR state trainers is growing strong with approximately 30 individuals having passed certification! This Network of trainers leads the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based reading instruction in 18 states. Congratulations to all of the certification candidates and trainers!

STAR Implementers Can Now Connect on Facebook
Attention STAR Implementers! Join our STAR Network Group on Facebook. The NSTN is very excited to launch this networking resource as a tool for the STAR community to distribute, communicate, and share information online. This virtual community will allow practitioners from across the country to discuss and share STAR stories and best practices. State trainers and trainer candidates may visit the page frequently for the latest STAR updates, to post training questions to their STAR colleagues, and engage in discussions with seasoned trainers.

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Shining Stars
Using a Statewide Newsletter to Disseminate STAR Information: Wisconsin's STAR Forward
Partner states have inquired about ways to keep people connected to STAR within their state. A regular newsletter is a cost effective way to do so. For example, Wisconsin’s state leadership disseminates the STAR Forward, a seasonal update of news about the state’s STAR initiative. The newsletter announces meetings and STAR training dates, information for their state trainers and training candidates, and a "what’s next" section to share what is coming down the pike for STAR. A useful segment in their recently distributed fall newsletter was "Tool Kit Tune-Up" where they reminded readers to update their Tool Kit account information and take the opportunity to revisit it as a "flash back" to their STAR training. Getting STAR participants to utilize the Tool Kit as frequently as possible is a good practice for supporting regular use of evidence-based reading instruction.

If you’re interested in starting a STAR newsletter in your state or program, here are a few tips for creating an effective newsletter:

Consistency in dissemination. Make sure you have a dissemination schedule that you can stick to; this way recipients know when the newsletter is being issued and will think of it as an ongoing resource;
Quality content. In addition to having housekeeping items in your newsletter, like events to watch out for or important dates, make sure to have at least one content-based article on EBRI, best practices in your state, or teaching/training resources available;
Keep your contact list up to date. Make sure your mailing list is clean (no duplicates), have a sign up or removal process for recipients, and
Get the word out! Talk about your newsletter so your STAR community knows that it is an available resource. Announce your newsletter at meetings, have sign- up sheets at events, and cross promote it as much as possible. Your goal is to have your whole adult education community connected to STAR!

Opening the Tool kit
A Resource for STAR Trainers and Trainer Candidates
The STAR Web Site contains a Tool Kit that offers STAR partners a variety of tools and resources for lesson planning, instruction, diagnostic assessment, and more, to support the implementation of evidence-based reading instruction. Among the resources provided in the Tool Kit are two reports that set the foundation for evidence-based reading instruction in adult basic education. The first report, Research-Based Principles for Adult Basic Education Reading Instruction , summarizes research studies on reading, and the second report, Applying Research in Reading Instruction for Adults: First Steps for Teachers , outlines the expert consensus on the implications of this research for adult instruction. STAR state leaders, program administrators, and trainers are encouraged to utilize the resources offered throughout the STAR Web site and Tool Kit to implement practices that have been shown to be successful in improving reading achievement in adult learners.