Materials for Library Programs
A compilation of web resources useful in developing course plans for classes aimed at educating patrons on the naturalization process
Overview
- USCIS Course Development Content
- Training Resources
- Workshops
- Classroom Tools
- Essential Documents
- Resources developed by Non-Profits
- Sample Course Plan
USCIS Course Development Content
Offers teaching resources, workshops, classroom tools, and background information on naturalization available to assist those running courses on the immigration process. In addition to what is listed below, there are also extensive resources on ESL education, links to adult literacy organizations, and videos on the immigration process. All of the below, plus additional content, can be found at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/citizenship
- Documents on citizenship foundation skills and knowledge clusters
- A start up guide to expanding ESL, civics, and citizenship education in your community
- A report on current practices of libraries, and links to sources describing basics of teaching adult literacy
- Workshops are offered in various field offices across the country every couple of weeks.
- These classes cover skills needed to teach U.S. history, civics, and the naturalization process to immigrant students, the basics of the naturalization interview and test, the naturalization process, and teaching objectives.
- Registration is required.
Classroom Tools
- Lesson plans for beginning and intermediate learners
- Links to supplemental resources provided by outside organizations
- A page on the basics of naturalization to help teachers get a better grasp of the material they are teaching
Essential Documents
Citizenship Foundation Skills and Knowledge Clusters [pdf]
This is “a short booklet highlighting the knowledge and skills needed for students to be successful on the naturalization interview and test.”
Expanding ESL, Civics, and Citizenship Education in Your Community: A Start-Up Guide [pdf]
Includes information on:
- Recruiting volunteers
- Developing content
- Carrying out a needs assessment of your students
There are also several helpful forms to use in your classes, including evaluation forms, class schedules, and program development plans. In addition, an extensive page of links to outside resources extends the reach of the guide.
Content includes:
- Program Design and Structure: Setting the Course for Your Program
- Establishing a Program Framework and Mission
- Program Structure
- Class Size
- Instructional Approach
- Staffing and Resources: Finding and Supporting Your Volunteers
- Program Content & Instruction: Determining Student Educational Needs What & How to Teach
- Needs Assessment
- Topics Often Included in ESL/Civics Instruction
- Teaching Resources/Techniques
- Sample Forms
- Program Development Plans
- Class Schedule
- Volunteer Position Description
- Volunteer ESL Teacher/Tutor Agreement
- Student Intake Form
- Student Placement Card
- Student Needs Assessment
- Volunteer Evaluation
- Student Program Evaluation
- Resource Directory
- USCIS Program Content
- Beginning and Intermediate Level Lesson Plans
Examples of topics:
- U.S. History Since 1900 (Beginner)
- Abraham Lincoln (Beginner)
- Civil War (Beginner)
- Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches (Intermediate)
- The Minnesota Literacy Council has an extensive list of links that give direction on starting a citizenship education program. Includes information from various non-profits:
- From Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.
- Toolkit for Creating a Citizenship Preparation Program (includes lesson plans)
- Toolkit for BIA Recognition and Accreditation
- Toolkit for Naturalization Workshops
- From Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees