Friday, March 31, 2017

Women in the Judicial Branch


Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Conor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan 

Women in the Judicial Branch
Eight questions about women serving in the federal, state, and local levels of the Judicial Branch.

Also checkout: 

  • Women in the Executive Branch mp3 and pdf
  • Women in the Legislative Branch 2016 mp3 and pdf 
  • Eight for March 8th: a Quick Citizenship Quiz for International Women's Day 2016 pdf and mp3

And:
ACLU: Major Supreme Court Decisions On Women's Rights

Happy Cesar Chavez Day!

USCIS 100:51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?



UFW: Cesar Chavez: Embrace the Legacy (5 min. UFW video)
Learn about the legacy of Cesar Chavez from Martin Sheen, Edward James Olmos, Edward James Olmos and others and get involved in keeping Cesar's dream alive!

Cesar Chavez started the United Farm Workers union, because farmworkers did not have "the legal right to organize and to vote for collective bargaining. They didn't have the right to have clean drinking water, access to portable toilets, lunch breaks, or short rest breaks during workdays. And they were not entitled to the minimum wage or unemployment insurance."



USCIS 100:51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?

  • freedom of expression
  • freedom of speech
  • freedom of assembly
  • freedom to petition the government
  • freedom of worship
  • the right to bear arms
LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast:


Family Fun:


Thursday, March 30, 2017

Milpitas Adult School's Citizenship Class 2017 Number 23



N-400
  • Easy Round Robin Citizenship quiz plus 10 civics question
Civics
Integration:

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Women in the Executive Branch

Women in the Executive Branch

Eight Civics questions about women serving in the federal, state, and local levels of the Executive Branch
  • mp3: https://goo.gl/unzZPU
  • pdf: https://goo.gl/pZj87y

Also see:
  • Women in the Legislative Branch 2016 mp3 and pdf
  • Citizenship Resources for Women's History Month page
  • Eight for March 8th: a Quick Citizenship Quiz for International Women's Day 2016 pdf and mp3
  • Women and USCIS 100 Questions: Civics pdf (2011) and mp3 (2016)

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Milpitas Adult School's Citizenship Class 2017 Number 22



Preparing for Naturalization (updated 04/18/2016)

Civics: 

USCIS Citizenship Resource Center Lesson Pans

The Judicial Branch lesson plan and handouts for low intermediate and intermediate learners covering civics test items 12, 13, 37, 38, 39, 40, and 66.


Si.edu: Preparing for the Oath: The Courts
This teacher guide features a student handout, Crossword Puzzle—Courts, and steps for taking the class through the Courts theme. Download teacher guide.
In this lesson plan, students will follow the Courts theme in Preparing for the Oath and learn more about the Supreme Court by studying recent landmark cases. Download lesson plan.

Integration:

  • A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs about the Branches of Gov’t Part 3 pdf

Monday, March 27, 2017

CASAS Assessments for Citizenship Preparation UPDATED!



COABE: CASAS Assessments for Citizenship Preparation (recorded webinar)

Presented by Jennifer Gagliard and sponsored by New Readers Press.  See the ppts below. Watch COABE's video series on Citizenship and Civic Engagement and download the COABE app!




CASAS ASSESSMENTS FOR CITIZENSHIP PREPARATION https://goo.gl/EIjkmh




CASAS ASSESSMENTS FOR CITIZENSHIP PREPARATION APPENDIX: USCITIZENPOD AND OTHER CITIZENSHIP RESOURCES https://goo.gl/eDmw1e


For a quick overview about CASAS Mission, watch:



CASASsystems: About CASAS

Find out more about CASAS and our mission to improve basic skills for education and workplace success.


Watch COABE's video series on Citizenship and Civic Engagement and download the COABE app!

CASAS Assessments for Citizenship Preparation
https://youtu.be/ENKjkrRZphM 

Pathways to Citizenship: Teaching Civics to English Language Learners https://youtu.be/y4lZR66Qk0A

Ensuring Immigrants' Access to WIOA: Data and Advocacy Tools for Adult Educators https://youtu.be/qd1MOrfeBo4

Capitol Hill Day - Giving a Voice to Adult Education Students
https://youtu.be/HqPu7jdDeDY

Capitol Hill Day - Bringing advocacy to Capitol Hill
https://youtu.be/PO0WWBMSPXA

Advocating for Adult Education: How to Advance State and Federal Policies That Support Your Learners
https://youtu.be/zXKZn6HKgPw

The Blended Classroom in Rural Communities: How to Pull Together Resources on a Small Budget
https://youtu.be/3X5yyXVMRNI

The Trump Administration and Adult Education: A View from Washington, DC
https://youtu.be/RIF5yORzrbI

Sunday, March 26, 2017

All-women U.S. citizenship naturalization ceremony



ABC Action News: All-women U.S. citizenship naturalization ceremony takes place in Tampa Bay area

In a special ceremony dedicated to Women's History Month, nearly five dozen women took the Oath of Allegiance to become American citizens.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Women's Suffrage Movement


American English at State: Women's Suffrage Movement 

March is Women's History Month in the U.S. We start #whm with our #AmericanEnglish graphic with vocabulary related to the women's suffrage movement in the U.S. Who is an important woman in history from your country?

Follow American English at State on Facebook, visit their website and downoad: Celebrate USA: Women's History Month (pdf)

Friday, March 24, 2017

The Sanctuary Movement



VOANews: Sanctuary Churches in US Mobilize to Help Undocumented


U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly says his department will not detain undocumented immigrants at "sensitive locations" such as churches. His comments last week came as congregations across the United States have mounted a grassroots movement to oppose the Trump administration’s immigration policies and to offer sanctuary to illegal immigrants threatened with immediate deportation. VOA’s Bill Rodgers visited one church at the heart of Washington’s immigrant community.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/a/us-sanctuary-churches-undocumented/3775657.html




VOANews: A Moral Imperative to Help Undocumented Immigrants

Faced with the Trump administration's promised crackdown on immigration, faith communities around the country are answering a new call: what they see as their moral imperative to help undocumented immigrants in their communities who face deportation. Niki Papadogiannakis spoke to faith leaders and activists who recently launched a network of sanctuary congregations in Washington.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/a/moral-imperative-to-help-undocumented-immigrants/3779439.html




VOANews: US Attorney General Announces Penalties for Immigrant Sanctuaries

U.S. General Attorney Jeff Sessions has warned that cities and states protecting immigrant felons from deportation could face cuts in federal grants. Sessions called on citizens Monday to abide by U.S. immigration laws. But there is widespread resistance to tough immigrant measures, which many Americans consider inhumane. VOA's Zlatica Hoke reports.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/a/us-attorney-general-announces-penalties-for-immigrant-sanctuaries/3784935.html

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Milpitas Adult School's Citizenship Class 2017 Number 21

USA wins the World Baseball Classic 2017

N-400

Civics
Intermediate Level Executive Branch Lesson Plan
The Executive Branch lesson plan and handouts for low intermediate and intermediate learners covering civics test items 13, 15, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 45, and 46.








Integration

  • Simple Interview quiz (to be posted)
  • Women in the Executive Branch Quiz (to be posted)


Wednesday, March 22, 2017

American Women who Fought for the Right to Vote



American Women who Fought for the Right to Vote
mp3: https://goo.gl/3bzNCn 


Lydia Chapin Taft was the first woman known to legally vote (1756) in colonial America. During the early 1800s, states passed laws to stop women from voting.

Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton based the Seneca Falls Declaration on the Declaration of Independence. They wrote: “all men and women are created equal [and] are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights” (1848). They worked for women’s rights, especially the right to vote.

Alice Paul led the 1910s campaign for the 19th Amendment (1920) to the U.S. Constitution which prohibits sex discrimination in voting.

Fanny Lou Hammer and Ella Baker organized voter registration drives in the American South. Their work led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which prohibits racial discrimination in voting.

Also check out:

Citizenship Resources for Women's History Month
https://goo.gl/t4wjDI

Citizenship Resources in Honor of Nowruz (Persian New Year)
https://goo.gl/JFsmCR

#NoBanNoWall Interview Quizzes
https://goo.gl/efwVOG

N-400 pdfs for practice scripts based on the N-400 Application of Naturalization.
http://www.uscitizenpod.com/p/n-400-practice_27.html

Citizenship Resources for Citizenship and ESL resources.
http://www.uscitizenpod.com/p/citizenship-resources.html

Citizenship by Language for Citizenship Resources organized by language.
http://www.uscitizenpod.com/p/blog-page_17.html

Citizenship by Country for Citizenship Resources organized by country of origin.
http://www.uscitizenpod.com/p/resources.html

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Milpitas Adult School's Citizenship Class 2017 Number 20


N-400

Civics
  • Text Book: Citizenship Passing the Test by Lynne Weintraub
    • Ch 8 Congress pg 124-137
  • CA-state (will be updated in a couple of hours)

Integration
  • Regular Interview quiz (in development)
  • Women in the Legislative Branch 2016 mp3 and pdf 


Check back for updates!

Monday, March 20, 2017

Citizenship Resources in Honor of Nowruz

Nowruz Tabe at the White House 2016
photo source: https://nooshtube.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_6486.jpg

Practice Citizenship Interviews with Iranian-Americans

uscitizenpod: Citizenship Interview Quiz for Presidents’ Week 2017: Hushang Ansary (Iran) (pdf)
A citizenship multiple-choice quiz based on the N-400 Application for Naturalization plus 10 civics questions.

uscitizenpod: 2016 Spring Citizenship Interview with Ali Akbari (Iran/Malaysia) (mp3)
A practice citizenship interview recorded in honor of Persian New Year (2016)

uscitizenpod: A Basic Citizenship Interview with Pari Akibari (Esfahan, Iran) (mp3)
A practice citizenship interview recorded in 2007. Note: N-400 Part 10 is now N-400 Part 12 and the Civics questions are obsolete (ex: George W Bush was the current president in 2007).

More ESL/Civics Resources in English and Farsi

ACLU: Immigrants' Rights: What To Do If Stopped (IN FARSI) (video)

ACLU: What To Do When Faced With Anti-Muslim Discrimination (in Farsi) (video)

CA DMV: California Driver Handbook (pdf)

CLINIC: 100 Civics Questions in Farsi (pdf)

ESL Library: Nauruz (Norooz) Festival (article)
In this lesson, students read about the Persian New Year's festival (New Day). They learn about the ceremonial table, and create their own in small groups. Students also learn idioms related to nature. Note: A number of different English spellings are used for this holiday. The UN recognizes March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz

John Q. Khosravi Law Firm (JQK Law Firm): Naturalization for Iranians (Farsi/Persian) سیتیزنشیپ وتابعیت امریکا برای ایرانیان (video)
More Citizenship and Immigration videos in English and Farsi at John Q. Khosravi Law Firm (JQK Law Firm) (YouTube channel)

MedicinePlus: Health Information in Farsi (فارسی) (web page)

SSA: Social Security Resources in Farsi (web page)

ShareAmerica: Nowruz in the United States: Rising with the spring sun (article, video)
Every year, Americans with roots in Eurasian countries organize public festivals featuring music, dancing, and food to mark the Nowruz holidays. In cities from New York to Los Angeles, Chicago to Houston, Americans introduce and inspire others unfamiliar with Nowruz and its celebrations.

ShareAmerica: First Lady Michelle Obama Nowruz Address (2015) (article, video)
“I think it’s so fitting that we’re holding this celebration here today, because one of my favorite things about the White House is how it is truly the People’s House — a house that reflects the diversity of culture and traditions that make us who we are as a country,” the First Lady said. “And Nowruz is one of those traditions.”

SJ Mercury News: Saratoga: Iranian-American community celebrates Persian New Year amid political anxieties (article)
Persian New Year or "Nowruz," typically a time of celebration for the Iranian-American community, undoubtedly will be tempered this year by the climate of fear and anxiety created by the Trump administration's travel ban.

The Obama White House: President Obama’s Nowruz Message to the Iranian People (video)
President Obama sends best wishes to everyone celebrating Nowruz, March 20. 2016.

USIP: Iran Primer: Nowruz: Traditions for Persian New Year (article)
Ironically, the most widely celebrated holiday in the Islamic Republic of Iran long predates the official religion. Nowruz, literally “New Day” in Farsi, marks the first day of spring and the Persian New Year. The holiday, which falls on March 20 this year, is widely celebrated across the Middle East and Central Asia.

VA Health: Public Health Info in Farsi (webpage)

VOANews: New in Farsi (web page)
News in Farsi from the Voice of America

VOANews: Iranian Americans Confused and Angered Over Trump Travel Ban (video)
President Donald Trump’s revised executive order banning entry to the U.S. from six Muslim majority countries is due to take effect on March 16. Among the six countries is Iran. Even the threat of the revised order is causing major disruptions, not only there, but in Los Angeles, home to the largest group of Iranians living outside of Iran. VOA’s Elizabeth Lee reports from the neighborhood called Persian Square. Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/a/3766574.html

VOANews: Iranians Prepare For Traditional New Year Celebrations (video)
Iranians around the world are preparing to celebrate their traditional new year, Nowruz, which falls on Thursday. The ancient tradition is also celebrated by Kurds and marks the arrival of spring. Zlatica Hoke reports.

VOANews: Iraq Norwuz (video)
It's time for celebration in Iraq. Men and women rang in a new year, as millions of Kurdish people celebrated Nowruz. The celebration falls on the first day of spring, symbolizing the passing of the dark season and the arrival of the season of light. 

VOANews: Kurds Celebrate 'Nawroz' - New Years (video)

Kurdish residents of the northern Syrian city of Kobani are marking the New Year festival Nawroz. Celebrations were held along the border with Turkey, where many of Kobani's citizens fled when the city came under attack by Islamic State militants. Video by VOA Kurdish service reporter Mahmoud Bali.

VOA Learning Engish: Once a US Soldier, Iranian Immigrant Now Serves Veterans (article, mp3, video)
Assal Ravandi knows service. First, as a soldier in the United States Army in Afghanistan. Now, as a soldier for soldiers at the organization she founded: Academy of United States Veterans. Read, listen to, and watch more great stories from VOA Learning English series: People in America

VOA Learning Engish: Mahsa, English Teacher in Iran, Talks About Spending Nowruz With Family (video of Skype interview)
Avi Arditti from VOA Learning English and Mehrnaz Sami from VOA's Persian Service (and an English teacher) talk to a Skype caller about the Persian New Year (2013)

VOA Learning Engish: Mohsen, Engineering Student in Iran, Talks About Nowruz (video of Skype interview)
Avi Arditti from VOA Learning English and Mehrnaz Sami from VOA's Persian Service (and an English teacher) talk to a Skype caller about the Persian New Year

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Bound by Mutual Interests, US-Mexico Border Towns Hope to Maintain Ties



VOANews: Bound by Mutual Interests, US-Mexico Border Towns Hope to Maintain Ties

On the border of southern Arizona and Mexico, a vibrant culture penetrates the rusty metal barrier separating Nogales and Nogales — two cities that share the same name and a long history of mutual business exchange. But pending any mass deportation or unexpected immigration policy, both sides fear their cherished relationship could one day change. Ramon Taylor reports from Nogales, Mexico. Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/a/3754911.html

Friday, March 17, 2017

A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of St Patrick's Day and Irish-American Heritage Month

A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of St Patrick's Day and Irish-American Heritage Month mp3 / pdf

Q4: The "Know-Nothings" (1850s) was a group of native-born Americans which tried to stop Irish immigration.  The "Know-Nothings" thought that the Irish were “alien” and would not support US democracy because of their Catholic religion.  The "Know-Nothings" became too violent and failed. The Irish persevered and overcame discrimination and exploitation.  

100 years later, what movement tried to end racial discrimination? 

The fight against xenophobia based on religious belief continues. See the #NoBanNoWall Citizenship Interviews https://goo.gl/efwVO

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Milpitas Adult School's Citizenship Class 2017 Number 19

No, not Learning Chocolate, we will be taking CASAS.org Assessments

Today we give 2 (or possibly 3) CASAS tests to our current Citizenship Students


  • The Citizenship Interview Test (CIT) is a one-on-one oral assessment that simulates the citizenship applicant's English-language interview with a USCIS examiner (This test will be given to students who have been in class for several months).
  • The Government and History for Citizenship tests reveal how much students know about American government and history. (All citizenship students will take this test)

Life and Work Reading Sample Test  (All citizenship students will take this test)

Use these sample test items to:
  • familiarize students with CASAS items
  • help reduce student test-taking anxiety
These items are samples to familiarize students with CASAS test formats. Since they are not actual tests, they are not predictors of student performance, and are not valid for level placement, assessment, or for reporting standardized scores.
Printable Version
PowerPoint Version




For those who have recently taken a CASAS test

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Women in the Legislative Branch Quiz

Democratic congresswomen will wear white to “stand in solidarity with the women of our nation."  Source: http://fortune.com/2017/02/28/democratic-women-white-trump-speech/

Ten Citizenship questions about Women in the Legislative Branch
  • Women in the Legislative Branch 2016 mp3 and pdf 
Also see:
  • Citizenship Resources for Women's History Month
  • Eight for March 8th: a Quick Citizenship Quiz for International Women's Day 2016 pdf and mp3
  • Women and USCIS 100 Questions: Civics pdf (2011) and mp3 (2016)

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

NO CLASS at Milpitas Adult School March 14



We are testing new students at Milpitas Adult School on March 14.  

Classes are canceled on March 14.  

Please watch the videos on Preparing the Oath 
americanhistory.si.edu/citizenship/

See you on March 16!



Monday, March 13, 2017

James Madison: Not Your Everyday Politician (pus POP QUIZ)



uscitizenpod: James Madison: Not Your Everyday Politician

Originally published at - http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3760750.html

POP QUIZ!

1. What is the supreme law of the land?

2. What does the Constitution do?

3. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What

4. What is an amendment?

5. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

6. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?*

7. Name one branch or part of the government.*

8. What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

9. What happened at the Constitutional Convention?

10. When was the Constitution written?

11. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.

12. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.

13. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.

14. What is the name of the national anthem?

15. What is the capital of the United States?*

Sunday, March 12, 2017

New Americans Take Oath at George Washington’s Home


VOANews: New Americans Take Oath at George Washington’s Home

Fifty one people from 31 countries take the oath to become naturalized American citizens Feb. 22, 2017 at George Washington's Mount Vernon home in Alexandria, VA (read) and (listen)

Friday, March 10, 2017

TDLS17 Padlet

Made with Padlet


This is the padlet I made at Cindy's #tdls17 workshop


Tech Up Your Citizenship Class at the TDLS Conference 2017, Anaheim CA





Tech Up Your Citizenship Class at the TDLS Conference 2017, Anaheim CA

Also please check out

In response to the Travel Ban, we have added the following pages:

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Milpitas Adult School's Citizenship Class 2017 Number 18




N-400

Civics
Integration