Holy Cross Hosts National PEPNet Teleconference

WORCESTER, Mass. – The Postsecondary Education Programs Network teleconference titled "Defining English Language Development and Deafness: Language Literacy Programs for Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Educational Settings" will take place at the College of the Holy Cross on Feb. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Stein Hall, Room 102. Participants should allow time to register and collect handouts.

This informative, live national teleconference will provide English teachers, sign language interpreters, direct service providers and administrators with proven techniques used in evaluating student language skills. A panel of experts will share theories on language development and hearing loss, English teacher qualifications, and the role of the sign language interpreter in developmental classes.

Featured topics include: Language development and hearing loss; student assessment and class placement; and educational interpreter’s role in development classes.

The facilitator of the event is Dianne Falvo, who holds 20 years of experience working with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburg, a Master’s Degree in Linguistics from Gallaudet University and is a Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf certified interpreter. She has worked professionally at Gallaudet’s School of Preparatory Studies (as instructor, assistant professor and English department chair) and was an assessor at the Gallaudet Center for ASL Literacy. Currently, she is assistant professor in the ESL Department at the Center for Deaf/Hard of Hearing students and is an adjunct faculty member of the Interpreter Education Program for Camden County College.

PEPNet has broadcasted teleclasses once or twice a year in an effort to convey information to many postsecondary institutions across the country, according to Jane Nunes of the Postsecondary Education Programs Network.

If a member of the public wishes to view a downlink, they can choose a location from a list posted on the PEPNet Web site (www.pepnet.org). It is recommended that they call the contact person in advance to make sure there is enough seating. The program is free of charge.

The event is intended to be highly interactive. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance by e-mail or fax or to call during the live broadcast.

For more information, contact Judy Fask, director of the American Sign Language and Deaf Studies Program at Holy Cross, at 508-793-3344.