The NYSED Teacher Leader Project: Lessons Learned in Teacher Development
    Author: Mark Trushkowsky, Eric Appleton, Patricia Helmuth
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Since 2014, the CUNY Adult Literacy/HSE Program has collaborated with the NYS Department of Education to create the NYSED Teacher Leader Initiative. This project has developed a community of teacher leaders across the state, dedicated to improving teaching practice in our field. These teacher leaders bring our training to educators in their regions, and develop resources and projects of their own. This workshop provides an overview and answers questions about the initiative. We'll use the voices of the NYSED Teacher Leaders themselves to reflect on the lessons we've learned about effective, ongoing, and engaging teacher development. This workshop is for teachers, administrators, state education directors - anyone interested in the resources developed and the lessons learned through this initiative. All materials from this workshop are available at bit.ly/COABE2018CUNY  
    Have Fun and Build Retention with Kahoot! Quizzes for GED®-HSE Math, Science, and Writing as well as ESL Writing
    Author: Susan Bernard
    Material Type: App, Games
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Do you get frustrated with students using their cell phones in class? Turn that problem into a possibility! Students come alive as they work in teams with student team leaders using their cell phones as game controllers. I’ve never had more fun in class than when doing these Kahoot! quizzes, and the students love them! It’s a great way to get students to interact with each other and to review. As a teacher, you can see how well the students are learning. These quizzes are designed to correlate with the “I’m Not Afraid . . . Anymore!” curriculum for GED®-HSE Math and Writing, and ESL Writing, but they can be used with, or modified for, other curriculum. Come Kahoot! with us in this presentation and join the fun.
    Crossing Borders: Using Cross-Content Project-Based Curriculum to Meet Students’ HSE Needs
    Author: Heather Indelicato, Mary Conlon, Stephanie Sommers
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    With the introduction of the College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS), the changes to the High School Equivalency (HSE) exams, and the increases in employer expectations, students' needs are changing, but it's not realistic to offer separate curriculum for each individual's unique needs. Nor is it possible to build an entirely different program for each pathway (HSE, college-prep, job-training, etc). However, through project-based learning, more of those needs can be met more consistently and more realistically. Through this arrangement, learners gain not only experience and demonstrate a higher level of learning and application, but also create useful cumulative projects, that even have potential to be used in the real world. In this workshop, practitioners who are in the trenches- will dug  into some integrated, project-based curriculum developed by teachers who are in the thick of things.-  Participants explored a cross-content unit plan addressing language arts (reading, writing, and listening/speaking) and social studies content. The unit plans are designed to address the CCRS to meet the needs of HSE students. Strategies for multi-level and drop-in settings were discussed. Practitioners were  also guided/supported in developing additional and/or adapting teaching plans that are specific to their students' needs and share developed plans with other practitioners. ATTACHMENTS: Cross Content Unit Planning Notes Example Combined Resource Social Studies Unit Example Combined Resource Social Studies Unit Instructional Strategy Resources Unit 1 Weekly Overview COABE Pre Conference Crossing Borders
    Bigger, Better Writing: Using Rubrics & Samples to Improve Scores & Instruction
    Author: Dr. Carmine Stewart, Meagen Farrell
    Subject Area: Writing
    Material Type: Presentations/Slideshows
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    No matter what you are teaching, we have a writing sample for you! Learn how to use rubrics to help your GED, TASC, HiSET, ABE and ESOL students improve their writing skills and scores. Two members of the Essential Education design team will explain the process we use to develop our proprietary rubrics. Participants will break into small groups to practice using a rubric to grade writing samples. Everyone will leave with useful strategies and free teaching tools. Identify the skills your students need to become excellent writers and meet their educational goals! ATTACHMENTS: BiggerBetterWriting COABE2016
    Upping the Rigor, Vertically Aligning the Curriculum from ESL to ASE (PPT accompanying materials)

    Abstract:

    Upping the Rigor: Vertically Aligning the Curriculum from ESL to ASE   Presentation Abstract (500 word maximum): This description will be included in the program)   In 2015, we presented our overall ABE/ASE program to a packed room. Our COABE title was SOAR: Upping the Game of Academic Rigor in ABE and ASE,- and we detailed our massive structural, policy and curricular shifts. This was a macro presentation about revamp our ABE and ASE program (independent study to direct instruction and little student services to full-time counseling, field trips, and more). Our student enrollment and number of graduates has more than doubled as a result of our changes; similarly, we have had large increases in student persistence and completion levels. The next step in our work has been in the area of curriculum alignment. Specifically, we have expanded our goal and are now deeply involved in vertically aligning the curriculum from beginning ESL through ABE/ASE.   This curriculum alignment anchors each class level and accompanying common assessments to the College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS) and the Common Core Standards.   Specifically we will share the following: Scaffolded activities, curriculum (including texts), and assessments that align the breadth and depth of the CCRSs; Layered assessments (within and between levels) that build to the final assessment rubric developed within the California State University System; Lesson plans that demonstrate what rigor looks like and sounds like in the classroom whether via a Shakespearean play; philosophical texts on logos, ethos and pathos; or written appeals to the United Nations about Syrian refugees. Our model of how teamwork, staff development, administrative support, curriculum planning and grading pay became part of our system of success. ATTACHMENTS: HANDOUT RIGOR COABE 2016 1 CCR and Success Organizer paper may 2014 IMG_0274 1 COABE Rigor 2016 Kickoff Slides
    The Five Paragraph Essay
    Author: Brenna Kane
    Subject Area: Writing
    Material Type: Video
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    A short, free, authentic classroom professional development video on teaching essay writing. Students learn how to write an essay, how to: brainstorm ideas for the topic they are presented with, organize the ideas, write a topic sentence, and write an introductory and concluding paragraph. They also learn what to expect in the testing situation, for example, that the topic is given, that they have to brainstorm ideas without getting blocked, and that they will not have time to draft and re-copy a final essay. Although the GED 2014 series exam does not include a writing test as such, some of the strategies may be useful for the writing sections of the exam. Also, this approach may be useful for other high school equivalency exams such as the TASC and the HiSET. In this lesson students are given this topic: What qualities do you think make up a good employer? Write an essay that identifies the qualities you think a good employer has, giving specific examples to back up your ideas.-
    Strategies for Middle-Level Learners (4th-9th)

    Abstract:

    About 59% of adult education students function between 4th and 9th grade. In order to have efficient success with these “middle-level” learners, programs need systems and methods designed specifically for these students. These learners (4th-9th) require a special strategy. Each student requires an effective individualized approach for their specific academic and emotional needs. Instructional systems in the middle levels can impact long-term success by ensuring fluency of basic skills competencies before advancement, developing independence and confidence, and by incorporating time into instruction and assessment. Join this session to explore methods from Pace Learning Systems designed specifically for the middle-level learner since 1977.
    Difficult Word – Distinction Study Guide
    Author: Rob Thomas
    Subject Area: Speaking/Listening, Writing
    Material Type: Lesson Plan
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    There are a number of words in the English language that are often misunderstood and which people use incorrectly in spoken and written form. In this study-guide, you will find examples of some of the words that are most often used incorrectly along with explanations as to their correct usage.