CASAS: Helping Agencies Soar so Learners Can Become Career and College Ready

    Abstract:

    This session showcases the resources CASAS offers - many at no cost - which help agencies implement quality ABE/ESL programs with standardized accountability measures. The CASAS framework assists programs to assess, instruct and track youth and adult student's progress from beginning literacy through transition to post-secondary and the workforce.
    Learning Circles for Adult Education, including basic skills, ESL/ESOL , Citizenship Preparation, ASE, and Transition to college
    Author: David J. Rosen and Priyanka Sharma
    Material Type: Presentations/Slideshows
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Learning Circles are a low-cost blended learning model for delivering short-term (6-12 week) instruction using trained volunteer facilitators and online courses or learning resources. In this presentation we talked about learning circles offered primarily through libraries, and a new pilot of English language circles offered for immigrants on waiting lists for English classes at five adult basic skills programs in New England.
    Our Transition From Open to Managed Enrollment in the GED® Classroom
    Author: Christine Faubel
    Subject Area: Mathematics/Numeracy
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    The NTI AEC started the academic year with a managed enrollment program for students enrolled in ESL and GED classes on campus. The transition provided a platform for our team to have professional conversations when it came to developing a student-centered approach to classroom structure. As the GED faculty team, we will share noteworthy reflections and tools related to math and language instruction and to the facilitation of productive staff dialogue.
    Teaching Strategies: Math Activities for ESL/ELL Students
    Author: Michael Matos
    Subject Area: Mathematics/Numeracy
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    The integration of the English language within math content is essential for assisting ESL/ELL students to develop a good understanding of mathematics. This workshop brings participants into a curriculum integrating the study of mathematics and English vocabulary with hands-on and collaborative activities using manipulatives. We’ll give ESL/ELL students alternate ways to participate in whole-class discussions and respond to questions: think/pair/share, flashcards to raise overhead, hand and/or body movements, individual chalkboards for solving computations. Participants are engaged with numeracy lessons that balance between skill building and functional needs. Examples contextualize math instruction, motivate and engage by providing real or concrete meaning, and create a rewarding balance for instruction. ESL/ELL students accomplish two goals: mathematical understanding and English proficiency.
    Money Math Matters: Financial Literacy Instruction and Activities
    Author: Michael Matos
    Subject Area: Mathematics/Numeracy
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    This workshop delivers real-world financial topics and tools with a mathematical connection. Participants will work with financial literacy activities used in ESL and ABE/ASE instruction. Lessons include best practice activities, background economics information, and personal finance content. Activities are presented with varied lesson delivery styles reaching a variety of learning styles helping learners make informed money decisions positively affecting their lives. It will be emphasized that financial literacy is meant to be learned and practiced in an interactive and technological environment. Students learn to apply mathematics to real-world financial situations. Participants interact with tactile, games, scenarios, hard-copies, documents, websites, and computer interactive spreadsheets.
    Adult Learners as Teachers: Supporting Career Pathways and Community Engagement
    Author: Tiffany Pippin
    Subject Area: Career Pathways
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    According to a 2016 report from the Learning Policy Institute, the nation is facing a teacher shortage due to a variety of factors, including compensation and lack of resources. Furthermore, the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) reports that 32% of children (ages 0-8) in schools are dual language learners (DLLs). Because of these factors, school districts are working to find creative solutions to prevent teacher attrition and serve the needs of all students, especially dual language learners. The presenter will provide an overview of partnerships with Denver Public Schools and Aurora Public Schools to provide creative solutions to these problems, while providing career pathways for immigrants and refugees in the communities. Attendees will leave with a model of how to implement similar programming and a curricular framework, as well as sample tools for instruction for contextualized ESL classes.
    Building College and Career Readiness Skills and Increasing Student Engagement Through Student Leadership
    Author: Wendy Finlayson, Alfred Riveros, Beatriz Nunez Vega, Judy Wu
    Subject Area: Career Pathways
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    What skills do adult learners need to succeed in today’s world, and how can instructors and programs aid in the acquisition of these skills? During this interactive, student-led session, participants will discuss 21st century skills and explore ideas for building these skills while increasing student engagement through student leadership opportunities. Students from the Mesa Public Schools Adult Education Program in Mesa, Arizona, will highlight the employability skills they have gained and how they have expanded their horizons through participation in program-wide student leadership opportunities. Participants will be introduced to ideas for enhancing student engagement through student leadership activities such as student volunteerism and participation on a student leadership committee.
    Implementing Close Reading Strategies in English Language Classes
    Author: Ronna Magy
    Subject Area: Reading
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    How can educators help adult English language learners develop close reading strategies that lead to success in both academic and workplace contexts? In this workshop the presenter discusses and participants explore three informational text-close reading strategies: responding to text-dependent questions using citation of evidence, paraphrasing and vocabulary building, and jigsaw reading.