- Pre-reading questions that can be used for individual reflection, journaling, or class discussion.
- Vocabulary-building exercises
- Word attack strategies
- Comprehension questions
- Grammar lessons and practice exercises
- Writing tasks
- Graphic organizers
- Digital story progress sheet
- Paragraph writing checklist
- Level 6 scope and sequence
- Pre-reading questions that can be used for individual reflection, journaling, or class discussion
- Vocabulary-building exercises
- Comprehension questions
- Spelling lists and exercises
- Grammar lessons and exercises
- Writing tasks
- The Most Amazing Structure on Earth
- The Many Faces of Genius
- The Many Pathways to Knowledge
- Boost Your Brainpower
- Memory Magic
- Put to the Test
- The Sixth Sense: Intuition
- The Big Five: Personality
- Secrets of a Happy Brain
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Abstract:
This reader contains nine original stories about human rights written specifically for adults who read at the grade 4.5 to 6 reading level.
Resource URL
Publication Year
2015
BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English – Reader 4 is a part of the B.C. Open Textbook project. Open textbooks are instructional resources created and shared in ways so that more people have access to them. Open educational resources (OER) are teaching, learning, and research resources that reside in the public domain or have been released under an intellectual property license that permits their free use and re-purposing by others. The book is openly licensed using a Creative Commons license, and is offered in various e-book formats free of charge.
This reader contains nine original stories written specifically for adults on the topic of human rights. Each story mirrors a chapter in the accompanying course pack. New vocabulary terms are set in bold throughout each story, and then summarized and defined in a Glossary found in the appendix. Font size and line spacing can be adjusted in the online view, and have been enhanced for the PDF version for easier reading. This reader has been reviewed by subject experts from colleges and universities. This reader is one of a series of six readers, is roughly equivalent to grades 4.5 to 6 in the K-12 system.
The first story is about the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the ninth is based on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” The remaining seven stories are about Canadian historical figures.
What the experts say
This reader adds a valuable tool to the kit compiled by all effective ABE instructors. Low-level adult readers and their instructors face difficult challenges finding reading materials that attract the interest of adults while being written at levels that they can cover independently. Adding to the value is that BC Reads readers hold the most open Creative Commons license allowed. That means that learners can modify any of the content to adapt to their interests, and instructors can freely copy, paste, and also modify content to meet the needs of their learners. Passages in the stories are simple to read but they invite natural adult reading rhythms that keep them from sounding “childish” or mechanical.
Significant in this product is the always-timely theme it covers: human rights. Students not only read about the topic from individual characters in each story; they are also invited to write about human rights and how it applies to them, using helpful organizers in the reflection process. There are skills-development exercises for each chapter to increase ability in word-recognition, reading comprehension, writing (through summarization), vocabulary knowledge, grammar and world knowledge. Besides usefulness for classroom instruction, the resource could be used in professional development/ study circles, for example on how to use isolated skill questions in a creative and interactive way in the classroom.
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This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites.
Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.
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Abstract:
This reader from British Columbia contains nine original stories written specifically for adults reading at the 3 to 4.5 grade level equivalent (GLE).
Resource URL
Publication Year
2015
This reader contains nine original stories written specifically for adults and is designed to accompany the BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English - Course Pack 3. One of a series of six readers, the reading level is roughly at the 3 to 4.5 GLE. Each of the eight chapters includes a level-appropriate, high-interest reading of approximately 200 words. New vocabulary and word patterns are highlighted throughout the stories and summarized at the end. Font size and line spacing can be adjusted in the online view, and have been enhanced for the print and PDF versions for easier reading.
What the experts say
BC Reads - Reader 3 is a reading resource for learners reading at the 3 to 4.5 GLE. The stories are customized to the history of British Columbia, but many of the stories could be relevant to a broader base of adult learners. It has several accessibility features consistent with Universal Design for Learning – the font size and line spacing of the stories can be modified to accommodate learner needs and preferences. This reader is a third addition to the BC Reads open source readers. This open source project could be an exemplar for US based resource development.
It is a useful tool for the adult literacy educator in that it provides a sequence of skills related to reading for comprehension (including, for example, word attack strategies, pre-reading strategies, and perspective-taking comprehension strategies). The resource is also useful for the adult learner, as it includes step-by-step instructions, models and guiding prompts, and tools such as graphic organizers and self-test quizzes on the skills and strategies featured.
Resource Notice
This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites.
Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.
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Abstract:
This course pack embeds fundamental English and computer literacy learning in a project-based curriculum that is designed to meet adult education learning outcomes that are roughly equivalent to grades 7.5 to 9 in the K-12 system.
Resource URL
Publication Year
2015
This course pack is part of the BC Open Textbook project. BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English – Course Pack 6 embeds fundamental English and computer literacy learning in a project-based curriculum. Course Pack 6 provides activities to promote adult literacy skill acquisition as learners create their own digital story. The pack includes links to 11 level-appropriate texts and learning videos that support the learner's literacy development and engages them in relevant readings and examples of storytelling. BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English – Course Pack 6 highlights the use of graphic organizers to help learners organize their thinking and writing. It also includes activities that introduce and help learners use digital skills as a part of the process of creating their digital story (e.g., using the computer to find information, adding audio or images, storing folders on a computer).
The course pack is designed to meet the learning outcomes for Adult Literacy Fundamental English Level 6, as outlined in the ABE in BC 2014/2015 Articulation Handbook, which is roughly equivalent to grades 7.5 to 9 in the K-12 system.
The course pack contains:
What the experts say
This multilayered, multilevel resource offers adults at many levels of literacy and language ability an opportunity to learn how to develop their own stories in digital format. It also provides an opportunity to gain or strengthen their existing skills to use language in face-to-face and electronic settings to communicate deep truths, and/or simply to strengthen their abilities to use language in ways they determine to be important and useful.
Due to time constraints, adult education teachers in the U.S. probably should not implement it in their classrooms in its present form. Rather, BC Reads should be included as a resource as a well-crafted example for curriculum designers of how to organize and deliver project-based learning. Given the presence of trauma in the lives of many adult learners, some learners may attempt to tell personal stories that are very painful and psychologically damaging to recount. The authors of the resource are aware of this risk, and there is mention that learners should avoid such stories. Yet, at least two of the exemplar personal videos in the resource deal with traumatic events.
Resource Notice
This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites.
Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.
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Abstract:
This course pack features a set of nine high-interest reading materials that are designed to meet the learning outcomes for Adult Literacy Fundamental English Level 5 (roughly equivalent to grades 6 to 7.5 in the K-12 system). Resource URL https://opentextbc.ca/abealf5/ Publication Year 2015 The BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English – Course Pack 5 is designed to meet the learning outcomes for Adult Literacy Fundamental English Level 5 (roughly equivalent to grades 6 to 7.5 in the K-12 system). Every chapter includes a level-appropriate, high-interest reading of between 500 and 800 words. The readings are freely available in a separate reader with convenient links to the readings in each chapter of the course pack. Font size and line spacing can be adjusted in the online view, and have been enhanced for the print and PDF versions for easier reading. This course pack has been reviewed by subject experts from colleges and universities. Links to the nine readings are embedded in this course pack. While this resource does not provide instructional strategies nor lesson plan, the readings are accompanied by:
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Abstract:
Written specifically for adults, this beginning-level reader contains eight chapters about Langston Hughes' family history and personal life.
Publication Year
2015
Written specifically for adults, this level 2 reader contains eight chapters about Langston Hughes' family history and personal life. It includes excerpts from many of Hughes' poems and is designed to accompany the BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English - Course Pack 2. The reader—one of a series of six readers—is at the 1.5 to 3 grade level equivalent (GLE). Font size and line spacing can be adjusted in the online view, and have been enhanced for the print and PDF versions for easier reading. It has been reviewed by subject experts from colleges and universities.
The online version of the course pack contains audio recordings of each story in the reader. These recordings, combined with vocabulary and word pattern exercises, prepare the Level 2 student to read each chapter with greater independence.
Depending on a learner’s readiness, teachers may want to use the sentences in the Word Pattern sections as dictations.
What the experts say
It is often a challenge to find connected text for adults reading at the beginning levels. It is especially difficult to find compelling texts. Combining a biography of Langston Hughes with his poetry (which is largely accessible for readers at this level without adaptation) is a rather brilliant approach. Each chapter chronicles a segment of Hughes’ life and is accompanied by a short excerpt of one of his poems. It can also be used online with learners who have a range of comfort/ability with technology in order to listen to text, read, engage in support activities (grammar, vocabulary, literacy and critical thinking). Together, these texts help make the case for new readers that there is a wealth of meaningful topics to explore in print.
The resource lends itself to both independent reading by adult learners, as well as to being used in classroom/small group settings with a range of guidance provided. It is an adult-oriented text for adult learners reading at the 1-3 GLE, combined with sight word and decoding exercises. On the positive side, the text is a biography of an African-American poet who succeeded against odds and is recognized as a major poet. Reading support is provided with audio recordings and vocabulary. Decoding exercises are also included, but contrary to best practice, are not connected to the text. Nevertheless, the book could be useful as one reading in a course.
Resource Notice
This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites.
Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.
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Abstract:
This reader from British Columbia contains nine original stories written specifically for adults at the beginner to grade 1.5 reading level.
Publication Year
2015
This reader contains nine original stories about healing, discovery, survival, relationships, justice, and connections to the land explored through the lens of the plant world. These stories, written specifically for adults, are designed to accompany the BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English - Course Pack 1. This level 1 reader, one of a series of six readers, is roughly equivalent to beginner to grade 1.5 in the K-12 system. Font size and line spacing can be adjusted in the online view, and have been enhanced for the print and PDF versions for easier reading. This reader has been reviewed by subject experts from colleges and universities.
What the experts say
BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English - Reader 1 has the potential to be a very useful instructional resource for ABE teachers working with beginning readers. The nine stories, written for adult learners at grade equivalent 1-2, offer enough variety of humanistic, multi-culturally sensitive themes to be of use for adult learners. Although written for students based in British Columbia, the themes are universal and wide-ranging enough to appeal to both information-based readers and readers who prefer stories based on their life roles as family and community members. They are unusual given their simplicity of language yet depth of feeling and reflective nature.
It is a flexible teacher-and learner-friendly resource. The open-text format allows for ease of use and sharing with students and their families. The stories can be downloaded and printed in a variety of formats (e-reader, kindle, pdf) or read on-line. Some are colorfully illustrated and others use public domain photographs to convey their meaning. The stories use simple sentences and nearly all monosyllabic words yet are still interesting, a challenging feat. Although there is no research supporting the use of these types of books with beginning adult readers, they might be useful in increasing interest in reading.
Resource Notice
This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites.
Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.
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Abstract:
This practice brief offers considerations and step-by-step instructions for planning and executing task analyses for teaching new skills to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Publication Year
2015
Autism Q&A: Using a Task Analysis for Instruction provides guidance and tips for creating a task analyses for instructional programs serving students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Students with autism often need complex skills broken into small, learnable steps; a task analysis is a strategy for meeting those needs in a consistent and individualized manner. For students with autism, a task analysis is one of the most valuable strategies in the educator’s tool box. This practice brief offers the rationale for using task analysis in instruction and provides practical step-by-step directions for conducting a task analysis and using the analysis to provide effective instruction for students with ASD. Lastly, the authors offer a brief rationale for using task analysis as a means to collect data and demonstrate learner proficiency.
What the experts say
Task analysis is an uncomplicated procedure that is important to both planning instruction and monitoring student progress. This practice guide is a useful 'how-to' resource for educators, curriculum developers, and community-based partners working with persons on the autism spectrum. It offers considerations and step-by-step instructions for planning and executing task analyses, for use in the classroom or on a work site. Those new to working with persons on the autism spectrum, or performing task analysis to prepare for instructing these learners, will find it helpful.
The authors limit the use of task analysis to observable behaviors despite its relevance for cognitive procedures as well; they also indicate that it is used in relation to behaviorally-based instruction, although it can be utilized more broadly. Although the explanations and examples are tied to adult learners with autism, it should readily generalize to any adult learner population.
Resource Notice
This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites.
Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.
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Abstract:
This dissertation examines the experiences of 20 offenders involved in correctional education programs through the lens of post-incarceration employment.
Publication Year
2015
This multiple case study examines the experiences of 20 offenders involved in correctional education programs while incarcerated to explore their experience through the lens of post-incarceration employment. Narrative data were elicited pertaining to offenders’ perceptions of past education experience, correctional education experience, and their perceived impact of the experience on their future employment. Data were analyzed using inductive coding procedures to categorize the offenders’ perceptions of correctional education. According to study findings, offenders’ participation in and completion of correctional education programs while incarcerated provided the necessary support for them to successfully re-enter society; program participation aided offenders in bridging the gap between release and securing employment by providing the necessary skills to compete for employment.
What the experts say
An Offender’s Perspective of Correctional Education Programs in a Southeastern State provides a sound start for a literature review of correctional education. It also incorporates motivational components from the perspective of the correctional student. Though a dissertation might be a little long for many practitioners to review, it is an easy read and can shape thinking for a group that might be considering a venture into exploring how correctional students view educational opportunities.
It is recommended that users of the resource look more to the background portion of the study than the findings. An Offender’s Perspective of Correctional Education Programs in a Southeastern State offers a dated, but useful, literature review in regard to correctional education. It is, however, based on a surprisingly small sample (just 20 participants) and attempted to review correctional student perceptions of programs based on eight different codes of educational programming. This is such a diluting of the small study sample to cause one to question the extension of findings to greater populations.
The introduction and fourth chapters particularly speak to the issues, problems and potential for learning for incarcerated people and those reentering communities. The author had been a correctional officer and social worker and so brings a breadth of awareness to the issues that often exceeds that of educators who have had less depth of experience with the criminal justice system. It is an important document for those working to make the case for increased funding, access and resources for incarcerated individuals and those working to support them.
Resource Notice
This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites.
Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.