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Abstract:
This meeting focused on sharing best practices and challenges in adult education, particularly around ESL programs and workforce development. Participants discussed various initiatives including college and career readiness labs, apprenticeship programs, digital literacy efforts, and strategies for supporting ESL students during challenging times. Key topics included the implementation of Career Gateway classes that simulate workplace experiences, partnerships with employers for workplace learning, and the challenges of providing services to ESL students in correctional settings. Several participants shared resources including AI literacy lesson plans, digital literacy frameworks, and community partnerships, while others discussed the importance of trauma-informed instruction and multi-generational impact of adult education programs. The meeting highlighted successful collaborations between state directors, local programs, and employers, with participants emphasizing the value of working together to create pathways for adult learners.Summary
College Career Readiness Program Development
Tammy described their college and career readiness lab, which offers various training programs like health sciences and HR, supported by Michigan Works and grants. The lab has created a class called Career Gateway that simulates a job environment, focusing on resume writing, cover letters, and LinkedIn creation for their high ESL population. Adrienne mentioned Louisiana's progress in developing pathways and hiring staff to coordinate between K-12, adult education, and CTE programs. Both Tammy and Adrienne noted challenges in apprenticeships, with limited opportunities and a mismatch between ESL students' needs and available programs.
ESL Workforce Preparation Programs Update
The meeting focused on ESL and workforce preparation programs, with Tammy discussing Career Gateway classes for intermediate to advanced students and Raynell presenting a new 8-week civics and citizenship pathway pilot using the USCIS civics test and Burlington English modules. Hannah shared World Relief's approach to teaching Know Your Rights information to refugee students, including memorizing A numbers and emergency contacts, and discussed their transition to online classes using Signal as a communication tool, which has maintained attendance despite the pandemic.
Education Collaboration and Workforce Challenges
Lynnette shared that recent administrative changes have led to more collaborative partnerships and outreach efforts in education, particularly in working with city hall offices to ensure student safety. Dinash discussed a challenge with their 25-year-old initiative in New York State, highlighting a disconnect between their computer technology services and the local workforce needs in the Rust Belt region, where traditional industries have disappeared, leaving a gap between available certifications and actual job opportunities.
AI in Education and Literacy
The group discussed using AI to analyze educational data, with Lynnette sharing that 65,000 people in their city lack a high school diploma or GED, and Ashley announced the release of a new digital literacy toolkit. Glenda and Ashley highlighted their work on AI literacy and digital skills training, while Alethea presented Upwardly Global as a resource for helping immigrants and refugees restart their careers in the U.S. through professional training and job placement services.
IET Programs in Correctional Settings
Tammy explained that county correctional facilities have been unable to implement IET (Individualized Education Training) programs effectively due to high turnover and restrictions on working with violent inmates. Shaketta inquired about successful IET programs in correctional settings, particularly in state prisons, and Kristine shared that Minnesota has developed a digital literacy curriculum that's been adapted for use in correctional settings, noting that their Lindale program in Minneapolis created a modified version of the North Star digital literacy curriculum that's more accessible for learners.
Adult Education Best Practices Sharing
The meeting focused on sharing best practices and resources in adult education. Glenda highlighted Texas's successful coordination between education and workforce agencies to streamline services for learners. Nakita discussed South Dakota's new volunteer training program using Monday.com, aimed at increasing classroom support. Adrienne praised Tracy for redesigning their website to better serve students, providers, and partners. Heather shared Memphis's success in workplace learning, particularly through a partnership with a distribution center and an apprenticeship program with IUPAT.
Adult Education Best Practices Sharing
The meeting focused on sharing resources and best practices in adult education. Xavier presented AI literacy lesson plans developed by his organization, while Patsy highlighted Minnesota's work on trauma-informed instruction and immigration-related resources. Echo discussed the need to update digital literacy frameworks, emphasizing the importance of literacy skills for accessing vocational programs. Tim shared a powerful success story of a student who went on to achieve academic and professional success, highlighting the impact of trauma-informed education. Sharon, representing COABE, encouraged participants to share their challenges and ideas, offering support and resources. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between state directors, state associations, and local programs, and encouraged participants to register for the upcoming COABE conference.
Meeting date: March 10, 2026 Meeting recording link: https://youtu.be/qoX5PbooNSw