5 Essential Elements of a Bridge (College Transition) Program Come explore how your program can better support college and career readiness for adults. This workshop will focus on the 5 essential elements of an effective Bridge or College Transition Program. We will identify ways to build on your program's existing components to support college transitions. Participants in this workshop will also explore resources developed by the National College Transition Network. Priyanka Sharma, National College Transition Network at World Education, Inc. 7 Keys to Building a Successful Financial Literacy Program Financial literacy is an important life skill for adults of all abilities, incomes, and educational levels. Building a program correctly from the start will ensure the appropriate use of resources and meaningful outcomes. This workshop will focus on a 7-step approach to establishing the program goals and content, creating synergy with existing programs, building partnerships, and evaluating the impact both short and long term. Participants will walk away with a framework and materials that can be put to immediate use. Carole Glade, Consumer Dynamics 21st Century Readiness in the ABE Classroom Regardless of where your state is on the implementation of the Common Core State Standards, one thing is for certain: what students need to understand to be 21st century college and career ready has been rapidly changing. During this session we will explore what this means from the instructor’s perspective. Gladys Recinos, CTB/McGraw-Hill A Fresh Look at Adult Skills in the U.S.: Key Findings From the Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) Released in October 2013, PIAAC is an international study that assesses the competencies of adults in the U.S. and other participating countries. This presentation provides comparative information on U.S. performance in literacy, numeracy, and computer-based problem solving internationally and how these skills relate to employment, education, health, and other contextual information. Jaleh Behroozi Soroui and Tim Werwath, American Institutes for Research A Hands-On Approach to Improve Literacy for Struggling Readers and ELLs Students with low reading abilities benefit from explicit instruction in phonemic awareness skills and encoding strategies. But how do we teach those skills in a real-world setting? Practical, hands-on classroom activities that equip struggling readers with research-based strategies to improve their spelling, reading fluency, and literacy will be demonstrated. Heidi Hyte, Reading Horizons Adult College Completion Toolkit Tour the U.S. Department of Education’s Adult College Completion Toolkit to learn about strategies that support student transitions to college. The toolkit contains resources for state-level administrators and local practitioners; and session participants will discuss ways to apply the resources to their own states, programs, and classrooms. Priyanka Sharma, National College Transition Network at World Education, Inc. Advocacy for Adult Educators: The Politics of Adult Education at the State Level This interactive workshop will allow participants to improve their advocacy skills for state-level campaigns for legislation and funding. The workshop content will focus on the key elements of successful advocacy campaigns that have taken place in states across the country. Participants will receive a 50-page packet of materials that were used in those campaigns. Art Ellison, New Hampshire Department of Education Beyond the Five Paragraph Essay: Using LINCS Resources to Help Students Become Mature Writers Participants will learn about the free, online, research-based writing resources from LINCS and how they can use these resources to inform their instruction and guide their students to become more mature writers. Dianna Baycich, Ohio Literacy Resource Center/LINCS Blending Best Practices: Success in Transitioning From the Classroom to eLearning This presentation will share lessons learned and best practices for transitioning from the classroom to an eLearning environment. We will address reaching new markets of first-time online learners, lessons learned about MOOCS (massive open online courses), and best practices for the development and delivery of instruction in a blended learning environment that supports learning outcomes. Amy Hyams, W.I.T.S. Blueprint for Community-Based Financial Education Financial education is not typically taught in school, so most adults only have the examples of friends and family to follow when it comes to personal finance. This can cause poor financial habits to develop, and these courses and websites aim to overcome this and teach positive financial behavior for all life stages and financial needs. The National Endowment for Financial Education is committed to the financial education of all Americans and aims to facilitate positive and sound financial decision making. Mary “Jeannette” Schultz, National Endowment for Financial Education Building Your Knowledge Library - Sharing What You Have Learned Learn techniques for building your knowledge library. Learn why you would select one tool over another to capture information important to your lifelong learning. Using the right tools you can save time and energy. Dr. Stan Skrabut, University of Wyoming Extension Coloring Pronunciation Across the Adult ESL Curriculum: Why and How Pronunciation teaching is often marginalized in language instruction despite learners’ consistent desire for more pronunciation instruction. What if one could easily integrate pronunciation into lessons and across the curriculum? Participants will be introduced to The Color Vowel Chart through technique practice and case studies to see how pronunciation instruction can strengthen ALL instruction. Karen Taylor de Caballero, Santa Fe Community College Community Education Forum (CEF) as a Solution to Educational and Social Needs of the People, Reflection on Nigerian Experience. Community Education Forum is a bottom up approach that involves the composition of different stakeholders and decision makers in the community to come together, discuss and raise issues related to the yearnings and aspirations of their people, and also create demands from the authority concern as well as civil individuals. Bilyaminu Bello Inuwa, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria Conceptual Understanding: How to Identify Concepts of Math Skills Typical mathematics instruction is designed to teach students specific steps for mathematical skills. This instruction makes it difficult for students to see connections and make sense of complex mathematics. Participants will learn the differences between concepts and procedures, how to identify concepts, and how to implement them in their instruction. Cynthia Bell, Literacy Assistance Center Creating Academic Fitness in Adult Learners Tired of serial remediation, perpetual re-teaching, and a reactive response? Join us to learn how Edmentum is working with adult educators to create an environment that allows a more proactive, targeted, and formative approach to adult teaching and learning. Amy Dawson and Anne Kaiser, Edmentum/Plato Learning Creating Learning Communities Using Participatory Learning Methodologies Creating a learning community is more than scheduling students in the same classes and takes new skills on the part of instructors. Learning communities are the framework for building students that have the skills to learn anything anywhere! Latest research tells us that the majority of students need to be learning cognitive and noncognitive (social) skills concomitantly. This session will focus on four easy-to-learn methodologies to use social learning skills to make academic gains. Join this session to learn and practice cutting-edge human methodologies that can shift traditional classrooms into dynamic, student-engaging learning communities. Dr. Laura Weisel, The TLP Group Design, Development, and Research on Workforce Readiness Training System This session will describe the design, development, and research of a ‘soft-skills’ workforce readiness training system, which includes an assessment, score reports, individualized learning plans and training materials, and is being created now by ETS and partners in the field. Jane R. Shore, Educational Testing Service Developing Mobile Friendly Content Do your students have smart phones and tablets? Are you using mobile devices in your classes? In this session, learn about free tools you can use to develop mobile friendly content including website platforms, QR Codes, polls, and quizzes, all of which can turn smart phones into content delivery machines. Nell Eckersley, Literacy Assistance Center ‘Different’ is Our ‘Mainstream’: Shift Two Aspects of Your Interaction to Help Them All and Better As instructors, we generally use communication to teach. As successful adults in society, we have learned to extrapolate from experience. Our ‘nontraditional’ populations – and programs – can achieve greater success when we do these two things somewhat differently with them! We’ll discuss why, and present a relatively simple strategy for ‘how.’ Dr. Melinda McClelland, Northwest College Adult Education Program Don’t Hate Math! Why do so many students hate math? Yes, hate is a strong word, but so many students use it when they describe how they feel about learning math. Come find out as we discuss why so many learners have a difficult time with math. This session will discuss the research behind math anxiety and developmental dyscalculia while providing participants the opportunity to engage in fun, hands-on activities that can be brought back to the classroom. Dr. Amanda L. Raitano, Blackstone Valley Community Action Program Drinking From a Fire Hydrant - How to Tap Into the Information Stream See how you can save time and energy accessing your favorite information streams. Learn how to have information come to you rather than having to continuously conduct searches on topics of interest. Once you have found great resources, learn how to store them for quick access. Dr. Stan Skrabut, University of Wyoming Extension Educating, Inspiring, and Empowering Through Native American Theatre and Drama This session affirms the value of Native theatre in Adult Education: analyzing plays for cultural content, literary qualities, and thematic substance; inspiring collaborative playwriting; offering public readings; securing funding for staged productions; and cultivating future artists. Topics include researching and selecting materials, classroom strategies, and maximizing student and community benefits. Barb Ann Matson, Western New Mexico University Adult Education Services ELL-U: Learner-Centered Practice in Adult ESL Teachers of Adult ELLs often hear they should be learner-centered. But how can busy teachers implement this practice? In this workshop, participants will explore ways to implement learner-centered practices in their teaching, including conducting needs assessments, drawing upon students’ stories, and engaging learners in meaningful, authentic language tasks and projects. Kathy Harris, Portland State University Literacy, Language & Technology Research Group Emerging Technologies in the Adult Education Classroom This session will offer users a chance to see how digital literacy and emerging technologies can be used in the classroom. Digital literacy assessments as well as instruction will be discussed. Educational sites and applications of technology will be explored, including the use of Social Networking for Adult Education Programs. Through discussion, demonstration, and practice, participants will gain an understanding of the importance of using technology, where to begin, and access options and additional resources. Discussion points will include availability of access, why technology is important, considerations for integrating technology, and time for participant questions. Tim Ponder, Ohio Literacy Resource Center; Kaye Beall, LINCS Region 1 Professional Development Center, a project of World Education, Inc. Engaging Learners in the 21st Century: Improving Outcomes As the demand for blended personalized learning increases, teaching methods are adapting to keep students engaged. Using online tools effectively allows teachers flexibility to create a communicative, social learning environment. Using examples from Pearson’s new Project Success, this workshop demonstrates utilizing an online learning environment to maximize student learning outcomes. Jonathan Boggs, Pearson ELT Essential Computer Skills for the 2014 GED® Tests Are your students comfortable using computers? Are they ready for computer-based testing? This session will introduce you to Teknimedia's CBT100-Basic Skills for Computer-Based Testing™. Available in English and Spanish, CBT100™ is the ideal tool for verifying your students have the essential computer and keyboarding skills required for the 2014 GED® tests. Ann Harris, Teknimedia Corporation ETS High School Equivalency Testing (HiSET) Program Educational Testing Service (ETS) and the University of Iowa have collaborated and developed a high school equivalency testing (HiSET) program that launched January 2014 at the request of more than 30 states. The assessment is an alternative to the GED. This session will provide information about the ETS HiSET Program. Amy Riker, Educational Testing Service Evidence Based Practice: A Workshop for Training Adult Basic Education Practitioners In this interactive presentation, participants will learn about research methodologies, discuss the attitudes practitioners have about research, and consider how to use research in combination with professional wisdom to strengthen the use of evidence-based practice in their programs and classes. Kaye Beall, LINCS Region 1 Professional Development Center, a project of World Education, Inc. Exceeding the Limits: Gates Millennium Scholarship for GED Completers and Adult Learners The Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for African American, Hispanic American, Asian Pacific Islander American, and American Indian/Alaskan Native students to attain this prestigious need-based scholarship. Our interactive workshop will provide participants with scholarship information, essay writing tips, and the successful submission of an application packet. Shawn Secatero, New Mexico State University Grants; Rachelle Simpson, New Mexico State University Grants - Acoma Outreach Center; Jordan Etcitty, New Mexico State University Grants Tohajiilee Outreach Center Finding Everyday Opportunities to Think Algebraically When studying algebra, students often ask, “When are we going to use this?” In this interactive workshop, algebraic reasoning will be used to model and analyze common situations, giving rise to a variety of instructional strategies that make algebra accessible from many entry points and develop conceptual understanding. Lynda Ginsburg, Rutgers University Flipping a Class for Your Teaching Style Flipped classroom? Are you curious about the new trend in education? Come to our workshop! We will share the basics and then show you how we adapted this idea into our university courses. We will answer questions and create strategies to flip and adapt your own courses. Mary Wills-Gordon and Kelli Nicolato, University of Oregon From Resistance to Persistence: Strategies for Motivating & Retaining Adult Learners Are you having attendance issues? Are you at a loss as to how to make your students stay long enough to post-test? Would you like to jazz-up your class? This is the workshop for you! This interactive workshop will help you learn strategies to keep your students motivated and enthused! Jamie Parra and Nicola Johnson, Albuquerque GED®, Inc. Get Fit for the High School Equivalency Exams! Creating Academic Fitness With Edmentum’s Plato Learning and Academic Readiness and Rapid Response (AR3) Helping instructors and students to ‘get fit’ to teach and learn for the new high school equivalency exams requires programs to rethink and redesign adult education programs. Edmentum’s Academic Readiness and Rapid Response (AR3) professional development program and Plato Learning courseware will help programs make significant shifts in the teaching-learning enterprise, making it more active and learner-centered. Join us to explore how a comprehensive AR3 implementation can support your H.S.E. Exam Prep Program, Workforce Readiness, Developmental Education, Faculty and Course Redesign, and Modularized Instruction. Current state implementations will be discussed, and AR3 program participants are encouraged to attend. Anne Kaiser and Amy Dawson, Edmentum/Plato Learning Hands-On Banking – Money Skills You Need for Life Want to take charge of your own finances and reach your goals? The Hands-On Banking Program provides all the basic money tools, skills, and information you need. This free, noncommercial program teaches people in various stages of life about the basics of responsible money management. Patricia Nie and Jennifer Riordan, Wells Fargo High-Impact ABE Strategies for GED 2014: Basic Skills Fluency Still Matters Most Standards continue to reach new heights with the release of the 2014 GED® test. As requirements grow, programs are working with the same base of under-prepared students. The majority of enrollments (nearly 60%) still fall in the “middle levels" (NRS 3-4, EFL 4-9). What is the difference between fluency and mastery at these levels? How do you ensure basic skills fluency in NRS 3-4, and how can this impact overall GED achievement? Susan P. McKee, Pace Learning Systems, Inc. Holistic Measurement of Reading Success-Evaluation of Reading Habits and Perceptions Reading skills are not the only way to measure the influence of approaches to reading instruction. This presentation will report on changes found in practices and perceptions, and their relationship to reading skills in adults who participated in a national reading study. Implications for measurement and practice will be shared. Jane R. Shore, Educational Testing Service Honoring Our Sacred Pipeline: Providing Educational Access and Connection to Our People Through Adult Education, Dual Enrollment, College Success, and Grant Management The Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions (NASNTI) Grant at New Mexico State University in Grants is a federally funded grant for five years and is designed to provide educational access and services to Cibola County residents. In this interactive presentation, we will share our best practices which include GED/Adult Education, dual enrollment, college success, and grant management at our two adult outreach sites and three partnership sites. The NASNTI Grant is in its third year of implementation and has developed an exemplary educational model which serves Acoma, Laguna, Tohajiilee, Thoreau, and Ramah Navajo communities. Dr. Shawn Secatero, New Mexico State University Grants; Rachelle Simpson, NASNTI Grant Outreach Site – Pueblo of Acoma; Jordan Etcitty, NASNTI Grant Outreach Site – Tohajiilee Navajo Improving ESL Listening Comprehension With Contextualized Pronunciation Practice Many English language learners are long-time residents of the U.S., yet they still have difficulty understanding native English speakers. Participants will learn about contextualized pronunciation instruction that focuses on high-frequency characteristics of spoken American English. Their learners will be able to improve listening comprehension and speaking comprehensibility. Bill Ancker, Catholic Charities of Central New Mexico Incorporating L1 Culture in an Adult ESL Conversation Class This session provides an opportunity for the general audience, adult ESL instructors, administrators, and program directors to explore possibilities of incorporating learners’ L1 culture into a conversation class. By promoting students’ social backgrounds and lived experiences inside the classroom, a combination of equitable pedagogies may improve their conversational skills. Rijasoa Andriamanana, University of New Mexico Information and Communication Technologies in the 21st Century Workforce We will discuss the information and communication technology competencies required of the 21st century workforce. This includes the ability to meet complex demands. For example, the ability to collaborate effectively is a competency that draws on an individual’s knowledge of language, culture, practical IT skills, and attitudes of those communicating. Karen Kaminski, Adult Education and Training Colorado State University Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) in New Mexico This workshop will discuss New Mexico’s participation in the Skill Up Network (SUN) I-BEST statewide consortium, which has been funded by the U.S. Department of Labor “TAACCCT” grant since 2012. An overview of the New Mexico I-BEST program outcomes will illustrate how this effort is demonstrating success and is gaining strong support from key stakeholders across the state. The Department of Labor funding for I-BEST ends September 2014, and the I-BEST statewide taskforce is pursuing a sustainability plan to sustain and expand the program across the state. Come learn how you can support this initiative. Kristen Krell, Santa Fe Community College Integrating Financial Literacy in Your Program Adult learners identify financial concerns as the primary barrier to postsecondary education. Since financial education is not typically taught in classes, we will explore free, online, practical resources and strategies for integrating financial literacy topics in your program. Priyanka Sharma, National College Transition Network at World Education, Inc. Is Your State Up to the TASC! Testing for High School Equivalency has changed in 2014. Nevada and Wyoming have each approved TASC for use in 2014. This session will focus on the changing landscape of HSE and provide an update on the roll-out of testing centers and testing operations for scoring and reporting. Mike Johnson, CTB/McGraw-Hill LACES Advanced This session covers analyzing program data to have an understanding of achievements, areas of issue, and representation of student and program needs. Dina Dominguez, University of New Mexico Gallup; Debbie Maldonado, Western New Mexico University LACES Basics This session covers basic skills needed to input program data into LACES and understanding of both paper files and database file management. Aida Lopez, Eastern New Mexico University Roswell; Debbie Maldonado, Western New Mexico University LACES Intermediate This session covers NRS tables and reports that will effectively represent students and program progress. Understanding of state and federal policies and procedures will also be covered. Veronica Hernandez, New Mexico State University Alamogordo; Debbie Maldonado, Western New Mexico University Learning to Achieve: Content Learning This session will assist instructors and program managers in identifying instructional approaches to help adults with learning disabilities learn content from written materials. The session will define content knowledge and the higher order thinking skills needed for successful content learning. Beth Ponder, University of Tennessee Center for Literacy, Education & Employment Learning to Achieve: Workforce Preparation Strategies This session will focus on practical strategies adult basic educators can use to help students with learning disabilities (LD) develop effective skills for finding and retaining employment. We will also identify employment-related resources available to adults with LD in your community and address possible barriers to access for those adults. Beth Ponder, University of Tennessee Center for Literacy, Education & Employment Leveraging Public Library Resources for Purposeful Reading Instruction Access free, customized resources for learners at all levels through your public library! In this session, you will learn how to (1) Utilize learners’ goals and assessment scores to locate customized materials at specific reading levels throughout a public library collection, (2) Utilize public library’s e-book collection to support literacy acquisition and digital literacy skills, and (3) Request materials be purchased for your library’s collection. Shelley Sullivan, BoulderReads! at the Boulder Public Library LINCS: An Overview of National Projects, Resources, and Communities of Practice Join the Literacy Information and Communication System (LINCS) staff to learn about new resources, tools, and online courses on the LINCS portal and LINCS Community highlighting new professional development opportunities. Paul Heavenridge, Literacyworks/LINCS Regional Professional Development Center 4 Make Math Really “Add Up” for Adult Learners ModuMath’s interactive instruction is designed for learners who struggle with math. Video tutorials accommodate visual, auditory, and contextual learners. Frequent comprehension checks adapt content and pace to each learner’s needs. ModuMath on-site or online builds a strong math foundation in GED and college preparedness programs. Free trials are available to attendees. Bob Khouri, Wisconsin Technical College System Foundation, Inc. Managing Learning Challenges/Read With Ease Are you looking for ways to help your students read with ease? Visual Stress Syndrome (VSS) is a condition impacting many individuals enrolled in Adult Education programs. It is a visual processing disorder that is manifested by a particular sensitivity to bright lights. The good news is that individuals who struggle with the neurological impact of this condition can be helped with some quick and easy methods that can lead to reading “comfort” and fluency. Join this session to view a new online video series and then practice screening yourself for VSS and see how easy it is to have students work together to select needed adaptations and colored filters. Meryl Becker-Prezocki, Adult Education Consultant Materials and Free Trainings to Increase Adult ESL Program Sustainability This engaging workshop is targeted at organizations that wish to start, grow, or improve upon the structure and/or quality of an existing ESL program for adults. We will discuss and demonstrate very practical, user-friendly, and affordable/free materials, curriculum, and trainings that help programs increase their consistency, effectiveness, and sustainability. Lee Shainis, Intercambio Mining for Gold You’ve got data. Now what? How can it be best utilized? Are you searching for organizational strengths and areas of improvement? Are you measuring student outcomes? Are you trying to determine which classes are the most effective and cost-efficient? This presentation will focus on translating questions into answers from your database. David Miller, LiteracyPro Systems, Inc. Modeling and Communicating Authentic Leadership Leadership is little if it is not authentic. While myriad models and styles of leadership are studied and taught, far too little is said about effectively modeling and communicating one’s style. This session will offer insights into leadership authenticity, providing skills and language to improve effective leadership modeling and communication. Dr. Michael E. Tomlin, School of Business, Adams State University Motivating Adult Learners: Self-Efficacy, Goal Setting, and the Learning Environment This session will provide an overview of a LINCS webinar series and study circle that focused on adult learner motivation. Research highlights will be discussed, and participants will have an opportunity to share strategies they use to enhance learners’ motivation. Gail Cope, University of Tennessee Center for Literacy, Education & Employment Multisensory Structured Language Techniques and English on a Roll = Grammar Learning That's Fun and Effective. Students Love It! Learn successful multisensory teaching strategies while participating in this hands-on workshop. We will practice with English on a Roll, a unique grammar program based on the research-proven principles of Multisensory Structured Language. Come discover how to make English language learning fun! Linda Koran, English On A Roll Number Sense: A Simple Tool That Uncovers It How adults place five nonconsecutive whole numbers (between 0 and 20) on an empty number line reveals their sense of number relationships (based on Steffe & Cobb’s model). Learn to use a tool that takes 5 minutes to administer and tells you where to begin math instruction with a student. Dorothea Steinke, Number Works Offering Hope and Humor to Adult Students: Increasing Retention, Learning Gains, and Transition Goals Through Laughter Ideas will be presented on how to use humor systematically to motivate, alleviate stress, and improve student selfesteem. The workshop will encourage adult educators to embrace humor and laughter and attempt to create moments that bring smiles. Once laughter has become an integral part of an educational program, retention will rise, which in turn increase learning gains and transitional numbers. Todd DeKay, Eastern New Mexico University Roswell Online Educator Dispositions: A Framework for Self-Assessment Preliminary results from a study developing measures for online educator dispositions will be tied into a practical framework for online educators to self-assess their interactive behaviors and dispositions as online instructors. Practical uses and suggestions will be drawn from the dispositions framework for identifying areas for growth in online practice. Elizabeth Roumell, North Dakota State University; Jeral Kirwan, Ashford University Online Resources for the Adult Education Classroom Join us while we explore a variety of online tools that can be useful in Adult Education. We will examine the use and functionality of class websites, blogs, online class discussions, live video conferencing, document sharing, and distance learning. Marlee Cittadino, Wonderlic, Inc. PowerPath Mini-Update and Reunion PowerPath has been in the field since 1993. Over the years it has evolved from a screening for learning challenges to a dynamic learning system that transforms adult education into a new model based on a set of research-based practices leading to greater persistence, academic gains, emotional/social skills, and social capital skills. Join this session to see how PowerPath is innovating adult education and workforce development, PowerPath’s new online learning series created with KET/PBS, and how you can begin to update your skills and system. Dr. Laura Weisel, The TLP Group Reading Against All Odds The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District’s CALL Program piloted a new class entitled LEARN (Lessons, Encouragement, and Reading in my Neighborhood). LEARN targeted adults, Pre-literacy to 3rd grade educational levels. This presentation will describe student/program successes due to the combination of Reading Horizon’s curriculum, direct instruction, and student commitment. Rhea M. Watson, CALL Program, Las Vegas-Clark County Library District; Danielle Connolly, Backbone Communications; LaRae Kendrick; Backbone Communications Science Instruction 2014 The high school equivalency test (HSE) for science 2014 offers an opportunity for instructors to incorporate sustainability and workforce elements in their curriculum. Preparing students to pass this test means increasing their critical thinking, reading, computational, and computer skills. Students are involved in a college installation of solar photovoltaic panels. Sue Small, Central New Mexico Community College State Advocacy Success Stories This workshop is for participants from the earlier Advocacy for Adult Educators: The Politics of Adult Education at the State Level workshop who may want to explore more in-depth questions around specific advocacy issues in their states and key elements from recent state-level advocacy efforts. Art Ellison, New Hampshire Department of Education Strategic Language Learning Unlimited In the field of Second Language Acquisition, self-regulation is a fairly new concept although its importance in the field of educational psychology was emphasized almost two decades ago. This session examines the relationships between selfregulation, motivation, learning strategies, and academic achievement. Implications for effective self-regulation instruction for ESL adult learners are discussed. Lu Yu and Dr. Felicia Lincoln, University of Arkansas Student Success Strategies This workshop will focus on effective strategies and essential habits that students at any level can use to improve their academic performance and be a successful student. The focus of most adult education programs is on getting their students to be college and career ready. While this is important, it is all the more crucial to prepare and equip our students to be strong and resilient learners using evidence-based strategies. Priyanka Sharma, National College Transition Network at World Education, Inc. TABE Certification The Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) is a widely used assessment throughout the Mountain Plains states. This session will provide participants with TABE Administration Certification. Mike Johnson, CTB/McGraw-Hill TABE for 2014 and Beyond Many changes are happening in 2014 for testing. TABE is changing to meet the needs of states and their basic education students and also with high school equivalency students. This session will detail the changes to TABE in 2014 including new free formative tests! Mike Johnson, CTB/McGraw-Hill Taking Adult Education to the Workplace This workshop describes the lessons learned of a rural adult education program that provides business communications and leadership courses tailored to workers in their workplace. Through discussion, hands-on activities, and two learners sharing their own experiences, participants will learn about negotiating workplace projects, designing meaningful curriculum, and program and student outcomes. Judy Hofer and Ellen Beth Butler, University of New Mexico Taos Adult Learning Center Teaching Adult English Language Learners Who Are Emergent Readers This interactive workshop will demonstrate a variety of online resources for teachers to use when planning for instruction with emergent readers, including an ELL-U online course, internet-based resources, and an ELL-U Learning Plan. This session will equip teachers with research-based readings, approaches to instructional planning, and PD activities. Kathy Harris, Portland State University Literacy, Language & Technology Research Group; Paul Heavenridge, Literacyworks/LINCS Regional Professional Development Center 4 Teaching Adults to Read: The Components of Reading What is it? Why is it important (the research)? Who needs it (assessment results)? What kind of instruction? The answers to these four questions are explored for each component of reading. Dianna Baycich, Ohio Literacy Resource Center/LINCS Teaching Common Grammatical and Pronunciation Mistakes by Spanish Speakers Spanish speakers make similar mistakes with the English language, often because of literal translations that don't work and sounds that don't exist in their language. This fun, engaging workshop provides 2 user-friendly tools to teach some of the most common pronunciation and grammatical mistakes you hear at every level. Lee Shainis, Intercambio Teaching Practical Information About Laws, Finances, Culture, and Education Don’t let newcomers learn life lessons the hard way. This interactive workshop will provide educators of adult ESL students with ideas for teaching U.S. laws, health, finances, education, culture, and other practical information in a respectful, interactive, and fun way. Participants will walk away from the workshop with user-friendly materials, ideas, and activities to begin using immediately. Lee Shainis, Intercambio Teaching Totems – Powerfully Engage Self, Nature, and Our Place in the World Knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes unfold through Totems. Explore icebreakers, teambuilding, individual and psycho-spiritual lessons, and extension to start any workshop, class, or course. Learn how Totems are rich in creating context. Experience outdoor and indoor ‘Totem’ activities. Apply them then…to life and leadership, community, and transform your teaching! Dr. Kevin M. Laughlin, Idaho Master Naturalist, Sagebrush-Steppe Chapter Technology Testing Skills for Today’s Adult Learners This session is a way for instructors to learn how to teach their students basic mouse skills, basic typing skills, and basic knowledge of the internet for the new computer testing. This is a hands-on session where instructors will play the role of a student and take to their institutions worksheets, website links, and a new friend on Facebook. Also some information on career computer skills for ELL students will be covered. Pedro Duenas and Angela Andrade, Western Nevada College Adult Literacy & Language Testing and Troubleshooting With TABE® 9 & 10 TABE® 9 & 10 is a powerful diagnostic tool which can directly impact student and program outcomes, both positively and negatively. Join our session to increase your knowledge of the TABE® assessments, procedures, and interpreting test scores to inform instruction. This session will explore Pace Learning’s systems and strategies for TABE® success. Dr. Susan McKee, Pace Learning Systems, Inc. The 2014 GED® Program This session provides an in-depth look at the 2014 GED® program’s new tools for educators and students. Explore the new student portal, MyGED™, and find out how to access featured study tools and the Enhanced Score Report’s detailed feedback and personalized study recommendations to help your students improve their scores. Scott Salesses, GED Testing Service The 2014 GED® Requirements & The A+nyWhere Learning System The A+LS Readiness Program is a series of comprehensive assessments aligned to the four GED® test subject areas: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. These readiness tests are designed to help students gain the knowledge and skills that are essential for career and college readiness. LaRae Kenrick and Danielle Connolly, Backbone Communications The 2014 GED® Test: Teaching Extended Response This workshop will focus on integrated reading and writing strategies that can be used to assist students in developing effective extended responses and short answers on the 2014 GED® test. During this session, participants will explore the essential skills that students need in order to become more effective writers in both the workplace and higher education and training. TBD, GED Testing Service The 2014 GED® Test: Teaching Mathematical Reasoning This workshop will provide participants with instructional strategies they can use in order to help students build their quantitative problem-solving skills. This session will provide hands-on learning activities that focus on the application of mathematical reasoning to real-world situations. TBD, GED Testing Service The Complex Issues Underlying Persistence and Learning Gains By 2018, 64% of jobs will require more than a GED. Yet 93 million adults don’t have the academic/social skills to compete for a life-sustaining job. Why are these adults behind? What can be done? Join this dialogue on identifying/addressing complex issues. Laura Weisel, Ph.D., The TLP Group; Meryl Becker-Prezocki, Adult Education Consultant; Susan Rathjen, Santa Fe Community College The Educational Value of Storytelling in an Adult Classroom Research indicates that learners retain more information when information is presented through narrative. In this session, participants will learn the research behind storytelling and education, the components of a good storytelling program as it relates to the educational deliverables, as well as how to create a storytelling classroom environment for the adult learner. Elaine Muray, Central New Mexico Community College School of Adult & General Education (SAGE) The I-BEST Model – Innovative Teaching Techniques for Adult Education Innovative teaching techniques can change the way content is delivered, thereby making learning exciting and relevant for adult learners. The Santa Fe Community College I-BEST Certificate Program incorporates TESOL methodology and innovative teaching techniques which incorporate visual, audio, tactile, and kinesthetic learning modalities, which are effective with traditional and nontraditional students, including adult language learners. Gwen Spatzier, Santa Fe Community College Thinking Outside the Bottle: How a Substance Abuse Treatment Center Stepped in to Provide Educational Opportunities on the Ft. Apache Reservation The Fort Apache substance abuse center provides clients with GED training as well as scholarships to the local community college as a continuation of their substance abuse program, allowing students/clients to know that they can support themselves and their families. We will discuss the demographics and the programs. Michelle Perry, Julie Farnsworth, Lambert Watchman, and Dezeray Garcia; Rainbow Treatment Center Training of Trainers’ Session: Evidence-Based Writing Instruction This session will prepare participants to deliver teacher professional development on evidence-based writing instruction. Content will address strategies for increasing students’ writing fluency, distinguishing text types, and writing the constructed essay response. Participants will receive copies of PowerPoint files and activity worksheets for engaging participants in active learning. Dr. Mary Ann Corley, American Institutes for Research Two New Online Test Preparation Programs for the New 2014 HSE Tests (GED, HiSET, TASC) In this session, participants will have an opportunity to preview two new online test preparation programs that support the new 2014 HSE Tests (GED, HiSET, TASC). By utilizing an all-in-one platform with core content instruction and testspecific diagnostic pretests and posttests, students and test-takers can work with an instructor or choose a self-paced study method. Additionally, participants will see how adaptive technology specific to each HSE Test can provide ongoing diagnostic support that helps students study SMARTER not LONGER. Leslie Adkins and Ken Barr, McGraw-Hill Using the Assessment Strategies and Reading Profiles Website: Discover Valuable Resources for Yourself, Your Learners, and Your Program Participants will explore the resources that are available to support adult reading assessment and instruction on LINCS’ Assessment Strategies and Reading Profiles website that was developed using research, publications, and recommendations from the Adult Reading Components Study conducted by the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy. Kathy St. John, LINCS Region 4 Professional Development Center What’s Working? This session invites all writing teachers and tutors to come and share their best practices in writing for the new test. What is working in your classrooms? This is a chance to learn from one another. Nancy Alvarado, Eastern New Mexico University Roswell