Newsletter - December 2020
The Voice of Adult Education
Dear MCAE Community,

The holiday season is here and there is much that we are thankful for: a (nearly) final state budget with an increase for ABE funding, the (somewhat) snowy landscape, but especially YOU! Thank you to our new members and donors who have joined and contributed to MCAE recently, and everyone who made calls, sent emails, and tagged legislators on social media over the past few months. The tremendous support for Adult Basic Education has never been more necessary or more evident. Thanks for raising your voice for ABE!

As we head into the final weeks of the year, consider putting MCAE on your list for end-of-year giving. Your donation will ensure that the clear and compelling voice of adult education continues to be heard in key debates about Massachusetts’ shared future. Make a one-time or monthly gift of your choosing with just a few clicks. We can’t do this work without you! 
Rachel Gwaltney, MCAE Director
MCAE News and Updates
Are you ready for NETWORK 2021?
Join us March 25-26 for the largest (virtual) adult education conference in New England, dig into workshops on a wide range of topics, and reconnect with colleagues from across the Commonwealth.

Call for workshop proposals: Be a presenter at NETWORK 2021 and share the great work you’ve done this year. Learn more and download the workshop RFP here.

Proposal deadline: January 13
MCAE webinar series continues
MCAE and English for New Bostonians co-presented a webinar on “The COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on Students, Programs, and the Future of Adult Education” exploring findings from two reports on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted adult basic education students, programs, staff, and teachers across Massachusetts. View the webinar recording here.

In Part 2 of this series, public health and adult ESOL consultant Sherry Ruff will lead a discussion on Health Literacy and Education Learning Connections rising from the pandemic. Learn more and register for this webinar here (December 16 at 1pm).
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MCAE Featured in ProLiteracy Advocacy Toolkit and Webinar
MCAE Board President Roberta Soolman and Director Rachel Gwaltney were speakers on a recent webinar from ProLiteracy: Create Powerful Local and State Advocacy Campaigns Using PIAAC Data and ProLiteracy’s New Advocacy Toolkit for Adult Education and Literacy. The toolkit showcases MCAE’s success in advocating for ABE funding over many years. 
Welcome to Our New Members!
Thank you for supporting MCAE on #GivingTuesday! We welcomed 15 new Individual Members to MCAE on Giving Tuesday, and it’s not too late for you to join us! Sign up as a Leadership Circle, Organization, or Individual Member and be on the front lines with us working for ABE funding and support as we head into 2021!
Massachusetts News and Updates
Budget Win for ABE Nearly Secured!
Last week the final budget bill for FY2021 was approved by the state Legislature, with the total amount for Adult Basic Education (line item #7035-0002) set at $46,385,000. This huge win for ABE represents a 13% increase over FY20, and continues a three-year upward trend for state ABE funding! The budget is now with Governor Charlie Baker for final review. The Governor has 10 days to review the budget and take action. We are watching for any line item veto that may affect ABE, so keep an eye out for MCAE Action Alerts as the FY2021 budget moves toward completion.

Thank your legislators! Please take a moment this week to thank your state representative and senator for their support of adult basic education. Without their support, this much-needed and much-appreciated increase would not have been possible.
National News and Updates
MA Program Wins National Recognition
Congratulations to The Immigrant Learning Center in Malden for winning the American Program Award at the 2020 Library of Congress Virtual Best Practices Conference! Watch a recording of the Literacy Talk with Denzil Mohammed from the Immigrant Learning Center.
Move Ahead with Adult Ed Campaign
COABE and NASDAE have joined forces to deploy a “Move Ahead with Adult Ed” recruitment campaign and toolkit for adult educators looking to attract more students to their programs. Learn more and find these free resources here.
Changes to U.S. Citizenship Test
Some significant changes to the U.S. citizenship test went into effect December 1 which will affect students planning to take the test in the coming weeks and months. Learn more from the MIRA Coalition about these changes and how the field is responding.
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