April 20, 2017

Power in Numbers: Advancing Math for Adult Learners
In order to find success in the real world, adult learners need to have advanced math skills and the ability to apply those skills to real problems. The Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education has launched a new webpage and project called  Power in Numbers: Advancing Math for Adult Learners. Adult educators can use Power in Numbers to enhance and strengthen the work they do to give their students these crucial math skills. 

Power in Numbers is using a panel of experts, as well as input from adult education teachers like you, to curate a library of high-quality open educational resources. Not only will these resources be available for free for you to use with your students, but you also have the opportunity to participate in the Power in Numbers project as a member of a teacher user group. Participating teachers will try out and evaluate four to six resources with their own adult students. If you are interested, apply by June 30, 2017, for the September to December 2017 session. 

You can also sign up for the Math Minutes quarterly newsletter in order to learn the latest findings and updates from the ongoing project. There will be a lot more to come in the future as this team of experts and teachers discover the best open educational resources for all teachers to use. 
Teaching Tips and Resources
Pre-apprenticeship program in road construction
Angela Kenes, PA Career Pathways Technical Assistant, recently attended the conference of the Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Administrators (PACTA) in Hershey, PA. She attended a presentation about the Future Road Builders Virtual Pre-Apprenticeship program. Read Angela's review of the presentation to learn how this online program can help your students to explore careers in road construction.
GEAR UP writing webinars
There are four webinar recordings available online that simultaneously review GED® test content and provide teaching tips and strategies. The GEAR UP videos cover the topics of writing for the GED® Social Studies test, identifying and evaluating evidence, paraphrasing evidence, and writing an argument. All of these topics are of great importance on the GED® test and in the classroom. 
High School Equivalency (HSE) Resources 
Webinar: Looking Beyond the GED® Test  
The GED Testing Service® will hold a webinar on Thursday, April 20, at 2:00 PM to discuss the opportunities that are available to GED® graduates. In addition to discussing ACE CREDIT recommendations and GED Testing Service's® postsecondary research results, participants will get a sneak peak into the plans for the second annual GED® Grad Day on May 18, 2017. Register online. 
50% off GED Ready® practice tests
The GED Testing Service® is offering a 50% discount to students who purchase and take a GED Ready® practice test from now until May 15. Please notice that the discounted practice test must be taken by May 15. 
Professional Development Opportunities
Online Tools and Resource Evaluation Micro Group
A new LINCS group has begun, but it is not too late to join if you would like to test out new online educational resources with your students. Part of the Technology and Learning Community of Practice, the Online Tools and Resource Evaluation Micro Group asks participants to sample and evaluate at least three online tools or resources with their class. Read more...
Webinar: Social Studies and Science instruction with Burlington English
Publisher Burlington English will host a free webinar on May 17, 2017, at 2:00 PM titled Social Studies & Science for the High School Equivalency Assessments: Make it Fun, Make it Cheap!  Focusing on exciting and engaging methods and resources, this webinar will share online classroom resources and free or low-cost tips that can help your students to pass the Social Studies and Science content exams. Learn more and register online. 
"Mindset" talks at both PAACE and COABE
Although Carol Dweck wrote her book,  Mindset: the New Psychology of Success , more than ten years ago, the topic is still relevant to educators today as is evidenced by sessions at both the PAACE and COABE conferences. Hear Dr. Dweck talk about the differences between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset by watching her  TED Talk . Check out the Mindset  website to learn how you can change your mindset and to help your students to change theirs.
Penn State Family Literacy Certificate
You can register now for Penn State's online course, Adult Literacy (ADTED 457). This Summer 2017 online course will run from May 15 to August 9, 2017, and is part of PSU's Family Literacy Certificate. This course will be an overview of adult literacy issues and instructional practices, as well as theory and research as it pertains to family literacy. In addition to working toward the certificate, you can use this course as Act 48 hours in Pennsylvania. For more information, see the course flyer. 
PA Adult Education Resources
Upcoming State and National Conferences
State and National Newsletters
These are state or national organizations' newsletters that may be of interest to you. To receive the most recent editions by email, please subscribe directly to the newsletter . 
 
Families Learning News of the Week,  National Center for Families Learning
Features information and resources for family literacy, early childhood education, and parent education 
March 24           March 31           April 7           April 14

World Education/U.S., Features resources and information from World Education projects including The Change Agent, College for Adults, E-Learning, LINCS Region 1 Professional Development Center, National College Transitional network, and many others.  

OCTAE Connection,  US Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, & Adult Education
Features news and resources for adult basic, career, and technical education 

GED® In Session,  GED Testing Service®
Features news and information related to the  GED® test