March 20, 2017
Writing Prompt Resources
CCR Standards Anchor 4 asks that students be able to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization and style are appropriate to task, purpose and audience. How do students know who the audience is? Patricia Slagle suggests that using authentic writing prompts which address a specific audience will produce better writing. She gives many examples in her article, "Getting Real: Authenticity in Writing Prompts." Matthew Davidson has found that “A good prompt must provide a result that, one, you can measure using your rubric, and two, is connected to your objective or objectives.” Read the Turnitin Blog post for more strategies for developing your own effective writing prompts. Be sure to scroll to the bottom and watch the on–demand webcast "Prompt Up the Jam: Strategies for Developing Effective Writing Prompts." Both Davidson and his colleague Charles Trafford shared their strategies and answered some great questions from the audience.
Teaching Tips and Resources
26 research-based tips for teachers 
A recent article from Edutopia shared 26 tips for classroom teachers. These tips are based on the latest research and are applicable to your adult education classroom. They cover a variety of areas such as minimizing teacher stress, making instruction memorable, constructive studying habits, and increasing engagement with students.  
High School Equivalency (HSE) Resources 
Retakes of GED® tests are $10 in Pennsylvania
When a student takes a GED® subject test and does not pass, the GED Testing Service® waives the fee for two retakes of that test. This means that in Pennsylvania, it costs a student only $10 on up to two retakes of that test within twelve months of the original. 
Professional Development Opportunities
Webinar: Pathways to Citizenship: Teaching Civics to English Language Learners
Knowledge of Civics is crucial for English language learners living in the United States. It is also necessary for those whose goal is citizenship. The Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) will host a webinar titled Pathways to Citizenship: Teaching Civics to English Language Learners on Friday, March 24, at 2:00 pm. This interactive workshop will: look at how to design and what to include in an ESL Civics course; discuss the skills, knowledge, and vocabulary required by the US Citizenship test; and explore many online and print civics resources that can be used by instructors or learners. Learn more and register online. 
Webinar on the Goodling Institute's family literacy research paper
Last month, we shared the news that the Goodling Institute for Research in Family Education had published a policy paper titled, "Changing the Course of Family Literacy." A webinar will be held on Thursday, March 23, at 1:00 pm to  discuss this paper. Participants will learn more about family literacy funding, program elements and challenges, policy recommendations, and evaluation strategies. Learn more and register online. 
Presenters sought for the Technology and Adult Education Conference
Do you have an exciting topic, research project, or product you would like to share with Philadelphia’s adult education community? Submit a proposal to present at the Technology and Adult Education Conference in Philadelphia on May 19. With a theme of Adult Education Remixed: Transformation through Technology, the one-day conference embraces the commitment toward innovation in adult education by providing adult education practitioners with engaging professional development opportunities. Presenters are invited to share innovative and dynamic, practice-based workshop proposals focused on integrating technology into adult literacy instruction, planning, services and administration. View guidelines and application  online.
WIOA Updates
WIOA: What's New? module now available
The second Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) module is now posted to the PA Adult Education Resources website. The Division of Adult Education is creating this series of modules to help you to understand WIOA. Module 2 includes information about required activities under WIOA. It also provides specific information about the Integrated Education and Training (IET) and the Integrated English Language and Civics Education (IELCE). This material is intended for all staff to watch and discuss. There are interactive quiz questions, as well as discussion activities, within the module. Please write down any questions that come up during your discussions and email them to your adviser. The Division of Adult Education will answer as many of them as possible. 
State and National Adult Education News
Review of the PACTA Conference 
Kevin Fleming was the opening keynote speaker at this year's Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Administrators (PACTA) Conference. Fleming shared 12 ideas to support career activities in the classroom. KayLynn Hamilton attended the conference and reflected on the speaker. 
Benefits of distance learning are already available in Pennsylvania
The  GED Testing Service® recently conducted a survey to gather information and to measure interest in distance learning around the nation. It found that many educators see great value in the two applications for distance learning: blended learning and providing an educational opportunity to students who cannot commit to a classroom. The Distance Learning Project already provides both of these possibilities to adult education students in Pennsylvania. If you have students who cannot attend a face-to-face class, or who would benefit from a blended learning model, balancing classroom work with distance learning, contact the DLP to find out more. 
PA Adult Education Resources
Visit  www.paadultedresources.org  for the latest PA adult education news and resources. Recent additions to the site include:
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 
February 24          March 3          March 10

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

HiSET® eNewsletter,   Educational Testing Service
Features news and information related to the  HiSET® exam