Pennsylvania practitioners can now easily access key math lessons based on the Illustrative Mathematics® K-12 curriculum. These lessons focus on math content standards and the Standards for Mathematical Practice. With a foundation in the learn-by-doing model, the material uses a problem-based structure with real-world contexts. Lessons encourage the construction of arguments and use of precise language. The lessons also engage students in instructional routines, incorporate math language routines and help students make connections between concepts and procedures. Four adult education practitioners in Pennsylvania pilot tested the lessons and found them to be effective in engaging adults in both in-person and remote settings.

The math curriculum is organized by units for each math topic. Key lessons have been identified for each unit, and each one is accompanied by a number of optional related lessons that can help you either prepare for or practice the concept of the key lesson. The full curriculum features from 120 to over 200 lessons for each grade, but you have the option of narrowing your focus as much as you choose. The Professional Learning Opportunities Project (ProLO) has created a way for teachers to easily identify key lessons based on College and Career Readiness Standards' level and topic (e.g., Level B, fractions). Teachers can teach these lessons in sequence or choose individual lessons to address specific needs. For each lesson, teachers can download a scripted teacher guide, slideshow, assessment/practice problems, student tasks, cool-down activities, and related lessons. Currently, Level B lessons are available. Levels C and D will be available later this spring, with Level A lessons sometime in the future. You can access the organized system of key lessons on the Math Curriculum page of the PA Adult Ed Resources website. They have also been included in the lesson bank.

To support programs using the lessons, a support course, Teaching with Illustrative Mathematics® Lessons is being designed to help participants navigate the lessons on the PA Adult Education Resources website. In the course, participants will explore different ways to implement lessons, and they will work with a coach who will provide support. For more information about the lessons or the course please contact Rachel Baron (rbaron@tiu11.org) or your agency consultant.

Using ChatGPT to Save Time

A recent Edutopia article, "Six Ways to Use ChatGPT to Save Time," outlines a few uses for the new artificial intelligence tools that are gaining popularity. The article contains many instances of A.I. assistance, grouped into six categories: planning instruction, handouts and other materials, differentiation, professional correspondence, assessment, and writing instruction and feedback.

Webinar: Recovery Ready Workplace Resource Hub

This webinar, which will be held on Thursday, March 30, 1:00-2:30 p.m., will provide an overview of Administration policy priorities related to SUD and recovery in workplace and will familiarize participants with the Recovery-Ready Workplace (RRW) Hub, an online resource hosted by the Employment and Training Administration. The development of the website was spearheaded by the White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Domestic Policy Council in collaboration with various government agencies, including the Department of Labor.

HyFlex Community of Practice

You are invited to join the HyFlex Community of Practice. HyFlex, or hybrid-flexible, learning allows the flexibility for students to choose to attend face-to-face class or to complete learning tasks online. Share your successes and challenges with HyFlex classes, explore resources that others are using, and learn from your peers across the state. Any instructors or digital literacy specialists who teach, plan to teach, or want to learn more about HyFlex classes are invited to join us. Meetings will be held the third Wednesday of each month at 3:00 p.m. Consider attending the next meeting on Wednesday, April 19, 3:00-4:00 p.m. Please email Rachel Baron (rbaron@tiu11.org) or Bethany Lezanic (blezanic@tiu11.org) if you have any questions.

Professional Learning for Adult Education and Family Literacy Staff

Staff at PDE-funded adult education and family literacy agencies can view a list of upcoming courses now available for enrollment in the PD Portal. For more information about any of these courses, please visit the PD Portal, open the course catalog, and review the syllabus. If you are interested in enrolling in a course, please consult with your in-house professional development specialist (IHPDS) to determine if the course meets your professional learning goals.

Your Feedback on PA Employability Skills Certificate is Needed

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) are exploring pathways to develop a no-cost statewide PA Employability Skills Certificate to demonstrate that high school students and adult learners are prepared with the essential employability skills employers expect. The success of the certificate requires input from the diverse population of stakeholders. As part of this effort, the departments are hosting a brief online survey to hear directly from community members including, but not limited to, employers, educators, and community organizations. Your feedback will be instrumental to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the departments continue to explore successful pathways to prepare high school students and adult learners for the workforce. You are invited to participate by submitting your feedback online by the deadline of March 31.

COABE Election Information

Leadership elections for the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) are underway. You can vote online until April 3. A recent webinar with the candidates was recorded so that you can learn more about them and why they chose to run for office. You can also read their biographies.

Call for Presenters: Correctional Education Symposium

Mark your calendars for the Correctional Education (CE) Symposium on May 16, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., hosted by COABE in partnership with leading organizations in the field of adult education. The symposium will focus on innovative practices, overcoming barriers to reentry, higher education, and equity in correction education. The CE Symposium Committee is looking for teachers, administrators and staff to present to colleagues on a national stage about the great practices happening in their state. If you are interested in presenting, please fill out the questionnaire.

The job postings below are for adult basic education programs funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and, at least in part, by WIOA Title II funds. You can also find the postings on the paadultedresources.org website. To post a job, please email the job advertisement to mjmanfred@tiu11.org.  

Adult Education Advisor and HSE Administrator – PA Department of Education

Director of Student Curriculum and Instruction – Delaware County Literacy Council

Program Associate II: Adult Education, Workforce, and Postsecondary Education – WestEd 

Visit www.paadultedresources.org for the latest PA adult education news and resources. Recent additions to the site include:

• Job posting: Adult Education Advisor and HSE Administrator
• 054, 061, and 064 EFL Gains by Agency data

• COABE National Conference - April 2-5, 2023, Atlanta, GA
• PAACE Conference - April 23-25, 2023, Lancaster, PA
• Correctional Education Symposium - May 16, 2023, Virtual
• Families Learning Conference - October 23-25, 2023, Omaha, NE

State and national organizations' newsletters are listed below and may be of interest to you. To receive the most recent editions by email, please subscribe directly to the newsletter. 

Early Childhood Education Recap, PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning Features weekly and monthly news and information relating to early childhood education.

Mar. 20 Mar. 13 Mar. 6 Feb. 27 Feb. 20

Families Learning, News of the Week, National Center for Families Learning

Features information and resources for family literacy, early childhood education, and parent education.

Mar. 17 Mar. 3 Feb. 24 Feb. 17

WorkforceGPS, Workforce3 One Features career pathways and workforce development information.

Mar. 14 Mar. 7 March Newsletter Feb. 28

COABE Connects, Digital Equity, Coalition On Adult Basic Education Features national information, resources, and initiatives for adult basic education.

Mar. 16 Mar. 10 Mar. 8 Mar. 3 Feb. 24 Feb. 17

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

Mar. 16 Mar. 8 Mar. 1 Feb. 23

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

Mar. 8 Feb. 21