May 23, 2023

Chat With a Librarian

Pennsylvanians in need of reference help have a great new option: Chat with a Librarian. This is Pennsylvania's virtual reference service where experienced librarians help users find factual answers and provide them with research guidance. This service is available 24/7 via chat, email, or text. Users can choose one of three unique avenues: as a K-12 student, as a college student, or as a state resident. From there, the user is matched with a librarian who can help answer their question or guide them to an answer.

 

Chat with a Librarian can help with:

  • Understanding databases
  • Finding peer reviewed sources
  • Using citations
  • Getting started on a research topic
  • Getting book recommendations
  • Answering library-specific questions
  • Finding a library or other local resources
  • Searching archives of PA photos and documents


The Chat with a Librarian feature is also now available on the PA Adult Ed Resources website on the homepage and the Find a Program page.

 

Learn more about Chat with a Librarian
Teaching Tips and Resources

Math Curriculum, Level C

Level C of our Math Curriculum is now available, along with the previously released Level B. The Level C units are also available in the searchable Lesson Bank. 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. Level D will be available this summer.

Financial Literacy Lessons

A recent Edutopia article, "7 Teacher-Tested Financial Literacy Lessons that Pull Students In," has practical and simple, yet impactful, ideas for presenting financial concepts such as budgeting, tax filing, and credit scores to your learners. With links and guidance, these ideas can help you get started with financial literacy.

Professional Development Opportunities

Webinar: The Impacts of Opioid Addiction on the Rural Workforce

The Office of Workforce Investment (OWI) will partner with several other organizations to present a webinar discussion on Wednesday, May 31, 2:00-3:30 p.m., that will highlight how opioid addiction has impacted the rural workforce and the resources available to support recovery through the workforce system. Learn more and register online.

June 1 Tech Talk: Chat GPT and Instruction

For the Digital Literacy and Distance Education (DLDE) Project’s final Tech Talk of the 2022-23 program year, you are invited to a discussion about the implications of Chat GPT on instruction and learning. Chat GPT is an artificial intelligence language model that has the potential to make significant changes to the way we teach and learn. The Tech Talk will start with a demonstration of Chat GPT to give you an idea of how this technology works. During the discussion, we will explore the ways in which Chat GPT can be used to enhance instruction and improve student learning outcomes. Participants will also discuss the ethical considerations surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and how we can ensure that it is used in a responsible and equitable manner. This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about this exciting technology and to network with other educators who are interested in learning more about Chat GPT as it relates to adult education. The discussion will be informal, so feel free to bring your questions and ideas. Join this webinar on June 1, 2023, from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

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.

Webinar: Reflective Practice in Adult ESL Programs

The Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education (PAACE) will host a webinar on Tuesday, June 20, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. titled "Reflective Practice in Adult ESL Programs." This session will introduce what reflective practice is an will offer a few theories and models that can guide and engage you in critical reflection on teaching practices within an ESL classroom.

Recordings of the Correctional Education Symposium

Educators, innovators, subject matter experts, and adult learners in the prison literacy space shared during the May 16 Correctional Education Symposium, specifically in the areas of innovative practices, equity in corrections, overcoming reentry barriers, and higher education. If you were unable to join the symposium live, register now so you can watch the recordings when you have the time. View the session descriptions to learn more about the topics. 

Registered Apprenticeship Stakeholders Office Hours

On Thursday, May 25, 1:00-2:00 p.m., the Center of Excellence, of which COABE is a leading partner, will convene workforce, education, and industry stakeholders to discuss how to better align the workforce system for the purpose of more effectively scaling registered apprenticeship programming. During this live Office Hours session, participants will discuss how supportive services and training can be WIOA-funded components of registered apprenticeship. Local Workforce Development Board leadership, frontline staff and registered apprenticeship program sponsors will hear how their peers are offering services such as on-the-job training, transportation, and childcare, to potential apprentices. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their insights on providing WIOA-funded services to those transitioning into registered apprenticeship programs. Register online.

State and National Adult Education News

Adult Education Alumni Study

Adult Education graduates and programs can participate in a study that the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) is conducting over the next year. Participating graduates will only be asked to respond to two questionnaire emails over the course of the year and will be entered into a raffle for a $1,000 graduation fund. Participating programs will have a chance to win $500. Join the study soon in order to be eligible to when the winners are announced on June 1.

Presentations Wanted for 2024 COABE Conference

COABE will hold its national conference next year on March 17-20, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. If you are interested in presenting at the conference, submit your proposal before June 30. Presentations may be in person, virtual, or hybrid.

Partner Programs Needed

The U.S. Department of Education recently announced five finalists in the Future Finder Challenge, a $1 million challenge to reimagine career navigation for adult learners. The finalists received $50,000 each and are now taking part in a six-month virtual accelerator. As the challenge finalists work to refine and test their digital tools, they now seek design research and testing partners. The Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) is encouraging adult education providers interested in participating to complete a simple form and to share this opportunity with other providers in their networks. Providers can also contact the challenge team directly by emailing hello@futurefinderchallenge.com.

Job Posting

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.  


There are no job postings at this time.

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

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.

May 22 May 15 May 8 May 1


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

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

May 12 Apr. 28


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

May 16 May 9 May Newsletter May 2


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

May 19 May 12 May 5 Apr. 28


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. 

May 18 May 11 May 4


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

May 9

PA Adult Education Resources website
This newsletter is a result of a project developed by the Communications Project which is managed by the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 through a contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Education; however, the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or the policy of TIU 11 or the Pennsylvania Department of Education. No official endorsement of these agencies should be inferred.