Improving Students' Study Skills

People tend to go with what they know. This includes things like using familiar studying techniques over new ones. A recent Edutopia article, To Study Better, Don't Start From Zero, recommends four areas where research-backed studying tips can improve student learning and retention of information.

Lots of people reread passages a couple of times to help them learn, but doing so can be too passive. Utilizing 'spaced practice' improves memory, as does being more selective with highlighting and underlining. The author also gives advice on note-taking and use of flash cards.

Webinar: Financial Literacy Across the Adult Education Spectrum

The National Association of State Directors of Adult Education will host a webinar on February 3, 3:00-4:30 p.m., that explores the many needs for integrating financial literacy into instruction for all adult learners. Participants will gain an understanding of essential financial literacy topics and classroom applications as well as resources and instructional strategies to integrate financial literacy concepts into their programming and instruction. Register online.

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 view 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.

Save the Date: NCFL Conference

The National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) will hold the 2025 Families Learning Conference will be held on November 2-5, 2025, in Charlotte, NC. This will be a gathering of educators, literacy practitioners, researchers, advocates, and community leaders coming together to explore the latest innovations in family learning. It is an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and be inspire by the collective work being done to strengthen families and transform communities. Visit the conference website to find information on the conference and its Charlotte location.

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 PAAER website. To post a job, please email the job advertisement to mjmanfred@tiu11.org. 

• Adult Evening ESL Instructor - VITA Education Services
• Remote/Hyflex Adult Education Teacher - VITA Education Services

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

• eData Access Database Template v1.4
• eData Instruction Manual/Glossary 24-25
• ANDE Data Entry in eData Webinar recording

• COABE National Conference - March 30-April 2, 2025, Dallas, TX
• PAACE Conference - April 27-29, 2025, State College, PA
• NCFL Families Learning Conference - November 2-5, 2025, Charlotte, NC

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. 

Adult and Family Literacy Today

Features updates on adult and family literacy research, policy, and practice from the Goodling Institute for Research in Family Literacy and the Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy

December Newsletter

PA Association for Adult Continuing Education

Features information for adult education partners for advocacy, networking, and professional development.

January 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.

Jan. 17 | Dec. 23 | Dec. 19

COABE Connects, Digital Equity, Coalition on Adult Basic Education

Features national information, resources, and initiatives for adult basic education.

Jan. 17 | Jan. 16 | Jan. 10 | Jan. 3 | Dec. 20

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 Transition Network, and many others. 

Jan. 23 | NCTN Newsletter | Jan. 1 | Dec. 23 | Dec. 18

OCTAE Connection, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, & Adult Education 

Features news and resources for adult basic, career, and technical education.

Jan. 17