Discussing Current Events with Our Students

Freedom of speech and thoughtful, open dialogue are two things that keep a democracy healthy. They are also central in life-long learning. Like many adult educators, you may find that your students are more than eager right now to take part in a thoughtful discussion led by a helpful teacher, but how can you guide a discussion of current events and issues without getting caught in the crossfire? How can you teach the skills of honest, open discussion?

In 2016, Edutopia shared a blog post that remains relevant today. It discussed the importance of guiding our students in discussions of these issues and events. A follow-up post shared a list of eleven strategies to help us do this successfully without tipping our hand to either side of the political aisle, while allowing our students to learn the skills of critical thinking and civic discourse. 

Teachers can use resources like Newsela's free account and The Change Agent's free lesson packets to practice reading and writing skills while also building content knowledge about our government and current events.

Tutoring Routines

The PAAER website Tutors page has a growing library of tutoring routines. These are flexible instructional resources that tutors can use with their students. These standards-aligned lessons can be done in an 'a la cart' way as needed by individuals or groups of students. Sixteen current lessons are grouped into topics of Math, Speaking & Listening, and Reading & Writing.

Additional Resources for Digital Literacy

The Digital Literacy and Distance Education (DLDE) Project recently added new resources to the Digital Literacy page on the PAAER website. Click on Resources for Adult Education staff button at the top of the page and scroll down to view new professional development offerings, a fact sheet about the digital skill divide in Pennsylvania, AI resources from World Education, and resources to build information and media literacy.

Student Support Coordinator Networking Session

Join us for an informational networking session for Title II staff. A LIHEAP policy representative will review the basics of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Topics from funding, available programs, eligibility criteria, and how an individual can apply for the program will be covered. This free webinar is for Title II staff only and will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., December 5. Join the webinar.

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.

Virtual Volunteer Management Conference

Literacy Minnesota will be hosting its 2024 Virtual Literacy Volunteer Management Conference on Friday, December 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. (Central). This conference is a one-day professional development opportunity that brings together adult basic education staff who work with volunteers. Join program coordinators, teachers, and managers from across the country to attend informative sessions at this completely virtual conference. Session times are in Central Standard Time. View session, registration, and conference contact information on the conference website. Registration is $20.

PAACE Presentation Proposals

The Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education (PAACE) is looking for proposals for conference sessions at this year's conference, April 27-29, 2025, at the Penn Stater. The conference team wants you, the true experts in the field, to present on the great work you are doing across the state. Presenters who are chosen will receive a discount for their registration. Apply online. The deadline for applications is December 6. Email paaceadulted@gmail.com with any questions.

COABE Annual Awards

COABE is seeking nominations for the annual awards given for outstanding members of the adult education community. Awards include Outstanding Teacher, Student, Administrator and State Innovation of the Year, as well as awards for Workforce Development, Local Excellence in Advocacy, Excellence in Local Programming, and State Association Leadership. There are also incentive grants and individual scholarships. Peer nominations (not self-nominations) will be accepted through December 2, 2024.

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. 

• Director of Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy and Goodling Institute for Research in Family Literacy - PSU
• 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:

• Updated BEST Plus form
• Digital Literacy
• eData Instruction Manual and Glossary 24-25

• COABE National Conference - March 30-April 2, 2025, Dallas, TX
• PAACE Conference - April 27-29, 2025, State College, PA

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. 

PA Association for Adult Continuing Education

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

November 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.

Nov. 8 | Oct. 25

COABE Connects, Digital Equity, Coalition on Adult Basic Education

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

Nov. 15 | Nov. 8 | Nov. 4 | Nov. 1 | Oct. 25

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. 

Nov. 20 | Nov. 6 | Oct. 30

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

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