Welcome and Please Introduce Yourself!

 

 

Greetings!

Welcome to the College and Career Standards group in the LINCS Community! 

Use this space to meet your colleagues and discuss, learn, and share with each other. Please post an introduction about yourself in response to this thread and let everyone know what you would like to gain from your experience in our group.  Also, feel free to post any questions or discussion topics you'd like to engage in exploring with your colleagues.  Remember to check out the redesigned LINCS website resources at http://lincs.ed.gov

Looking forward to the discussions...

Michelle Carson

Comments

I'm Susan Kidd, from the state of Washington. I work as a Progam Administrator for the ABE office of the State Board for Community & Technical Colleges. That's way too many words, but it gets across the idea that I work at the state level to support Adult Basic Skills. I am part of a team of Program Administartors responsible for program development. A few of my areas of interest are: messaging, learning standards, EL Civics, and math.

Fun fact: Washington is a geographically diverse state. I live on the eastern (dry) side of the Cascade Mountains where my husband and I have a winery and use sheep to tend our vineyard.

Hi Susan
 

I would be interested in exemplary programs you know of in the Puget Sound area.  I am in Seattle often and would like contacts, resources and program ideas to bring back to Alaska.  I am in Seattle area often to take care of aging mother, and I would like to visit and learn from others in that area.  If you have any suggestions of folks I might want to contact, please let me know.   Thank you!

edu@ak.net

Hi,

I'm a park ranger working on an e-learning course about an ecological restoration project. I would like to create the course content for entry-level college students. 

Lou Sian

I am Barbara Gibson, Co-Director of The Literacy Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University and Manager of the Viginia Adult Learning Resource Center, a division of The Institute.  I am looking forward to participating in the discussions as a part of this new community.  The Institute and VALRC have been working on transitions and Career Pathways programs over the past four years starting with the development of PluggedIn Virginia,  a six-month program where students can attain the GED credential, Career Readiness Certificate, industry recognized certifications, soft skills, and 21st Century skills. It also includes co-enrollment in community college credit-bearing courses. This intergrated program is contextualized to jobs with futures within the community where the program is being conducted.  To date PluggedIn has been contextualized to entry-level technology, advanced manufacturing, weatherization (green jobs), entreprenureship, health care, medical records, and other jobs that pay well. 

As a project director for the U.S. Division of World Education, I coordinate the online professional development initiative, managing the development and delivery of courses for adult educators.  We offer courses on the topics of college and career readiness, adult student persistence, differentiated instruction, and reading through ProfessionalStudiesAE

I also co-direct the LINCS Region 1 Professional Development Center, promoting and disseminating evidence-based resources and training materials, and partnering with states to provide professional development. With our advisory partners we've been discussing how to help teachers and programs implement the college and career readiness standards.

I have worked in adult literacy since 1980, serving as an instructor and local program director, state consultant, program development director, training coordinator, and state outreach coordinator.  As I say this, I remember that one of my early professional development experiences in adult education was around Adult Performance Level competencies and their implementation. I wonder what we might learn from those earlier efforts.

I have worked in adult education for over fifteen years and in different capacities, including state administration (program services, strategic alliances, professional development, high school equivalency, and transitions); public television (training for integrating multimedia in the classroom and workforce training and development); and as a Training Officer in a bank (e.g., HR-related, customer services, coaching, leadership...). Other work experience includes, manufacturing, marketing, and retail. My education includes, a Bachelor's in Business Administration, an M.B.A., and doctorate in education, focusing on foundations of career and technical education (formerly vocational and technical education) and occupational/workforce training.

Our state is an Accelerating Opportunity state sponsored by grant funding from numerous funders through Jobs for the Future (JFF). We're in our second year and have committed to rolling out the program to the remaining eight community and technical colleges in our state using state agency funds - dually funded by our community and technical college system and adult education. The first eight are funded by JFF, the second eight by state agency funding. We've learned a lot along the way, but my primary focus is adult education within the pathways parameters.

 

Thanks for taking the time to introduce yourself, Franklin.  I hope that you will find the discussions of value.  I look forward to seeing you in the community.

Meryl Becker-Prezocki, SME

 

 

Greetings,

 

My Name is Melinda Maiterth and I am a Basic Skills Educator and GED Transition Coordinator for the Londer Learning Center. A GED Program with Multnomah County Serving adults who are on probation, parole and or in drug treatment. Student complete their GED and then select a career pathway with Portland Community College. Our students who complete 50 hours of instruction and write a scholarship letter are eligible for a 12 credit tuition waiver. I look forward to learning from this group.

Walkwell,

Melinda Maiterth

 

  

 

My name is Julie Waters. I am a first year GED instructor with Faulkner State Community College in Alabama.  All of our classes are Open Enrollment.  This is very convenient with many of our adults due to the different working hours they have. We have day and night classes.  We have been very successful with one-to-one tutoring, however, I'm aware that many GED classes in other areas are Closed Classes and whole class instruction is used.  Many of the reading and math strategies are great for whole class instruction, but how are these methods or strategies best demonstrated with one-to-one instruction and a lot of independent study?  Does anybody do both? I appreciate any information, suggestions, or ways you can offer. 

Thank you for your help,

 

Hello,

We have open enrollment; though it is "open" only once a month.  I try to do both independent work time and direct instruction time for reading, math, and writing. Our classes are also a combination of ABE/GED.  Students are assessed in all subject matter and can work on independent assignments. I have scheduled time for independent study and direct instruction. We do not have tutors, but luckily we have small classes and students tend to help each other. The small classes might change this fall with a rush of students wanting to finish the GED. You have raised some very good questions. I will have to wait and see what the complexion of my class and be flexible with a bag of "many tricks". I tend not to do work that has to be carried over to another day since attendance is also very random at times. These are indeed the challenges of adult education; but many students are very motivated and work hard!

 

 

Hello to all,

I want to welcome the newest members of the College and Career Standards group and those individuals that have recently posted introductions.  I hope that you will share any discussion topics or questions that you have with us.  I would like to suggest that you explore the discussions tab to browse through previous conversations.  You can always make a comment on any of the previous discussion topics.  I look forward to "seeing" you in the Community.

Meryl Becker-Prezocki, SME

 

 

 

 

 

Julie,

My background includes being an instructor/coordinator for a Family Literacy program for ESL and GED students in the same off-campus classrooms.  Our classes are open enrollment and I have found a "key" element is to truly know your student's weak areas from whatever assessment testing you do up front. I detail this by subject area and give a copy to each student so that they stay accountable in their learning efforts.  Classroom instruction - This may be more simplistic or not at all what you were seeking, but I will share from experience anyway.  While math may at times be taught for the whole class (some students need refreshers), more often there would be multiple groups working in one class with one instructor who "ping pongs" around to the various groups. I have started class with all but one math group either reviewing and discussing a new section from a book or comparing homework answers and discussing, or even with a group of one student checking their answers from the back of the book.  During that time, I started my rounds by having a 5-10 minute instruction on a math skill followed by practice problems for one group while I rotated in turn to the other groups.  When I am teaching ESL students reading skills and GED students in the same room, my lesson plans are structured to ensure that GED groups are reviewing or practicing prior instruction while new instruction is being given to ESL students and vice versa.  Often these classes have students doing more independent study based on their areas that need strengthening, but where possible students are doing peer study.  This is a lot of work for the instructor; however, my experience has shown results in student learning and satisfaction with 88% + of the class showing level moves in assessment testing within one semester.  Students are willing to wait a few minutes in class when they know that the instruction is tailored to what they need to receive.Another key is flexibility as class makeup is in a constant state of change due to open enrollment and absences.   Hope this helps.

Melissa
 

Thank you so much for your input.  I am doing some of the same teaching methods you are and this helps validate what I do.  I will certainly look into the teaching strategy you use for whole class time allotments while others doing independent study.

Thank you again,

Julie

Hello everyone.  My name is Druci and I am a Program Advisor for the Adult and Career Services Center in Hillsborough County Florida.  Our newly created program links Adult Education (ABE, ESOL, Civics, GED) and the HiTEC career postsecondary programs to a one stop location for students.  I'm looking forward to being a part of this group have a wonderful rest of the year! 

Hi Druci, I am glad that you joined the College and Career Standards Group.  I would like to suggest that you browse through the Discussions tab.  You might discover a topic of interest or begin a new discussion about a question that you have regarding your program.   The expertise in the Community is a great asset for getting new programs started. Meryl Becker-PrezockiSME

Hello all,

My name is Sheila Manley, I am the Transition Coordinator for Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland Ohio.  I started working with the ABLE/GED/ESOL program in 2011after leaving the Workforce Development Division also at the college.  I serve about 3000 students and ( you read it right), until recently worked solo until  2 months ago when a Transition specialist was hired. So if I sound tired .....I am.:) !! I look forward to reading the post when possible, ( I work early mornings and late nights). I am always interested in learning ways to serve the students more effectively!

Hi Shelia, Wow, I am thinking about the great number of students that you have worked with in your program!  Three thousand.  I hope that you will find things in the community that will be helpful in your work with your classes. Meryl Becker-Prezocki, SME  

My name is Carolyn Hendrix and I am from Alabama (Roll Tide).  I have 21 years experience in Adult and Workplace Education.  I am interested in this group because we are in the process of changing our college and career readiness program.  I am particularly interested in course content (framework), lessons, schedules, timelines, etc.  If you have found any particular websites that have been a big help in planning and implementing your program, please share.

Carolyn

I teach at a small liberal arts college York College of PA. My focus on sabbatical is improving reading among adults to prepare them for college or help them while they are in college. The world of ABE is very organized. Thanks!  Julia Bucher (in Mt Gretna area of PA)

I work at a career & tech ed high school center (Muskegon Area Career Tech Center). Our building runs a wide range of programs, everything from auto to medical to graphic production (18 programs in all).  These programs are required to teach business and industry skills that lead to high-wage, high-skills jobs.  Students attend their regular high school for a half day for their core classes (English, math, ect.).  They then attend our center with students from all over the county for a half day.

 My job includes arranging opportunities (articulation agreements, direct credit) for students to get Post-Secondary credit for the work they are doing while they attend tech classes so that they do not have to repeat classes/skill learning that they have already learned, and often times earned the industry certification for.  

Also in our building is a placement specialist that helps arrange internships & Co-Ops for students who have met the requirements, a high school counselor who meets with students to help then plan how to continue learning & working in the field they have chosen, and instructors who have continued experience in business & industry.

My name is Lori Lastine and I am an instructor at the Clarinda Correctional Facility in Iowa.  CCF is a Medium security adult male prison.  We are designated as a special needs facility.  The vast majority of our students have either mental health and/or learning issues of one sort or another.  Last week I attended the Iowa Standards in Action training and am interested to see how each of your programs are putting the CCR Standards to work.  My head is kind of swimming at this point when thinking of all that our program needs to do to make these changes.  Hopefully, being part of this Community of Practice will help me to focus in on where to go from here.  I am interested to know how the changes to instruction were implemented and the reaction of the teachers.  Good to be here!!

 

Lori

Hi, my name is Laura Hidlebaugh, and I am the English Language Learning and Family Literacy Coordinator at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa. We serve English Language Learners who are adult immigrants or refugees in our community. While we have students from around the globe, we currently have many refugees from Burma, many of whom have had little to no formal education. Last week, I attended the Standards in Action training in Des Moines, Iowa, and I am eager to learn more about how to implement this into our ELL program.

Hi, Laura.  My name is Patricia Lovett, and I am the ELL Specialist at the National Center for Families Learning.  You referenced the Standards in Action training you attended.  Did you work through Innovation One, in which you learn about unpacking the standards?  Did you use the CCR standards in the training?  Are you currently using standards, perhaps CASAS, in your program?  

I would love to know more about your implementation journey and look forward to dialoguing with you about using the standards.

Hello, my name is DeAnn.  I am an instructor for Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa.  I teacher computer literacy courses for high school equivalency (HSE) students and I have also developed a hybrid HSE classroom.  I am joining this discussion group because I recently attended the Standards in Action training about a week ago.  I am looking forward to learning more about the College and Career Readiness Standards and the benefits of aligning classroom curriculum with these standards.

Hi, I'm Natalie Cummins, and I'm an instructor in Math and ESL at Jessamine Co. Adult Education in Nicholasville, KY. As a state we are working very hard to implement the CCRS (we've had 3 years of PD on the subject), and I'm interested in this group to see what strategies other organizations may develop as we try to dovetail the standards with the needs of a new GED test.

Hi and thank you for introducing yourselves to the group.  Everyone comes from different states, and we can all learn from one another.  How about sharing the ways in which you are using standards in your work?

Meryl Becker-Prezocki SME

Hello,

 

My name is Corlis Webb.  I am a doctoral student and am in the process of writing my dissertatio on adult education, particulary instructional programming used by teachers in ABE programs for low-skilled individuals.  I hope to glean from the information of others and learn as much as possible.  

Hi, My name is Terrin Bern, I am the Associate Coordinator for the Adult Education/Literacy Program with Iowa Central Community College in Storm Lake, Ia. I have been in this position for only a few months, I started in Octorber, and in November attended the Standards In Action training in Des Moines. We serve both ESL and HSED ( GED) students. We have a variety of backgrounds in our program, so I am very anxious to learn different ways to help my teachers so their studnets get the best possible instruction.

Terrin

Sounds like we are in similar situations. I started the end of October and attended the Novemeber training as well. We will need to compare porgress.

 

Brenda

Brenda,

That sounds wonderful, I am trying to picture you in my head! I remember there being another 'newbie' at the SIA but there were so many there that I am not sure who you were! I will make a point to say hello at the next SIA in March! :)

Hi to all the new members who are in the process of SIA training,

I am so glad that you have joined the community.  This will be a good place to share and pose questions that you have.  Since many states have already completed SIA, you have a lot of "experts" who might be willing to point you in the right direction.

Meryl, SME

Hello,

I am a Program Analyst at the California Department of Rehabilitation and staff to the California Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (CCEPD). Among my responsibilities with the CCEPD is providing leadership on a committee workgroup tasked with assisting in developing a pipeline of qualified workers with disabilities. I am also the current Chairperson of the Association of Youth Leadership Forums, and a member of the California Secondary Transition Community of Practice Leadership Team. In addition, I hold a Master's Degree in Assistive Technology and Human Services from California State University Northridge.

 

My interests include career exploration and educational preparation in high growth & high demand industries, universal design for learning (UDL) applications, and assistive technology applications.

 

Thank you, and I look forward to learning from the group!

 

 

LaCandice McCray, M.S.

Associate Governmental Program Analyst

Strengths: Discipline – Responsibility – Learner – Includer – Connectedness

 

California Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities

721 Capitol Mall, 6th Floor

Sacramento, CA  95814

Direct: (916) 558-5429

Email: LaCandice.McCray@dor.ca.gov

‘Like’ Us on Facebook!

Hi LaCandice,

I am glad that you have become a member of the COP.  Your interests in, career exploration and educational preparation in high growth and high demand industries, are shared by many members.  Would you like to begin a discussion on this subject?  In order to do that, you would click on the "Discussions" tab and locate the link "Create a new discussion."  I will look forward to seeing a discussion in the future.

Meryl Becker-Prezocki, SME

 

 

Hi, my name is Pat Garrison and I found the LINCS website last night when I was searching online for resources related to adult basic education.  In December I completed a MA in Adult Ed at University of South Florida. Currently I am resource coordinator for a small private mental health practice (and have been at the job for almost 8 years) but would like to transition into a career that is more directly involved with adult ed, particularly adult basic education / transitional learning / developmental learning / high school completion. 

In our program at USF no courses in adult basic ed were offered while I was a student. I was able to volunteer / intern at a local homeless mission and learned about the process of adult educational assessment there, for residents, but I have no experience in the ABE classroom (Tutored someone in basic reading and math skills over a decade ago, taught a year of 6th and 7th grade science at a high-poverty Title I middle school, and assisted with two forensic chemistry classes at a community college about a decade ago, but no direct experience in the area I'm interesting in pursuing).  I found a graduate certificate that Univ. Idaho has had, in Adult Basic Education, and wrote to the enrollment coordinator, but they are phasing out the program.  So... LINCS looks like a good resource for learning and discussion and for accessing professional development resources.  I joined most of the groups (not knowing how active the boards are). 

 

Hi, my name is Pat Garrison and I recently completed a Master of Arts in Adult Education at University of South Florida. I have joined several forums on LINCS to try and learn more about adult basic education, which is a major interest. USF has a very solid program in adult education but no courses in adult basic ed were offered while I was a student, so I am hoping LINCS will be a resource for information and potentially for helping me tap into professional development opportunities. 

(Oops -- didn't realize I'd already posted. Doesn't look like I can delete. Sorry for the duplication.)

Hello-

What a great time to assemble, to help each other navigate the new Common Core standards and the new GED system. I have the privilege of being the principal of an adult school in the Central Valley of California. The state of California has legislated the formation of regional consortia of K-12 adult educators and community college educators to address the needs of adults leading to College and Career readiness. I'm excited to learn from you!

I am Karen Martinsen, a Program Manager at the University of Alaska.  I work with underemployed and dislocated workers, most with developmental educational needs, referred through Department of Labor.  Our goal is Career & Technical training toward Occupational Endorsements or 2 year degrees. 

I am interested in similar programs and resources.  I would be interested how others work with academic faculty to embed work ethics, applied math and business communications in technical courses.  What type of support services are most effective? 

I am in Washington state often, so I would be especially interested in programs I might be able to visit or communicate with. 

I have been the lead ELA instructor for Madisonville Community College's ACE2 Muhlenberg County Adult Education program in Central City, Kentucky, since 2005.  I currently teach classes in both reading and language skills to students who test below NRS level four and a newly created standards-based GED English course which blends reading, writing, and writing-based language skills for those students who test NRS level four and higher.​ I am very interested in exchanging information which will help my students become successful achieving their goals to pass the GED exam and enter post-secondary or the workforce.

Hi Sherraine,

It is good to have a former colleague join the College and Career Standards Group.  I hope that you will find the conversation of value to you in your work in Muhlenberg County.  You might want to share your participation in LINCS with the other staff that you work with in Kentucky.  I look forward to seeing you in the comunity.

Meryl, SME

My name is Becky Webb and I'm in my 7th year teaching an Alternative High School Equivalency Prep Program - basically HSE for 16-21 year olds that are just too far behind to complete high school in a timely fashion.  I work in New York (the west side of the state - very rural and poor) and so am now preparing my students for McGraw-Hill's Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC).  I directly teach or at least have some involvement in all subject areas for the test, though I've narrowed my focus to mostly just ELA this year.  I am already enjoying a lot of the tips I've found on this website.

I am a Training Specialist for South Carolina Adult Education.  I live in Rock Hill, SC and have been involved in adult education since the mid 80's. My main area of inquiry right now is how to develop thinking skills in our adult students.

 

Brett

@brettstaylor

www.MyGEDClass.com 

Hi everyone! SO glad to be able to get back to networking and sharing of ideas with all of you! Been away from the groups for about a year, and have landed happily at the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL) at Texas A&M. I am currently the Director of Research at TCALL, but also will contribute to PD Initiatives across the state. Looking forward to sharing of ideas.

I can be reached at: dhargrove@cehd.tamu.edu

Congrats on your position!  Have not visited with you in ages and looking forward to hearing all the new ideas you have as I know you will have so much to offer.  I am now a County Wide Program Advisor with the Hillsborough County School District and constantly faced with new challenges each day.  You can reach me at druci.diaz-phelps@sdhc.k12.fl.us  Looking forward to hearing from you.

Hello everyone!

This is Jessie Hawthorn.  I'm in the Colorado Office of Adult Education and Family Literacy.  We administer AEFLA funding to local grantees.  One of my areas of responsibility is the implementation of standards based instruction for ABE and ASE.  We are using the College and Career Readiness Standards.  We're in the first year of our multi-year implementation.  We plan on delivering training to group of about 25 instructors in FY15.  We have an advisory group composed of teachers and program leaders.  It has met once and will meet as needed.  We are going to the OVAE standards institute in Phoenix in a couple of weeks.  We're so excited about that opportunity.  We look forward to learning and meeting others who are implementing standards based instruction.  I look forward to participating in discussions here too.

 

Hi Jessie,

Welcome to the LINCS Community.  We are glad that you have decided to join.  I was wondering if you could provide the group with some more information explaining your PD on standards?  You mentioned that it is covering a period of several years.  Thanks.

Meryl Becker-Prezocki, SME

I work for the Florida Department of Education and the CCR standards for Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs is one of my tasks.  I just returned from the OCTAE training in New Orleans.  I learned how the panels determined the standards.  The activities were excellent and increased my understanding of the shifts and principles. Can you tell I can back excited to provide technical assistance to our ABE programs?

I work at Roxbury Community College in Boston as a Director of Community Access ESOL Program.  This Program was closed last month for reorganization as it didn't satisfy the grant requirements.  The program was self-paid and very successful and run by me solely for 17 years.

Now I'm getting some new and advanced knowledge that I could implement in my new job which will definitely be with the community.

My name is Catherine Toole, and I'm an Adult Education Specialist at Tallahassee Community College in Florida.  I'm on the look out for better ways to teach the college and career readiness curriculum to our students.  My main question has to do with textbooks.  We are finally in position to purchase new books rather than simply adapting the old ones. I'm wondering which curriculums teachers/administrators have liked best.  We are looking at New Readers, McGraw-Hill, and Houghton-Mifflin.  Thanks for any feedback. kt