Last month we celebrated Adult and Family Literacy (AEFL) Week . "In the United States, Nearly 43 million adults have low literacy skills, and another 63 million adults struggle with basic math. AEFL Week brings focus to the ways adult educators are working together to bridge the gap between this need and the availability of effective, opportunity-building, and life-changing education and training."
This week, I had the pleasure of participating in the 2024 ProLiteracy Conference and presenting a session titled- Accelerating Career Pathway Opportunities for All. One thing we discussed during the session is how hard it can be to explain to people outside our field what an adult literacy program does and who it serves.
OCTAE describes Adult Education and Literacy as "enabling adults to acquire the basic skills necessary to function in today's society so that they can benefit from the completion of secondary school, enhanced family life, attaining citizenship and participating in job training and retraining programs."
Please add to this discussion and share the "elevator speech" you use to describe to others the life-changing adult education program you offer.
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The days of " just getting my GED" are over. By implementing career pathways with stackable credentials, wrap around services, and instruction for high school equivalency diploma, adult education programs are giving individuals second chances and opportunities that will not only transform their lives, but their families as well.
Industry-driven curriculum development and integrating math and English skills appropriate for high school equivalency diploma students is my focus for the next two months. We've convened an eager team to create a professional driver (CDL) IET program which will be piloted in January 2025. Basic skills and competencies for both general education and the career skills have been sequenced. The orientation process for both Adult Education (HSED) students and CDL (CTE) students have been aligned. The CASAS serves as the placement exam, for the CDL program as well, identifying individuals who have their high school diploma, but may need to brush up on math and/or English skills to be successful in the industry.
I would appreciate connecting with a colleague who has implemented a CDL program as an IET! Businesses have identified additional positions outside of driving they would hire as well: scheduler, logistics coordinator, inventory control specialist...
Thank you! I look forward to the discussion - best practice, advice, suggestions...