|
Fall 2006
|
|
Volume 30, No. 3
|
by Debbie Hrach, PAACE President
Dear Fellow PAACE Members:
The PAACE Board is pleased to announce that we received several applications for executive director. This important position will continue to build and manage our organization's ongoing efforts to help adults achieve lifelong learning goals.
A complete job description is available at the PAACE website. The deadline for applications was October 31. Now that applications have been received, the PAACE Executive Committee and Board will move forward with the hiring process. We will continue to keep the members informed of our progress.
The PAACE Board is also pleased to welcome Bootsie Barbour as the new Adult Basic and Secondary Education Program Division Chair. Bootsie works for Stairways Behavioral Health in Erie and is also the Northwest Professional Development Center Coordinator. PAACE members are always welcome to participate in PAACE board meetings. Please visit the PAACE site for a listing of current board members and meeting dates.
2007 COABE Conference Update
by Chuck Klinger, TIU 11, PAACE Second Vice-President
The COABE 2007 planning team wants to update everyone regarding the 2007 conference. It will be held March 26-28, 2007 in Philadelphia. There will be pre-conference sessions March 25, as well as various tours available on March 24 and 25 for those interested in seeing the city without missing any of the conference.
Here's what you can expect when you come to Philadelphia for the conference. The conference will be held in downtown Philadelphia, at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel. The hotel is close to Philadelphia’s museum district. Those affiliated with the conference will get a rate of $149.00 per night.
 |
| The Liberty Bell. Photo by Robin Miller and obtained from the Philadelphia Convention & Visitor’s Bureau. |
In addition there will be pre-conference sessions on Sunday, March 25. These will cover topics such as distance education, learning differences, numeracy, professional development and technology, and workplace education. Sessions will be facilitated by national experts.
The conference will officially begin Monday, March 26 with an opening plenary session. This will be followed by the opening of the marketplace, a round of concurrent sessions, and a networking lunch. The afternoon will also include more concurrent sessions and a large session devoted to policy.
Monday will also feature two evening receptions. The first will be sponsored by the hosts for next year’s COABE Conference in St. Louis, and will provide folks the chance to unwind and begin seeing what they can expect next year in St. Louis. After that, Steck-Vaughn will sponsor a reception at the Franklin Institute, which includes an exhibit devoted to electricity, the opportunity to walk through a giant replica of a human heart, and an exhibit of Ben Franklin’s inventions. Those attending the reception will also be given the opportunity to see the updated King Tut exhibit which will be at the Franklin Institute during our conference. Tickets will be sold at a reduced rate when you register for the conference.
Our keynote speaker, Jonathan Kozol, will speak Tuesday, March 27. He is the author of several critically acclaimed books about the inequities of our school system, most recently The Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America. There will also be concurrent sessions, an awards luncheon, and more opportunities to check out the latest resources at the marketplace. We are in the process of finalizing receptions and other activities for Tuesday evening. Wednesday, March 28th will consist of concurrent sessions in the morning, and the conference will then conclude.
Two Issues of Critical Importance
by JoAnn Weinberger, Center for Literacy, PAACE Legislative Committee Chair
There are two issues of critical importance for PAACE members to be aware of and take action: 
1. Federal Funding for 2007-2008
2. State Funding for 2007-2008
On both issues, please let me know of the actions you take. E-mail me at weinberger@centerforliteracy.org with the number of letters you sent and to whom.
Federal Funding
We have reached another critical point in the appropriations process. Now is the time for contacts with members of the House and Senate during the next 5 weeks when they are in their districts.
Nationally, there is a push for the additional $2 billion dollars for Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. PA legislators supporting this push include Senator Arlen Specter as well as Representatives Charlie Dent, Jim Gerlach, Michael Fitzpatrick, Curt Weldon, and Todd Platts.
We should be thanking these members for their support and asking the other Senate and House members to “support the additional $2 billion for Labor, Health, Human Services and Education programs in the FY07 federal budget”. These messages from our field can be sent directly to Washington or in this case to the regional offices or Congressional district.
SAMPLE LETTER TO SPECTER, DENT, GERLACH, FITZPATRICK, WELDON, OR PLATTS
Dear :
Thank you for your support of the additional $2 billion for Labor, Health, Human Services and Education programs in the FY07 federal budget. I know firsthand of the importance of the programs for adult literacy and Even Start Family Literacy. These programs need the funding to enable adults and families reach their goals.
[Add personal story—As a ______________, ]
Again, thank you for your continued support.
SAMPLE LETTER TO SANTORUM AND REPRESENTATIVES NOT ON THE ABOVE LIST.
Dear :
I urge you to support the amendment to add $2 billion for Labor, Health, Human Services and Education programs in the FY07 federal budget. I know firsthand of the importance of the programs for adult literacy and Even Start Family Literacy. These programs need the funding to enable adults and families reach their goals.
[Add personal story—As a ________________.]
I hope our learners will be able to have your support for services to meet their educational needs.
State Funding 2007-2008
PAACE is coordinating a statewide campaign to urge the governor to recommend to the legislator a major increase in appropriations for adult basic and literacy education programs. The rationale for this increase and the specific request was sent to the Governor in the letter below.
We need you to ACT NOW—immediately. What can you do? WRITE LETTERS to the Governor—urge your board members, teachers, volunteer tutors, learners, business leaders and CareerLink partners to join you in a major letter writing campaign. These letters should be copied to the Secretary of the Budget and the Secretary of Policy. These letters should be mailed during the months of October and November. The request to the Governor actually includes multiple requests. If your experience is with one particular program, request increased funding for that program. Or, you can endorse PAACE’s overall request for increased funding.
SAMPLE LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR
The Honorable Governor Edward Rendell
225 Main Capitol Bldg.
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Dear Governor Rendell:
I am writing to urge your support of increased funding for adult basic and literacy education in 2007-08. I know firsthand of the need for this increase. As a _____________(board member of ________, volunteer tutor, learner, CareerLink partner, member of the business community), I know the goals of learners: to get a job or a better job, leave public assistance, and/or support their children’s education in order to give them a better future.
As we look to funding for 2007-08, I would like to urge you recommend to the legislature an increase in the appropriation for adult basic and literacy education. This is critical because of the decrease in funding over the years and the growing needs. In particular, I am concerned about_____________________________________because _____________________________________.
I hope you will seriously consider this request.
Sincerely yours,
cc. Michael Masch
Secretary of the Budget
238 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Donna Cooper
Policy Secretary
238 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17126
LETTER SENT TO THE GOVERNOR BY THE PAACE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
October 10, 2006
The Honorable Governor Edward Rendell
225 Main Capitol Bldg.
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Dear Governor Rendell:
I am writing on behalf of the Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education, a professional association representing over 600 members, who work to meet the goals of over 67,000 adult learners. These learners have goals to get a job or a better job, leave public assistance, and support their children’s education in order to give them a better future.
As we look to funding for 2007-08, I would like to urge you recommend to the legislature an increase in the appropriation for adult basic and literacy education. The rationale for this includes:
- federal cuts in appropriations, amounting to$9 million over the past four years. --decrease in the state funds in 2003-04.
- level funding at the state level during 2004-05, 2005-06, and 2006-07, which has amounted to cuts of at least 2% a year given the core Consumer Price Index.
- the resources needed to work closely with other systems such as workforce, welfare, and corrections
- the needs of a growing number of immigrants.
The Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) system has great resources such as the Move Up program, Workplace Foundation Skills Framework and Career Gateway. However, adult education continues to operate at about $500 per student, typically offering 5 hours a week of instruction—insufficient intensity to meet the needs of the adults and their families. With increased costs of salaries, benefits, instructional materials, transportation, and space/facilities/utilities, level funding is NOT flat funding.
The priorities for funding for 2007-08 should include:
- Enabling all the adult basic and literacy education programs throughout the Commonwealth to guarantee a quality education—this would mean increasing the basic appropriation by $20 million to enable the over 67,000 learners to have more intensive programs such as those offered through Move Up.
- Providing $1.5 million in matching funds for the Department of Pubic Welfare’s funds for Move Up. During fiscal year 2005-06, this Governor’s initiative served 3,151 public assistance recipients. For both FY 06 and 07, the education funds have been encumbered from carry-over federal funds which have now been used. This is a critical program meeting a critical need.
- Providing a new appropriation of $1,500 per learner to provide the needed English as a second language services for immigrants who are eager to learn the skills necessary to be productive Pennsylvania workers and citizens. This funding would enable intensive, ten-hours-a-week programs for this growing segment of the Commonwealth’s population.
- Providing $4.1 million for family literacy to compensate for the federal cutback in Even Start Family Literacy funding. Family literacy produces significant outcomes for the parents, the children’s first teacher. Currently, state and federal funds are used to enable services in every county.
Therefore, on behalf of the adults and out-of-school youth we serve and those waiting for service, I urge you to increase the appropriation for adult basic and literacy education. For the economic development and well-being of the Commonwealth, adult basic and literacy education provides a critical role.
Sincerely yours,
JoAnn Weinberger
Legislative Chair
cc. Michael Masch
Secretary of the Budget
238 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Donna Cooper
Policy Secretary
238 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17126
Read the Gubernatorial and Senatorial Candidate's Views on Adult Education
The PAACE Legislative Committee sent a series of questions to the gubernatorial and senatorial candidates. All responses that PAACE received are posted. Please note that no endorsement of a candidate should be implied. All files are in a PDF format 
and can be viewed using Adobe Reader.
Gubernatorial Candidates
Governor Edward "Ed" Rendell*
Lynn Swann
Senatorial Candidates
Senator Richard "Rick" Santorum
Auditor General Robert "Bob" Casey*- No response provided
*Won 2006 Election
CEA/PA Co-Chair Needed for PAACE Legislative Committee
by Kathy Chrisman, Ph.D., Carlow University, CEA/PA President
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
As we prepare for the first (Western Region) CEA/PA meeting of the year and plunge into the new academic year and as we anticipate the 2007 CEA/PA Conference, I would like to reiterate our need for a CEA/PA co-chair of the PAACE Legislative Committee, currently chaired by JoAnn Weinberger. (It is she who sends out those awesome e-mails with information about current and anticipated legislation that affects adult basic education and with pleas for us to contact our legislators at all levels of government.) Following Mary Anne Varacalli's fine example as a CEA/PA representative on PAACE's Board, it would be equally valuable to have a CEA/PA representative on the Legislative Committee.
Here is a brief "job description" of the post.
WANTED: Current member of CEA/PA to serve as Higher Education Co-chair of the PAACE Legislative Committee, bringing relevant local, state and federal issues to the attention of the Higher Education constituency of PAACE.
RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not necessarily limited to:
*Attending PAACE Board meetings and Legislative Committee meetings
* Spearheading advocacy for higher education issues and concerns particularly regarding adult/non-traditional students
*Becoming a member of the Executive Board of CEA/PA and participating in its meetings
*If traveling and attending such meetings is a problem for someone who is otherwise interested, please feel free to volunteer. We will work with you in an attempt to alleviate this difficulty.
Aside from ably representing our constituency (our students), think of this as an opportunity to network with likewise-committed professionals, government officials and legislators and to exercise long pent-up political ambitions (just kidding!) If you have any questions, feel free to email me at ChrismanKA@carlow.edu. I'll do my best to respond as quickly as possible. If you would like to volunteer, please let me know as soon as possible.
Thank you for your sincere consideration of this matter. I look forward to hearing from you.
Family Literacy
Celebrate National Family Literacy Day
by Susan Mansuetti, Penn State Beaver, Family Literacy Division Co-Director
As the autumn leaves start to fall, Family Literacy programs celebrated National Family Literacy Day. This event is held every year on November 1. Although National Family Literacy Day has passed, there are always activities you can do to celebrate the impact of family literacy.
The NCFL website features a pdf file of the 2006 Literacy Tabloid that was presented by the Newspaper Association of America Foundation, Verizon and the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) for inclusion in newspaper across the country for International Literacy Day on September 8. It’s full of great ideas families can do together, and includes stories, games and puzzles. Other ideas can be found in the photo gallery section of the PA Family Literacy website. If you have a good idea for an event share it with a friend, put it on the listserve or tell others about it at a training event.
In other news, the Family Literacy division of PAACE has decided to put the Goodling Family Literacy Best Practices Awards on hold for a year until the PAACE Conference in 2008. That gives everyone a long time to think about showcasing some of the best practices they have used to make their program the best it can be.
A Fight Over Online Learning
by Mary Anne Varacalli, Delaware County Community College (ret.), CHE Division Director
In the September 3, 2006 Philadelphia Inquirer, Justin Pope writes about a move that has shaken up the e-learning community. Blackboard Inc. has been awarded a patent establishing its claims to some of the basic features of the software that powers online education.
Critics say the patent claims nothing less than Blackboard’s ownership of the very idea of e-learning. Blackboard - which recently became the dominant company in the field by acquiring rival WebCT Inc. - says critics misunderstand what the patent claims. Blackboard’s patent does not refer to any device or even specific software code; rather, it describes the basic framework of a learning-management system. Blackboard says it must protect its $100 million investment in the technology; however, on the day the patent was announced, Blackboard sued rival Desire2Learn Inc. for infringement and is seeking royalties.
In fall 2004, 2.3 million U.S. college students were taking at least one course entirely online; this number does not include students taking “hybrid” classes with both online and in-person components. About 90 percent of colleges use some kind of learning-management system, according to data from Eduventures L.L.C., a Boston company that does research and consulting on online learning. Blackboard has about 60 percent of the market for those systems.
Matthew Small, Blackboard’s general counsel, denies that the company is claiming to own the very idea of e-learning. He says Blackboard is focused on commercial providers and has no intention of going after universities – its customers, after all – in court to collect royalties. Small said,”We’re not trying to put anyone out of business. We’re not trying to hinder innovation. We’re seeking a reasonable royalty.”
It will be interesting to see how this develops.
This is taken from Justin Pope’s September 3, 2006 Philadelphia Inquirer article titled “A Fight over Online Learning.”
Work Experience for College Credit?
Inside Higher Ed.com posted an article about Governor Ed Rendell's urging for postsecondary education institution to give adults and working students academic credit for their previous work experience as a way to increase the number of adults enrolled in college. For more information, read the August 2006 article titled, "Work Experience for College Credit?".
Another new website that is available for adults considering returning to college is the National College Transitions Network website. It includes resources for adults to learn more about college admissions, financial aid, and a career center. The website address is: www.collegeforadults.org.
New Adult Learning Resources Available from NCSALL
The National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) has announced several new resources available to practitioners at no or low-cost. These materials are based upon the latest research in adult learning and literacy. New materials include:
- Persistence Among Adult Education Student Panel (Video)
- Adult Reading Components Study Panel (video)
- Web-based Self-Study Courses
-Authentic Context
-Adult Multiple Intelligences
-Adult Student Persistence
-General Educational Development
-Reading - NCSALL Research: Improving the Instruction of Adult Basic Education Intermediate Readers
For more information, download the NCSALL announcements as a PDF file or visit the NCSALL website.
Nominate an Outstanding Adult Educator by January 15
by Tana Reiff, Lancaster-Lebanon IU 13, PAACE 2nd Vice-President
Adult educators are known for their dedication and innovation, and PAACE recognizes outstanding contributions to the advancement of adult education through the annual Outstanding Adult Educator award. Is there an adult educator in Pennsylvania who you feel deserves this honor? As last year’s recipient, I can tell you it is a wonderful feeling to be recognized with this award.
Now is the time to nominate a deserving colleague for the 2007 Outstanding Adult Educator award. Nomination criteria and the nomination form are available on the Awards page.
The 2007 Outstanding Adult Educator award will be presented at the PAACE Luncheon, March 28, 2007, at the COABE National Conference in Philadelphia.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by phone, (717) 299-8912, or e-mail, tana_reiff@comcast.net.
PA Conference Opportunities: COABE, PA Adult and Continuing Education Research Conference (PA-ACERC) and PA Conference on Creativity in the Workplace
Pennsylvania adult and continuing education practitioners have three outstanding conferences to attend this upcoming year. All three of these conferences will provide opportunities to learn about current research, network with your peers, and share you best practices with others. Be sure to save the dates and consider presenting.
Commission on Adult Basic Education National Conference (COABE)
March 26 - 28, 2007
Pre-conference sessions March 25, 2007
Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel
Philadelphia, PA
www.coabe2007.org
In 2007, the Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education (PAACE) will welcome adult educators to Philadelphia. This national conference will feature concurrent sessions, keynote speaker Jonathan Kozel, tours of the King Tut exhibit, and much more.
8th Pennsylvania Adult and Continuing Education Research Conference (PA-ACERC)
February 24, 2007
Penn State - Harrisburg
Middletown, PA
www.coe.iup.edu/ace
Held since 1993, this bi-annual conference provides the opportunity for students and professionals in adult education to discuss cutting edge research. The one-day event features invited and peer reviewed concurrent sessions as well as a poster session. Registration fees are kept low to encourage college students and practitioner attendance.
2007 Pennsylvania Conference on Creativity in the Workplace
March 29 - 30, 2007
Regional Learning Alliance, Cranberry Woods
Cranberry Township, PA
www.regionallearningalliance.com
The 2007 CEA/PA Conference on Creativity in the Workplace will include a meshing of professional energy on creativity for higher education providers and corporate leaders. As learners, we will become stronger agents of change for creativity and innovation in our respective worlds of work.
Featured Speaker for Thursday morning and afternoon, March 29:
Robert Alan Black, Ph.D., CSP
* International Creative Workplace Consultant.
* Recipient of the Certified Speaking Professional Award from both the National Speakers Association & International Federation of Professional Speakers.
* Visit Dr. Black's website at: www.cre8ng.com/alan.shtml
Featured Speaker for Friday morning, March 30:
Rae Ann Urick
* Possessing over 15 years of business experience in corporate training, management, and sales.
* This past year Rae Ann was the recipient of a Golden Quill award.
Adult Literacy Action, Penn State Beaver FLA Advocacy Award Finalist
Adult Literacy Action, Penn State Beaver was recently named a national finalist for the 2006 FLA Advocacy Champion Award. This recognition is for programs who demonstrate exemplary advocacy efforts of behalf of family family literacy at the local, state, and national levels. In the Summer 2006 issue of FLA Connecting, it was noted that the staff membership in PAACE "provides a larger springboard for addressing literacy and budget issues."
Congratulations to the staff, volunteers, and learners at Adult Literacy Action, Penn State Beaver for their well-deserved recognition of their ongoing advocacy efforts!
Weinber
ger Named to Governance Council of ProLiteracy America
PAACE Legislative Chair JoAnn Weinberger has been elected to ProLiteracy America's Governance Council. ProLiteracy America represents 1,200 community-based volunteer and adult basic education affiliates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It provides accreditation, advocacy, and technical assistance as well as program and professional development services. Weinberger is the executive director of Center for Literacy, the nation's oldest and largest community-based nonprofit literacy provider. Congratulations to JoAnn!
National Adult Education Researcher-Practitioner Symposium: A Meeting of the Minds II
Sheraton Grand Hotel
Sacramento, California
November 30 - December 2, 2006
www.researchtopractice.org
Unite for Sight 4th Annual International Health Conference
Threads of Experience: Creative Spaces for Women's Learning
Northwestern University
Boston, Massachusetts
March 9 - 10, 2007
www.litwomen.org/conference.html
Florida Literacy Conference
Orlando Marriott
Lake Mary, Florida
May 2 - 4, 2007
www.floridaliteracy.org
Comprehensive conference listing!
Whatever your interest in adult education may be, the LINCS conference calendar has something for you--actually, LOTS of things for you. Check out this thorough list of conferences and events related to adult education, technology, and affiliated topics at: www.nifl.gov/cgi-bin/Calendar/calendar_world.cgi
PAACE News available in PDF
For those who like to print out PAACE News, you have the option of printing directly from your browser or downloading a PDF file of each issue.
Download the current issue of PAACE News as PDF file here.
Are you subscribed to the PAACE members e-mail list?
If you are a PAACE member and are not subscribed to the members e-mail list, you may use the simple sign-up process by going to www.paacesite.org, clicking on the link on the main page for the PAACE lists, and following the link for the members@paacesite.org list. Subscribers also may follow the link to change subscription information. Only subscribers may post to the list.
PAACE members are encouraged to be on the e-mail list in order to receive announcements and late-breaking legislative news, especially now!
President: Debbie Hrach
First Vice-President: Chuck Klinger (Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11)
Second Vice-President: Tana Reiff (Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13)
Secretary: Lori Keefer (Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council)
Treasurer: Mary Hohensee (Literacy Council of Lancaster-Lebanon)
Immediate Past President: Robert McNeill (Delaware Valley College)
Remote Past President: Mary Kay Peterson
Western Regional Representative: Emmett Baxendell (Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh)
Central Regional Representative: Ruth Love-Schooley (Lycoming County Library System)
Eastern Regional Representative: Joe Morales (Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13)
Adult Basic and Secondary Education Division Director: Bootsie Barbour (Stairways Behavioral Health)
Continuing Higher Education Division Director: Mary Anne Varacalli (retired, Delaware County Community College)
Corrections Education Division Director:
ESL Division: Monica Teles Carr (Mt. Pleasant Hispanic American Center)
Family Literacy Division: Susan Mansuetti (Penn State Beaver Adult Literacy Action), Julie Shumaker (Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit)
Tutors of Literacy in the Commonwealth: Kim Roush (Tutors of Literacy in the Commonwealth)
Workplace Education Division: KayLynn Hamilton (Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy at Penn State)
PDE Bureau of ABLE Representative: Michael Westover
Commonwealth Libraries:Eileen Kocher (ABLE State Resource Library)
Committee Chairs/Full Board list: See the PAACE website.
PAACE News Editorial Board
Destiny Myers, Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 Community Education Services, Editor
Debbie Hrach
Karen Mundie, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council
Ruth Love-Schooley, Lycoming County Library System
Tana Reiff, Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13
Carol Shefrin, Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 Community Education Services
Mary Anne Varacalli, Delaware County Community College (ret.)
The purpose of PAACE News is to inform members of PAACE about the activities and plans of the Association and how they can participate in them. Remaining consistent with the mission of the organization, the newsletter connects a diverse audience of adult education practitioners, researchers, and students throughout Pennsylvania.
This issue published November 20, 2007.
To submit material for PAACE News, please e-mail the editor at dmyers@tiu11.org.