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Fall 2007
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Volume 31, No. 3
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by Chuck Klinger, TIU 11 Community Education Services, PAACE President
As you read through this issue of the newsletter, you will learn about various activities related to PAACE and the field in general. I would like to make everyone aware of our priorities and objectives. We devoted a lot of time and energy to hosting the COABE National Conference – thanks again to everyone that made it a success. Now that it is complete, we are looking to refocus our energies.
One ongoing topic of discussion among the PAACE Board has been the role of research in our field and within our organization. For the past several years, most of what PAACE has done related to research has been through the publication of the PAACE Journal and support for the bi-annual Pennsylvania Adult and Continuing Education Research Conference. This has generally been through the efforts of Dr. Gary Dean, longtime editor of PAACE Journal and1998 Outstanding Adult Educator Award Recipient, and has been very well-received.
The current PAACE Board would like to expand on this and offer more opportunities for the field to be made aware of current research. One of our priorities is to provide more support to the efforts of Dr. Dean and the adult education research community in Pennsylvania; another is to find other ways of disseminating research. Dr. Sheila Sherow has agreed to chair our Research Committee, which will work to further clarify the role and availability of research to the field. This year’s PAACE Midwinter Conference will include sessions devoted to research as a result of this work.
Another area of focus has been clarifying the roles of various Board members. Division chairs (for ABSE, ESL, Family Literacy, TLC, Workforce, Continuing Education, and Corrections Education) will work to make sure there are conference activities of interest for their division. They will also facilitate the annual meeting for their division. The division meetings will be held as boxed lunch activities at the conclusion of the conference.
Regional representatives will focus more on supporting PAACE members with legislative or advocacy issues. This will include the regional advocacy workshops, as well as provide technical assistance in some cases. This year, for programs having students receiving an ABLE Outstanding Student Award, the PAACE regional representative will assist interested programs with inviting their legislators to recognize their constituents at an event sponsored by the Bureau of ABLE in the spring.
If anyone has ideas about new opportunities for PAACE or is interested in becoming more active with PAACE or the field of adult education in general, please contact me at cklinger@tiu11.org, your regional representative, or division chair.
Be a part of national and state advocacy opportunities
by JoAnn Weinberger, Center for Literacy, PAACE Legislative Committee Chair
Federal Update:
The U. S. Congress has not finalized the appropriation for adult literacy and Even Start Family Literacy. This appropriation would be for the fiscal year 08-09. The House of Representatives has set an appropriation level for adult literacy that includes an increase of $25 million and a level for Even Start of $99 million. The Senate has voted for a level appropriation for adult literacy and ZERO for Even Start. The next step will be a Conference Committee composed of Senators and Representatives who will “report out” a final number. This may happen within the next few weeks.
It appears that the House and Senate will approve a continuing resolution to extending the current spending levels to Nov. 15, 2007. We think that there will be an attempt to put a number of appropriations bills into one resolution which would cover the rest of this Fiscal Year through Sept. 30, 2008. By putting a number of appropriation bills together the Democrats think that they can prevent a Presidential veto, particularly the veto promised for the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions bill that the President thinks is $16-20 billion above his mark.
On November 7, ProLiteracy Worldwide is sponsoring a Capitol Hill Day—an opportunity to learn more about advocacy and to actually visit Pennsylvania’s senators or their aides and your representatives. To register for this day, please go to: www.proliteracy.org/conference/. You will find more information and registration forms. Although this is part of their annual conference, there is no cost to register for this one day. If you plan to participate, please email Karen Mundie at kmundie@gplc.org since she is coordinating visits for Pennsylvanians. If you cannot attend Capitol Hill Day, there is also information on the ProLiteracy website about how to call the senators and representatives to add to the visitors they will have received that day.
WIA Reauthorization
There has been no movement in either the House or Senate on this legislation. The committees that would consider the legislation are currently working on reauthorizations of the Higher Education and No Child Left Behind bills. WIA reauthorization is scheduled for consideration after these other two bills have been approved. Realistically there may be a small window of opportunity, March/April, 20008, when we might see some progress; however it is highly likely that WIA reauthorization will wait until there is a new President.
Immigration
There will be no major immigration bills introduced until after the next Presidential election. Several small pieces of the earlier bill are being considered. One of these is the American Dream Act, which would allow a road to citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants who have been in the country for at least five years, have graduated from high school and enlist in the armed forces or enroll in college.
State Update:
Fall represents the time of year when the state departments and the Governor’s office begin to think about budget planning for the following fiscal year. Please look for an alert in early November which will provide you with information about letter writing to the Governor requesting additional funds for 08-09. Also, if you have not yet written the Governor a thank you note for recommending the increased funding for 07-08 and for approving the final increase of $4.9 million, this will provide you with another opportunity.
Continuing Higher Education
Learning Connections Inventory*
by Kathleen Chrisman, Ph.D.,
(from an article that originally appeared in The Fourth Floor Report, a newsletter of the Center for Academic Achievement at
Carlow University’s Center for Academic Achievement has identified another tool in helping adult learners—all learners, for that matter—identify their particular learning styles (i.e., patterns) and, consequently, how to “take charge of” their learning.
“What makes me unique as a learner?” is the focus of the Learning Connections Inventory©. According to Learning Connections Resources, “Each person owns a distinctive combination of naturally occurring learning patterns. These patterns are the foundation of how we internalize information and externalize our communication and operations. At different levels, we may each seek sequence (order, planning and organization), precision (accuracy, detail and information), technical processing (problem solving, relevance and autonomy), or confluence (ideas, uniqueness and expression).”
The LCI is a 15-minute questionnaire that serves to inform faculty and students about their individual patterns of learning. Upon completion of the questionnaire, students are given practical strategies to support their individual learning, decode assignments, and overcome any learning challenge. The faculty member is given a list of suggestions to address each of the four primary learning patterns: sequential, precise, technical, and confluent.
If you would like to gain more insight into your students’ (or your) learning processes using this tool, please visit www.LCRinfo.com for Learning Connections Resources, LLC, or call 856-307-7878.
*The LCI is a product/service of Learning Connections Resources (www.lcrinfo.com). Please note that no official endorsement by PAACE should be inferred.
Family Literacy
Family Literacy activities at PAACE Midwinter Conference
by Lori McMonigal, TIU 11 Community Education Services, Family Literacy Division Co-Chair
Family Literacy programs can look forward to a great PAACE conference this winter! Along with a variety of sessions to choose from, plans are in the making for an exciting table in the Marketplace, as well as our annual Division Luncheon on Friday. Mark your calendars for February 6-8, 2008!
PAACE Midwinter Conference is a great way to highlight the best practices and successes you have experienced at your family literacy program. Proposals can be submitted online at the PAACE website: www.paacesite.org.
NIFL needs your input on national professional development opportunities
Have you ever wished you could have some input into decisions that are being made nationally on professional development opportunities? If so, here is your chance to express your opinion and share your thoughts.
The National Institute for Literacy is conducting a survey on the professional development needs of adult education practitioners across the country. We need your help to gather information that reflects your own needs in the area of professional development as well as how you think professional development should be offered. We are asking for only 10-15 minutes of your time.
Follow this link to take the survey at www.nifl.gov/lincs/needssurvey/.
Information collected from the professional development needs survey will be used by the Institute and the LINCS Regional Resource Centers to (1) give us insights on how Institute-produced materials and training can be disseminated and (2) identify areas where the Institute might want to develop additional materials and trainings. The Regional Resource Centers will use the data to develop a regional dissemination plan that will include how to best disseminate and present Institute-sponsored resources and training in partnership with the state organizations.
The National Institute for Literacy, a federal agency, provides leadership on literacy issues, including the improvement of reading instruction for children, youth, and adults. In consultation with the U.S. Departments of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services, the Institute serves as a national resource on current, comprehensive literacy research, practice, and policy.
The National Institute for Literacy is committed to the dissemination of high-quality resources to help practitioners use evidence-based instructional practices that improve outcomes in adult learners’ literacy skills. LINCS is the backbone of the Institute’s dissemination system, providing information on a wide variety of literacy relevant topics, issues, and resources through regional resource centers, collections of resources, and discussion lists. For more information about the National Institute for Literacy and LINCS visit www.nifl.gov.
NOTE: The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1800-0011 v. 86.
New opportunities at PAACE Midwinter Conference
by Tana Reiff, TIU 11 Community Education Services, PAACE First Vice-President
PAACE’s annual Midwinter Conference returns to Hershey, February 6-8, 2008. It is shaping up to be the premier professional development event for adult educators and their community partners in Pennsylvania. The conference theme, “Opening Windows” offers an intriguing premise for discussion on a variety of adult education topics. All PAACE members are encouraged to attend, and to bring their colleagues. Registration will open December 1, 2007.
If you’re reading this before October 1, you still have time to submit a proposal for a concurrent session. Proposals are being read in early October. Sessions will fall into 11 categories, seven corresponding with PAACE Divisions, along with Research, Public Policy, Administration, and General. The Bureau of ABLE will sponsor a strand of invited sessions.
The Research category promises to be an interesting addition to the conference. PAACE Research Committee chair Dr. Sheila Sherow of Penn State is working with Journal Committee Chair Dr. Gary Dean of Indiana University of PA, on a strand of sessions reporting on recent research in adult education. The conference will be a golden opportunity for the research community and the field to exchange ideas.
The highlight of the Public Policy strand will be a special large-group session called “The Politics of Adult Education” by Art Ellison, state director of adult education in New Hampshire.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Cheryl King, study director of the National Commission on Adult Literacy, who is coming in from Kentucky. She is eager to meet Pennsylvania adult educators and address our “Opening Windows” theme. Keynote is Thursday at 9am.
Honorary Conference Chair is the Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board. Dr. Robert Garraty, executive director, said PA WIB is honored to accept our invitation and looks forward to developing the link between adult ed and 80 Industry Partnerships. Representatives of the PA WIB will be present during the conference and Dr. Garraty will provide remarks at the conference banquet Thursday evening.
Cheryl Keenan, Director of the U.S. Department of Education’s Division of Adult Education and Literacy, has been invited to present a special session on Thursday afternoon. She is a former Director of the Bureau of ABLE in PA.
A number of awards will be presented at the conference. PAACE is revamping the higher ed student awards to include former ABE students and other postsecondary successes. Check www.paacesite.org and www.able.state.pa.us for nomination information.
Thursday night you won’t want to miss “PAACE Night.” The Newcomers’ and Presidents’ Reception, PAACE Banquet, and after-dinner entertainment will be tied together with a festive theme.
PAACE Divisions will hold their annual networking meetings over Friday lunch. Look for more information from your Division Director.
A large, active committee of PAACE members is working hard to make this a great conference. There will be something for everyone. Keep up with the latest conference news at www.paacesite.org. We hope to see you in Hershey!
Join Pennsylvania Practitioners at ProLiteracy Capitol Hill Day
by Karen Mundie, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council
The ProLiteracy annual conference is coming up in early November (7-9). This year the conference is in the Washington, DC area and includes a Capitol Hill Day (November 7), a time to visit with legislators and/or their education aides. This will be a great way to make sure that Pennsylvania is represented in this national advocacy effort.
JoAnn Weinberger, our PAACE legislative chair, has asked me to get some information that will help us in planning legislative activities for our Pennsylvania attendees. I know that many of you haven’t yet decided whether you’re going to the conference-- so this message may seem a bit premature. Please don’t worry if you haven’t crossed this bridge yet; I will resend email message several times during the preregistration period.
If you are interested in taking part in Capitol Hill Day, please send me an email me at kmundie@gplc.org as soon as you know that you will be attending the conference. Please include the name of your representative.
I’ll make appointments with the senators and/or their education aides, and I will be happy to coordinate the appointments with representatives' offices if we have a number of people from different programs who share the same House member.
We’d like to have a robust PA contingent to remind the congressmen of the good work that we do across the state and in every congressional district. Please consider joining this effort. For more information on Capitol Hill Day, you can go to this web address: www.proliteracy.org/conference/cap_hill_day.asp
COABE and the Missouri Association for Adult, Continuing and Community Education (MAACCE) invite you to submit a proposal for presentation at the 2008 COABE National Conference to be held in St. Louis, Missouri. Conference dates are April 28-May 1, 2008 at the Adam's Mark Hotel.
The conference committee is interested in outstanding and innovative practices in all aspects of adult education including basic literacy, basic numeracy, workforce development, family literacy, English as a Second Language, volunteer/community-based literacy, correctional education, and all other areas. The program committee is looking for presentations based on successful implementation, current research, and sound practice.
Access further information and the Call for Presenters form online at: www.coabeconference.org/call_for_presenters.html
Proposals are due no later than October 31, 2007.
Welcome to New PAACE News Editorial Board Members
The PAACE News Editorial Board would like to welcome its newest members. These volunteers join current Editorial Board members in making sure that PAACE News has current, relevant, and correct information in each of the quarterly online editions. The four new members are:
- Lynette Hazelton, District 1199C Training and Upgrading Fund
- Peggi Kelley, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council
- Chrissie Klinger, Bedford County Literacy Council/Chestnut Ridge School District
- Drucie Weirauch, The Pennsylvania State University
Please join us in welcoming these new members as well as thanking Carol Shefrin, TIU 11 for her years of service on the Editorial Board. There are always ways that you can become invovled in PAACE. For more information, contact a PAACE Board member.
2007 COABE Regional Institute
October 10 - 12, 2007
Crown Plaza Williamsburg
Williamsburg, VA
Featuring presentation by Dr. Stephen Brookfield
www.vaace.org
AAACE 2007 Conference
Spirit of New Norfolk: Life and Adult Education Celebrated Daily
October 30 - November 2, 2007
Norfolk Waterside Marriott
Norfolk, Virginia
www.stevegjones.com/AAACE
ProLiteracy Worldwide 2007 Annual Conference
November 7 – 10, 2007
Hilton Mark Center
Alexandria, VA
www.proliteracy.org/conference
Effective Transitions in Adult Education
November 8-9, 2007
Providence, RI
Featuring keynote speaker, Dr. JoAnn Crandal, who will discuss transition for English language learners
www.collegetransition.org/novconference.html
LERN 2007 Annual Conference
November 15-17
Orlando, FL
www.lern.org/annual_convention
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: Chuck Klinger (TIU 11 Community Education Services)
First Vice-President: Tana Reiff (TIU 11 Community Education Services)
Second Vice-President: Diane Inverso (Mayor's Commission on Literacy)
Secretary: Lori Keefer (Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council)
Treasurer: Mary Hohensee
Immediate Past President: Debbie Hrach
Remote Past President: Robert McNeill (Delaware Valley College)
Western Regional Representative: Alex Dow (Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council)
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 (Delaware County Community College, retired)
Corrections Education Division Director: Randy Bacon (Allegheny County Prison)
ESL Division: Susan Adams (YMCA of Philadelphia), Martin Senger (GECAC), and Cathie Whitmire (Hispanic American Council)
Family Literacy Division: Lori McMonigal (TIU 11 Community Education Services) and Julie Shumaker (Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit)
Tutors of Literacy in the Commonwealth: Kim Rossman (Tutors of Literacy in the Commonwealth)
Workplace Education Division: vacant
PDE Bureau of ABLE Representative: Susan Mansuetti
Commonwealth Libraries: Eileen Kocher (ABLE Resource Center)
Committee Chairs/Full Board list: See the PAACE website.
PAACE News Editorial Board
Destiny Myers, TIU 11 Community Education Services, Editor
Lynette Hazelton, District 1199C Training and Upgrading Fund
Peggi Kelley, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council
Chrissie Klinger, Bedford County Literacy Council/Chestnut Ridge School District
Chuck Klinger, TIU 11 Community Education Services
Ruth Love-Schooley, Lycoming County Library System
Karen Mundie, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council
Tana Reiff, TIU 11 Community Education Services
Mary Anne Varacalli, Delaware County Community College (ret.)
Drucie Weirauch, The Pennsylvania State University
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. The opinions expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of PAACE and no official endorsement should be inferred.
This issue published September 28, 2007.
To submit material for PAACE News, please e-mail the editor at dmyers@tiu11.org.