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Spring 2008
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Volume 32, No. 1
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What Midwinter Conference means to PAACE
by Tana Reiff, TIU 11 Community Education Services, PAACE President
The 2008 PAACE Midwinter Conference on Adult Education is now behind us (whew!) and it’s fair to say it was a success. Final registration was 767, well over projections. It will take some time to assess financial success, but, thanks to strong registration, sponsorship, and fiscal control, it’s looking very good. Conference evaluation forms reported overwhelmingly positive ratings. Most notable is that nearly 98% responded that the conference met their expectations, sessions met their needs, and they would recommend this conference to others.
At its March meeting, the PAACE Board spent some time reflecting on the conference with an eye to the future. What stood out were the networking opportunities, teamwork, difficult choices among quality sessions, energy generated through the planning process, advocacy ideas, diversity of programming, and professionalism. The Board also identified areas in need of improvement.
The 2008 conference reached new audiences and expanded others: workforce development, research, corrections education, adult educators from other states, and national organizations and initiatives. PAACE recognizes the importance of the Bureau of ABLE’s support in providing hundreds of ABLE-funded program staff the opportunity to attend.
What all this points to is that Midwinter Conference is PAACE’s focal point. Here, all aspects of adult education converge, to learn, share, reflect, plan, focus, energize, strengthen, build. Here, we explore our common purposes and express our interests in many forms.
Wonderful. But conference planning is an incredible amount of hard work involving many, many people. So the question on the board’s table was this: Is PAACE willing to provide the human resources and financial commitment to stage a conference of this size and depth? The consensus was a resounding “Yes.” To bring that declaration to fruition, we hope you, as a PAACE member, will be part of making next year’s conference better than ever. If you’d like to work on the 2009 Midwinter Conference planning committee, contact Diane Inverso, PAACE First Vice-President, at InversoD@freelibrary.org.
So, as we launch a new PAACE year, we welcome new board members and our new organizational director, Monica Shields, of Pittsburgh. Coming up are a board development session and a one-day strategic planning retreat. Remember, board reports and meeting minutes, along with current news, are posted at www.paacesite.org.
Join PAACE in advocating for state funding increase
by JoAnn Weinberger, Center for Literacy, PAACE Legislative Committee Chair
PAACE advocates for $1 million increase in state funding for adult literacy
The PAACE Board has listened to the membership and the needs for a cost of living increase. Based on the results of the survey former president Chuck Klinger conducted of the membership, programs reported having to decrease instructional time, decrease instructional materials purchases, reduce staff benefits, reduce staff numbers and hours, and provide less professional development. Therefore, the PAACE Board decided to request the State Legislature to increase the adult education and family literacy line item by $1 million. Please stay tuned for more information on this state legislative campaign. PAACE will be asking you to send letters and mail postcards that will be provided.
Students across the state educate legislators on importance of adult education services
Thank you to all the programs and teachers who worked with learners to write letters to their Senators and Representatives. Using the writing prompt of “why I joined this program” and “what I want to do next,” learners throughout Pennsylvania have been sharing with their legislators why our programs are so important. To date, these are the programs that I know have responded to the request for letters:
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Adult Literacy Center of the Lehigh Valley |
Indian Valley Opportunity Center |
Have you responded and I do not know it? Please let me know by e-mailing me at weinberger@centerforliteracy.org
The PAACE Family Literacy Division hosted several events and special projects during the Midwinter Conference. The Office Commonwealth Libraries and PAACE Family Literacy Division collaborated to host a visit from Suzanne Bloom, author and illustrator of A Splendid Friend, Indeed, the 2007 selection for the second annual Pennsylvania One Book, Every Young Child program. Suzanne entertained conference attendees with a special presentation, followed by a book-signing, during the Grand Opening of the Marketplace on Wednesday evening. In addition, the Marketplace was the location of the donation collection for the Division’s service project. Thanks to the generosity of the field, over ten overflowing boxes of literacy materials, clothing, blankets, personal care products, and more were donated to the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Education for Homeless Children and Youth Division.
Three Family Literacy Programs receiving “Goodling Best Practice Awards” were recognized at the Division Luncheon. The awards are co-sponsored by the Goodling Institute and the Family Literacy Division. Former U.S. Congressman Bill Goodling, the “Father of Even Start,” spoke to the group of nearly 80 participants and presented the plaques and cash awards to recipients. Awards recipients were Allegheny IU Family Literacy (First Place), Altoona Area School District Family Literacy (Second Place), and Lawrence County Family Choices (Third Place). A special surprise took place at the close of the Luncheon when over 90 birthday, thank you, and Valentine’s Day cards, collected from programs throughout the state, were presented to Mr. Goodling. Mr. Goodling was touched by the heartwarming messages written by all.
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| Former U.S. Congressman Bill Goodling, Barb Van Horn, Mike Sobkowski and Julie Shumaker at the Family Literacy Division Luncheon. |
Author Suzanne Bloom signs books at the PAACE Midwinter Conference Marketplace. |
Continuing Higher Education (CHE)
Two conferences address Continuing Higher Education hot topics
by Mary Anne Varacalli, Delaware Valley College (ret.), CHE Division Chair
Save the date: Coaching Workshop on October 3, 2008
The Continuing Education of Pennsylvania (CEA/PA) has scheduled a Coaching Workshop for Friday, October 3, 2008 from 9 am until 5 pm at Robert Morris University at the Moon Township campus. The workshop will be led by Barbara Roche. Ms. Roche has over 15 years' experience in training, coaching, and facilitation, working with a wide variety of stakeholders in education and business to achieve educational goals.
She is the creator of a highly interactive mentoring and coaching institute designed to help managers enhance the performance of their staff. She is a licensed facilitator with Corporate Coach University. The workshop teaches the skills to empower others to believe in their own success, sharpen their focus, and make radical shifts to achieve extraordinary results.
Academic Freedom Conference held on April 11 and 12
Proponents of academic freedom believe that the freedom of inquiry by students and faculty members is essential to the mission of the academic community. But what are the boundaries of free speech? Is academic freedom a First Amendment right? Are rights equal for faculty, students, and the higher education institution? These are all questions that continuing higher education students, faculty, and staff should consider.
Delaware County Community College in Media, PA hosted a Conference on Academic Freedom on April 11 and 12 at the college’s main campus. Fourteen nationally known experts offered presentations focused on four themes:
• Academic Freedom for Faculty
• Academic Freedom for Students
• Academic Freedom for Institutions (institutional autonomy)
• Academic Freedom and its differing shape in public and private higher education institutions
For more information, visit the website www.dccc.edu/acadfree or contact Clay Railey, Dean of Communications, Arts and Humanities, Delaware County Community College at 610-359-5359. Conference cohosts were Bucks County Community College, Chesapeake College, Community College of Philadelphia, and Montgomery County Community College.
PAACE names new Organizational Director
The PAACE Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Monica Shields has been named as Organizational Director. Monica has experience in working with non-profits through her work with Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY). She has an M.A. in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, an M.A. in Leadership from Duquesne University, and is currently perusing an Ed.D at Duquesne University.
The organizational director is a part-time contractor with PAACE. Monica's current duties will include: assistance with Midwinter conference planning, membership management and growth, organizational logistics, and support of advocacy efforts. Please join us as we welcome Monica to PAACE. She can be reached at: mona.shields@comcast.net.
Special thanks to PAACE Midwinter sponsors and supporters
PAACE would like to thank all of the sponsors and supporters of the 2008 PAACE Midwinter Conference on Adult Education. Their underwriting, donations, and in-kind support had a major impact, for which PAACE is very grateful. Below are the 2008 sponsors, with support level designated in parentheses.
- Verizon (Major Supporter): PAACE Night and Conference Bags
- Steck-Vaughn (Champion): Recognition Luncheon
- UPS (Advocate): Marketplace Grand Opening
- Dollar General (Mentor): Water Bottles
- GED® Testing Service: Name Badge Holders
- Contemporary: Marketplace Grand Opening
- Hershey Entertainment Group: HERSHEYPARK Door Prizes
- Hershey Foods: Candy Bars
- The Hershey Hotel: Breakfast and Lunch Door Prizes
- National Institute for Literacy: WERC Ice Cream Social
- Commonwealth Libraries: Special Guest Suzanne Bloom
We also want to thank those who donated door prizes for the Marketplace Coffee Break at the last minute.
Special thanks for the support and participation of the Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education programs, the Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board, the Pennsylvania Literacy Corps, and the many adult education programs that lent staff to volunteer for this conference.
PAACE would also like to express appreciation to all the volunteers from across the state who helped make sure the conference was a success. This conference would not be possible without the many volunteers who shared their time and talents.
Finally, PAACE expresses gratitude to the Governor’s Office for providing the Proclamation of Adult Education Month.
Welcome New and Returning PAACE Members
by Suzanne Webster, Penn State University ISAL, Membership Chair
The PAACE Board would like to welcome all new and returning PAACE members. The implementation of the new online registration and management system has been a huge help. Thank you to everyone who worked on creating the new system and for your patience as we worked out any bugs. On March 4, 2008, the current PAACE membership was at 689 active members.
We welcome the 255 new members who joined PAACE this year. Remember that there are many benefits in addition to the discounted rate at the Midwinter Conference. To learn about how you can take advantage of these benefits, please visit our membership page.
PAACE also asks that you encourage your colleagues, community partners, and supporters of adult education in your community to join PAACE. As the professional organization for adult and continuing education, we are here to advocate and represent our members needs and services.
Below is a breakdown of memberships as of March 4, 2008.
| Membership Type | Count |
| Individual | 505 |
| Life | 111 |
| Organizational | 15 |
| CEA | 35 |
| Retiree, Student, Volunteer, Associate | 23 |
New technologies prove effective in recruiting students
The Chesterfield County Adult Education program in Virginia saw an dramatic increase in new enrollees and test-takers based on a text-messaging, radio-based campaign. The adult education program ran radio ads that asked people to send a text message to learn more about its GED services. Through this campaign, the program experienced an over 200% increase in new enrollments and test-takers with more than 400 unique text message contacts from adults in three weeks. The full article on their marketing success is available at:
www.prweb.com/releases/education/mobile_marketing/prweb536274.htm.
Learning disabilities research and resources available online
The new issue of Focus on Basics (Volume 8, Issue D) is now available at www.worlded.org. This issue's theme is learning disabilities. To access the issue, click on Publications --> Basic Education and Literacy --> Focus on Basics under NSCALL Publications. Published by World Education, the theme is Learning Disabilities.
Articles include:
- An update on the neurobiology of dyslexia
- A look at legal issues related to LD and what they mean for programs
- The evolution of an ABE teacher and her practice, a program and its practices, and states and their policies, all as they relate to learning disabilities
- ESOL and LD, theory and practice
- Assistive technology
- Transitioning students with learning disabilities to college
2008 MAACE/COABE National Conference
April 28-May 1, 2008
Adam's Mark Hotel
St. Louis, Missouri
www.coabeconference.org
NY Association for Continuing/Community Education Annual Conference
May 4 - 6, 2008
Albany Mariott
Albany, NY
www.nyacce.org
PA Partners Conference
May 7 - 9, 2008
Hershey Lodge and Convention Center
Hershey, PA
www.papartners.org
Adults Learning Math
June 30 - July 3, 2008
Chestnut Hill College
Philadelphia, PA
www.alm-online.net
ProLiteracy 2008 Annual Conference
October 1 - 4, 2008
Peabody Little Rock
Little Rock, AR
www.proliteracy.org/conference
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: Tana Reiff (TIU 11 Community Education Services)
First Vice-President: Diane Inverso (Mayor's Commission on Literacy)
Second Vice-President: Lori Keefer (Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council)
Secretary: Anita Cola (Lackawanna College)
Treasurer: William Schaffer (Northampton Community College)
Immediate Past President: Chuck Klinger (TIU 11 Community Education Services)
Remote Past President: Debbie Hrach
Western Regional Representative: Alex Dow (Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council)
Central Regional Representative: Ruth Love-Schooley (Lycoming County Library System)
Eastern Regional Representative: Rebecca Wagner (Lancaster-Lebanon IU 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)
Tutors of Literacy in the Commonwealth: Kim Rossman (Tutors of Literacy in the Commonwealth)
Workplace Education Division: Cheryl Hiester (Literacy Council of Lancaster-Lebanon)
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 Long, 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 April 15, 2008
To submit material for PAACE News, please e-mail the editor at dlong@tiu11.org.