| Summer 2002 |
| Volume 26, No. 2 |
PA's Keenan Moves to National Level
by Linda Herr, Lycoming County Literacy Project, PAACE President
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| Cheryl Keenan |
Congratulations, also, to Sonny Sloan, who assumes responsibilities as Acting Director at the Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education. Best wishes to both in their new roles.
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| Sonny Sloan |
If you’ve never considered getting more involved with PAACE and its activities, please think about becoming a board member, regional representatives, or serving on a committee. The more involved members become, the more productive your membership will be. The benefit you gain from your membership is up to you.
Have a great summer!
Conference Call for Presentations Now Online
PAACE has announced the Call for Presentations for the 2003 Midwinter Conference, PAACE Setters: Higher Goals, Higher Dreams. For the first time ever the Call for Presentations form is available online and may be completed online by visiting the PAACE website at www.paacesite.org.
"The online format has several benefits. First, it will make it easier for a prospective presenter to submit a proposal. He or she can type in the information and click the submit button. There’s no need to print it out, address an envelope, or worry that the post office will deliver it by the deadline," according to Debra G. Burrows, First Vice-President of PAACE and 2003 Conference Program Chair.
"The entire process can be streamlined from the selection of presenters to the preparation of the conference booklet," said Burrows. "Selection committees will have the option of reviewing proposals online, eliminating the need to make multiple copies of proposals and mail them to reviewers, which will save time and money. The software will also be able to handle much of detail of scheduling presenters into appropriate time slots and locations once they have been selected. This will be especially helpful since Midwinter Conference has grown so large in recent years, often with as many as 12-15 concurrent sessions occurring in one time period."
"The nice thing about this form is that it actually collects the data for us," stated Jim Yeager, Project Facilitator for the Central Pennsylvania Northeast Professional Development Center (CNEPDC) and a member of the PAACE Technology Committee. "We won’t have a staff person spending an entire day typing the data. Instead we only have to spend a few minutes importing the information, the Peopleware software will collect the data and sort it in all the right places." To learn more about Peopleware please see the PAACE website www.paacesite.org.
According to Yeager, the form collects contact information from the presenter(s), format of presentation (interactive, panel, etc.), area of interest (ABE/GED, higher ed, family literacy, corrections, etc.), primary audience (administrators, instructors, volunteer tutors, etc.), technology needs (laptop, digital projector, internet access, computer lab, etc), and it also collects an abstract of the proposed presentation. After proposals have been approved, conference planners will begin scheduling the sessions. Just as the new E-Data system can be used on other data bases the presenters online forms will be collected onto an Access database and imported into Peopleware to be used to set up conference sessions and the conference booklet.
Next Year’s Midwinter Theme: PAACE Setters: Higher Goals Higher Dreams
PAACE is inviting proposals that will focus on the goals and dreams for the many facets of adult and continuing education. Presenters are invited to share their aspirations for adult literacy; continuing higher education; research; educational technology; corrections education; family literacy; workforce development; English as a second language; learning differences; and the many other areas of interest within the field. The program planning committee is especially interested in presentation proposals that are interactive and participatory, offer "hands-on" opportunities and incorporate audio and visual components.
The Call for Presentations form is located at www.paacesite.org/call_for_presenters_application_2003.asp. Planning is well underway for the conference which will be held February 12 to 14, 2003 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. Volunteers interested in helping with conference program planning are welcome and should contact Debra Burrows at 570.893.4038. Look for more information about the 2003 Midwinter Conference on the PAACE website at www.paacesite.org.
PAACE Implements Peopleware Pro Planning Software
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| Jim Yeager |
Jennifer Wood, MIS Manager of the Mid State Literacy Council, who also attended the training in Washington states, "The software is everything we need it to be, it is very flexible, expandable, freely upgradeable and portable. This is user friendly software that can meet all of our conference planning needs."
"With Peopleware Pro, we can manage data for a variety of purposes and we won’t have to enter the same details twice as we collect registrations, correspond with members and prepare reports," states Yeager.
With the PAACE Midwinter Conference only seven months away, Burrows is enthusiastic about the Board’s decision to purchase the software. "With this new software, we have excellent tools with which to plan the 2003 PAACE Midwinter Conference. Conference planning often means managing over 100 concurrent sessions and close to 100 presenters, and having software available that is designed for that purpose will be a big help." With her background in technology and data collection, Burrows is realistic about the amount of work and the difficulties they will experience during the first transition year. She assures us that we can expect a few problems as the software is implemented. But, when the transition is complete she expects the software will greatly expand PAACE’s conference planning abilities, enhance member services, add convenience and will be cost effective.
Yeager describes the program as one huge database with tables that will allow conference planners to enter, verify and update registrations and conference details, schedule workshops, manage facilities and room set ups, identify presenters, set up fees, process payments, track budgets, and prepare responses to PAACE members all from the same, fully integrated database."We are now able to do things that would otherwise be time consuming and costly, such as add custom fields for presenter backgrounds and personal criteria, special dietary needs, and emergency contact information. Peopleware Pro will help us with the simplest tasks such as preparing name badges and labels, to preparing on-demand summaries of registration counts and income revenue. We can even generate personalized confirmations and thank you letters, complete with event specifics," stated Yeager.
Peopleware Pro’s fully integrated accounting tools will also automate all budgeting and financial management tasks from invoicing and payment processing to ongoing budget tracking. As PAACE membership grows, Peopleware Pro has the ability to allow planning committees to target event announcements to past participants based on their profession, demonstrated interests and demographics.
Corrections Strand at PAACE 2003
Chuck Holbrook of PDE, Don Bender from the PA Department of Corrections, and Bob Mattson of DCCC have requested the development of a Corrections Education strand for the 2003 PAACE Midwinter Conference. The idea for a Corrections Education strand was received with enthusiasm by Conference Chair Debra Burrows who has asked Mary Mingle to spearhead this initiative.
While corrections education practitioners benefit greatly from the broad array of sessions offered, it was determined that corrections-specific workshops would provide a forum for the exchange of information and a platform to initiate the continued dialogue among practitioners. The call is now going out for topics and presenters. What do you want to hear? What do you want to say?
Miles Harer, Senior Research Associate with the U.S. Sentencing Commission and formerly with the U.S. Bureau of Prisons will use his paper "Prison Education Program Participation and Recidivism: a Test of the Normalization Hypothesis" as the basis for one of the presentations. Look for the paper and more information about Mr. Harer on the PAACE 2003 Midwinter Conference website.
Ideas, topics, presenters, and volunteers are needed. Earlier this year the Southeast Professional Development Center initiated a Prison Sharing Group where Corrections practitioners meet quarterly to investigate, collaborate, and commiserate. At the initial session, Twila Evans requested and received the breakout of County prison data from the PDE standards database. This information is currently available from Chuck Holbrook and will be discussed at the PAACE conference. The request to Miles Harer to present also came from this group. Ask your PDC to form a Prison Sharing Group and invite the local SCI personnel. Let’s hear from you.
Chuck Holbrook: cholbrook@state.pa.us
Don Bender: dobender@state.pa.us
Bob Mattson: bobmattson2000@yahoo.com
TANF and WIA Up for Reauthorization; New Budget, New Governor in PA
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| JoAnn Weinberger |
Federal Issues
Reauthorization of both Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) and the Workforce Investment Act provides important opportunities for PAACE members to have input.
Welfare Reform: Reauthorization of TANF is a "hot item." In Pennsylvania, a Welfare Coalition of organizations concerned about individuals receiving public assistance was formed, and PAACE is a member. I urge you to go to the following website to access the principles which have been developed by this group of diverse organizations: www.uwsepa.org (go to Media, go to Publications). This publication, which had lots of input from diverse groups, provides a core set of principles that you can use in your advocacy.
At this point, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 4737 requiring 70% participation for 40 hours a week as well as a superwaiver provision which would enable the governor to use ABLE federal funds (Title II funds from the Workforce Investment Act) to support welfare reform. The Senate Finance Committee has passed a Tripartisan Bill requiring 70% participation for 30 hours a week. The bill as passed from the committee was in outline form and did NOT have a superwaiver provision.
The Bush administration on June 19 threatened to abandon a five-year extension of the 1996 welfare overhaul law if Congress does not attach strict new work rules for welfare recipients and hold the line on spending for poor people moving from public assistance to work. Tommy Thompson, Secretary of Health and Human Services, told reporters at the Capitol that President Bush remains ''hopeful'' the legislation will be fully renewed this year but is adamant that it require welfare recipients to work 40 hours a week and states to move at least 70 percent of their remaining caseloads off welfare. Thompson, who was on Capitol Hill to meet with Republican senators on the issue, said for the first time that the White House would consider extending the $16.5 billion welfare block grant for only one year and returning to the tougher policy issues, including new work requirements, marriage promotion, and more money for child care, in the next Congress.
Please, let Senators Specter and Santorum know you do not support this House passed bill, H.R. 4737, and urge them to support the Tripartisan Bill.
Senator Rick Santorum Senator Arlen Specter 120 Russell Senate Office Bldg. 711 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510
Workforce Investment Act (WIA, of which Title II is for Adult Basic Education): Since the reauthorization process for WIA is just beginning, this is the time for you to express your opinions on how it is working and what could be done to improve it. For example, is the National Reporting System working? Does being a partner in WIA help establish collaborations?
The Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education is seeking comments. If you w\ant to share ideas or if you want to follow the progress of the teams working on reauthorization, go to www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE.
State Issues
Budget: The state budget with its important line item for adult basic and literacy education has been passed with a hold even budget of $19,707,000. Given the revenue shortfall the legislature had to cope with, we are fortunate to have been held even. PLEASE, write your state senators and representatives and say THANK YOU. Make sure you tell them how important these funds are to your program. In the same letter, you can inform them about a success story you have had this year and what you are looking forward to in the 02-03 fiscal year.
Gubernatorial Race: Both candidates have PAACE’s "Right to Learn" platform. If you have an opportunity to go to a community forum with the candidates or their representatives, ask a question relating to adult basic and literacy education. For example, at a workforce and economic development forum in Philadelphia, I asked the following question: In Pennsylvania there are over 1.5 million adults who do not have their high school diploma or GED. If you are elected governor, what would you do to provide opportunities for these individuals so they can contribute more to the economic development of the state? The answer from Ed Rendell’s campaign manager was "increase resources."
Please write candidates Mike Fisher and Ed Rendell letters urging them to support adult basic and literacy education. Their campaign office addresses are:
Rendell for Governor Fisher for Governor 124 S. 15th St., 3rd Fl. 128 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19102 Harrisburg, PA 17101
PLEASE: Keep me informed of your advocacy activities. Feel free to e-mail me at JAWCFL@aol.com. Every senator, representative, and gubernatorial candidate should be reminded of the importance of our learners and their successes.
Continuing Higher Education (CHE)
Were You There?
2002 PAACE Conference: "Bridging The Gap"
by Rebecca S. Sterley, School of Continuing Education, Indiana University of PA, rsterley@iup.edu
(From CEA/PA March 2002 web newsletter)
"Bridging the Gap" goes to the heart of the PAACE organization's mission: in striving to support diverse members in promoting access to quality adult continuing education; and as an organization dedicated to identifying gaps in the field of adult/continuing education. Presentations were clustered as Family Literacy, Learning Differences, and an administrative track. Were you there?
The CEA/PA mission is to: promote/support quality programs of public and private continuing education; serve as an advocate for the post-secondary adult learner; and encourage the professional development of its members.
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| Jan Orris (right) presents award to |
At the conference banquet, a plaque was presented to Dr. Evelyn Mayer to thank her for being the catalyst that brought CEA/PA and PAACE together. Dr. Mayer who had served as the Deputy Commissioner for Higher Education was very appreciative of our award to her.
Are You a Member – an Active Member – of CEA/PA?
Being "there" was a shared adventure of learning and growth opportunities for PAACE-CEA/PA members, and those who wish to learn more about our respective organizations.
Learning, expanding into new interest areas, networking, mentoring, and sharing are valid and important reasons to tidy up your desk and take a few days to be emerged with professionals in our shared educational arena.
Perhaps we missed you this year, but please consider your involvement for the 2003 conference. Learners teach, and teachers learn. It's a win-win for all. Think ahead! Participate for your professional growth, and SUBMIT TO BE A CEA/PA PRESENTER! We need you to help bridge and close the gaps of the future!
Thoughts shared by conference attendees
"It is a great opportunity to become more aware of what is occurring in the region regarding education, literacy and the distinctive needs of the adult population. I walk away with valuable insight that benefits me greatly in my recruitment efforts."
Renee Bowers, Graduate and Continuing Education, La Roche College"As administrators in the field of higher education, we are all acutely aware of understaffing issues; this can result in feelings of isolation, thoughts that "no one else could possibly be going through what I’m faced with", no opportunity to talk with colleagues about problems you are dealing with. Well, the CEA/PA – PAACE is the perfect opportunity to get together with your colleagues from across the state to talk about these things and much more! You’ll find possible solutions to your problems, lots of compassionate people who truly understand, and the opportunity to socialize with people who share your dedication to helping adults achieve their goals!"
Sharon Cloonan, School of Leadership & Professional Develop, Duquesne University"Excellent sessions. Great opportunities for interchange with colleagues from PA. A chocolate addicts delight."
Rich Comings, Continuing Education, Slippery Rock UniversityThe sessions I attended were wonderful. Rebecca Sterley provided an inspiring session on Creative Thinking. It was top-notch. Sandy Sterner provided an excellent and compassionate presentation on Portfolio Development. In addition to the workshops, the Market Place was wonderful this year and provided many opportunities for participants. There were, of course, wonderful opportunities for networking and seeing friends from the other side of the state as well as meeting new people.
Jan Orris, Continuing Education, Penn State University - New Kensington"This was my first year to attend the conference, and I really enjoyed it! It was a wonderful chance to meet colleagues at schools in the Eastern region and learn a little about some of the programs they offer to adult students. For example, one school has shared information with me about an established orientation program they have for nontraditional students. I am trying to gather information to do some sort of orientation in my own program, so these types of resources are invaluable. Also, I didn’t realize before the conference how many areas of education PAACE included, so it was interesting and helpful to meet people outside of higher education who are also working with adult learners. WE'LL SEE YOU AT THE FEBRUARY 2003 PAACE-CEA/PA CONFERENCE!"
Jean Zamberlan, College of Business Administration, University of Pittsburgh"The PAACE/CEAPA Conference is a marvelous opportunity for professional development. In addition, participants can network with colleagues from all over Pennsylvania. We share information on the development of new programs, marketing strategies, technology innovations, recruitment and much more. This conference is a "must" for all serious Adult Higher Education professionals. We’d love to see you next February!"
Susan Polick, Pittsburgh Technical Institute, President CEA/PA 2002-2003
Family Literacy
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| Blanche Lozar |
The Family Literacy division developed a survey designed to provide a feedback forum for Family Literacy providers after the Midwinter Conference. One of the goals included "grading" the quality of workshop information gained and coverage of all of the components. Another goal of the survey was to evaluate the extra events that occurred during Midwinter. Comments were captured along with total returns.
The following chart covers the results of the survey by question.
The Family Literacy Division received high marks for the presentations and events. The results will be posted on the Family Literacy website thanks to Stuart Roe’s hard work and support. All of the comments will be included in the report. The information gathered will be invaluable as we begin to plan for the next Midwinter Conference.
The Co-Directors will be working with the Governor’s office to ensure that a proclamation declaring Family Literacy Day in Pennsylvania during November again.
We also are pleased to report that Family Literacy Division Co-Director, Ruth Love-Schooley, had a baby boy named Kellor on April 24, 2002. She describes him as "of course, beautiful." Ruth is back to work at Lycoming County Literacy project, adjusting to being a working mother.
New Contacts Established at COABE Conference
by Debra G. Burrows, CIU West Branch Technology Center, PAACE First Vice-President
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| Deb Burrows |
I attended the COABE Conference in South Carolina in May and want to provide the membership with a brief report, particularly on the affiliates meeting. It was a very nice, very successful conference in an excellent location. Linda Hinman [also of West Branch] and I got some good ideas about things we might want to incorporate into Midwinter Conference.
The affiliates meeting was well attended. I learned from those at the meeting that they have been accessing our PAACE Web site and consider it a very useful resource. One person stated that they thought our Legislative "How to" manual was excellent and I wanted to be sure to pass that compliment along to JoAnn Weinberger. The representative from NYACCE, Georges Marceau, indicated that the New York organization would like to discuss the possibility of joining with PAACE to co-sponsor a conference and possibly some other activities. I told him I would advise the PAACE Board of his interest and extended an invitation to him to attend the 2003 Midwinter Conference. Affiliates were also interested in our use of Peopleware. COABE is planning to use the contact information they received from each of the affiliates attending the meeting to develop a mailing list or possibly a listserv to increase communication among affiliates. I spoke with Rich McIntosh from Ohio. Rick is involved in planning the 2004 COABE Conference which will be held in Columbus, Ohio and indicated that they may ask for some assistance from PAACE.
If you have questions or need more information about COABE, please let me know. dburrows@lhup.edu
COABE Coming Up
by Carol Shefrin, TIU Adult Education/Lewistown CareerLink, COABE Membership Chair
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| Carol Shefrin and Chuck Klinger present at COABE 2002. |
Next year's conference is in Portland and the Call for Presenters is out! Visit the COABE website (go to Conferences; then Conference 2003 to learn all about the Portland conference).
Looking ahead at what's coming up for COABE:
- COABE 03 Portland Oregon 4/26-30,3003
- COABE 04 Columbus Ohio 4/22-4/27 2004
- COABE 05 Anaheim, California 5/9-5/13 2005
- COABE 06 ???? What about Pennsylvania? COABE would certainly consider another conference here! (We hosted COABE in Pittsburgh in 1996.)
For a copy of COABE's new membership brochure or membership form please contact me at cshefrin@tiu11.org or visit the COABE website at www.coabe.org.
Pittsburgh Chapter of CEA/PA Adult Education Event
by Mary Anne Varacalli, Delaware County Community College, Division Director
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| Mary Anne Varacalli |
- California University of PA
- Carlow College
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Chatham College
- Duquesne University
- Indiana University of PA
- La Roche College
- Pennsylvania State University
- Pittsburgh Technical Insititute
- Point Park College
- Robert Morris University
- Slippery Rock University
- University of Phoenix
- University of Pittsburgh
- Waynesburg College
Held on Saturday, April 6 at the Mall at Robinson and on Sunday, April 7 at the Ross Park Mall, the Adult Education Expo resulted in between 500 and 600 contacts with potential students being made at each mall. Mall locations are selected so that diverse areas of the city can be reached by this effort.
Representatives from each educational institution staffed information tables from 11 am until 4 pm each day. Because of the information sharing that takes place during the year as the group meets to plan the event, each college representative knows the strengths of the other institutions. The real benefit of this is for the potential student who will be referred to programs that best meets his or her needs regardless of where it is offered. This benefit continues all during the year so that everyone really wins; both the students and all of the colleges, universities and technical institutes that participate!
Implementing a Family Literacy Program: Staff Training
National Center for Family Literacy
August 5 - 9, 2002
October 14 - 18, 2002
Louisville, Kentucky
Fee: $415 per session
More information: www.famlit.org/training/training.html
American Council on Education's Focus on Adults workshop
ACE is inviting key campus decision-makers to participate in a two-day workshop designed to help your institution more effectively compete for adult learners and better serve their needs. The remaining 2002 dates are October 14–15 at the American Council on Education's Conference Center in Washington, DC. Send small teams or an individual from your campus and learn how to get immediate results.
http://www.acenet.edu/calec/corporate/focus_on_adults.cfm
National Family Literacy Day
Thursday, November 1
Co-sponsored by Toyota and NCFL
More information: www.famlit.org/nfld/nfld.html
Upcoming Research Conferences
The 21st Annual Midwest Research-to-Practice Conference in Adult, Continuing, and Community Education
will be held at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, October 9-11, 2002.
Web site: http://www.cedu.niu.edu/cahe/midwest.html
The next Pennsylvania Adult and Continuing Education Research Conference (PA-ACERC)
will be hosted by Temple, Harrisburg, March 15, 2003.
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.
Not on the PAACE Listserv? It's Easy to Subscribe
The PAACE listserv is a low-traffic e-mail discussion list that keeps members up to date on legislative issues, hot topics, and even notification of the release of PAACE News. If you're not already on the PAACE listserv, you can subscribe quickly and easily at www.paacesite.org/listserv.htm. There you'll find directions and "netiquette" for using the listserv. To post a message to the listserv, the e-mail address is paace@yahoogroups.org.
Our Current Board:
President: Linda Herr (Lycoming County Library System)
First Vice-President: Debra Burrows (West Branch Technology Center, Central IU 10)
Second Vice-President: David Manzo (Luzerne County Community College)
Secretary: Jennifer Wood (Mid-State Literacy Council)
Treasurer: Mary Hohensee (Literacy Council of Lancaster-Lebanon)
Immediate Past President: Karen Mundie (Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council)
Remote Past President: Jeffrey C. Woodyard (Tri-County OIC)
Western Regional Representative: Mary Jendrey (New Kensington Area Literacy Council)
Central Regional Representative: Cathy Forsythe (Mifflin Co. Library Literacy Program)
Eastern Regional Representative: Rose Brandt (Mayor's Commission on Literacy)
Adult Basic and Secondary Education Division Director: Mary Kay Peterson (La Communidad Hispana; Southeast Professional Development Center)
Continuing Higher Education Division Director: Mary Anne Varacalli (Delaware County Community College)
ESL Division: Eastern Co-Director: Elaine Green (Center for Literacy), Western Co-Director: Theresa Andrews (Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council)
Family Literacy Division: Ruth Love-Schooley (Lycoming County Literacy Project) and Blanche Lozar
Tutors of Literacy in the Commonwealth: open
Workplace Education Division: Ella Morin (PDE Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education)
PAACE News Editorial Board
Tana Reiff, Lancaster-Lebanon I.U. 13 / PAACE News Editor
Joan Leopold, Harrisburg State Hospital / PAACE Executive Director
Linda Herr, Lycoming County Literacy Project, PAACE President
Don Block, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council
David Manzo, Luzerne County Community College/ PAACE Secretary
Dehra Shafer, Tuscarora I.U. / PAACE Past President
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 July 10, 2001
To submit material for PAACE News, please e-mail the editor at reifft@aol.com.