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Winter 2006
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Volume 29, No. 4
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Dear Fellow PAACE Members:
Happy New Year! I offer to you and your families all the best that the New Year has to bring: Health, Happiness and Peace!
This will be my last letter to you as president of this great organization, as next month I will have a new title in PAACE: Past President. I join the ranks of many distinguished people who have had the opportunity to serve you, the members of a statewide organization whose goal is to make adult continuing education in Pennsylvania the best it possibly can be.
As you know, the excellence of any organization is the result of many people pulling together for the same purpose. PAACE is no different. You have an outstanding Board of Directors, who selflessly commits their time to ensure that all of you, your work, and adult education aspirations are heard at our meetings. Please join me in thanking all of the board members for their efforts over the past year.
There are many others who deserve accolades for making the past year one that I will remember for the rest of my life. One person in particular is Joan Leopold, our Executive Director. Joan never gives up! She tirelessly works openly and behind the scenes to ensure that PAACE is all that it can be, and that the transition of officers from year to year is seamless. Even today, as Joan battles serious illness, I am in awe of her determination to continue to serve PAACE in whatever way she can. What character this lady has! And what a love for PAACE she demonstrates each day of her life!
As a small tribute to Joan’s contributions to PAACE over the years, the Board of Directors unanimously agreed at its December board meeting to rename the PAACE Service Award to the Joan Y. Leopold Service Award to PAACE. If you would like to send Joan a card or note, her address is 3600 Green Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110. I am sure she would appreciate being kept in your thoughts and prayers as well.
There are many other things that I would like to reflect upon that have occurred during the past year, and it is difficult not to become melancholy when doing so. All I can say is, “Thank-you for the opportunity to have been your president for the last year.”
Well, it is early January and that means that our Midwinter Conference is not far away. You should have received the conference tabloid by now (if not, visit the PAACE website). I believe that there are workshops for everyone. Debbie Hrach has done a tremendous job of coordinating all of the conference activities, and she deserves many accolades. Professional development is necessary in our fields, and there is no better opportunity for this than at the PAACE Midwinter Conference. Please register early to save your budget dollars.
So I say adieu for now and look forward to seeing you all in Hershey, and continuing to work with all of you to keep PAACE growing strong!
Best,
Bob McNeill
Delaware Valley College, PAACE President
Luncheon honors executive director Joan Leopold
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About 50 PAACE past presidents, current board members, professional friends, and family members gathered in Harrisburg on December 19 for a luncheon honoring executive director Joan Leopold for her many years of service and dedication to PAACE. Bob McNeill, PAACE president, emceed the event and announced that the board had voted to change the name of the PAACE Service Award to the Joan Y. Leopold Award for Service to PAACE. A number of attendees made testimonials, thanking Joan for her invaluable support, reminiscing, and telling humorous stories. A short video by Tana Reiff, “Postcards from PAACE to Joan Leopold,” elicited chuckles and tears as old photographs showed Joan and many of the attendees in a collage of PAACE settings over the last 30 years. The event was organized by Carol Shefrin, a PAACE past president, along with her staff and members of the PAACE board. The PAACE Midwinter Conference will feature a tribute to Joan Leopold at the Thursday luncheon.
Photos by Beth Hassinger, TIU 11 |
 Past PAACE Presidents Tom Wertz, Carol Shefrin, and Mary Kay Peterson gathered around Joanie.
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Midwinter Conference previewby Debbie Hrach, Stairways Behavioral Health, PAACE First Vice-President
It’s hard to believe that the 41st annual PAACE Midwinter Conference on Adult Education is just a few weeks away. I hope that all of you have received the conference tabloid listing the vast array of activities that will be going on during the conference along with the numerous sessions that have been scheduled. The conference holds something for everyone: interactive workshops, roundtable discussions, Bureau updates, division meetings, a federal legislative session, the Marketplace and Exhibit Hall, and much more.
The conference officially opens with the Legislative Luncheon, scheduled for noon on Wednesday. This is an excellent opportunity for you to greet legislators and join with them in honoring our ABLE and higher education outstanding students. The Marketplace, with its grand opening Wednesday at 5:30, showcases the latest in instructional materials and offers special exhibits and activities. Wednesday evening will be capped with the ever popular PDC Hospitality Suite.
Division meetings will be scattered throughout the conference. TLC and Corrections Ed will meet during the first concurrent session on Wednesday, followed by an ice-cream social sponsored by the Adult Basic and Secondary Education division on Wednesday evening. Family Literacy, Continuing Higher Ed, and Workforce divisions will meet for lunch on Friday following the final concurrent sessions.
On Thursday morning our keynote speaker, Robert Wedgeworth, president of ProLiteracy Worldwide, will discuss the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) report and outline ProLiteracy’s strategy in response to these new data on the state of adult literacy in the United States. ProLiteracy is the oldest and largest volunteer literacy organization in the U.S.
The PAACE Annual Meeting and Luncheon takes place at noon on Thursday. At this time the membership will receive an update of the prior year’s activities, and winners of the APEX awards for outstanding ABLE practitioners will be introduced. This year’s luncheon will also feature a tribute to Joan Leopold, PAACE’s Executive Director and past president.
At 6:00 PM on Thursday all conference participants are invited to attend the Newcomers and Past Presidents’ Reception, which offers an opportunity to honor leaders of PAACE and join in some friendly conversation and networking with fellow PAACE members. Immediately following this event is the Conference Banquet, one of the most inspiring parts of the conference. This is the time when our Honorary Chair, Eunice “Nickie” Askov, will be recognized for her outstanding contributions to adult education. We will also honor the outstanding adult student of the CEA/PA. Following the banquet you can dance the night away with a DJ who is sure to spin some of your favorite tunes and/or join the CEA/PA division for its annual Hospitality reception.
On Friday morning ABLE administrators will meet for a breakfast session that will include networking and discussions with colleagues during Alike Agency Sessions. This will be followed by Working Groups in which administrators will engage in planning activities around the future of the field in PA.
There is a lot going on at the Midwinter Conference. It’s a great opportunity for adult education practitioners to learn and to network with others in the field. Please take advantage of the discounts offered by early registration fees (through January 22) and use the PAACE Web site at www.paacesite.org to register. Hotel information is also available on this site.
Your advocacy action truly makes a difference
by JoAnn Weinberger, Center for Literacy, PAACE Legislative Committee Chair
Many, many thanks to all of you across the state who got involved in the 2005 federal appropriations process! The phone calls, e-mails, faxes, and letters that you, your board members, tutors, and students generated made a difference! We worked together and combated the massive reduction of 66% that President Bush recommended for adult education. We also worked together to combat the zero funding recommended by the President for Even Start Family Literacy.
Federal appropriations
The budget process for adult education and Even Start Family Literacy finally finished before the holidays. The appropriations bill for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies contains $579.5 million for adult education with $564 million of that amount going to the states. These figures are 1% less than that FY 05 figures due to a 1% across-the-board cut to discretionary programs contained in the final appropriations package.
Even Start is funded at $99 million, a major reduction from the FY 05 figure of $225 million. This figure represents an appropriation of $100 million minus the 1% across the board cut to discretionary programs.
Reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act
The Senate adjourned for the holidays without taking action on the reauthorization bill. So, the House has passed its version, but the Senate has not acted. With this as its status, it is unlikely that there will be reauthorization during 2006 due to the Congressional election cycle and the importance of the November midterm elections.
What’s next?
Members of the House will not be returning to Washington until Jan. 31, 2006. While they will be home in their Congressional districts, this would be a good time to invite them to visit an adult education center and to thank them for their support over the past year. The Senate is scheduled to return on January 18 so there may also be some opportunities for visits by Senators to local programs.
Stay tuned for the President’s budget message to Congress, which will occur the first week in February. On one hand, it may be level funded based on the responses of the field and Congress this year, or it may contain the same cuts that were recommended last year, and our need to battle will have to start again.
Tutors of Literacy in the Commonwealth (TLC)
TLC at the conference: You're invited
by Kim Roush, Tutors of Literacy in the Commonwealth, TLC Division Director
Tutors of Literacy in the Commonwealth has some changes that we will be discussing at our session at the PAACE Midwinter Conference in Hershey on February 8 at 4:00 pm. Our session, “Networking to Meet the Challenges of a New Day,” will consist of a brief membership meeting and then two roundtable discussions. The meeting will include updates on TLC’s changes and a vote on minor revisions to TLC’s by-laws. (These by-laws can be found in the recently distributed Literacy Connection newsletter). We look forward to seeing you at PAACE 2006.
Family Literacy
Family Literacy will be very visible
by Susan Mansuetti, Penn State Beaver, Family Literacy Division Co-Director
This year’s Midwinter Conference promises to be an exciting event. We’re looking forward to seeing and networking with all of the programs across the state. Some great proposals were submitted and we tried hard to fit as many in as we could. In addition to some high-quality sessions in all four FL components, there will also be an opportunity to explore the PEP program as well as a chance to look at the PPV and PALS assessment instruments for children.
Don’t forget to visit the Marketplace. The Family Literacy Division and the Training Project will be highlighting the ways we can Meet the Challenge of providing services for our families through games. Programs are asked to bring a game they have used to educate their families in a fun, yet meaningful way. The games can either be created or a manufactured game that was used with different directions. Please help other programs provide quality activities by providing handouts to describe how you used the game.
Once again on Friday we will be having our division lunch. Former Congressman Bill Goodling is scheduled to be on hand to present this year’s Goodling Family Literacy Best Practice Award. We are looking forward to honoring this year’s winners. I know the judges are having a difficult time as so many programs have such great practices.
If you want to take part in all of this great professional development, networking opportunities, excitement and FUN, please go to the PAACE Web site and register today!
Adult Basic and Secondary Education (AB/SE)
AB/SE Division will distribute APEX lesson booklet in Hershey
by Libby Wilson, GECAC and Stairways Behavioral Health, ABSE Division Director
Would your students like to learn the various kinds of triangles by manipulating linguine noodles? Or perhaps have a sentence auction to see which group can collect the greatest number of correct sentences? These are just two of many creative lessons from a booklet called "Lessons from APEX Winners." The lessons were submitted by some of the teachers who were selected as outstanding teachers from 2000 through 2005. Copies will be distributed at the 2006 PAACE conference, and the booklet will also be on the PAACE Web site after the conference, along with all the other conference materials.
National Assessment of Adult Literacy report released
On December 15, 2005, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) released the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL). This is the first such national assessment of English language literacy among adults in the U.S. since 1992. The study sought to:
- describe the status of adult literacy in the U.S.;
- report on national trends; and
- identify relationships between literacy and other characteristics of the adult population.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, it will take some time to interpret and understand the implications of the information in the study. Meantime, there are a few central messages that we can communicate with our stakeholders and the general public.
A large percentage of the adults in our state, counties, and communities lack the literacy skills necessary to compete in a global economy, fully participate as citizens and community members, and support their children’s learning. While the focus and results of studies over the years have varied somewhat, they have all indicated an enormous literacy need.
A few examples of why literacy services matter:
- English Language Learners: In order for refugees and immigrants to participate in our society, they need to develop English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. They also need to learn about U.S. history, customs, and culture.
- Workforce Education: For our economy to be strong and for individuals to make self- and family-sustaining wages, workers need to have the skills to compete in a global economy, fill current jobs, and be prepared for the jobs of the future.
- Family Literacy: The greatest predictor of a child’s academic success is the literacy level of the mother. Literacy, or illiteracy, is intergenerational. In order for parents to help their children move out of the cycle of low skills, they need to be able to support their educational endeavors.
While the U.S. literacy rates do not stand out as uniquely low among nations, nor do Pennsylvania's among states, we cannot settle for less than high-quality education for all our citizens.
To download "A First Look at the Literacy of America's Adults," view the webcast of the release press conference, and link to other NAAL documents and resources, go to the NAAL Web site: nces.ed.gov/NAAL
There are some excellent resources to help you stay informed on NAAL:
National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium
To receive notification about NAAL upcoming reports and other products, simply fill out a short online form at www.edpubs.org/register/NAAL/ or call (877) 433-7827 toll-free.
Community College Working Group on Adult Education held in Washington
Excerpted from OVAE Review (December 15, 2005)
On November 28, the Office of Vocational and Adult Education sponsored the sixth in a series of Community College Working Group Meetings. These meetings bring together community college presidents or chancellors together with leaders from the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) and other federal offices to discuss opportunities, challenges, and promising practices.
The November 2005 Working Group focused on adult education and the community college - helping Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Literacy (EL) students move through career pathway programs in community colleges. Eleven presidents or campus leaders of community colleges participated in the sessions, with two additional presidents serving as presenters. The session included two panels focusing on strengthening the success of community colleges in moving students through adult basic education and language proficiency classes into credit-bearing and credential-earning career pathways. The first panel discussion focused on research, initiatives, as well as foundation and business support. The other explored promising models or practices in three different states (Ohio, Oregon, and Washington). The college presidents engaged in topics including support services for low skilled adults, models for financial incentives for students, financing integrated training and English literacy instruction, and collaborative models for supporting career pathway initiatives.
A summary of the meeting will include sections on the key challenges, as well as recommendations for action by colleges, employers, and state or federal policymakers and administrators. In addition, there will be a summary of the primary points or programs cited by the panelists.
For more information please go to, www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/pi/cclo/index.html
OVAE Review is a publication of the Office of the Assistant Secretary at the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education. Full issue at www.ed.gov/news/newsletters/ovaereview/orev121505.html
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| Susan Mansuetti displays the Proclamation signed by Governor Rendell. |
On November 1, 2005 Family Literacy programs across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania celebrated National Family Literacy Day. This day, and every day, practitioners use scientifically based research to provide educational activities for the families we serve. The benefits of these services to the families are great, and the hard work does not go unnoticed.
On October 24, 2005, Governor Edward G. Rendell proclaimed November 1, 2005 as Family Literacy Day in Pennsylvania. He encouraged "all educators, parents of young children, librarians, and community, business, and government leaders to stress the importance of literacy skills among children and all citizens of our commonwealth.” Our Family Literacy programs are committed to providing a quality education for Pennsylvania families.
PAACE ballot announced
The slate of PAACE officers for 2006-07 has been announced. Ballots are in the mail.
 Second Vice-President: Tana Reiff has been in the adult education field since 1973. Since 1995 she has coordinated an ABLE State Leadership grant at Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 providing communications support to PDE’s Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education. A former ABE teacher, she has produced numerous special projects and authored 80+ titles of fiction and folktale retellings for adult new readers. Tana has chaired the PAACE Communications (formerly Publications) Committee for 10 years. She holds a B.S. in elementary education from Kutztown University and an M.Ed. from Temple University in secondary English and applied linguistics. |
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 Treasurer: Mary Hohensee has served 14 years as executive director of the Literacy Council of Lancaster-Lebanon. She also has served for six years as a site reviewer for ProLiteracy accreditation. She has a background in finance and has a CPA license. Mary has been a PAACE board member for five years. Volunteer activities include board development work and facilitating nonprofit groups in strategic planning. |
 Eastern Regional Reprsentative (3-year term): Joe Morales is a native of Brooklyn, NY and an administrator with 16 years of experience in education and human services. He has been an English as a Second Language and GED (General Educational Development) instructor, diversity trainer, program director, and consultant at the local, state and national levels. Joe attended high school in Pennsylvania and graduated from Commonwealth Preparatory School in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He earned his BSEd-English teaching degree at Millersville University and will complete the Public Administration Masters degree program at Penn State in 2006. |
Secretary: Lori Keefer has worked in the field of education for 13 years and in adult education for over seven years as a tutor, trainer, coordinator, and administrator. Currently, she is the program director for Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council. She is also a trainer with the Southwest Professional Development Center and ProLiteracy. Lori has a bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics from the University of Pittsburgh, a M.Ed. in Elementary Education from California University of PA, and has begun work in a Ph.D. program in education administration at the University of Pittsburgh.Other offices are either in the midst of a three-year term or automatically ascend. President next year will be this year's first vice-president, Debbie Hrach of Stairways Behavioral Health. First vice-president will be Chuck Klinger of TIU 11 Commmunity Education Services.
Mary Yardumian, 1984 PAACE Outstanding Adult Educator
Mary Yardumian, founder of the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, passed away on September 2, 2005, in Orange, Calif., at the age of 81. In 1984, she won both the Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education's Outstanding Adult Educator Award and the National Jefferson Award for distinguished public service.
Mrs. Yardumian began teaching migrant workers around the table in Florida in 1962 after she heard a speech by literacy pioneer Frank Laubach. When her family relocated to Mt. Lebanon, PA, in 1970, she transformed the family kitchen into a classroom once again.
By 1976, Mrs. Yardumian had trained enough tutors to create the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council. The group now has 40 full-time staff members and 500 volunteers who teach English and adult basic education to more than 1,000 students in Allegheny County.
Mrs. Yardumian continued to tutor until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1995.
"She had a strong religious belief about equality and everybody needing to have the opportunity to learn these skills," said Donald Block, executive director of the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, who learned literacy tutoring from Mrs. Yardumian in the early 1980s.
She is survived by three sons and four grandchildren.
Excerpted from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, September 20, 2005
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| Martha Rupert in her element |
Two dedicated adult education staff members of Tuscarora Intermediate Unit’s Community Education Services Department recently passed away.
Martha Rupert was a GED graduate and a great supporter of lifelong learning. Since she received her GED diploma in 1984, she went on to have an active career in Head Start and, more recently, as an early childhood aide in the TIU’s Even Start program and then as a home visitor in the TIU’s Parent-Child Home Program. Martha also was recognized as an ABLE Honor Roll recipient in 2003. A GED testing scholarship has been established in Martha’s name.
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| Barb Goss |
Barb Goss was an adult educator with the TIU for over 20 years. She also served as the TIU’s tutor coordinator. She was a great supporter of her students and motivated hundreds of students over the years to achieve their GEDs and move on to further education and accomplishments. Barb worked closely with TIU’s tutors and encouraged them to extend their volunteer time. A longtime member of PAACE, Barb touched many lives in the adult learner community and will be sorely missed.
All PAACE Members,
Hoping many of you will consider being part of the MARKETPLACE at PAACE Midwinter! This is a great opportunity to showcase your program or organization along with an extensive display by commercial vendors in the Marketplace. Please consider sharing the great things you are doing with your colleagues from across the state.
The PAACE '06 Midwinter Conference Marketplace and Exhibits will have its Grand Opening at 5:00 on Wednesday February 8, 2005 in the Exhibit Hall at the Hershey Convention Center. It will continue all day Thursday, February 9, 2005. Unless you are a PAACE Division, any organization which wants to have a display table will need to pay a $25.00 fee. Please e-mail or call Helen Guisler to sign up to be part of the PAACE MARKETPLACE!
Helen Guisler
Marketplace Coordinator
TIU Community Education Services
MCIDC Plaza 58
6395 SR 103 N
Lewistown, PA 17044
Phone: 717-248-4942 x115
Fax: 717-248-8610
E-mail: hguisler@tiu11.org
Commission on Adult Basic Education National ConferenceHouston, Texas
"Literacy: Another Mission in Texas!
April 26, 2006 Pre-Conference Sessions
April 27-29, 2006 Plenary and Breakout Sessions
More information at www.coabe06.org
CEA/PA offering scholarships
CEA/PA is again offering two $500 scholarships to non-traditional students. The deadline has been extended to January 31, 2006, so please take the time to identify deserving students at your institution. There is still time to forward this information instructors who can relay it to their students.
For additional information please contact:
Marian Vendemia
Continuing Education
Penn State University - Beaver Campus
100 University Dr.
Monaca PA 15061-2799
Phone: (724) 773 3767
Fax: (724) 773 3769
E-mail: mev7@psu.edu
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.
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
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!
E-mail PAACE!
Address your e-mail to paace@paacesite.org for general inquiries and information. Joan Leopold, PAACE executive director, will answer your questions or direct your e-mail to the appropriate person.
Our 2005-06 Officers, Regional Representatives, and Division Directors:
President: Robert McNeill (Delaware Valley College)
First Vice-President: Debbie Hrach (Stairways Behavioral Health)
Second Vice-President: Chuck Klinger (Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11)
Secretary: Karen E. Warner (Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12)
Treasurer: Frank Nardone (Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18)
Immediate Past President: Mary Kay Peterson
Remote Past President: David Manzo (Luzerne County Community College)
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: Libby Wilson (Greater Erie Community Action Committee and Stairways Behavioral Health)
Continuing Higher Education Division Director: Mary Anne Varacalli (Delaware County Community College)
Corrections Education Division Director: Julie Manning (Delaware Co. Community College)
ESL Division: Eastern Co-Director: Elaine Greene (Center for Literacy), Western Co-Director: Theresa Andrews (Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, on leave)
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)
Committee Chairs/Full Board list: See the PAACE website.
PAACE News Editorial Board
Tana Reiff, Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 / PAACE News Editor
Joan Leopold, Harrisburg State Hospital / PAACE Executive Director
Robert McNeill, Delaware Valley College / PAACE President
Karen Mundie, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council
Ruth Love-Schooley, Lycoming County Library System
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 January 6, 2005
To submit material for PAACE News, please e-mail the editor at tana_reiff@comcast.net.