June 18, 2015
Getting a commitment to action

Saying you're going do so something and actually doing it are two different things. Sometimes we all need more guidance to make a commitment to
action. The manageBetter.biz website features an article about how to get commitments from workers by asking a simple follow-up question. This technique can be used with students, too. It's a great way for students to build the workplace skills they'll need for career success.

Ask this simple follow-up question to gain more commitment  
Teaching Tips and Resources
Using student transition portfolios
An adult education program in Cambridge, MA, had their students develop portfolios to record student accomplishments, contain critical documents needed for postsecondary enrollment, and build skills needed for college success. They found that the portfolios and other activities helped to greatly increase the number of students who applied and were accepted to colleges. Read more about this promising practice and view a list of portfolio contents.
A Virtual Summer Camp for Family Literacy Students

Would you like to encourage your learners to engage in learning all summer long, along with their children? It only takes access to the Internet to enjoy this summer camp featuring STEM-based exploration for all ages. Camp Wonderopolis will enable programs, families, and individuals to customize their experience while learning from different tracks of STEM-based exploration. Along the way, students will build vocabulary, background knowledge, and literacy skills. 

GED� Test Updates and Resource
Directions for using GED Ready� vouchers
GED Ready� is the official practice test that students can take online, which predicts how they will do on the actual GED� test. GED Testing Service� provides step-by-step directions for students to redeem their voucher codes. This may be helpful to share with students who are not familiar with completing online registration forms. 
Professional Development Opportunities
Online discussion of teacher competencies for adult citizenship education programs

From June 22-24, 2015, the LINCS' Adult English Language Learners and Program Management groups will host special guests Paul Kim and Kelton Williams from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS) Office of Citizenship in an online discussion that explores teacher competencies for adult citizenship education programs. In preparation for this discussion, visit www.uscis.gov/citizenship and explore the available resources.  

WIOA Updates
Launch of peer-networking website for WIOA implementation

The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has created an online community to help the field connect with peers and partners regarding WIOA topics. The Innovation and Opportunity Network (ION) will offer multiple forms of training and technical assistance focused on WIOA implementation. Watch a recorded webinar on ION resources or visit the site at: wioa.workforce3one.org.  

State and National Adult Education News
Governor Wolf announces fee waivers for volunteers seeking background checks
Governor Tom Wolf announced that fees for child abuse clearances and criminal background checks required by the Child Protective Services Law will be waived for volunteers working with children. Additionally, the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) will be reducing the cost of both the child abuse and criminal history record checks from $10 to $8 for all other applicants. These changes will take effect July 25, 2015. Read the press release
Research predicts an increase in the shortage of health care workers in rural PA
Recent research funded by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania found that there are a number of factors which could intensify the shortage of health care workers in rural PA. Read a summary of the findings
New student aid videos released
Understanding financial aid and repayment is an important part of students' transition to postsecondary education and training. The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid released a series of new videos that highlight repayment options available to student loan borrowers. Watch the videos and visit the FSA website at www.studentaid.gov/repay.
Report offers insights on serving Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) residents
The Brookings Institute recently released a report titled Local Insights from DACA for Implementing Future Programs for Unauthorized Immigrants. Read the report
What's New on the PA Adult Education Resource Site?
Visit www.paadultedresources.org for the latest PA adult education news and resources. Recent additions to the site include: 
Upcoming State and National Conferences
State and National Newsletters
These are state or national organizations' newsletters that may be of interest to you. To receive the most recent editions by email, please subscribe directly to the newsletter. 
 

Career Pathways Exchange Newsletter, Career Pathways Exchange

Features resources, events, and information from federal and state agencies and partner organizations focused on developing and implementing career pathways for adult learners.  

June 2015 

 

Families Learning News of the Week, National Center for Families Learning 

Features information and resources for family literacy, early childhood education, and parent education
June 5, 2015     June 12, 2015

OCTAE Connection, US Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, & Adult Education

Features news and resources for adult basic, career, and technical education
June 1, 2015     June 8, 2015    

Rural Perspectives,
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania
Features data and research findings related to a variety of topics relevant to rural PA.
May/June 2015

Workforce3 One Newsletter,
Workforce3 One
Features career pathways and workforce development information
May 2015

 
This newsletter is a result of a project developed by the Communications Project which is managed by the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 through a contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Education; however, the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or the policy of TIU 11 or the Pennsylvania Department of Education. No official endorsement of these agencies should be inferred.