Redefining the Building Blocks of Adult Education
Conference “strands” are designed to help presenters and attendees navigate the various sessions at the conference and be able to find meaningful experiences in those sessions. Please note that the strands are simply guidelines to help participants focus their time at the conference in a strategic way, and the descriptions below are not exhaustive and should therefore not limit the creativity and innovation of prospective presenters. Also, while some topics may be appropriate for more than one strand, the specific focus taken in a presentation may best fit within a specific strand.
Digital Literacy / Distance Learning Strand
Presentations in this strand integrate digital and online technologies into instruction to improve student outcomes, help students acquire digital literacy skills, and provide strategies for supporting online or distance learning.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Strand
Presentations in this strand include strategies to enhance and support instruction for non-native speakers of English, civic engagement, and citizenship preparation.
Equity and Social Justice Strand
Presentations in this strand include high-quality, high impact strategies designed to continually and successfully embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into the ABE and ESL classroom culture that values different perspectives and fosters student engagement.
Impactful Instruction: Numeracy, Reading, ABE/ASE Strand
Presentations in this strand include the “what” and the “how” of instruction. “What” to teach includes all topics related to course development, curriculum design, integration of academics with career and technical education, integration of developmental education outcomes with adult education competencies, ESL, adult basic education, High School Equivalency (HSE), and similar offerings. The “How” of instruction includes presentations on topics like learning styles, contextual teaching, best teaching practices for improved learning, technology in the classroom, and assessments.
Transition (Pathways and Workforce)
Presentations in this strand highlight strategies for preparing individuals to be successful in college and the workforce. This includes and is not limited to best practices for implementing, supporting, and evaluating IET programs, strategies designed to successfully align adult education resources with business and industry sector needs to meet local demands for skilled workers and strategies to support the development of collaborative partnerships.
Student Services Strand
Presentations in this strand highlight strategies that enhance student recruitment, student engagement, and student retention activities. This includes and is not limited to best practices for intake, orientation, coaching, and college and career navigation.