NEDP Leadership Meeting
2024-12-04 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Online
This semi-annual meeting allows Virginia educators involved in the National External Diploma Program (NEDP) to meet with leaders from across the state and to share information and promising practices. Registration information will be shared by email; contact Hillary Major (hmajor@vcu.edu) with any questions about accessing the virtual session.

Literacy Minnesota: Working with Literacy and Beginning Level English Language Learners
2024-12-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
Learners with limited English and literacy skills have unique needs for in-person and remote instruction. Participants will learn best practices and tips for success at this level. They’ll also get several ideas for routines, activities and resources to use in their classes and tutoring sessions.
Register Here

Career Pathways PLC #3
2024-12-05 13:00 - 14:30
The third and final installment of the 3-part 90-minute fall Professional Learning Community (PLC) series (3rd of 3) for ALL IET, IELCE, workplace literacy, and workforce development practitioners. This PLC will focus on targeted topics related to program design, using data to communicate needs and successes, locating and adapting instructional materials for all skill levels, and engaging employers and other partners to secure supportive services for all learners. Breakouts will focus on targeted topics for specific types of career pathways programming. Details and guest speakers will be announced on the listservs and on the Event Calendar.

COABE: Success Stories – Integrating Entrepreneurship in ABE/ESOL Programs
2024-12-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Come be inspired by three success stories of COABE Online Entrepreneurship Institute graduates who are positively changing the lives of adult learners (and families) in ABE/ESOL programs around the country by offering entrepreneurship classes, virtual pitch challenges, mentorships, apprenticeships, resources fairs, field trips, and more! These adult education and literacy programs culminate with the U.S. Entrepreneurship Certification Examination. Instructional strategies and resources to get started will be shared, including syllabi, lessons, assignments, vocabulary lists, etc.
Register Here

UDL in Practice: Reflecting on Your Applications in Your Program, Part 1
2024-12-09 12:30 - 13:30 | Virtual
This live webinar will connect previous UDL concepts with those to come and re-engage participants on the importance of upskilling teaching and learning strategies. Participants can discuss their experience with implementing what they learned from the UDL courses, sharing success and challenges in their own implementation and supporting the implementation of others, and ask about and brainstorm solutions to any questions they have based on their work.
Join Webinar Here
If possible, participants should complete these LINCS UDL self-paced courses:

It All Starts with a Goal: This course focuses on the why and how of helping adult learners set goals. After completing this module, adult educators will feel better equipped to develop and teach a wide range of learners the skills needed to create and monitor meaningful, obtainable goals. (1.5 hours)
Learning that Works for All: This course highlights how research-based learning strategies can increase engagement and access for all learners. Through this module, adult educators are introduced to the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines which provide a framework to help educators create learning spaces which work better for all students. Additionally, straightforward strategies that educators can use to immediately start implementing UDL are presented. (1.5 hours)

LINCS: Developing Hyflex Lesson Plans
2024-12-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Hyflex instruction provides maximum learning flexibility but challenges instructors with effective lesson planning. Join our guest presenter, Hyflex instruction expert Vi Hawes, for a free LINCS event to learn how to develop Hyflex Lesson Plans. Ms. Hawes will answer your questions as she shares effective lesson planning and Hyflex technology tools.
Register Here

Literacy Minnesota: Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
2024-12-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Research shows that explicitly teaching a set of comprehension strategies is a great way to help intermediate-level readers maximize their understanding of texts. Come learn a handful of great comprehension tools that will help students develop critical thinking skills and comprehension skills.
Register Here

GEDTS Tuesdays for Teachers: Tackling Test Anxiety
2024-12-10 15:30 - 17:00 | Online
Test anxiety is a huge challenge for our students, but it can be overcome. Find out how test anxiety affects the brain and leave with easy-to-implement strategies like symptom reframing, expressive writing, and deep breathing. Presenters will also talk about effective test prep strategies and harnessing the growth mindset!
The “Hot Topic” section of the webinar will explore how educators in jurisdictions where access to GED Manager is allowed have discovered the benefits of their student authorized access, via GEDPrep Connect, to support student outreach and guide classroom instruction.
Register here.

VALRC: Disabilities and the Adult Learner Webinar Series, Session 3: Making Content Accessible
2024-12-11 13:00 - 14:30
Creating accessible content can feel overwhelming at times, but it is important to remember that not everything has to be done at once. A scaffolded approach to learning and implementation can make the process more manageable. Even a few key changes can make a difference. In the beginning, the aim is not perfection, but improvement. This session covers some of the main accessibility barriers such as headers, images, and hyperlinks.
Register

SCAN: Intro to Trauma & Trauma-Informed Care
2024-12-11 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual
This training provides a foundational learning experience around the topics of trauma and trauma-informed care. We will define trauma, discuss the many types of trauma/adversity, explore the impact of trauma on the brain and behavior, introduce resilience, and discuss SAMHSA’s 4 Rs of trauma-informed care. Throughout the presentation, we will share useful tools and techniques.
Register Here

LINCS: Best Practices for Successful Reentry of People Living With Mental Health Conditions
2024-12-11 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
How can we support returning citizens with mental health conditions in adult education? Join LINCS community moderators Mike Cruse (Learners with Disabilities) and Jeffrey Abramowitz (Correctional and Reentry Education) to learn best practices for people living with mental health conditions and returning from criminal justice settings.
Register Here

ProLiteracy: Mastering the TI-30XS for GED Math Success
2024-12-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
The TI-30XS calculator can be a game-changer for students working to pass the GED Math Test—though many don’t yet know how to use it effectively. This engaging, hands-on workshop will help you demystify key calculator functions for students and equip them with strategies to tackle challenging problems with greater accuracy and efficiency. Attendees will explore features that simplify calculations, save time, and build confidence, with ample practice opportunities. Bring your own TI-30XS calculator and learn how to help students turn it into a powerful tool for GED math test prep and success!

Presented by: Karen Welch, Assistant Director of Sales at ProLiteracy

Register Here

LINCS: Bridging the Digital Divide for Adult ELLS
2024-12-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
Whether you’re an experienced ELL instructor or new to the field, this presentation will provide invaluable insights and resources to enhance your students’ digital literacy skills while improving their language proficiency. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and equip your ESOL learners with the digital skills they need to succeed in today’s technology-driven world.
Register Here

EdTech Center: EdTech Strategy Sessions — Choosing the Right EdTech Tools (Sponsored by Essential Education)
2024-12-13 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual
Tech Tools to Amplify Access and Engagement
This lightning talk will explore a variety of barrier-busting tools and strategies to help educators know and connect with learners better than ever. See how my colleague and I effectively lead our face-to-face online class with up to 80 learners. Use a graphic pen and tablet with Zoom Annotations to make instruction more visual. Explore video and audio editing software and techniques to significantly increase students’ access to instruction.
Using the Triple E Framework for Improved Tech Integration
The Triple E Framework empowers teachers to make better decisions about effective technology integration. The framework centers on instruction that gives students opportunities to gain and improve digital skills. It includes a simple rubric for engaging, enhancing, and extending instructional goals. Become acquainted with the framework and its rubric to evaluate lessons and inspire better instructional practices.
Register Here

Literacy Minnesota: Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
2024-12-16 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual
Come and review the important role of fluency in reading instruction. We will discuss the three key components of reading fluency and look at a variety of activities tutors and teachers can try. We will talk about the mechanics of doing fluency practice via Zoom, Google Meet, Teams or any other remote tutoring tool (including the phone!). Participants will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and share resources.
This workshop will be most useful for instructors working with low-intermediate to advanced readers.
Register Here

ProLiteracy: Developing Sentence Structure: Techniques for Beginning to Advanced English Learners
2025-01-08 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual
Often tutors and teachers will dive into sentence structure that is too advanced for students’ level. Join Steven as he discusses how to introduce strategies to help students master sentence structure. We will cover strategies for crafting simple, compound, and complex sentences; avoiding common mistakes; and teaching and applying grammatical rules effectively. This session is perfect for educators seeking to deepen learners’ writing skills and boost their language proficiency.
Register Here

LINCS: Learning About Dyslexia and Supporting Learners in the Classroom
2025-01-08 16:00 - 17:00 | Online
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability in reading characterized by difficulties with word recognition and poor spelling and decoding abilities. Estimates of dyslexia fall in the range of 5 to 20 percent of the population. Join LINCS Moderator, Michael Cruse, Learners with Disabilities group to learn why this range is so broad, options for screening potentially dyslextic learners, and strategies for supporting students who seek a formal diagnosis. We will also cover best practices and accommodations to support learners with dyslexia in the adult education setting.
Register at the link below:
https://air-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUvfuGsqDgsE9Ec5Ki-D7h6-J9u-j2Fm5vp

EdTech Strategy Sessions: Fast PD and Media Creation
2025-01-10 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual
Staying ahead of technology trends is tough for busy teachers, but we’ve got you covered! Join EdTech for two dynamic lightning talks designed to fit into your packed schedule. First, join Rachel Riggs to learn how microlearning makes professional development quick and effective, and take home free resources to replicate the process. Then, join Justine Schade to discover how to customize templates, generate visuals with AI, and translate materials into hundreds of languages to better support multilingual learners.
Register Here

Bimonthly Program Managers Meeting
2025-01-13 13:30 - 15:30
This year’s bimonthly program managers meetings will be held on Mondays at 1:30p – 3:00p with an optional 30 minutes for discussion. Registering once will enable you to join ALL of the meetings for the 2024 – 2025 year.
Please save these dates on your calendars for the meetings:

September 16
November 18
January 13
March 17 (wear green!)
May 12

Register here

VALRC: LACES data analysis session
2025-01-14 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Join a group of Virginia practitioners for a hands-on experience working with data in the LACES system.
Register here

CASAS: Digital Essentials for NEDP
2025-01-14 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-01-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Join this one-hour “how-to” session to explore alternative digital tools to enhance NEDP competencies. We’ll dive into resume templates in Canva, creating charts and graphs in Google Sheets, designing and presenting slideshows in Google Slides, and understanding Google Drive—what it is and how clients might use it.

Register here.

Virtual Virginia #1: Navigating Genius for Canvas Administrators
2025-01-15 12:00 - 13:00
Part one of a two-part series to support Canvas administrators to navigate the Genius and Canvas systems to set up courses, enroll learners, and then to add course content for the adult education Virtual Va courses.

Workforce GPS: Digital Literacy and Resilience: Resources to Support Digital Skill-Building
2025-01-16 13:30 - 15:00 | Virtual
Join this event to hear from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (DOL ETA), U.S. Department of Education (ED), Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) about a summary of public feedback from the Digital Literacy and Resilience Request for Information and resources that support digital skill-building throughout the workforce system.

In this webinar, DOL’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA); ED’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE); IMLS’s Office of Library Services; and NTIA will share:

A summary of public comments from ETA’s Digital Literacy and Resilience Request for Information
DOL’s recent update to the Basic Computer Skills Building Blocks Competency Model
Resources from NTIA, including the Digital Equity Capacity Grant program, State Digital Equity Plans, and BroadbandUSA
Resources from IMLS, including InformationLiteracy.gov, digital navigators, and a recent workforce study
Resources from OCTAE, including the Digital Resilience in the American Workfare (DRAW) initiative

This webinar is intended for the workforce system and its partners.
Register Here

Virtual Virginia #2: Canvas Administration
2025-01-22 12:00 - 13:00
The second part of a two-part series to support Canvas administrators to navigate the Genius and Canvas systems to set up courses, enroll learners, and then to add course content for the adult education Virtual Va courses.

NEDP PLC: Outreach
2025-01-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
This session of the Virginia NEDP Professional Learning Community will focus on outreach and marketing. Trainers will introduce the NEDP Marketing Plan template and discuss target audience identification, budget-friendly digital marketing strategies, and free NEDP outreach/marketing resources.
Register here.

How Urban AFE Networks Support Immigrant and Refugee Communities: Updates from Roanoke, Virginia and Grand Rapids, Michigan
2025-01-29 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual
Representatives of two urban adult foundational education networks or partnerships will describe the immigrant and refugee communities they try to support, how those networks are working with partners to serve them and lessons the partnerships have learned along the way. This follows up on two Urban Alliance immigration-focused Greenhouse Meetings (Webinars) held on October 11 and 18, 2024.
PRESENTERS
Ahoo Salem, Ph.D: Ahoo is the Executive Director of Blue Ridge Literacy (BRL), a non-profit organization based in the Roanoke Main Library that leverages partnerships to provide English literacy services and bridge informational gaps for adults in Southwest Virginia. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Milan University, Italy, specializing in immigrant integration and equitable resource access.
Wendy VerHage Falb, Ph.D: Wendy is the Executive Director of the Literacy Center of West Michigan, the largest CBO for adult literacy in Michigan serving 1300 adults annually. Deeply committed to equitable educational outcomes for all, Wendy served as president of the Grand Rapids Public Board of Education as well as on other civic and community boards. Wendy has a Ph.D. in English from Michigan State University, specializing in poetry and cultural theory.
Register Here

COABE: Virtual Leadership in Action: Students as Leaders Summit 2025
2025-02-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
The Students as Leaders Summit (March 31, 2025) offers adult learners an opportunity to engage in a free hybrid learning experience where they will learn how to foster student leadership in their local programs. Learn how to foster virtual participation for all adult learners in your program to ensure that they do not miss out on this once-a-year opportunity for networking, connection, and learning!
Register Here

Literacy Minnesota: Teaching Intermediate Alphabetics
2025-02-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Teaching intermediate alphabetics (syllables, prefixes, suffixes, root words) is a great way to help students build their decoding and comprehension skills. Come learn a variety of fun and easy-to-use routines and activities for helping intermediate-level readers develop these important tools.
Register Here

Financial Literacy Across the Adult Education Spectrum
2025-02-03 15:00 - 16:30
This session explores the many needs for integrating financial literacy into instruction for all learners.
Our panelists work with learners across the adult education spectrum: pre-literacy English learners, English learners with higher levels of education, and ABE and ASE learners. They discuss takeaways from the Financial Literacy Institute offered through COABE, the various needs for financial literacy within their adult learner populations, and classroom applications and resources to support learners’ financial literacy goals.

Participants will come away from the session with an understanding of essential financial literacy topics and classroom applications.
Participants will engage in discussion about the many reasons that adult learners need financial literacy instruction that is relevant to their education, life, and career goals.
Participants will come away with resources and instructional strategies to integrated financial literacy concepts into their programming and instruction.
