Session A

A1 - Learning about the State Measurable Skills Gain (MSG) Performance Standard

In this session, participants will learn about the three components of the MSG standard: Educational Functioning Level (EFL) completion, High School Equivalency (HSE) credential obtainment, and Postsecondary Education/Training (PSE/T) enrollment; how program targets will be assigned; reference periods for completing MSG components; and the credit structure for additional MSG outcomes. ACLS staff will also explain how this standard relates to program accountability. This session is geared toward adult educators who have minimal or no understanding of this standard.

Presenters: Brian Newquist, Senior Data Analyst, ACLS, Cheryl Russo, Team Leader, ACLS, Dana Varzan-Parker, Assessment and Program Specialist, ACLS

Room: Jr. Ballroom A

Materials: Presentation PPT, MSG Overview, MSG Instructions, MSG Target Tool

A2- Redesigning with Outcomes in Mind: LaGuardia’s College and Career Pathways Programs

Participants will have the opportunity to take an in-depth look at best practices and key components of career pathways programming at LaGuardia Community College. This session will review program elements, practices, and resources, from intake and student onboarding documents to contextualized curriculum samples, from LaGuardia’s most successful career pathways programs that serve a range of students from high school equivalency to professional certification programs for low-skilled adults. After examining program practices and strategies, participants will reflect on their own programs to identify and share program components they are successfully implementing and brainstorm ways to adapt and implement new strategies.

Presenters: Amy Dalsimer, Executive Director, College and Career Pathways Institute, LaGuardia Community College, Serge Shea, Teacher Trainer, College and Career Pathways Institute, LaGuardia Community College

Room: Jr. Ballroom B

Materials: Presentation PPT

A3- National Reporting System's (NRS) Federal Measures and Reporting Requirements

The goal of this workshop is for participants to come away with a shared understanding of the NRS Federal Reporting Measures and Requirements, why they matter, and how they differ slightly from the Massachusetts State Performance Standards. Topics include: Participants vs. Reportable Individuals; Periods of Participation; Employment Performance Indicators; Measurable Skills Gain; Credential Attainment Indicator; and Participant Exclusions from Indicators.

Presenter: Russell Fenton, Program Specialist and SMARTT Liaison, ACLS

Room: Solarium Ballroom

Materials: Presentation PPT

A4- Sector Strategies: Identifying Regional Career Pathways

This session will feature an overview of career pathways sector strategies. Regional business needs drive Integrated Education and Training and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education career pathway programs. How do those needs get identified? Further, how do the opportunities to address those needs get identified? Participants will practice using a U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration online tool for understanding, implementing, and improving sector strategies to develop career pathways programs that are responsive to regional industry needs.

Presenter: Derek Kalchbrenner, College and Career Readiness Specialist, ACLS

Room: Devens Club A/B

Materials: Career Pathways Toolkit, Industry Recognized Credentials

A5- The HiSET and the GED: Implications for Preparation

This session will provide an opportunity to learn the similarities and differences between Massachusetts’ two high school equivalency assessments, the GED and the HiSET. The presenter will discuss curriculum strands aligned to the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education (CCRSAE) that are appropriate for both assessments while also touching on differences in form and substance that must be addressed to enhance student success.

Presenter: Tom Mechem, State Administrator and Chief Examiner for High School Equivalency, ACLS

Room: Executive Club A/B

Materials: All Handouts - Comparison Chart, Presentation PPT, DOK Handout, DOK Question Stems, Interpreting Equations, Pinnacle Standards, Pinnacle Standards Chart, Reading Standards, Writing Standards, Resource List, Resources 2