Session C

C1- 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

C2- Understanding Student Learning with the MAPT

This session will describe how the MAPT has been revised to align with the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education (CCRSAE). College and career readiness standards that are and are not covered by the MAPT are illustrated, as is the use of MAPT pre- and post-test scores for evaluating student gains with respect to the CCRSAE. Takeways will include how the MAPT can be used to learn about student gains, as well as in ABE classrooms to provide feedback on student performance.

Presenters: April L. Zenisky, Research Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Alejandra Amador Garcia, Research Fellow, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Stephen G. Sireci, Professor, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Room: Jr. Ballroom B

Materials: Presentation PPT

C3- From Policy to Performance: FY19 Policies for Effective Adult Education

This session will present the FY19 Massachusetts Policies for Effective Adult Education. Participants will examine a sampling of policies and identify how the new policies support flexibility in program design. By the end of the session, they will have a shared understanding of how such shifts in policy can support innovative responses to student needs.

Presenters: Jola Conway, ABE State Director, ACLS, Russell Fenton, Program Specialist and SMARTT Liaison, ACLS, Kathy Rodriguez, Team Leader, ACLS

Room: Solarium Ballroom

Materials: Presentation (PPT), Policy to Performance

Required: Prereading of the FY19 Massachusetts Policies for Effective Adult Education scheduled to be posted on or about 5/12/17

Requested: Focus on Program Design, Career Pathways Collaborations, and policies related to staffing (Note: Participants are asked to bring questions written on index cards, using one card for each question, to help us organize the Q&A.)

C4- Outstationing Coordinator Panel

Outstationing Coordinators serve as liaisons between local Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs and One-Stop Career Centers (OSCC). They provide ABE referrals for OSCC customers in need of classes, connect current ABE students with OSCC services, and disseminate information about OSCC services to local ABE programs. Participants will hear a panel of veteran coordinators describe the procedures and practices they have developed to facilitate regional two-way referrals between ABE programs and OSSC.

Presenters: Derek Kalchbrenner, College and Career Readiness Specialist, ACLS, Corinne Case, Northern Berkshire ABE Program, Yi Yi Lu, Asian American Civic Association

Room: Devens Club A/B

C5- Strengthening Reading Instruction at all Levels Using EBRI

This session will offer an overview of the Evidence-Based Reading Instruction (EBRI) plan for Massachusetts, targeted to what directors need to know regarding requirements and recommendations. Directors will learn the definition of EBRI and how it will be implemented in our state including professional development offerings, timeframes for implementation, and support that will help teachers integrate EBRI into classroom practice.

Presenters: Jane Schwerdtfeger, Curriculum Specialist, ACLS, Merilee Freeman, Director, SABES Professional Development Center for English Language Arts (ELA) and Massachusetts STAR Coordinator

Room: Executive Club A/B

Materials: All Handouts; Presentation PPT, EBRI Overview, Sequence of Trainings, WIOA Brief, FAQ EBRI Rollout