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Adult Education (AdultEd) ProgramOffice of Adult Education
West Virginia Department of Education
Section 1West Virginia Adult Education Programs
WVAdultEd Instructor Handbook2020-21
The West Virginia Adult Education (WVAdultEd) Program is funded by Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), enacted July 22, 2014. In addition to federal funding, the West Virginia State Legislature provides funding support.
WVAdultEd is administered through the West Virginia Department of Education Office of Adult Education, Building 6, Suite 825, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0330.
The WVAdultEd Instructor Handbook is produced by the WVAdultEd Professional Development Program, whose fiscal agent is the Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative, 501 22nd Street, Dunbar, West Virginia 25064-1711.
For questions or concerns related to the content of the WVAdultEd Instructor Handbook, Section 1, contact Kari Geary at 304-917-3555 or via email at [email protected].
Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law in access to, employment in, or provision of any of Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative’s programs, benefits, or activities.
Section 1
West Virginia Adult Education: Programs and Resources
PROGRAM OVERVIEW......................................................................................................................................... 1
WVADULTED COVID-19 RESPONSE..............................................................................................................................1FEDERAL ROLE IN ADULT EDUCATION..............................................................................................................................2STATE ROLE IN ADULT EDUCATION..................................................................................................................................3COUNTY/LOCAL ROLE IN ADULT EDUCATION.....................................................................................................................3
WEST VIRGINIA ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM...................................................................................................4
OUR VISION................................................................................................................................................................4OUR MISSION.............................................................................................................................................................4OUR CORE VALUES......................................................................................................................................................5OUR GOALS................................................................................................................................................................6
COMPONENTS OF THE WEST VIRGINIA ADULT EDUCATION (WVADULTED) PROGRAM.........................................7
WHAT IS ADULT EDUCATION (ADULTED)?........................................................................................................................7WHO DOES WVADULTED SERVE?..................................................................................................................................7TARGET POPULATIONS..................................................................................................................................................8WHAT SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS ARE A PART OF WVADULTED?.............................................................................................8WHERE ARE WVADULTED PROGRAMS AND SERVICES LOCATED?.........................................................................................10HOW IS ADULT EDUCATION INVOLVED IN CAREER PATHWAYS?..........................................................................................10WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ALL THESE ACRONYMS?..........................................................................................................11
WVADULTED INSTRUCTOR SUPPORT SERVICES..................................................................................................12
ADULT EDUCATION WEBSITE........................................................................................................................................12LACES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE....................................................................................................................................12DHHR SPECIAL SERVICES (SPOKES AND TANF ASSESSMENT)..........................................................................................12DISTANCE EDUCATION SERVICES...................................................................................................................................12LISTSERV..................................................................................................................................................................13PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (PD) SERVICES.................................................................................................................13PUBLICATIONS...........................................................................................................................................................13SCHOOLOGY WVADULTED TEACHER GROUPS.................................................................................................................14SPECIAL POPULATIONS SERVICES...................................................................................................................................14TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION SPECIALISTS.........................................................................................................................15
PARTNERS IN ADULT EDUCATION, LITERACY, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN WEST VIRGINIA...................16
Partners under WIOA.......................................................................................................................................16WVDE DIVISION OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND GOVERNOR’S ECONOMIC INITIATIVES.........................................................16WEST VIRGINIA DIVISION OF REHABILITATIVE SERVICES (WVDRS).....................................................................................17WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARDS/AMERICAN JOB CENTERS.........................................................................................17
Other Key Partners...........................................................................................................................................18THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES (DHHR) BUREAU FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES..................................18WEST VIRGINIA ADULT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (WVAEA), INC......................................................................................19WEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGES..................................................................................................19WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (WVDE)...................................................................................................20
WV ADULT EDUCATION MANAGEMENT COOPERATIVES (FORMERLY RESAS)........................................................................21WEST VIRGINIA LIBRARY COMMISSION..........................................................................................................................22
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) recognizes that today's workplace presents numerous opportunities and challenges for adults in West Virginia. Employers need workers with strong basic skills and the ability to adapt to change. Today's families are faced with multiple responsibilities as they address their children's educational needs as well as their own. Special populations, such as the homeless and incarcerated, must deal with additional challenges as they strive to lead safe and productive lives.
To effectively serve the foundational learning needs of these diverse groups, a learning system that is flexible and responsive is necessary. The West Virginia Adult Education (WVAdultEd) program has developed such a system for adult learners.
WVAdultEd programs build skills for success by providing adults with the opportunity to acquire and improve the functional skills necessary to enhance the quality of their lives as workers, family members, and citizens. These programs play a vital role in fostering productive employment, effective citizenship, personal and family growth, self-esteem, and dignity for adult learners.
WVAdultEd services are available at no cost to adult learners and are designed to meet each individual’s educational needs. Certified adult education instructors provide instruction.
WVAdultEd COVID-19 ResponseThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life as we know it. While returning to class is extremely important, it must be done in the safest way possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/)and local health departments issued guidance and research reinforcing the importance of reopening classes, yet the ever-changing course of the virus may require the need to pivot. The uncertainties of COVID-19 and what it will look like moving forward make it difficult to plan. Difficult, but not impossible.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, WVAdultEd programs may appear different and county Superintendents and Educational Services Cooperative Directors have the flexibility to create different learning schedules, situations, and environments. This may be accomplished by utilizing a blended model for learning. Please refer to the West Virginia School System Re-Entry & Recovery Guidance at https://wvde.us/school-system-re-entry/ for more information on re-entry scenarios and remote learning/re-entry resources.
Fortunately, Adult Education has the flexibility to provide in-person and virtual learning for students. Many tools are available to assist instructors with virtual offerings (see Section 4 and Section 13) or provide support should a “shut-down” occur and the need for full remote
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learning be implemented. Adult Education has the ability to turn this situation into a win-win for students by equipping them with a variety of instructional formats to advance their educational and career goals.
Federal Role in Adult EducationThe Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law on July 22, 2014 replacing the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998. WIOA reauthorizes Title II: The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA).
WIOA retains and expands the purposes of AEFLA. Under WIA, AEFLA aimed to help adults improve their educational and employment outcomes, become self-sufficient, and support the educational development of their children, but under WIOA, AEFLA’s purposes have been expanded to include assisting adults to transition to post-secondary education and training, including through career pathway programs. Further, WIOA formalizes the role of adult education in assisting English language learners to acquire the skills needed to succeed in the 21st-century economy.
AEFLA (Title II of WIOA) provides the framework for the West Virginia Adult Education (WVAdultEd) program. The Federal Division of Adult Education and Literacy (DAEL) provides grants to states to fund adult education and literacy services, including workplace literacy; family literacy; English language acquisition and integrated English literacy and civics education; workforce preparation; and integrated education and training (IET).
Individuals eligible to receive services must be at least 16 years of age and not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under State law. Additionally, an eligible individual must meet at least one of the following criteria: be basic skills deficient, not have a high school diploma or its equivalent, or be an English language learner.
The term “basic skills deficient” is defined in WIOA legislation as: a youth, that the individual has English reading, writing, or computing skills at or below
the 8th grade level on a generally accepted standardized test; or a youth or adult, that the individual is unable to compute or solve problems, or read,
write, or speak English at a level necessary to function on the job, in the individual’s family, or in society.
The amount of funding each state receives is based on a formula established by Congress. States, in turn, distribute funds to local eligible entities to provide adult education and literacy services. In our state, the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) distributes these federal funds to local programs.
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The National Reporting System (NRS) is the accountability system mandated by the federal government. The NRS (http://www.nrsweb.org/) includes student measures to describe adult education students, program participation and assessment of the impact of adult education instruction, methodologies for collecting the measures, reporting forms and procedures, and training and technical assistance activities to assist states in collecting the measures.
States are required to report data to the NRS, to meet performance standards for student outcome measures, and to assess local program effectiveness using these standards.
State Role in Adult EducationThe West Virginia State Legislature also provides funding to support WVAdultEd. West Virginia State Board of Education Policy 2420 identifies eligibility, providers, programs, and services. Both federal and state WVAdultEd funds are administered through the Office of Adult Education within the WVDE Division of Technical Education and Governor’s Economic Initiatives. Funding is distributed to local programs through a multi-year competitive grant process.
The WVAdultEd state and regional staff provide technical assistance to local programs in the areas of program administration, instructor training, student retention, delivery systems, assessment, curriculum, disabilities and other special learning needs, English Language Acquisition (ELA), technology, high school equivalency assessment, evaluation and monitoring, and other associated issues.
County/Local Role in Adult EducationSome WVAdultEd local programs are operated through county boards of education that designate one employee to serve as the County WVAdultEd Director. This individual is responsible for determining the need for WVAdultEd programs within the county, coordinating the scheduling of WVAdultEd classes, hiring instructors, and overseeing financial and attendance reports. In other counties, the Regional Adult Education Coordinator (RAEC) performs these functions. Programs are also offered through volunteer literacy programs, community-based organizations, and institutional education programs with their own local program coordinators. An updated list of Adult Education County Directors can be accessed at http://www.wvadulted.org/local-role.html.
In local programs, the instructors are usually responsible for promoting their programs and recruiting students, although in some instances the county or RAEC may perform these functions.
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WEST VIRGINIA ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM
Learn. Train. Succeed.
Our VisionTo be a highly valued provider of quality educational programs that offer every adult in West Virginia an opportunity to build skills for success.
To realize this vision, we will: Increase the foundational skills and literacy levels of adults in West Virginia. Focus on customer needs. Be recognized leaders in adult literacy and foundational skills development. Value and support dedicated skilled staff and volunteers in their literacy efforts. Be a key player in the state’s workforce development system. Enhance the design and delivery of flexible, affordable adult education programs and
services. Be a valued participant in the continuum of adult education opportunities. Meet performance expectations through continuous improvement.
Our MissionTo enable adult learners to be literate, productive, and successful in the workplace, home, and community by delivering responsive adult education programs and services.
To accomplish this, we will: Recognize and accommodate the varied learning needs, levels, and goals of diverse
adult learners. Use resources effectively and efficiently to provide a network of quality, affordable
programs and services at the local, regional, and state levels. Collaborate with other organizations and initiatives with shared purposes. Recognize and support the important role that parents play in the educational success
of their children. Position basic skill development as an integral part of economic development. Provide flexible opportunities for adults to obtain high school credentials and workplace
skills. Foster a talented, dedicated staff by offering ongoing support and professional
development opportunities. Provide research-based content, methods, and materials in meeting the expectations of
our customers. Utilize technology to deliver and expand innovative programs and services. Monitor and continually improve our performance.
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Our Core Valuesª Quality ª Integrity ª Lifelong Learning ª Teamwork ª Service
The key words representing our core values spell out the word QUILTS. The design of WVAdultEd’s QUILTS reminds us of our commitment to reach our vision and fulfill our mission through valued guiding principles. Our values help cultivate highly satisfied customers, pride of accomplishment among staff, and a positive reputation for our organization and its work.
ª We take responsibility for QUALITY . . .
by being accountable for delivering effective and efficient programs, having a commitment to excellence, practicing continuous performance and process improvement, creating best practices, and individually pursuing professional growth.
ª We act with INTEGRITY in all we do . . .
by always being respectful, honest, truthful, and accountable; being good stewards of resources; demonstrating ethical conduct; and building trust as individuals and as an organization.
ª We cherish LIFELONG LEARNING . . .
by recognizing every adult’s inherent ability to learn, inspiring a quest for knowledge, ensuring access for all who desire to learn, fostering a positive learning environment, helping adults achieve their personal learning goals, embracing diversity, and championing individual worth.
ª We embrace TEAMWORK . . .
through effective collaboration with all partners, using participatory planning, open communication, and decision-making in pursuing common goals.
ª We are committed to SERVICE . . .
that is historically rooted in strong customer service by listening, understanding, and meeting the needs of those we serve; exceeding all expectations; being responsive and innovative to emerging adult educational needs; and staying focused on changing customer requirements.
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Our Goals I. Sustain a high-performing, resource-balanced, flexible, and customer-focused
organization by strengthening its structure and operations.
II. Identify, design, and implement quality programs and services that address customer needs.
III. Sustain organizational values and processes that develop, engage, and reward employees and cultivate a commitment to excellence.
IV. Establish and sustain collaborative relationships with other organizations to strengthen and expand adult education programs and services.
V. Use technology to improve communication, efficiency, delivery of instruction, and ease of access to programs and services.
VI. Raise awareness of the organization and promote a positive image of its work.
VII. Use an effective continuous improvement process that ensures accountability balanced to the needs of the customers and staff.
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COMPONENTS OF THE WEST VIRGINIA ADULT EDUCATION (WVADULTED) PROGRAM
What is Adult Education (AdultEd)?According to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Adult Education means:
Academic instruction and education services below the post-secondary level that increase an individual’s ability to do the following:
Read, write, and speak in English and perform mathematics or other activities necessary for the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent
Transition to post-secondary education and training Obtain employment.
The purpose of AdultEd is to: Assist adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for
employment and economic self-sufficiency Assist adults who are parents or family members to obtain the education and
skills that are necessary to becoming full partners in the educational development of their children; and lead to sustainable improvements in the economic opportunities for their family;
Assist adults in attaining a secondary school diploma and in the transition to post-secondary education and training, including through career pathways; and
Assist immigrants and other individuals who are English language learners in improving their reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills in English; and mathematics skills; and in acquiring an understanding of the American system of government, individual freedom, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
Who does WVAdultEd Serve?Adults who lack the skills and knowledge to fully participate in, contribute to, and benefit from West Virginia’s post-secondary education system and economy are eligible to access adult education services in a variety of settings across the state. Core services are offered at all locations to adult learners who meet the federal eligibility requirements for enrollment.
According to Title II of the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act, eligible students are those individuals who:
Have attained 16 years of age; Are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under state law; Lack sufficient mastery of basic educational skills to function effectively in society; Do not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or have not
achieved an equivalent level of education; and/or
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Are unable to speak, read, or write the English language.
However, West Virginia state law prohibits students under 17 years of age from withdrawing from school; therefore, WVAdultEd programs may not register students who are under 17 years of age. In addition, several West Virginia Counties require students attend school until they are 18 years of age; instructors and program directors should be familiar with the laws of the counties which they serve. See Section 4 of Instructor Handbook for more detailed information.
On occasion, home-schooled students who are under 17 years of age apply to an adult education class to take the High School Equivalency Assessment. These students should be referred to Ellen Killion, High School Equivalency Test Coordinator, 304-558-6315 ext. 53024, [email protected].
Target Populations Adults and out-of-school youth seeking a high school equivalency diploma Adults preparing for college entrance or for enrollment in other post-secondary
education or training Unemployed or under-skilled workers seeking to obtain or retain a job, or to get a
promotion Adults seeking to improve basic academic and computer skills for daily living Parents of young children Adults with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) seeking to improve English language skills,
or prepare for U.S. citizenship and naturalization Teenage high school dropouts seeking to obtain or retain a driver’s license Adults in correctional facilities and regional jails Recipients of public assistance Residents of homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters Home-based adult learners seeking online basic skills study opportunities
What specialized programs are a part of WVAdultEd? Distance Education
Distance education makes it possible for adult learners to study outside the traditional classroom setting by using state-approved online curricula. Classroom instructors may apply to become a certified distance education instructor. Once they have completed the required Certified Distance Education Instructor Home Study Module , certified distance education instructors will be able to get credit for hours their students are working on a state-approved curriculum outside of the classroom. See Section 13 of this Handbook for more detailed information. Contact: Rebecca Metzger, 1-800-642-2670, or [email protected] .
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English Language Acquisition (ELA) The English Language Acquisition (ELA) program addresses the needs of adult English Language Learners (ELLs) including immigrants, temporary residents, and citizens of the U.S. whose native language is not English or who live in a family or community environment where a language other than English is the dominant language. See Section 14 of this Handbook for more detailed information.Contact: Kari Geary, 304-917-3555, or [email protected].
High School Equivalency DiplomaTesting facilities throughout the state offer testing to adults who want to attain the State of West Virginia High School Equivalency Diploma. The state-approved assessment used to verify readiness for this testing is offered in every WVAdultEd classroom. See Section 12 of this Handbook for more detailed information.Contact: Ellen Killion, 304-558-6315 ext. 53024, or [email protected].
Institutional EducationOperated by the WV Schools of Diversion and Transition (WV SDT), correctional facilities and regional jails offer a full-range of adult education services. See Section 15 of this Handbook for more detailed information.Contact: Jacob Green, 304-558-8833, or [email protected] .
Integrated English Language and Civics Education (IELCE)The goal of Integrated English Language and Civics Education (IELCE) is to prepare adults who are English language learners for, and place such adults in, unsubsidized employment with in-demand industries and occupations that lead to economic self-sufficiency. See Section 14 of this Handbook for more detailed information.
Contact: Kari Geary, 304-917-3555, or [email protected] .
SPOKESStrategic Planning in Occupational Knowledge for Employment and Success (SPOKES) is an academic and job preparation skills program under contract between the WVDE Office of Adult Education and the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). SPOKES classes offer a 10-week program consisting of assessment, job readiness, work process skills, computer skills, WorkKeys academics, and vocational training in Customer Service 1 and 2, Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) ®, Microsoft® Office Certifications, and Intuit® QuickBooks, and Adobe Certified Associate (ACA). See Section 16 of this Handbook for more detailed information.Contact: Sandra Adkins, 304-558-0280 ext. 53530, or [email protected].
Where are WVAdultEd programs and services located?
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To reach its target populations in the most convenient locations, West Virginia Adult Education (WVAdultEd) services are offered in numerous settings throughout the state.
Full-time and part-time WVAdultEd programs are usually located in:
Adult Learning Centers Career and Technical Centers Community Centers Community and Technical Colleges Correctional Facilities Public Libraries Public School Buildings or Board Offices WorkForce West Virginia Career Centers
To locate a class, consult the Adult Education/Literacy Program Directory, or call the Toll-Free Adult Education Hotline at 1-800-642-2670.
How is Adult Education involved in Career Pathways?Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), states must decide how adult education and literacy activities (WIOA, Title II) will be integrated with career development and employment and training activities. The West Virginia Adult Education program has transitioned to providing career pathways programs, integrated education and training, and skills needed for college and career readiness (not simply high school equivalency).
Career pathway programs (see Section 7) are a “series of connected education and training programs and support services that enable individuals to secure employment within a specific industry or occupational sector, and to advance over time to successively higher levels of education and employment within that sector” (Jenkins 2006, 6). Career pathways often include “stackable” credentials and accelerated courses offered at flexible times that support student entry and exit along the pathway. These are sometimes referred to as Bridge programs.
Bridge programs, one of the first steps in a career pathway for low-skill adults, support the transition from adult education to the next step in an occupational pathway. By connecting adult education programs to community college occupational programs, bridge programs seek to increase the rates at which low-skilled adults move into college-level occupational programs, persist in these programs, and obtain post-secondary credentials in industries offering family-sustaining wages and career advancement.
In practice, bridge programs help adult students identify career and education goals and develop the skills, content knowledge, and learning strategies they need to enter and succeed in post-secondary education and employment. They combine basic skill instruction in reading, math, writing, and English language, including preparation for the high school equivalency
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assessment, with occupational content, employment skills, and college success strategies. Some bridge programs also offer college credit and certificates, which may be the first step toward a college degree. State and local labor market information is used to develop bridge programs focused on occupations or industry sectors with a high demand for employees.
This graphic illustrates Adult Education’s Role in the West Virginia Career Pathway System (see larger graphic, Section 7). It shows the range of ongoing Bridge programs available via WVAdultEd and how wrap-around services are related.
What is the meaning of all these acronyms?As with any organization, there are many acronyms connected to the program. A list of Commonly Used Acronyms associated with the WVAdultEd program is found in the Schoology, WVAdultEd Teacher Group, Resources, Instructor Handbook Appendices, Section 1 Appendix.
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WVAdultEd Instructor Support Services
The WV Adult Education (WVAdultEd) program offers a variety of resources and services to adult education and literacy instructors, volunteers, and students throughout the state of West Virginia. You may call the toll-free Adult Education Hotline, 1-800-642-2670.
Adult Education WebsiteWest Virginia’s Adult Education website www.wvadulted.org has all of the resource documents and contacts for local programs. At the site, users will find not only instructional resources, but LACES forms, data links, instructor handbook, administrator’s guide, just to mention a few.
LACES Technical AssistanceThe Literacy, Adult and Community Education System (LACES) is a web-enabled management information system (MIS) developed to meet the individual needs of WVAdultEd programs and the guidelines of the National Reporting System (NRS). Adult Education Regional Coordinators, County Directors, and Instructors are responsible for ensuring student data (enrollment, achievements, assessments, and attendance) is entered into LACES accurately and in a timely manner. To learn more about LACES, refer to https://literacypro.com/.
Contact: Nick Northup, WV Adult Education Data Coordinator, 304-773-2016 or [email protected].
DHHR Special Services (SPOKES and TANF Assessment)The SPOKES coordinator is the liaison between the West Virginia Adult Education (WVAdultEd) program and the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) and coordinates SPOKES classes; basic skills assessment; and learning needs and mental health screening for DHHR clients. The coordinator also assists SPOKES instructors and career development consultants in serving WV Works students enrolled in SPOKES classes. The SPOKES specialist maintains required statistical reports, manages software licenses and vocational certificates specific to SPOKES, and provides technical assistance to both instructors and coordinators in programmatic activities.
Contact: Sandra Adkins, Coordinator, 304-558-0280, ext. 53530, or [email protected] Christina Harper, 304-766-0011, ext. 15, or [email protected].
Distance Education ServicesThe distance education coordinator oversees the activities of West Virginia’s adult distance education program. Office personnel refer students who call the WV Adult Education Hotline to local programs for orientation to distance education. The distance education coordinator is also responsible for the training of classroom instructors who wish to become certified distance education instructors; for developing and monitoring program procedures; for reviewing and
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piloting online software; and for developing state and federal reports related to distance education.Contact: Rebecca Metzger, 1-800-642-2670, ext. 19, or [email protected] .
Listserv The WVABE-Updates listserv was created to reach all adult education personnel throughout the state. WVABE-Updates is an announcement only list. All new practitioners are automatically added to WVABE-Updates after completing pre-service. Postings to this listserv are limited to messages considered essential information for all WVAdultEd personnel. Members cannot reply or post to this listserv without going through the list manager. The types of information sent include:
Program Directives and Policy Changes LACES Updates and NRS Policy Changes TABE Updates TASC Updates and Scholarship Information WIOA Updates Professional Development Announcements Conference Announcements
Listserv members may request that their email address be changed or removed at any time by contacting Kari Geary at 304-917-3555 or [email protected]. The West Virginia Adult Education Association (WVAEA, Inc.) also has a listserv with specific information for members. It is also an announcements only list.
Professional Development (PD) Services The professional development (PD) office oversees pre-service and in-service professional development opportunities for WVAdultEd practitioners and tracks attendance at conference and training sessions using the LACES professional development database. To see the PD training sessions being offered, visit the WVAdultEd Professional Development Calendar. Contact: Kari Geary, [email protected].
Publications Instructor Handbook
The WVAdultEd Instructor Handbook is revised and published annually. PDF and Word versions of each section may be downloaded from the WVAdultEd website at www.wvadulted.org. Contact: Kari Geary, [email protected] or Rebecca Metzger, [email protected].
Program/Class ListThe West Virginia Adult Education/Literacy Programs List provides locations and contact
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information for West Virginia Adult Education (WVAdultEd) classes and literacy programs, state-approved high school equivalency testing centers, and information on financial assistance for continuing education. A PDF of the list may be downloaded at www.wvadulted.org. Contact: Rebecca Metzger, [email protected].
Schoology WVAdultEd Teacher GroupsSchoology is an online learning, classroom management, and social networking platform that WVAdultEd uses to provide pre-service and in-service PD activities and instructor support. PD activities are usually found in Schoology Courses, but WVAdultEd practitioners also interact on Schoology via Groups. Groups allow practitioners to share materials and ideas.
Both courses and groups can be joined by entering specific access codes. The following groups are highly recommended resources for WVAdultEd instructors:
WVAdultEd Teacher Group, contact Kari Geary at [email protected] Distance Education and Online Assessment Group, contact Rebecca Metzger at
[email protected] Special Learning Needs Access Code 3JJF7-KJFP3 SPOKES Curriculum Repository Group, Access Code XGGZD-BB3MP WVAdultEd Math Help Desk, Access Code VPPR8-VKZJ5
Special Populations ServicesThe professional development office provides special population services in the areas of literacy, disabilities, and other special needs, as well as access to specialized assessment instruments, educational materials, and instructor training opportunities.Contact: Pam Young, [email protected]
Disabilities and Other Special Learning NeedsAssessment instruments and materials are available in Braille, large print, and compact disc (CD) versions.
English Language Learners (ELLs)English as a Second Language (ESL) assessment instruments, texts, and other educational materials are available for loan. In addition, assessments and test preparation materials are available in Spanish. Contact Kari Geary, [email protected].
Low Level ReadersLiteracy level assessment instruments and educational materials for low level readers are available for loan through the Professional Development Office.
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Toll-Free Adult Education Hotline, 1-800-642-2670Call the hotline to find out about appropriate programs and services in your local area. You may also call the hotline to connect with state level program personnel without incurring long distance charges.
Volunteer Literacy Services, 1-800-642-2670Across the state there are organization that have trained volunteers that provide confidential, individualized one-on-one and small group tutoring in literacy, basic skills, computer, and English as a Second Language (ESL).
Technology Integration SpecialistsWVAdultEd Technology Integration Specialists (TIS) are classroom instructors who have completed an intensive technology training program designed to provide them with 21st century skills and tools. WVAdultEd TIS are available to assist all adult education and SPOKES instructors, in their assigned areas, in the area of technology integration. (Grantees are responsible for the installation and maintenance of software and hardware.)
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PARTNERS IN ADULT EDUCATION, LITERACY, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN WEST VIRGINIA
The WVAdultEd program works collaboratively with numerous workforce development, education, family services, and literacy partners to provide a network of services to adult learners.
PARTNERS UNDER WIOAThe Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) seeks to improve coordination between the primary federal programs that support employment services, workforce development, adult education, and vocational rehabilitation activities. The core programs are:
Title I: Adult and Dislocated Worker programs and Youth Programso Administered in our state by WorkForce West Virginia
Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act programso Administered in our state by the WVDE Office of Technical Education and
Governor’s Economic Initiatives Title III: Wagner-Peyser/Employment Service Act programs
o Administered in our state by WorkForce West Virginia Title IV: Vocational Rehabilitation program
o Administered in our state by the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS)
Below are the key partners under WIOA. All instructors will need to establish working relationships with local programs connected to these agencies.
WVDE Division of Technical Education and Governor’s Economic Initiatives
The Division of Technical Education and Governor’s Economic Initiatives, under the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), administers state and federal funding of the statewide WVAdultEd program. It is one of the core partners under Title II of WIOA.
Local WVAdultEd programs receive funding, ongoing technical assistance, coordination, and support through the state WVAdultEd staff, regional coordinators, and county WVAdultEd directors who administer the services. Listings of the WVDE Office of Adult Education, Statewide Staff, and Regional Assessment Specialists working with specific program components are found in the Schoology, WVAdultEd Teacher Group, Resources, Instructor Handbook Appendices, Section 1 Appendix. The WVAdultEd program’s web page includes information relevant to adult educators and learners including: state, regional, and local administrators, instructors, volunteers, and students and can be accessed at http://www.wvadulted.org.
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West Virginia Division of Rehabilitative Services (WVDRS) The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) helps people with disabilities prepare for, get, keep, or advance in employment. To accomplish that goal, DRS provides a broad range of vocational rehabilitation services such as assessment, job training, rehabilitation therapy, and other support services to people with disabilities. It is a core partner under WIOA Title IV.
Adults with disabilities can qualify for DRS services (including customized training programs), become aware of their disabilities, and receive appropriate accommodations in standardized assessment (e.g., extra time, audio versions, etc. for the state-approved high school equivalency assessment), in the workplace, and in other life settings. DRS also refers clients to adult education classes.
WVAdultEd has developed a cooperative relationship with state DRS personnel and a system of referral which meets DRS intake requirements. DRS is one resource through which adult learners seeking employment have been able to obtain assessment and documentation of disabilities at no cost. In addition, DRS and WVAdultEd share the cost of classroom accommodations (sign language interpreters, Braille materials, etc.) for students in our programs that have hearing and/or vision disabilities. Here is a list of DRS offices .
Workforce Development Boards/American Job Centers Under the Oversight of Workforce Development Boards (WDBs), the WorkForce West Virginia system provides a single access point to a variety of state and local employment assistance organizations. The state agency administers labor market services funded by the Wagner-Peyser Act (WIOA Title III) as well as programs for displaced workers and out-of-school youth (WIOA Title I). West Virginia is divided into seven regions that administer these federally-funded programs. American Job Centers (formerly WorkForce West Virginia Career Centers) are located within each region.
Employers can get help finding new employees, posting jobs, accessing labor market information, and acquiring Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) information and training resources. Job seekers can get assistance in a variety of areas: finding employment, career planning, labor market information, training information, and more. The services offered include, but are not limited to:
Case management services Vocational guidance assistance Assessment Job development contracts Referrals to job openings
Résumé preparation assistance Job finding workshops Veteran tax credit eligibility determination Civil service information Referral to partners and other agencies
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Some WVAdultEd classes are located in American Job Centers. To locate an American Job Center, see http://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx.
OTHER KEY PARTNERSThe Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR)
Bureau for Children and Families The Bureau for Children and Families is responsible for providing the WV WORKS program to TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) recipients. The goals of the WV WORKS program are to assist economically dependent and at-risk families to become self-supporting; to enhance the well-being of children; and to assist families near the poverty level to remain self-sufficient. This bureau provides several programs that could benefit adult learners. More information is available at http://www.dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/.
AssessmentWVAdultEd Assessment Specialists administer the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), WorkKeys, Emotional Health Inventory (EHI), and Learning Needs Screening to WV WORKS Assistance Group (AG) adults statewide.
SPOKESStrategic Planning in Occupational Knowledge for Employment and Success (SPOKES) is a program consisting of work-based academics, job preparation skills, and vocational training in the areas of customer service, IC3®, Microsoft® Office certifications, Intuit® QuickBooks, and Adobe Certified Associate (ACA). The program is managed by WV Adult Education and the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) in collaboration with the WV Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs).
Other ServicesThe Bureau for Children and Families offers a wide variety of other services which may benefit the adult basic education student. These services include the following:
o Emergency Assistance provides short-term financial assistance to families in crises when they are without available resources.
o Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP; formerly food stamps).o Medicaid provides medical care to individuals who otherwise may not be able to
afford care.o School Clothing Allowanceo Transportation Assistance provides a means of transportation to certain low-
income elderly and handicapped individuals.o Utility Assistance assists eligible households with the cost of home heating.
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For more information, visit the Bureau for Children and Families Family Assistance Directory web page at http://www.dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/ .
West Virginia Adult Education Association (WVAEA), Inc. The West Virginia Adult Education Association, Inc. (WVAEA, Inc.) is a professional organization comprised of individuals interested in the development of adult education in West Virginia.
The association provides leadership activities; unifies individuals and groups concerned with adult education; improves the quality of education for adult students; serves as a legislative network; and promotes growth through workshops, meetings, and conferences. Membership is open to all institutions, businesses, organizations, teachers, and students and includes representatives from adult education, literacy, libraries, human service agencies, businesses, public education, and community-based organizations.
WVAEA, Inc. provides special event grants to adult education and literacy programs for special recruitment, retention, and/or recognition events; student support grants to adult education and literacy students to provide assistance with child care, transportation, and other expenses incurred when attending class; a special tutoring grant for literacy instructors or tutors who tutor students outside of their regular hours; continuing education scholarships to qualified adult education and literacy students; and financial assistance for instructors and/or tutors for statewide and/or national conferences through a professional development reimbursement grant.
In addition, WVAEA, Inc. sponsors the annual fall conference in collaboration with state agencies and collaborative partner agencies. This event provides an excellent opportunity for WVAdultEd instructors to engage in important professional development activities and networking with colleagues. For more information, contact Kim McConnaughy at [email protected], or visit http://wvaeainc.org .
West Virginia Community and Technical CollegesThe mission of the West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS) is to deliver affordable, accessible high-quality education training that dynamically advances the economic and social development of West Virginia. The WVCTCS consists of 10 institutions offering an array of associate degrees and certificates for students. Many schools have more than one campus and are accessible to most areas of the state.
The community and technical colleges offer programs of study in arts/humanities, business/marketing, engineering/technical, health, human services, science/natural science, and general education. To learn more about the community and technical colleges and their specific offerings, visit http://www.wvctcs.org/.
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The WVCTCS website contains links to resources for instructors to use with students in preparing for careers and college, and links to resources to assist students and parents in planning for college and financial aid. Visit http://www.wvctcs.org/ and click on the Student Resources tab to access instructional resources appropriate for adult learners.
For a list of West Virginia colleges and universities, see https://secure.cfwv.com/College_Planning/Explore_Schools/Search_for_Colleges/Search_for_Colleges.aspx.
West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE)WVDE provides leadership and oversight for the entire West Virginia Adult Education (WVAdultEd) program. In addition, WVAdultEd collaborates with many other WVDE programs and services. For a list of WVDE Office of Adult Education Staff, see Schoology, WVAdultEd Teacher Group, Resources, Instructor Handbook Appendices, Section 1 Appendix. You can access the WVDE web site at https://wvde.us/adult-education/.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) The mission of WV Career and Technical Education (CTE) is to better prepare students for the world of work and higher education through training programs offered at centers throughout the state.
All full-time certificate programs require a high school diploma or state-approved high school equivalency diploma prior to completion of the course. Many adults take advantage of the convenience of WVAdultEd classes within career and technical centers to prepare for the state-approved high school equivalency assessment while enrolled in a training program. Learn more about Career and Technical Education at https://wvde.us/technical-education/.
For a list of Career Technical Education (CTE) Administrators, visit https://wvde.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Career-Technical-Education-CTE-Administrators-updated-7-24-2020.pdf
The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) CFWV provides free resources to help students and families plan, apply, and pay for education and training beyond high school. CFWV.com is a free website that features career and college exploration tools, information about all federal and state-level financial aid programs (including the PROMISE Scholarship and Higher Education Grant Programs), and details about the state’s colleges and universities. http://cfwv.com.
County Boards of Education West Virginia has a statewide network of WVAdultEd programs, many of which are
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operated through county boards of education. To obtain information about a specific board of education, visit https://wvsba.org/wv-county-board-websites.
West Virginia Schools of Diversion and TransitionThe West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition (WV SDT) provides educational services to institutionalized adults and juveniles in state and correctional institutions, regional jails, and residential institutions. Many of these locations offer WVAdultEd programs and provide high school equivalency assessment and testing services. For more information, see Section 15.
WV Adult Education Management Cooperatives (Formerly RESAs)
Prior to July 1, 2018, some statewide WVAdultEd leadership activities were based in eight Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs). Some of these activities included the coordination of distance education, professional development, technology support, workplace education, grant administration, and support staff for SPOKES and other DHHR contract programs. In addition, regional adult education coordinators based in six of the eight RESAs provided coordination to some AdultEd and SPOKES classes and technical assistance to local instructors and administrators.
In 2017, the West Virginia Legislature passed House Bill 2711, which required all RESAs to be dissolved as of June 30, 2018. In preparation, the eight RESAs were realigned into six regions, and the WVDE Office of Adult Education announced a two-year limited grant opportunity to reallocate funds for Adult Education programs in accordance with WIOA Title II, Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA).
As a result, effective July 2018, WV Adult Education and SPOKES program grants were awarded to the following entities:
Eastern Panhandle Instructional Cooperative (EPIC) – Eastern Panhandle Region (formerly RESA 8).
Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative (MSESC) – Northern Region (formerly RESA 6), North Central Region (formerly RESA 7), Mid-Ohio Valley Region (formerly RESA 5), and South West Region (formerly RESAs 2 and 3).
Southern Education Service Cooperative (SESC) – South East Region (formerly RESAs 1 and 4).
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West Virginia Library Commission The West Virginia Library Commission (WVLC) provides a package of statewide online resources free to all state residents accessed from one portal: http://wvinfodepot.org/. Among these are two very valuable resources for adult educators.
LearningExpress Library 3.0 is an interactive site with over 150 practice academic and career tests, including the TASC test, ACT, SAT, ACCUPLACER, ASSET, COMPASS, TOEFL, and the U.S. Citizenship test. It also has learning activities to prepare for the tests; resume writing activities; and basic math, reading, and writing skills courses for adult students. There is instant scoring, diagnostic feedback, and unlimited remote access at LearningExpress Library.
Job and Career Accelerator is a comprehensive online job search system that integrates everything a job seeker needs to conduct a successful job search into one easy-to-use online application. From exploring suitable occupations, interviewing tips, finding a job through over five million real-time listings, to preparing resumes and cover letters, Job & Career Accelerator will organize, manage, and track the entire process of getting hired.
WVLC actively promotes literacy and recognizes the month of September as the state's official Literacy Month. The literacy roles that libraries play may vary depending upon the community’s needs. Some libraries provide rooms for literacy tutoring and training or for WVAdultEd classes, as well as videos and audio books, instructional materials, computer facilities, and special collections developed for new readers. Tutors are trained to use the whole library as a resource tool. When the local literacy council is not housed in the library’s facilities, librarians can refer students to an approved literacy program in the community. For more information, visit www.librarycommission.wv.gov/. You may also contact the Adult Services Consultant, at 304-558-3978.
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