October 20, 2017
Change Comes to the GED® Science test
The GED® Science test is changing in a significant way.

Beginning in 2018, the GED® Science subject test will no longer contain any short answer items.

The 2014 version of the test had included two short answer questions that were meant to measure students' abilities in specific assessment indicators; however, after over three years of using the new version, GED Testing Service® has determined that the short answer question type is not the best form of assessment in measuring those skills, so they are eliminating short answers entirely from the science test. All forms of the science test will continue to have the same total number of points and the same time duration as always. You can read GEDTS's original release online .

This is an important change that will alter the way that we prepare our students for the GED® Science test.

GED Testing Service® will devote their October 24th Tuesdays for Teachers webinar to the topic of science. This webinar, titled From the Headlines! Big Ideas in Science , will look at strategies and techniques that you can use to help your students to master the skills and knowledge required to pass the GED® test. Participants will see how to use current events and news articles to explore science-related topics, such as “Is there an eighth planet?,” “Virtual Flu,” “Hurricanes: Is climate stirring up a storm?,” and, “New Mineral Discovered: Nataliyamalikite."  

This webinar will be online on Tuesday, October 24th, 3:30-5:00pm. You can register online .
Teaching Tips and Resources
Cell phones in class
Just about everyone in an adult education classroom carries a cell phone, teachers and students alike, but how can we control how those cell phones are used in class? Can the vast abilities of our devices be harnessed to enhance our students' learning? Edutopia shared an article titled 3 Tips for Managing Phone Use in Class that addresses these questions.
ReadWorks ® now offers highlighting and annotating
Students can now highlight and make notes on assigned reading passages at ReadWorks.org . This is the latest addition to the many useful and student-friendly features that ReadWorks ® has been adding to its online library of readings. Watch a short video online to see how you could use this to enhance your students' engagement.
High School Equivalency (HSE) Updates and Resources
Free GED Ready® practice test through October
GED Testing Service® is giving a free GED Ready® with the purchase of any GED® subject test. This offer is valid through October 31st, and the voucher will remain valid for one year.
Updated HiSET® Program Manual
The HiSET Program Manual is periodically updated with the latest information about policies, processes, and test content. This can help you to stay up-to-date with what you need to know to help your students to succeed in this goal. The recent update of the manual is available for download .
Professional Development Opportunities
PAACE Conference on March 5-6, 2018
The 2018 PAACE Conference, Empowering Through Literacy: Achieving the Extraordinary Together, will be held on March 5-6, 2018, at the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College, PA.
State and National Adult Education News
Providing services to people displaced by the hurricanes
You are allowed to provide adult education and/or family literacy services to people who have been displaced to Pennsylvania by the recent hurricanes. Since they are currently living in Pennsylvania (i.e., not “commuting” to Pennsylvania from a neighboring state), they are Pennsylvania residents for the purpose of eligibility for services provided with Division of Adult Education funding.
 
Please note that Pennsylvania residency requirements for taking the GED® test or HiSET® exam and being awarded the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma are stricter. Policy  H.300 Verification of High School Equivalency Testing Test Candidate Identity and Pennsylvania Residency  provides specifics.
Grants and Scholarships
Spotting a scam
With all the scams on the internet, it is no surprise that there are scams in the world of education funding as well. GetEdFunding.com recently shared a blog post titled, How to Spot a Scam Grant that highlights ways to avoid endangering your information, time, or money with scam grants.
Job Postings
The job postings below are for adult basic education programs that are funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and, at least in part, by WIOA Title II funds. They can also be found on the paadultedresources.org website. 
Education Program Associate 3 - Penn State University
Research Technologist 2
PA Adult Education Resources
Upcoming State and National Conferences
State and National Newsletters
These are state or national organizations' newsletters that may be of interest to you. To receive the most recent editions by email, please subscribe directly to the newsletter. 
 
Families Learning News of the Week,  National Center for Families Learning
Features information and resources for family literacy, early childhood education, and parent education  

OCTAE Connection, US Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, & Adult Education 
Features news and resources for adult basic, career, and technical education

GED® In Session, GED Testing Service®
Features news and information related to the GED® test

World Education /U.S.,  
Features resources and information from World Education projects including The Change Agent, College for Adults, E-Learning, LINCS Region 1 Professional Development Center, National College Transitional network, and many others

Career Pathways Exchange Newsletter,   Career Pathway Exchange
Features resources, events, and information from federal and state agencies and partner organizations focused on developing and implementing career pathways for adult learners

COABE Journal, Coalition On Adult Basic Education
Features national information, resources, and initiatives for adult basic education

Workforce GPS, Workforce3 One  
Features career pathways and workforce development information