August 20, 2019
Teaching and Encouraging Productive Questions
Every adult education classroom is unique. Some groups have a strong culture of curiosity, and students know how to ask questions that lead to learning; however, other groups are not as strong in that skill. Edutopia's recent article, Teaching Students How to Ask Productive Questions, addresses this need and how we, as teachers, can improve our students' questioning skills.

The article contains some useful question stems that you can give to students to get the conversation started. These questions stems are in groups by the skill that they are meant to develop. For instance, to emphasize the skill of determining and expressing the main ideas of a reading, you could encourage students to ask, "How would I explain this in my own words?" A question similar to "What does ______ have in common with _____?" will get students to see similarities between two ideas or things.

Simple changes within the classroom can also make a big difference in this area. Instead of asking, "Do you have any questions?" ask, "What questions do you have?"

Encouraging students' questions and the deeper curiosity behind them will deepen their learning for both the topic at hand and into the future.
Teaching Tips and Resources
Learning Upgrade now available to teachers and students
The educational app, Learning Upgrade, which recently won the XPRIZE competition through the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) is now available for use . Learning Upgrade gives your learners access to 21 courses, including math, English, and GED®/HiSET® prep. With a code from COABE, utilizing this app is free of charge.
Remembering students' names
Anytime that you begin working with new students, as you might do soon with the start of the school year, you have new names to learn. Adult students will quickly realize if you do not know their names. Start building relationships on a first name basis by using some of the tips from a recent Edutopia article, How to Remember Students' Names .
Webinar for helping military spouses
There are 630,000 military spouses in America, many of whom are working. Frequent relocation required by the military lifestyle can disrupt their employment. A free webinar on Thursday, August 22, 4:00-5:00 p.m., will explore the specific ways that the American Job Center aims to assist military spouses in licensed occupations. Register and learn more online .
Professional Development Opportunities
Webinar: Technology Tools for Teachers and Administrators
On Friday, August 30, 2:00-3:00 p.m., a free webinar will discuss a wide range of easy-to-use and innovative technology tools that teachers can use within the classroom or among agency staff. Learn more and register online .
Literacy Education and Second Language Learning for Adults Symposium in Pittsburgh
The annual international Literacy Education and Second Language Learning for Adults (LESLLA) Symposium will take place on August 28-30 at the Westin Convention Center Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA. This symposium brings together researchers, practitioners and educators who share an interest in the development of second language skills by adult and adolescent immigrants with little or no schooling prior to entering the country of entry.  LESLLA  is an international organization, and its annual conferences are hosted in cities around the world. Literacy Pittsburgh is hosting this year's symposium. Go online to check out the session offerings , meet the plenary speaker , find out about the exciting conference events or to register.
Scholarships available for PSU's Family Literacy certificate
A limited number of scholarships are available for those enrolled in Penn State's Family Literacy certificate. Learn more online about the certificate that you can earn by the end of Summer 2020 and the scholarships with a total value of $3,500 over the four required courses. Register soon for the Fall 2019 courses.
Register now for PSU's Adult Basic Education certificate
Fall 2019 classes for Penn State's Adult Basic Education certificate start on August 26. Learn more online about this 12-credit certificate or register for classes.
Grants and Scholarships
Four Most Common Reasons Your Application is Rejected
Receiving a rejection of a grant application is something that you want to avoid at all costs. GetEdFunding recently shared a blog post detailing the most common reasons that grant applications do not succeed, so that you can be successful with your next application.
Glossary of grant-related terms
The website GetEdFunding.com knows that as you explore and apply for grants and funding opportunities, you will come across terms that you are unfamiliar with. That is why they have an online glossary of grant-related terms that you can consult to answer many questions that you may have.
Job Posting
The job postings below are for adult basic education programs funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and, at least in part, by WIOA Title II funds. You can also find the postings on the  paadultedresources.org  website. To post a job, please email the job advertiseme nt to  dschauer@tiu11.org

PA Adult Education Resources
Upcoming State and National Conferences
State and National Newsletters
State and national organizations' newsletters are listed below and may be of interest to you. To receive the most recent editions by email, please subscribe directly to the newsletter. 

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

World Education/U.S. Features resources and information from World Education projects including The Change Agent, College for Adults, EdTech Center, National College Transitional network, and many others

Families Learning: News of the Week, National Center for Families Learning .
Features information and resources for family literacy, early childhood education, and parent education

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

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