Reading Works, a 501c3, was originally set up to a) raise visibility of the adult literacy issue; b) raise funds to increase the scale of activity; and c) support professional development and collaboration among quality adult ed providers. These three goals have remained constant over 10 years. Professional development was enhanced with the first annual PULSE conference in 2016 and strengthened by the monthly workshops in coordination with the economic mobility grants and the larger learning community during 2018-2020. Convening and collaboration have been a powerful force from the beginning – regular meetings, annual luncheons, discussion and sharing of tools, curricula, training opportunities, strengthening the case for adult literacy and adult education locally and at the state level. Network members attended national conferences together and shared materials with colleagues. In recent years, there has been a heightened focus on connecting with the workforce system. Many partnerships developed that advance the integration of academic and occupational skills. Educators began to accept that many students are more motivated to improve basic skills if support services, workforce and other opportunities were integrated.
Dec
22
Comments are closed.