David and All,

I believe that most of the problem  we face in our AE programs is that we 
are entrenched in "GED classes" that making the minimum (just passing the 
test) is the predominant objective.  Why are we not teaching to standards of 
learning that are required for a more generic purpose that can build a 
strong foundation for learning?  It is very hard to break away from the GED 
focus when classes are called GED classes and teachers are called GED 
teachers.  MA practitioners are encouraged to use the terms ABE and ASE to 
get away from the GED mindset.  Most GED teachers, as you pointed out, feel 
the pressure to teach to the GED test rather than to facilitate learning 
that would encourage critical thinking skills that go beyond simply passing 
the GED.

If we are truly to be standards based, we must focus on what skills need to 
be taught and consider how we will assess the skills so we know when they 
are learned, before moving on.  This should be part of our everyday practice 
and is not forced by following page by page in a GED workbook.  Creativity 
and innovation should always drive instruction in order to motivate the 
learner to learn reading, writing, and math skills that can be applied in 
any situation, not just to pass the GED. Research gives us a lot of 
information today on how people learn, but do we consider these components 
of learning in our instruction?  Yes, we should  be creative in how we apply 
various methods of teaching and learning to our AE classrooms, especially 
knowing that for many the more traditional approach is not effective.

In RI the K12 has moved to a proficiency based system. This allows the focus 
on teaching and learning to be driven by standards that must be learned 
before moving on.  My work allows me to look closely at what the K12 
teachers are doing to allow various opportunities for the students to learn. 
Teachers have brought creative strategies into the classroom so that all 
children learn.  I see no reason why these strategies would not work with 
adults as well, but it will require change, not just in the classroom and 
with the teachers, but with the administration and policy makers as well. 
Building academic and learning skills takes time and patience. Teachers must 
feel comfortable trying alternative ways to instruct and not feel the 
pressure of outcomes.  Is it important that our students pass the GED or is 
it more important that exceed expectations when taking the GED because they 
have a strong learning base?   If we all stop and think about what we really 
want for our students, it is not to achieve the goal to pass the GED. It is 
to build a strong foundation of academic skills and learning techniques that 
will benefit the student throughout life.  And guess what?  They will pass 
the GED along the way.

Donna Chambers

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <djrosen at comcast.net>
To: "The Assessment Discussion List" <assessment at nifl.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2007 11:29 AM
Subject: [Assessment 943] Re: GED Discussion - what you need to know!


Colleagues,

I am a proponent of creativity in adult literacy education -- indeed in all 
education.  As Marc Tucker, President of the National Center for Education 
and the Economy,  has said in a presention recently to the National 
Commission on Adult Literacy, http://www.caalusa.org/video/choices.html , 
the U.S. education system -- and he includes adult education, cannot be 
competitive without high academic standards AND creativity.

But many GED teachers and administrators believe that their students will 
not pass the GED unless they focus on skills and knowledge needed to pass 
the test, that creativity is a "distraction" and a time-waster. (Many K-12 
teachers, administrators or policy makers also believe creativity distracts 
from passing high stakes tests.) I hate to be the one to raise this issue, 
but it's the key question on the minds of many GED teachers and 
administrators, so I invite the panelists to address it.

Is creativity a distraction or is it essential for success? Why?


David J. Rosen
djrosen at comcast.net

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Marie Cora" <marie.cora at hotspurpartners.com>

> Hi everyone,

>

> We've had several new subscribers over the past day, and so I wanted to

> give a quick reminder where you can get the information on this

> discussion.  For the full announcement, information on guests, and

> suggested resources go to:

>

> http://www.nifl.gov/lincs/discussions/assessment/07creativityGED.html

>

> If you missed the posts from yesterday - there were a couple - you can

> catch up in the archives at:

> http://www.nifl.gov/pipermail/assessment/2007/date.html

>

> Please post your questions and also your own experiences to share now!

>

> Thanks!!

>

> Marie Cora

> Assessment Discussion List Moderator

>

>

>

>

> Marie Cora

>  <mailto:marie.cora at hotspurpartners.com> marie.cora at hotspurpartners.com

> NIFL Assessment Discussion List Moderator

> http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/assessment

>

>







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