How-To's

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Assessment Strategies and Reading Profiles
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National Institute for Literacy (NIFL)
Developed by the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) with a grant from NIFL, this interactive site allows instructors to match their learners with 11 reading profiles based on information collected about the reading abilities of a large group of Adult Basic Education learners. Each profile represents different reading levels and characteristics and provides suggestions for instruction. Mini-courses on the major components of reading and assessment also are available.
http://www.nifl.gov/readingprofiles/

Creating Authentic Materials and Activities for the Adult Literacy Classroom
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E. Jacobson, S. Degener, and V. Purcell-Gates, National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL), 2003
Based on the results of a nationwide study of the literacy practices of adult learners, this large and comprehensive guide offers practitioners and administrators information, discussion questions, and exercises on contextualized instruction.
Download/view: PDF (861KB)

Equipped for the Future Assessment Report: How Instructors Can Support Adult Learners Through Performance-Based Assessment
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S. Ananda, WestEd, National Institute for Literacy (NIFL), 2000
Introduces adult education instructors to performance assessment methods and tools to help measure learners' progress relative to the Equipped for the Future Content Standards. Describes key characteristics and examples of effective performance-based assessments and suggests how instructors might use such tools to evaluate adults' knowledge, skills and abilities. Demonstrates how performance assessment can be integrated into instruction and accountability systems.
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Eureka! AGORA Teaching Strategies
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Maintained by the Ohio Literacy Resource Center, AGORA offers a searchable database of teaching strategies on reading/listening, discussion/problem solving, writing, collaboration and study strategies designed specifically for adults. The lesson plans included must meet certain criteria and are reviewed by a selection committee. Each category has numerous links to specific teaching strategies, including book clubs and peer discussion groups, book conversations, clustering, discussion webs, and other activities designed to improve reading, thinking, and general fluency. Provides additional links to many other websites that have information on teaching strategies for adults.
http://literacy.kent.edu/eureka/strategies/index.html

Guide for Planning and Implementing Instruction for Adults: A Theme-Based Approach
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J. Dirkx and S. Prenger, Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1997
Shows instructors how to tailor their course content so that it connects to the life experiences and needs of adult learners. A resource for both new and experienced adult basic education, English literacy, and workplace basic education teachers.

Available for purchase from
http://www.josseybass.com/cda/product/0,,0787908371,00.html

Multiple Intelligences for Adult Literacy and Adult Education
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L. Shelton, Western/Pacific LINCS
Introduces the theory of multiple intelligences and offers ways to apply it to adult literacy and education. This site focuses on helping teachers and learners understand the different ways in which people learn and how to use each style effectively depending on the content being taught.
http://literacyworks.org/mi/home.html

The Partnership for Reading
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National Institute for Literacy (NIFL), National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), U.S. Department of Education, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Partnership for Reading strives to make scientifically based reading research more accessible to parents, educators, and policymakers. Has a large database of evidence-based research, principles, and practices in reading instruction for children, youth, and adults. Covers topics such as assessment, alphabetics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and computer technology. Also offers effective teaching strategies for adults in basic education and family literacy programs, including Applying Research in Reading Instruction for Adults: First Steps for Teachers and Teaching Adults to Read: A Summary of Scientifically Based Research Principles.
http://www.nifl.gov/partnershipforreading/

Planning Programs for Adult Learners: A Practical Guide for Educators, Trainers, and Staff Developers, 2nd Edition
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R. Caffarella, Jossey-Bass, 2001
A guide and resource book for adult education program designers on how to develop educational and training programs for adults in a wide range of settings. This second edition offers guidance on how to use technology in the development and practice of adult education and training programs.

Available for purchase from
http://www.josseybass.com/cda/product/0,,0787952257,00.html

Understanding What Reading Is All About: Teaching Materials and Lessons for Adult Basic Education Learners
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National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL), 2005
Presents 13 lessons that can be used independently or integrated into an existing curriculum for adult basic education learners who read at levels 0-6. Lessons cover topics such as the components of reading, reading words by sight, developing reading comprehension, and understanding learning disabilities.
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The Adult Basic Education Teacher's Toolkit
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Adult Education Professional Development and Curriculum Consortium (AEPDC), Texas, 1995
Guide for new and experienced adult basic education teachers. Presents a model for facilitating adult learning and includes a teacher's toolbox with strategies for teaching reading, writing, and computing skills, and more.
http://www-tcall.tamu.edu/toolkit/cover.html

firstfind.info
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Westchester Library System, NY
An easy-to-navigate online library for low- to intermediate-level adult learners. Topics cover a wide range of information such as computers and technology, parenting, finding a doctor, housing, immigration, jobs and job training, legal issues, and transportation and travel.
http://www.firstfind.info/