LINCS Resource CollectionsProgram Planning
Assessment These principles provide information on best practices in assessment as well as information on how to make assessment the most effective.
The purpose of the article is to equip readers with a basic understanding of what goes into standardized test making and what test scores purport to show about learners' skills and abilities.
Assessment Strategies & Reading Profiles (ASRP) presents research-based assessment practices for the adult education classroom. This online diagnostic reading assessment, based on the ARCS Study, shows instructors how to identify students' reading strengths and weaknesses. Instructors can use this knowledge to target their instruction more effectively.
The author describes what performance assessment is in the context of teaching math to adult learners.
From the introduction: "We hope that this curriculum will help you and your students understand the reasons behind the upcoming pilot testing of the ABE tests for reading and math, to prepare for and take the pilot test (and other standardized tests), and give important feedback during the pilot testing process."
The authors describe how they use the REEP Writing Rubric for teaching writing in a mid-level ESOL classroom and a pre-GED classroom.
Firm evidence shows that formative assessment is an essential component of classroom work and that its development can raise standards of achievement. Mr. Black and Mr. Wiliam point out: "A focus on standards and accountability that ignores the processes of teaching and learning in classrooms will not provide the direction that teachers need in their quest to improve."
This project explored learners' experiences and understanding of progress and sought to define and articulate this knowledge. The research showed the importance of understanding and valuing the perspectives learners have of their progress. We discovered numerous nonacademic outcomes critical to learners' progress that they associated with adult literacy programs. Learners realized very well what literacy can do for them and value the many nonacademic outcomes they experience in various facets of their lives.
Learning Disabilities Products/Materials
The article gives a general explanation of learning disabilities, states what is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and lists some accommodation ideas for the workplace. It includes several examples of job situations and how the employee was provided with an accommodation to help them succeed.
Testing and diagnosis of a learning disability are important for an adult seeking accommodations in both work and school. This article answers four questions around this topic.
Title: Building the Bridge Between Community College and Work For Students with Learning Disabilities
This article presents information to assist students with LD, counselors and employers to build the bridge between community college and work. Students must learn to articulate how their LD impacts them in a variety of situations, especially those requiring learning and performing work related tasks. Preparing for job interviews, anticipating barriers throughout the employment process, and developing ways to mitigate these barriers are essential skills that must be learned.
This digest reviews what is known about adult ESL learners and learning disabilities, suggests ways to identify and assess ESL adults who may have learning disabilities, and offers practical methods for both instruction and teacher training.
This article gives an overview of the most common categories of assistive technology (AT) that support literacy and language development.
This chapter from a larger publication describes three key guidelines for LD-appropriate instructional design and includes a discussion of specific teaching strategies for the content areas of reading, spelling, and math.
In this article, the authors provide guidelines and summarize research on the challenges faced by adults with LD when transitioning to post-secondary schooling and employment. It also highlights issues around disclosure of learning disabilities and requesting appropriate accommodations for a course of study in college or to perform essential functions on the job.
This literature review aims to provide a background for the development of research on English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
Research Papers/Articles
This article reviews recent advances in the neurobiology of dyslexia and their implications for adults with dyslexia.
Program Improvement Products/Materials
The Baldrige National Quality Program includes Criteria for Performance Excellence in Business, Health Care and Education.
This article explores a step-by-step strategy for conducting an evaluation that can provide the evidence needed to make critical decisions about improving staff development programs for the benefit of teachers, administrators, and students.
This publication describes criteria and indicators that were developed to help the adult literacy field assess the quality of resources and materials used in professional development for instructors and administrators and to provide guidelines for the development of quality resources.
This guide was written to orient and provide support to new program managers. The document reviewers noted that the sections on staffing, working with adult learners, leadership, and program design and delivery are particularly strong.
This guide offers activities, guidelines and resources for those interested in using inquiry groups and research methods in their program improvement efforts.
Title: Professional Development Coordinator Competencies and Sample Indicators for Adult Educators Project
This publication outlines skills, competencies, and knowledge bases that are critical for professional development coordinators. Coordinators of professional development as well as staff and administrators can use these competencies to evaluate the effectiveness of a professional development system.
Equipped for the Future (EFF) is a standards-based approach to reform in the adult literacy education system. This handbook is designed to help community-based organizations that provide adult education to improve their program quality.
Research Papers/Articles
Coaching is presented as a strategy that increases the instructional capacity of schools and teachers, thereby holding great promise for program improvement.
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The Program Planning Resource Collection focuses on assessment, learning disabilities, and program improvement. Although these topics are separate, some of the selected resources will be useful across topics. For example, a resource listed under Assessment or Learning Disabilities might assist program staff in developing Program Improvement plans and improving learner outcomes. 
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