[AAACE-NLA] Towards Quality Outcomes in Adult Literacy Programs

[Jane Meyer]

Tom asked

- What are some program-based professional development delivery models you've
seen or used that have proven effective for you?
- When is on-site professional development most effective? (under what
conditions)

The best professional delivery model I have used in our Canton, Ohio 
ABLE program was ongoing over a period of 9 months. It was a training on 
evidence-based reading research, but the topic doesn't matter.  What 
made it work was 1. it was ongoing support, 2. teachers gave continuous 
feedback as they tried out new ideas, and 3. teachers were given 
resources.  Working with a group of about 15 teachers we did an initial 
2 day training to give an overview of EBRR.  We then met monthly for 2 
hours (for 8 months) for additional training.  Teachers were each given 
an extra 2 hours paid time a week to read and reflect on what they had 
done.  They wrote in a journal to me and I wrote back to them.  I used 
what they wrote in their journals to plan the next session.  I could see 
where they were having success and ask them to share and I could see 
where they were struggling.  I also coached them in my replies.   Having 
to write something weekly (and being paid to do so) pushed teachers to 
take the plunge to try the ideas.  Each month I also gave each teacher a 
resource book on the topic we were studying (such as vocabulary or 
comprehension).  I chose books that were teacher friendly, and full of 
teaching strategies that they could use.  Because they had their own 
book to take home they used it more than the books we have in out staff 
library.  I also gave each teacher $250 to spend on reading materials 
for their classroom so when we showed strategies with pocket charts or 
mini white boards, etc. they could purchase what would be appropriate 
for their group.  This was by far the most effective professional 
development our staff ever participated in.
Jane Meyer
Canton City Schools ABLE
Canton, Ohio
meyer_j at ccsdistrict.org

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