Transcript Minnesota 2014 GED Professional Development Spring 2013

Minnesota 2014 GED Professional
Development
Spring 2013 Managers Meetings
Amy Vickers
Minneapolis Adult Education
Supplemental services grant
to coordinate PD for the 2014 GED test
Key features of 2014 GED test
 4 modules: Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA),
Mathematical Reasoning, Science, Social Studies
 Based on Common Core State Standards
 More rigorous content: greater focus on career- and
college-readiness skills
 Computer-based
 Various interactive item types in addition to multiple choice items
 Evidence-based writing on two tests (RLA & social studies)
Webb’s Depth of Knowledge
Level 1: Recall
Level 2: Skills & Concepts
Level 3: Strategic
Thinking
Level 4: Extended
Thinking
Key instructional shifts
 Explicit instruction of higher-order thinking and
problem solving skills
 More integration of the content areas
 Evidence-based writing in response to reading
passages will replace the 5-paragraph essay
 Teaching basic concepts in social studies and science
using content-rich materials and activities
Key instructional shifts, continued
 Introducing content and higher level math concepts
at all levels
 Shift from a focus on math rules to a deeper
understanding of key concepts
 Greater emphasis on algebraic thinking and problem
solving
 Integration of digital literacy skills into instruction
2014 GED PD planning in MN
Form advisory
group
Develop vision
Gather &
disseminate
information
Assess &
prioritize needs
Develop PD &
communications
plan
Deliver PD
GED 2014 Teacher Advisory Group
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Pam Ampferer, St. Paul
Lindsey Cermak, MLC
Randy Feldsein, DOC
Vicki Estrem, Minneapolis
Donna Escobedo, Metro North
Terri Ferris, AEOA
Heather Herrman, MLC
Form advisory group
Vision for MN GED PD
Minnesota ABE professionals will understand the content
domain and format of the 2014 GED® test. We will acquire
the strategies, skills, and resources needed to confidently
prepare learners to pass the test and equip them with 21st
century skills.
Develop vision
Summary
Summary of the Skills and Content Needed to Prepare
for the 2014 GED® Test, Revised January 2013
Posted on the GED 2014 PD page of the Minneapolis
Adult Education web site
Gather and disseminate information
2014 GED PD survey
 Encouragement to read summary prior to taking survey
 Questions about subject area, teaching context, region
allow for filtering of results for different subgroups
 Questions addressed:
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greatest concerns (open-ended)
preferred PD delivery methods
computer and internet access
understanding of 2014 test content (assessment targets)
ability to teach 2014 test content (assessment targets)
Assess and prioritize needs
Key 2014 GED PD needs in MN
Needs around understanding
the content
Needs around ability to teach
the content
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 RLA, Science, Social Studies,
Math: somewhat confident
 Math
Evaluating an argument
Evidence-based writing
Data analysis
Over half of algebra topics
Several science topics
Economics
 Data analysis and probability
 Confidence in teaching algebra
varies greatly
 Tools and techniques of
scientific investigations
Assess and prioritize needs
Key 2014 GED PD needs in MN
 Computer skills for teachers and students
 Appropriate teaching materials
 Teacher groups needing specific attention
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Correctional facilities
Part time teachers
Small sites with limited computer access
Multi-level, multi-subject classrooms
Assess and prioritize needs
PD Plan, website, blog
 Draft of PD plan is posted on Minneapolis Adult
Education web site, will be updated as planning
continues
 Minneapolis Adult Education web site
 GED Connect blog
Develop PD and communications plan
Upcoming PD worksheet
 http://abe.mpls.k12.mn.us
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Ongoing events
Scheduled events
Local events
Writing PD initiative, science and social studies PD
Deliver PD
Example program plan
 Minneapolis GED launch!
1. Large group of staff met in the fall to identify goals and
actions needed to prepare for the new GED test
2. The GED launch team was created: teacher from each
area + curriculum coordinators
3. Came together to set a tone, general plan—gradual
changes
4. Split into groups to work out details by subject area
5. Plan for fourth quarter is posted on Minneapolis web site
Do you have any questions?
GED 2014 planning activity
1. Look at the program planning tool
2. Choose an area that needs to be prioritized in your
program
3. Discuss ideas in a small group