Professional development systems The case of Slovenia Evidence-based delivery of literacy training in the digital era Professional development systems The case of Slovenia Jasmina Mirčeva

Required educational qualifications/ training for adult educators Initial elementary school teacher training; Initial secondary school teacher training; Teachers in vocational education; Post-secondary vocational education; Initial training for teachers in adult education.

Main characteristics of ALTT in SI No undergraduate or postgraduate studies on AL and no formal ALTQ First training started in 1992, ever since part of professional development of teachers 3. Non formal, but accredited course ALTT certificate is needed for public funding Majority of teachers part time Irregular funding of AL and ALTT

Adult literacy situation National literacy survey (2000), a cultural shock: 77% of adults 16-65 performed below international average Increased public funding for AL development and provision New concept of AL programmes National Literacy Strategy in 2005

Figure: Comparison of prose literacy levels in 20 countries Adult literacy - international comparison Figure: Comparison of prose literacy levels in 20 countries % 1. level 2.level 3.level 4/5.level Source: Adult Literacy Survey, SIAE 1998

Adult literacy situation Adults with lowest literacy levels less than 12 years of schooling young drop-outs 16-25 unemployed low skilled employed parents with school age children low income groups immigrants older age groups

Adult literacy programmes in Slovenija - targetting the needs Family literacy programmes (2 programmes, parents of preschool and parents of school age children) Rural literacy programme (120 hours) Worplace literacy programme (300 hours) Programme for adults with special needs (120 hours) Bridge to education for adults returnig to formal education (120 hours) Literacy programmes for elderly (120 hours) Reading literacy groups (24 hours)

Adult literacy situation: IZKUŠNJE OPISMENJEVANJA V 90-IH NEW TARGET GROUP CORE AREAS: 1. BASIC SKILLS (RWLCN) 2. SOCIAL SKILLS 3. ICT 4. LEARN TO LEARN 5. ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FAMILY LITERACY SPECIAL NEEDS RURAL LITERACY WORKPLACE LITERACY ADULT RETURNERS TO SCHOOL experiences in AL in 90-s research

Legal and expert base for ALTT Law on organisation and financing of Ed, 1996/2012; Regulates AE teacher qualification (university degree, pedagogical education etc.) National AE Master plan, 2013; A base for adult literacy programmes National AL Strategy, 2005; A strategy of lifelong development of literacy

Entry requirements: Certification: university degree, pedagogical ed, professional exam experiences in AE positive attitude towards TGs Certification: 120 hours of training field research on TGs needs teaching performance detailed teaching programme plan /essay

Skills and competences of ALT Teachers are expected to develop skills, knowledge and competences in the three inter-related fields: Professional knowledge and understanding Professional skills and abilities Professional values and personal commitment

On-going professional training University degree … Adult literacy teacher training On going professional training and upgrading

Advantages of the system of ALTT Regulated publicly funded system Regularly monitored Accredited training programme High profile of AL teaching force On going professional development Flexible teaching force (part time) Positive transfer of innovation in formal system

Disadvantages of the system of ALTT Absence of formal teaching qualification Irregual and unsufficient funding creates insecurity about the future Limited control over quality and effectiveness Low interest of part time AL teachers for further education and training in the field of adult literacy

Employment possibilities; Terms of employment and remuneration in adult literacy education (ALE); Teachers, managers, organisers and counsellors;

Slovenian model of education for vulnerable groups