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

 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) Key features of 2014 GED test

Level 1: RecallLevel 2: Skills & Concepts Level 3: Strategic Thinking Level 4: Extended Thinking Webb’s Depth of Knowledge

 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

 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 Key instructional shifts, continued

Form advisory group Develop vision Gather & disseminate information Assess & prioritize needs Develop PD & communications plan Deliver PD 2014 GED PD planning in MN

 Pam Ampferer, St. Paul  Lindsey Cermak, MLC  Randy Feldsein, DOC  Vicki Estrem, Minneapolis  Donna Escobedo, Metro North  Terri Ferris, AEOA  Heather Herrman, MLC GED 2014 Teacher Advisory Group Form advisory group

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. Vision for MN GED PD Develop vision

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 Summary Gather and disseminate information

 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:  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) 2014 GED PD survey Assess and prioritize needs

Key 2014 GED PD needs in MN Needs around understanding the content  Evaluating an argument  Evidence-based writing  Data analysis  Over half of algebra topics  Several science topics  Economics Needs around ability to teach the content  RLA, Science, Social Studies, Math: somewhat confident  Math  Data analysis and probability  Confidence in teaching algebra varies greatly  Tools and techniques of scientific investigations Assess and prioritize needs

 Computer skills for teachers and students  Appropriate teaching materials  Teacher groups needing specific attention  Correctional facilities  Part time teachers  Small sites with limited computer access  Multi-level, multi-subject classrooms Key 2014 GED PD needs in MN Assess and prioritize needs

 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 PD Plan, website, blog Develop PD and communications plan

  Ongoing events  Scheduled events  Local events  Writing PD initiative, science and social studies PD Upcoming PD worksheet Deliver PD

 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 Example program plan

Do you have any questions?

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 GED 2014 planning activity