1. EXPLORING TEXAS ADULT EDUCATION DISTANCE LEARNING CURRICULA Distance Learning Academy Optional Module 2 May be used as stand alone training at any time.

2. DISCLAIMER This professional development does NOT sanction or endorse the use of one curriculum over another. It is the responsibility of each organization providing literacy services to adults in Texas to investigate thoroughly any curriculum to determine its usefulness and fit to the needs of their program and clients. 2

3. Session Objectives Review approved distance learning curricula and models for awarding proxy hours Review research efforts to evaluate distance learning curricula Begin the process of exploration and review of approved distance learning curricula Determine your next steps towards distance learning curricula selection 3

4. Agenda Welcome and Introductions Training rationale Distance learning curricula and models Curricula Review Process Hands-on exploration Resources and wrap-up 4

5. Materials for Today 1.Agenda & PPT Handout 2.TWC AEL Approved Distance Education Curriculum List 3.Overview of DL Curriculum Models 4.TWC AEL Distance Learning Policy Document 5.Project IDEAL Working Paper No. 8: Exploring Distance Education Curricula for Adult Learners 6.Texas DL Curricula Research Feedback 7.Sample Curriculum Review Form 8.QM™ CPE General Standards Rubric 9.DL Curricula Online Resources 5

6. Welcome Brief introductions & sticky note warm-up 6 COLORQUESTIONS TO ANSWER YellowWith which curricula, if any, are you already familiar? GreenWhy are you attending this professional development session? RedWhat is one question you would really like answered in today’s session?

7. Texas Approved DL Curricula Title Audience Model Criteria for Awarding Proxy Hours Validation Method Notes 7 See the Approved List of Distance Curriculum Approved List of Distance Curriculum for Texas Adult Education See the Approved List of Distance Curriculum Approved List of Distance Curriculum for Texas Adult Education

8. Distance Learning Models Direct hours – What are examples of direct hours? Proxy hours – Clock Time Model – Teacher Certification Model – Learner Mastery Model 8 See the Overview of DL Curriculum Models See reference document: Texas State Policy Document for Distance Learning Education See reference document: Texas State Policy Document for Distance Learning Education

9. Use of ABE/GED Curricula by site 9 2012-20132013-20142014-2015 ITTS (67)Aztec (51)Aztec (82) Aztec (60)ITTS (42)GED Academy (52) GED Connection (26)GED Academy (40)ITTS (35) MHC GED Online (24)GED Connection (25)GED Connection (21) MHC Pre-GED (19)MHC GED Online (16)Skills Tutor (15) GED Academy (11)Skills Tutor (11)Pre-GED (6) Skills Tutor (11)MHC Pre-GED (9)PLATO (5) PLATO (3)MHC GED Online (1)

10. ESL Curricula Used by SIte 10 2012-20132013-20142014-2015 English for All (41)English for All (55)Burlington English (40) USA Learns 1 (24) USA Learns 1 (22) English Discoveries (23)English Discoveries (15)Rosetta Stone (20) CDLP Online (13) English for All (16) Crossroads Café (9) Crossroads Café (14) Rosetta Stone (7)Burlington English (4)CDLP Online (14) Sed de Saber (7)Rosetta Stone (4)USA Learns 2 (8) English Discoveries (6)

11. Texas DL Research Process Conducted during the summer of 2010. Online questionnaires – 23 out of 27 (85%) programs participated. These 23 programs reported 98.5% of all proxy hours state wide during 2009-2010. – 57 DL program staff across Texas completed the detailed, hour long questionnaire. Interviews/focus groups – 25 participants participated. – Questions addressed general experiences and perceptions of staff and teachers towards their distance learning program best practices. 11

12. Project IDEAL Curricula Research Project IDEAL helps member states design, manage and evaluate distance education from initial piloting to state-wide implementation. Project IDEAL Working Paper 8*: Exploring Distance Education Curricula for Adult Learners (2005) provides guidelines for states to consider in selecting and utilizing distance curricula. Working Paper 8*: Exploring Distance Education Curricula for Adult Learners 12 See Project IDEAL’s Working Paper #8

13. Texas DL Curricula Feedback Participants who were familiar with a particular curriculum rated it using rubrics developed from 2 sources: – General criteria were adapted from Project IDEAL’s Working Paper #8: Exploring Distance Education Curricula for Adult Learners.Project IDEAL’s – Transitions criteria were adapted from the National College Transition Network. National College Transition Network 13 See the Texas DL Curricula Research Feedback View survey screenshots

14. QM™ CPE Rubric Quality Matters is an international, inter- institutional organization that promotes quality assurance for online learning. Highly recommended – check with your institution. You may already be a member. The rubric for Continuing and Professional Education can be helpful for evaluating the quality of DL products delivered online. 14

15. Let’s Begin YOUR Curricula Review What is your budget? What is your audience? What factors are important to YOUR program, teachers, and student audience? 15

16. Get Hands-on Now! www-tcall.tamu.edu /twcael/initiatives/distlearnResources.html 16 TX Approved Curriculum List Project IDEAL Working Paper #8. DL Curricula Online Resources QM™ CPE Rubric Use these resources to complete your Sample Curriculum Review Forms!

17. Divide and Conquer Assignments for Curricula Review 17

18. Participant Reports 18 What did you think? What do you recommend is the next step to take?  Nothing - pass on it for now?  Other action?  More review by a committee or team?  Vendor contact and pricing quotes?

19. Next Steps Will you:  Establish a review committee to make final recommendations?  Contact vendors for more information?  Find another organization using the curriculum you are interested in so you can ask questions?  Explore (pilot) a curriculum that is NOT listed because you think it should be? 19

20. Going back to the beginning… Did you become aware of any new curriculum of interest? Did this session match your personal goal for attending? If not, what is your next step? Did your “one question” get answered? Any other remarks or questions? 20

21. Be sure to complete the back of your workshop questionnaire! 21 Thank you!!