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The Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education
Presents
NETWORK 2021 Virtual Conference
Thursday – March 25, 2021 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Friday – March 26, 2021 8:00 am – 4:15 pm
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THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS (SPONSORS TO DATE)
Corporate Sponsors
Andrea Perrault
Friend Sponsors
Contributor Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
The City of Boston, Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development
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Table of Contents
Registration and payment Page 4
Workshops – March 25 Pages 5 – 12
Workshops – March 26 Pages 14 – 24
Workshop schedule Pages 25 – 26
Conference Schedule
Thursday, March 25
9:15 am -10:45 am Sessions 1A – 1F
11:00 am – 12:30 pm Sessions 2A – 2F
1:15 pm - 2:45 pm Sessions 3A – 3F
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Sessions 4A – 4F
Friday, March 26
9:00 am -10:30 am Sessions 1A – 1F
10:45 am – 12:15 pm Sessions 2A – 2F
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Sessions 3A – 3F
2:45 pm – 4:15 pm Sessions 4A – 4F
Exhibit Hall Hours
Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 4:15 pm
Exhibitors to Date
Public Policy Committee
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NETWORK 2021 Registration and Payment Instructions
Registration:
Registration for NETWORK 2021 must be completed
online. You can log on to www.mcae.net and click on
Register for the NETWORK 2021 link.
Once registered, you will receive an email confirming
your registration and your payment. To ensure
receipt of your registration confirmation, please
include your email when you register and add
[email protected] to your email software's "white
list" (i.e. allowable email contacts). If you use a gmail
address to register, your confirmation may appear in
your promotions folder.
Please note that you are not selecting specific
workshops to attend. Because sessions are via
Zoom, there is no limit to the number of attendees in
a session. Session codes are provided to assist you in
using the schedule.
You must fully complete and submit your registration
form in order for your registration to be recorded.
Partially completed registrations are not saved
and you will be required to start a new form when
you return to the registration site.
Registration fees:
Fees are per person and are the same for attending 1
day or 2 days.
General registration $175 per person
Proctor registration $125 per person
Student registration $ 25 per person
Conference registrations may not be shared by two
or more individuals.
Discounted registrations:
Discounted registrations are available for Leadership
Circle and Organizational Members. See registration
form or www.mcae.net for more details.
Payment:
Payments for conference and membership can be
made by credit card through PayPal when you register
online. You do not need to have a PayPal account to
do this.
You can also pay by check to MCAE, 44 Farnsworth
Street, Boston, MA 02210. Checks should include the
name of the registrants covered by the check.
Registration fees can be paid using MA
Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education (DESE) grant funds.
All registrations must be paid by the day of the
conference.
We are no longer able to invoice attendees or accept
purchase orders and thank you for your
understanding.
Cancellation policy:
Cancellations received prior to March 22, 2021 will
receive a refund minus a $30.00 processing fee.
No cancellations will be accepted after March 22,
2021 without prior written authorization from
MCAE.
ONLINE REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT DEADLINE: MARCH 22, 2021
QUESTIONS: [email protected]
Watch the MCAE website (www.mcae.net) for NETWORK updates!
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THURSDAY, MARCH 25 – WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
SESSION 1
Workshop Code: 1-A 9:15 am - 10:45 am
Teaching Upstream Through COVID-19: Strategies for Adult Educators
Presenter: Emily J. Wilson, PhD, MPH, MS, CHES, Project Manager, Essex County Learning Community
Description: Today, we find ourselves navigating an unprecedented crisis in education, as the COVID-19
pandemic persists and disparities produced by centuries of inequity within the U.S. deepen. This
workshop will explore the topic of trauma-informed education along with key principles and
strategies – starting with care for ourselves – that can be applied to create resilient learning
environments.
Workshop Code: 1-B 9:15 am - 10:45 am
Science Teaching Now: What? How?
Presenters: Lakshmi Nayak, SABES ELA Coordinator and ABE Science Teacher, SABES; Christina Dennis, ELA
Teacher, SCALE; Marie LeBlanc, ASE and Computer Technology Teacher, Mass. Department of
Correction at NCCI-Gardner; Tessa Peixoto, Adult Diploma Pathway Science Instructor, JVS-
Boston
Description: Science is about observing, asking questions, and learning from mistakes—perfect for these times.
We share some struggles, strategies, resources, and specific lessons that have worked for us
during this year of remote teaching and learning.
Workshop Code: 1-C VENDOR WORKSHOP – ESSENTIAL EDUCATION 9:15 am - 10:45 am
Education to Change Lives
Presenters: Peggy Bernard, Northeast Regional Manager, Essential Education; Tim Ruggere, Director of Adult
Education, Community Action, Inc.
Description: The Essential Education/Community Action presentation and workshop will share exemplary
practices on how to use HiSET Academy to motivate and prepare students to pass the
HiSET/GED test. Essential Education has helped millions of people take the steps towards a
brighter future by creating resources designed specifically for adult educators and learners. Hear
first-hand, how Community Action's students have embraced education to prepare them for
academic success and college and career readiness.
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Workshop Code: 1-D 9:15 am - 10:45 am
Leveraging Lessons Learned from IDEAL-MA Distance Education Programs
Presenters: Diana Satin, Coordinator, SABES; Luanne Teller, Director, SABES Program Support PD Center
Description: Since the pandemic, program staff have been making strides in delivering high quality learning
experiences and supports. Join us to hear programs share successful practices for empowering
staff and students to build their skills and ability to work together in a distance and blended
manner with positive results.
Workshop Code: 1-E 9:15 am - 10:45 am
State as Partner: Leading Through Change with Courage and Vision
Presenter: Wyvonne Stevens-Carter, Director, Adult and Community Learning Services, MA Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education
Description: Programs, directors, and teachers need a state partner to problem-solve with them through
complex issues identified in implementing WIOA priorities. Such partnerships between state and
local providers can provide tangible solutions to these challenges. Please join us as we engage in a
dynamic conversation from both the state and local point of view about critical issues in adult
education.
Workshop Code: 1-F 9:15 am - 10:45 am
Immigration Policies: Where Do We Go from Here?
Presenters: Jessica Chicco, Director of New Americans Initiatives, Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee
Advocacy Coalition; Margalit Tepper, Integration Projects Lead, Massachusetts Immigrant and
Refugee Advocacy Coalition
Description: Immigration policy is changing quickly, bringing new challenges for immigrants, their families, and
our communities on what feels like a daily basis. This workshop will offer an overview of recent
policy changes and provide a framework for understanding how they may impact students’ lives.
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SESSION 2
Workshop Code: 2-A 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Remote ESOL Advising: Successful Practices
Presenters: Pesha Black, Director of ESOL, Holyoke Community College; Brandon Smith, Education and
Career Advisor, MassHire Holyoke; Moira Lozada, Education and Career Advisor, Springfield
Adult Learning Center
Description: Through this year of tremendous challenge, ESOL advisors have adapted core student supports
and career pathways planning to the remote context. We’ll share successful practices for student
communication and relationship building, connection to resources, and career and education
planning, with a particular emphasis on strategies for working with job seekers.
Workshop Code: 2-B 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing during the COVID Emergency
Presenter: Michael Farma, HSE Specialist and State Chief Examiner, MA Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education
Description: COVID-19 has presented challenges for HSE testing. We will discuss new options available
including HiSET® at Home, GED OP, and the similarities/differences between these options as
well as how on-line proctored testing options differ from testing at test centers.
Workshop Code: 2-C 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Teaching the Skills that Matter (TSTM) in Adult Education
Presenters: Dana Varzan-Parker, MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Adult and
Community Learning Services (ACLS); Laura Porter, TSTM Lead Teacher, Ludlow Area Adult
Learning Center; Brooke Machado, TSTM Lead Teacher, Boston Public Schools Adult Education
Program; Christa Exter, TSTM Lead Teacher, Methuen Public Schools Adult Education; Lena
Marecki, TSTM Lead Teacher, Chelsea Public Schools Intergenerational Literacy Program
Description: This webinar will provide adult education practitioners information on TSTM skills, topic areas and
approaches, describe how TSTM aligns with ACLS priorities for curriculum and instruction,
provide information on how TSTM will affect curriculum and instruction in adult education
programs, and provide a timeline for TSTM implementation and training.
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Workshop Code: 2-D 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Keep It Simple: Writing Grants that Get Attention
Presenters: Martha Kurz, Nonprofit Consultant, Martha Kurz Consulting, LLC; Andrea Perrault
Description: In this interactive workshop, we will consider the challenges and joys (yes, joys!) of writing grants.
We’ll discuss attention-getting strategies, writing style, tricky funder questions and how to answer
them, managing word limits, keeping your cool when you’re under the gun, and more.
Workshop Code: 2-E 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Relevant Content and Multiple Formats for Distance Learning
Presenter: Cynthia Peters, Editor, The Change Agent, World Education
Description: When students read articles and stories by their peers, the relevance of the text scaffolds them to
take on more and more complex texts. Come learn about a source of powerful student writing,
The Change Agent, which also provides ready-to-use teaching activities aligned to the College and
Career Readiness standards. Since the pandemic put an end to print copies of the magazine, we
now make it available on our website – in PDF, online audio, and Google slides versions of articles
so they are instantly ready to teach in the remote classroom.
Workshop Code: 2-F VENDOR WORKSHOP – BURLINGTON ENGLISH 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
The Burlington English Blend — Your Answer to WIOA, IET, and IEL/CE
Presenters: Brandi Cardwell, Regional Manager, Burlington English; Barry Nitzberg, Customer Manager,
Burlington English
Description: Burlington English is a blended, digital program created specifically for the adult English language
learner and for those teachers and administrators who service these students. Come see how
Burlington’s multiple courses and levels will help you address WIOA with Integrated Education
and Training (IET) and Integrated English and Civics Education (IEL/CE). Participants will get a look
at Burlington’s comprehensive suite of programs to understand how the program works in the
classroom, lab, distance learning, and mobile settings. We will highlight how to use Burlington
English to respond directly to the demands of WIOA.
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SESSION 3
Workshop Code: 3-A 1:15 pm - 2:45 pm
Engaging and Effective Tools for Online Assessment
Presenter: Andrew Shapira, ESOL Teacher, Framingham Adult ESL Plus
Description: Assessment is a key aspect of effective instruction, perhaps even more so in the context of
distance learning. In this workshop, we will explore several engaging tools for assessing students
online, including Google Forms, Quizizz, and Padlet. Participants will also share ideas on tools that
they have used successfully.
Workshop Code: 3-B 1:15 pm - 2:45 pm
Addressing Health Inequities Through Collaborations with Health Partners
Presenters: Paul Jurmo, Ed.D, Chair, Labor and Workforce Development Issues Group, Open Door
Collective; Marcia Drew Hohn, Ed.D., Consultant, Health Literacy; Barbara Krol-Sinclair, Ed.D.,
Director of Adult Learning in the Intergenerational Literacy Program of the Chelsea (MA) Public
Schools; Adriana Giraldo, Student Services Coordinator, Frederick Abisi Adult Education Center,
Lowell, MA; Elizabeth McKiernan, Director of the Abisi Adult Learning Center, Lowell, MA
Description: Poor health, limited healthcare, low basic skills, and poverty are commonly found in communities
we serve. We’ll discuss why and how adult educators and supporters of public health and social
justice might collaborate to improve learner health, economic security, and their access to
healthcare jobs, while also strengthening adult educator and health partner capacities.
Workshop Code: 3-C VENDOR WORKSHOP - AZTEC 1:15 pm - 2:45 pm
Teaching in a Virtual World - Rethinking Your Instruction
Presenters: Christina Miller, VP Client Services and Communications, Aztec; Carrie Ayers, Aztec
Description: Whether you are teaching in a totally virtual environment or using a hybrid model, each has
benefits and challenges. Join this session to discuss both the benefits and challenges. We will
explore ways to build your own strong blended learning model that fits your needs from planning
to evaluating. We will define specific steps in providing a blended curriculum that advances
learners through your course content. We will describe considerations for each component and
concerns for both teachers and learners. Participants will be guided through a sample lesson
activity.
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Workshop Code: 3-D 1:15 pm - 2:45 pm
The Revised ESOL Professional Standards
Presenters: Dori McCormack, Director, SABES Curriculum and Instruction PD Center for ESOL; Dana
Varzan-Parker, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Policy Coordinator, MA Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education/Adult and Community Learning Services
Description: The MA ESOL Professional Standards provide guidance to teachers in meeting learners’ needs.
Originally developed in 2014, the Standards were revised to reflect changes in adult ESOL:
increased attention to workforce and academic preparation, digital literacy, civics, cultural
responsiveness, and research. Teachers can use the standards to identify their strengths as
instructors and their PD needs.
Workshop Code: 3-E 1:15 pm - 2:45 pm
Transcend a Digitally Distant World Through Personalized Learning
Presenter: Joel T. Johnston, Executive Director, Let Me Learn
Description: Connect authentically with learners by assessing learning behaviors and cataloguing their
metacognition. Discover how a common vocabulary describing learning can make a measurable
difference in instruction and student support! Participants will access a resource that aids
instructors and student support staff empower students by 1) understanding students as individual
learners, 2) respecting their various approaches to learning, 3) identifying areas of misperception
and contention, and 4) determining strategies for how to overcome these issues.
Workshop Code: 3-F 1:15 pm - 2:45 pm
Does Bradley Leave Samantha? A Soap Opera
Presenter: Meryl Becker, Teacher, SCALE
Description: Need exciting material that will make ESL and ABE learners look forward to reading? Samantha is
a romantic soap opera that is high interest, develops vocabulary, and stimulates discussion on
moral, social, and cross-cultural issues. Participants will review a chapter and discuss how to use
this material in the classroom.
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SESSION 4
Workshop Code: 4-A 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Flipping the Remote Learning Classroom
Presenters: Rachel Soule, ESOL Instructor, The Immigrant Learning Center; Anna Fan, ESOL Instructor, The
Immigrant Learning Center
Description: Participants will discuss major challenges in online teaching and learning before delving into the
flipped classroom approach and how it can address some of those challenges. The presenters will
demonstrate how they apply the flipped classroom in their ESOL and ABE classes and invite
participants to consider how it might benefit their own programs.
Workshop Code: 4-B 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Help Us Help You: Good to Know (GTK) Guides Working Session
Presenters: April L. Zenisky, Research Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts Amherst; Jennifer
Lewis, Research Fellow, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Description: UMass Center for Educational Assessment (CEA) staff have been developing two-page Good-to-
Know (GTK) Guides about all of the NRS assessments used in Massachusetts for teachers AND
for students. Come, see what they’re all about, and work with us during this collaborative session
to identify potential improvements and to develop use cases for programs!
Workshop Code: 4-C 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Beyond the Acronym DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
Presenter: Kathryn Henderson, VP of Strategic Partnerships, YW Boston
Description: The acronym DEI is used in many workplace settings, but what does it really mean? Join in
discussion about how each of us can advance the components of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in
our organizations. We’ll use a mix of lecture, large and small group activities.
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Workshop Code: 4-D 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Teaching the Refugee Experience Through Graphic Novels
Presenters: Ariana Moir, Program Assistant, The Immigrant Learning Center; Denzil Mohammed, Public
Education Institute Director, The Immigrant Learning Center
Description: Place immigrant students’ experiences at the forefront and learn strategies for using graphic novels
to teach literacy in this interactive workshop. Using Welcome to the New World, a graphic novel
that tells the true story of a family of Syrian refugees, we will model literacy activities centered on
the refugee experience, engaging foreign-born students, and increasing empathy for all.
Workshop Code: 4-E 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Cultural Sensitivity in Education
Presenters: Falon Egbechi Eke, Education and Career Advisor, Chelsea Public Schools Intergenerational
Literacy Program; Elizabeth Ortiz, HSE Instructor and Education and Career Advisor, Chelsea
Public Schools Intergenerational Literacy Program
Description: As educators, it is our responsibility to create a safe and comfortable learning environment. This
includes being aware of and sensitive to the various cultural groups that our learners identify with.
This workshop focuses on cultural sensitivity and how educators can better connect with learners
through this lens.
Workshop Code: 4-F 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Introducing National College Transition Network's (NCTN)
Personal and Workplace Success Skills Library
Presenters: Dani M. Scherer, Curriculum and Professional Development Specialist, National College Transition
Network and SABES Program Support PD Center; Sandy Goodman, NCTN Director, World
Education
Description: Personal and Workplace Success Skills (aka "Workforce Preparation" under WIOA) are essential
to surviving and thriving in our world. These are the critical and creative thinking, communication,
self-management, teamwork and collaboration, and other skills that enable us to be adaptive and
agile lifelong learners. In this engaging and interactive session, participants will explore NCTN’s
new Personal and Workplace Success Skills Library and discuss strategies for integrating free
library resources into academic and language instruction and advising. The better equipped
instructors and advisors are to teach Personal and Workplace Success Skills, the better students
will be able to develop and apply these foundational, transferable skills in all areas of their lives, in
order to achieve their education, career, and personal goals.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 26 – WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
SESSION 1
Workshop Code: I-A 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Foster Autonomy and Tech Capacity with a Class Website
Presenters: Josh Cornehlsen, Literacy Specialist (ESOL Teacher), Holyoke Community College;
Alex O’Rourke, Literacy Specialist (ESOL Teacher), Holyoke Community College
Description: In this workshop, participants will discuss how a simple, thoughtful, and functional course website
can be the steppingstone to more efficient tech training, greater commitment to independent
study and increased learner autonomy. Leave the session with your own site map, a curated
independent study menu, and a hub of student-facing, teach yourself tech tutorials.
Workshop Code: I-B 9:00 am – 10:30 am
For “Non-Math” People … Who Teach it Anyway
Presenter: Allison Reid, Teacher, Holyoke Community College
Description: Anyone can learn math, but for teachers who did not have positive math experiences themselves,
teaching it can be stressful. Still, it’s part of the job for many multi-subject adult educators. We’ll
explore research on math, math anxiety, and learning; and discuss how teachers who don’t identify
with math can use their unique strengths to help their students succeed.
Workshop Code: I-C 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Remote but Asynchronous – A New Learning Model for Adults
Presenters: Brenna Kane, M.Ed., Program Coordinator and HiSET Instructor, Springfield Technical Community
College in partnership with the Springfield Housing Authority
Description: Historically, ABE has been face-to-face and synchronous but during an unprecedented
pandemic, we were thrown into fully-remote learning. For the most part, programs adapted
classes to this remote model while keeping them synchronous. We didn’t and designed a
surprisingly successful asynchronous method that engaged students who were previously
unreachable!
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Workshop Code: 1-D VENDOR WORKSHOP – GED Testing Service 9:00 am – 10:30 am
The Online Proctored GED® Test and GED Program Update
Presenter: Scott Salesses, Regional Manager, State Relationships, GED Testing Service
Description: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced change and disruption upon all of us. In June of 2020, GED
Testing Service introduced our Online Proctored GED Test as a response to the reduction in
availability of in-person GED testing at test centers across Massachusetts and the U.S. The Online
Proctored (OP) GED Test allows students to take the GED test from the comfort of their home
while placing an emphasis on test security. This session will provide educators with all of the key
information you need to understand how the OP GED test process works and how to advise your
students regarding OP testing or in-person testing. This session will review the key information,
policies, resources, and tools regarding OP GED test along with providing an update on key GED
test data as well as our GED Flash and GED Play products.
Workshop Code: I-E 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Using the CCRSAE for Beginning-Level ELA Instruction
Presenters: John Strucker, Ed.D, Consultant, SABES ELA Curriculum and Instruction PD Center; Evonne
Peters, Director, SABES ELA Curriculum and Instruction PD Center; Pamela Dempsey-O’Connor,
Coordinator of Instructional Technology, SABES ELA Curriculum and Instructional PD Center
Description: Learn to use the College and Career Readiness Standards in Adult Education (CCRSAE) for
beginning-level ELA learners, including key takeaways and resources from the new SABES
Teacher’s Guide to the CCRSAE. Gain an understanding of instructional priorities for your
students and implications for lesson planning and assessment in the in-person and remote
classroom.
Workshop Code: I-F 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Update on the US Citizenship Test
Presenter: Lynne Weintraub, Coordinator, Jones Library ESL Center
Description: In December 2020, USCIS abruptly implemented a new, more challenging citizenship test. The
Biden administration is expected to review this regulation and make the necessary changes to
ensure that the test does not put an unfair burden on certain groups of applicants. The
presenter will share the latest available information on this topic and make recommendations
on how instructors can go forward with citizenship preparation during the (expected)
transition period.
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Workshop Code: 1-G 9:15 am - 10:45 am
View from the Hill
Presenters: Senator Jamie Eldridge, (D-Acton), Massachusetts Senate; Senator Joan B. Lovely, (D-Salem)
Massachusetts Senate; Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier, (D–Pittsfield), Massachusetts House of
Representatives; Rachel Gwaltney, MCAE Director
Description: The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our state and our
communities. In this session, state legislators will share their experiences on Beacon Hill, discuss
critical budgetary and legislative priorities and how these are being impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic, and offer advice on effective advocacy practices that you can use to raise your voice for
ABE (line item #7035-0002) and other issues that affect ABE programs and students. With so
much at stake for our communities and so many tough decisions in front of state lawmakers, this is
a session you won’t want to miss!
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SESSION 2
Workshop Code: 2-A 10:45 am – 12:15 pm
HiSET Hub
Presenters: Lori D’Alleva, Director of Charlestown Adult Education; Marilyn Ginberg, Math Instructor and
Academic Advisor, HiSET Hub
Description: The idea to develop the HiSET Hub came from the need to create an atmosphere of comfort
and acceptance within our younger GED/HiSET population, so that this hard to reach group
feels connected to the program and what it offers. The HiSET Hub offers separate and private
computer lab space where students can study for their exams, get one-on-one tutoring,
behavioral counseling, and educational advising. Above all, they become immediately aware
that they are a significant component to the daily running of the program, giving them a feeling
of ownership over their learning, and solidifying the notion that this is a space for them to
learn and grow.
Workshop Code: 2-B 10:45 am – 12:15 pm
Taking Care of Ourselves and Our Learners
Presenters: Falon Egbechi Eke, Education and Career Advisor, Chelsea Public Schools Intergenerational
Literacy Program; Jane Kennedy, Family Literacy Instructor, Chelsea Public Schools
Intergenerational Literacy Program
Description: To best support learners, especially at this time, we need to ensure that we’re rested,
reflective, and focused on ourselves. This workshop will provide program staff with strategies
and techniques for reducing stress in their daily lives, and for incorporating mindfulness into
routine class activities.
Workshop Code: 2-C 10:45 am – 12:15 pm
Legislation and Budget Issues Affecting ABE Students
Presenter: Lew Finfer, Organizer, MA Communities Action Network
Description: This session will cover major legislation and budget issues affecting students in ABE programs and
the process such as the Fair Share Amendment/Millionaires’ Tax to fund education and
transportation, immigrant rights issues, the driver’s license bill and the Safe Communities Act, and
legislation to prevent evictions and foreclosures. We will also cover how a bill becomes a law,
how budget appropriations get passed, and how to impact the process.
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Workshop Code: 2-D 10:45 am – 12:15 pm
How to Obtain the MA ABE Teacher's License
Presenters: Carey Reid, SABES Program Support PD Center; Suzanne Caro, Intake Assessment Coordinator,
Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department; Nicole McNeil, Math Instructor at the Holyoke Public
Schools Success Center
Description: This workshop will provide an overview of the MA ABE Teacher's License and specific
information about SABES Program Support PD Center resources to help practitioners obtain
either the provisional or professional level of the license. The Center is coordinating a skilled
group of licensure coaches who work directly with license-seekers to help them meet license
requirements. The Center has also developed a multi-module online course, which is currently
running. Once it is again safe to meet face-to-face, SABES will begin convening monthly cohorts
where license-seekers can meet and work together. Workshop participants will be able to ask
questions and discuss their particular situations.
Workshop Code: 2-E 10:45 am – 12:15 pm
Convince Me: Virtual Debate Strategies to Activate Student Voice
Presenters: Alexandra Papagno, Senior Volunteer Manager, Boston Debate League; Sarah Mayper,
Instructional Coach, Boston Debate League
Description: This workshop introduces activities designed to help adult learners strengthen content
knowledge and develop confidence in building convincing arguments at all levels of ABE and
ESOL. Participants will leave with tools to create lessons using three different virtual activities,
drawing evidence in the form of text or images to support debatable claims. Activities stress
oral language, active participation, and student voice.
Workshop Code: 2-F 10:45 am – 12:15 pm
CON-STRUCT-ING Words: Morphology Study for Vocabulary Development
Presenter: Lisa M. Brooks, Ed.D, Principal Director, Commonwealth Learning Center
Description: In what ways can morphology study increase our students’ vocabulary skills? This session will
provide an overview of the Anglo-Saxon, Latin, and Greek layers of the language, focusing on
how to teach Latin roots. Explore how to introduce morphemes and plan lessons to practice.
Come learn some virtual activities to reinforce this level of advanced word work.
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Workshop Code: 2-G 10:45 am – 12:15 pm
Using Active Goal Setting in Program Orientation to Enhance Advising,
Build Relationships and Increase Participation
Presenter: Michael McGee, Career and Educational Advisor, Training Resources of America
Description: This workshop provides attendees with the mind-set, the methods and the tools to help students
understand goal achievement, break through mental barriers, and develop a written achievement
plan. In addition, you will learn how to gain valuable background information, develop trust, and
begin relationship building with new students. A must for new advisors!
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SESSION 3
Workshop Code: 3-A 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Developing the Workforce with Contextualized Skills Training
Presenter: Lisa A. Vermette, Director of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, Greater Lawrence
Community Action
Description: One of the keys to helping our beginner language learners move into employment with multiple
insertion points is building English proficiency skills. In this session, learn practical ideas in how
to bridge ESL lessons into a work skills-based class. Examples will be taken directly from
GLCAC’s most recent skills-based program.
Workshop Code: 3-B 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Thinking about Thinking: Incorporating Metacognition and Fostering Independent Learning
Presenter: Allison Reid, Teacher, The Immigrant Learning Center
Description: Many adult learners enter ABE programs with big goals and a desire to achieve, but few tools
to learn/study effectively or independently. We’ll explore low-prep classroom routines and
activities to help students understand their own learning, practice metacognition, and become
more skillful, independent learners.
Workshop Code: 3-C 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
World's First Adult Ed Pay for Success Project
Presenters: Amy Nishman, Senior Vice President of Strategy, JVS Boston; Laura Sevigny, Manager, JVS Boston;
Abraham Sierra, Career Coach, JVS Boston;
Description: Through the vehicle of Pay for Success, JVS created a continuum of adult education services
that begin with vocational English classes, advance to job training skills, and culminate in college
readiness, all designed to move adult English learners into and up in the workplace. This
presentation explores why and how.
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Workshop Code: 3-D 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Blended Learning Guide for Teachers and Administrators
Presenter: David J. Rosen, President, Newsome Associates
Description: We will look at the Blended Learning Guide and discuss how adult basic skills (including
ESL/ESOL) teachers and administrators can use it to develop and improve their approach to
blended learning as well as how it might be used for remote or virtual learning and distance
education.
Workshop Code: 3-E 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Grandma Needs English, Too!
Presenter: Lynne Weintraub, Coordinator, Jones Library ESL Center
Description: The learning needs of older immigrants are seldom addressed by our workforce development
system. This presenter will explain why and how she tailored an in-person (pre-COVID) class
to help elderly ESOL beginners to promote basic communication and practical literacy skills,
citizenship preparation, and social integration. She will share curriculum and assessment tools
that she developed in the hope that ESOL programs will consider offering similar services to
elderly immigrants in the post-COVID world.
Workshop Code: 3-F 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Numeracy Routines that Develop Language
Presenter: Connie Rivera, Curriculum Development Specialist, SABES Mathematics and Adult Numeracy
Curriculum and Instruction PD Center
Description: What math can you do with a class of students from varying math backgrounds who have a
wide range of test scores? Help your students develop reasoning and thinking habits, practice
and build language skills, and build community by regularly using short numeracy activities in
your instruction.
Workshop Code: 3-G VENDOR WORKSHOP – NEW READERS PRESS 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
New Readers Press Has 5 New Software Options!
Presenter: Gary Rubin, Territory Representative, New Readers Press
Description: We will take a look at all 5 of the new software options that New Readers Press is now offering.
Low level literacy, ESL/ELL, Pre-HSE, GED and HiSET are all covered in our digital “bag” now. I
will show you an overview of all of them, and then offer free pilots to any and all of them.
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SESSION 4
Workshop Code: 4-A 2:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Research on Adult ESOL Programs in Massachusetts
Presenters: Kirsten Slungaard Mumma, Research on ESOL Programs in Massachusetts, Harvard University;
Blake Heller, Co-Principal Investigator of the Massachusetts ESOL Impact Study, Harvard
University
Description: In this session, we present findings from our recently released study on the civic and economic
effects of the Framingham Adult ESL+ (FAESL+) program, survey recent research findings from
across the Commonwealth, and share information about the Massachusetts ESOL Impact Study, an
opportunity for programs to contribute to research on how ESOL impacts the lives of
participants.
Workshop Code: 4-B 2:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Volunteer in English: ESOL Through Service-Learning Projects
Presenters: Caitlin Shalvey, Lead ESOL Instructor, Mujeres Unidas Avanzando (MUA)
Description: MUA’s ESOL III students participated in service-learning projects both on-site and in the
community in 2019. This workshop will discuss how this was integrated into the existing
curriculum and how students were encouraged to take a more active role in their
communities, practice English in authentic contexts, and develop skills for employment
opportunities. Ideas for adapting to a virtual classroom will also be discussed.
Workshop Code: 4-C 2:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Scaffolds and Strategies for ESOL Reading Comprehension
Presenters: Patty Fiorenza, ABE Teacher and Advisor, and ADA Liaison, Cambridge Community Learning
Center; Jana Pickard-Richardson, ESOL Literacy Teacher, Cambridge Community Learning Center
Description: Do you have students who can’t get from understanding the words on the page to
understanding the main ideas or the text as a whole? In this workshop, we will focus on specific
ways to provide scaffolding so that all students are able to understand the main idea of a level-
appropriate reading.
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Workshop Code: 4-D 2:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Massachusetts Transition to Community College Programs
Presenter: Derek Kalchbrenner, Educational Specialist, MA Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education, Adult and Community Learning Services
Description: Adult and Community Learning Services funds Transition to Community College Programs at
eleven state community colleges. Designed for adult education graduates, Transition programs
afford students with all the rights and privileges of college students, offer credit-bearing courses
such as College for Success, and provide comprehensive advising and support services.
Workshop participants will learn how to prepare their students to succeed in Transition
programs.
Workshop Code: 4-E 2:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Find Resources Using the MA Adult Literacy Hotline
Presenter: Ruby Reyes, MA Adult Literacy Hotline Coordinator, World Education, Inc.
Description: The MA Adult Literacy Hotline includes over 300 literacy programs across the state. With
third party translation and live staff available seven days a week from 6 a.m. to midnight, adult
learners of any level can use the Hotline. Learn more about the Hotline as a resource for you
and your students.
Workshop Code: 4-F 2:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Adult Skills in Your State and County (PIAAC)
Presenters: Emily Pawlowski, Research Associate, Adult Skills in Your State and County (PIAAC); Alex
Lesniak, Research Assistant, American Institutes for Research
Description: The U.S. PIAAC Skills Map is an interactive mapping tool developed using data from the
Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). This tool provides
reliable estimates of adults’ literacy and numeracy skills for all U.S. states and counties.
Participants will learn how to use these results to improve local adult education programs.
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Workshop Code: 4-G 2:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Immigrant Workers and Workplace Rights
Presenter: Richard Rabin, Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (MassCOSH)
Description: This interactive presentation will cover workplace health and safety, workers' compensation,
discrimination, and wage and hour rights, as presented to immigrant ESL students. Participants
learn about legal rights, challenges in exercising those rights, and how to overcome those
obstacles.
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NETWORK 2021 Daily Sessions
Thursday, March 25
Awards and Scholarship Presentation videos will be running continuously from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Stop by to congratulate our Awards and Scholarship recipients
NETWORK 2021
Thursday
Visit our Exhibitors 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Exhibit hall will be available all day
Welcome, Awards Presentation and Annual Meeting
Roberta Soolman, MCAE Board President 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Lunch and Visit the Exhibitors: 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Session 1 9:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Session 2 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Session 3 1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Session 4 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
1A Teaching Upstream Through COVID 19: Strategies for Adult Educators
Emily Wilson, PhD, MPH, MS, CHES
2A Remote ESOL Advising: Successful Practices
Pesha Black Brandon Smith Moira Lozada
3A Engaging and Effective Tools for Online Assessment
Andrew Shapira
4A Flipping the Remote Learning Classroom
Rachel Soule Anna Fan
1B Science Teaching Now: What? How?
Lakshmi Nayak Christina Dennis Marie LeBlanc Tessa Peixoto
2B High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing during the COVID Emergency
Michael Farma
3B Addressing Health Inequities Through Collaborations with Health Partners
Paul Jurmo, Ed.D. Marcia Drew Hohn, Ed.D. Barbara Krol-Sinclair, Ed.D. Elizabeth McKiernan Adriana Giraldo
4B Help Us Help You: Good to Know Guides Working Session
April L. Zenisky Jennifer Lewis
1C Vendor Workshop – Essential Education Education to Change Lives Peggy Bernard Tim Ruggere
2C Teaching the Skills that Matter in Adult Education
Dana Varzan-Parker Laura Porter Brooke Machado Christa Exter Lena Marecki
3C Vendor Workshop - AZTEC Teaching in a Virtual World - Rethinking Your Instruction
Christina Miller Carrie Ayers
4C Beyond the Acronym DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
Kathryn Henderson
1D Leveraging Lessons Learned from IDEAL-MA Distance Education Programs
Diana Satin Luanne Teller
2D Keep it Simple: Writing Grants that Get Attention
Martha Kurz Andrea Perrault
3D The Revised ESOL Professional Standards
Dori McCormack Dana Varzan-Parker
4D Teaching the Refugee Experience Through Graphic Novels
Ariana Moir Denzil Mohammed
1E State as Partner: Leading Through Change with Courage and Vision
Wyvonne Stevens-Carter
2E Relevant Content and Multiple Formats for Distance Learning
Cynthia Peters
3E Transcend a Digitally Distant World Through Personalized Learning
Joel T. Johnston
4E Cultural Sensitivity in Education
Falon Egbechi Eke Elizabeth Ortiz
1F Immigration Policies: Where Do We Go from Here?
Jessica Chicco Margalit Tepper
2F Vendor Workshop – Burlington English The Burlington English Blend – Your Answer to WIOA, IET, and IEL/CE
Brandi Cardwell Barry Nitzberg
3F Does Bradley Leave Samantha? A Soap Opera
Meryl Becker
4F Introducing the National College Transition Network’s (NCTN) Personal and Workplace Success Skills Library
Dani M. Scherer Sandy Goodman
CONFERENCE Help Room – ZOOM Meeting ID: Be sure to stop by our Exhibitor Hall between sessions or whenever you take a break.
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CONFERENCE Help Room – ZOOM Meeting ID:
Be sure to stop by our Exhibitor Hall between sessions or whenever you take a break.
NETWORK 2021 Daily Sessions Friday, March 26, 2021
Awards and Scholarship Presentation videos will be running continuously from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Stop by to congratulate our Awards and Scholarship recipients
NETWORK 2021
Friday
Visit our Exhibitors 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Exhibit hall will be available all day
Welcome Roberta Soolman, MCAE Board President
8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Lunch and Visit the Exhibitors: 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Session 1 9:00 a.m.– 10:30 a.m.
Session 2 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Session 3 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Session 4 2:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
1A Foster Autonomy and Tech Capacity with a Class Website
Josh Cornehlson Alex O’Rourke
2A HiSET Hub
Lori D’Alleva Marilyn Ginberg
3A Developing the Workforce with Contextualized Skills Training
Lisa A. Vermette
4A Research on Adult ESOL Programs in Massachusetts
Kirsten Slungaard Mumma Blake Heller
1B For “Non-Math” People … Who Teach it Anyway
Allison Reid
2B Taking Care of Ourselves and Our Learners
Falon Egbechi Eke Jane Kennedy
3B Thinking about Thinking: Incorporating Metacognition and Fostering Independent Learning
Allison Reid
4B Volunteer in English: ESOL Through Service-Learning Projects
Caitlin Shalvey
1C Remote but Asynchronous – A New Learning Model for Adults
Brenna Kane, M.Ed.
2C Legislation and Budget Issues Affecting ABE Students
Lew Finfer
3C World’s First Adult Ed Pay for Success Program!
Amy Nishman Laura Sevigny Abraham Sierra
4C Scaffolds and Strategies for ESOL Reading Comprehension
Patty Fiorenza Jana Pickard-Richardson
1D Vendor Workshop - GED The Online Proctored GED® Test and GED Program Update
Scott Salesses
2D How to Obtain the MA ABE Teacher's License
Carey Reid Suzanne Caro Nicole McNeil
3D Blended Learning Guide for Teachers and Administrators
David J. Rosen
4D Massachusetts Transition to Community College Programs
Derek Kalchbrenner
1E Using the CCRSAE for Beginning Level ELA Instruction
John Strucker, Ed.D Evonne Peters Pamela Dempsey-O’Connell, M.Ed
2E Convince Me: Virtual Debate Strategies to Activate Student Voice
Alexandra Papagno Sarah Mayper
3E Grandma Needs English, Too!
Lynne Weintraub
4E Find Resources using the MA Adult Literacy Hotline
Ruby Reyes
1F Update on the US Citizenship Test
Lynne Weintraub
2F CON-STRUCT-ING Words: Morphology Study for Vocabulary Development
Lisa M. Brooks, Ed.D
3F Numeracy Routines that Develop Language
Connie Rivera
4F Adult Skills in Your State and County (PIAAC)
Emily Pawloski Alex Lesniak
1G View from the Hill
Senator Jamie Eldridge Senator Joan B. Lovely Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier Rachel Gwaltney
2G Using Active Goal Setting in Program Orientation to Enhance Advising, Build Relationships and Increase Participation Michael McGee
3G Vendor Workshop – New Readers Press New Readers Press Has 5 New Software Options!
Gary Rubin
4G Immigrant Workers and Workplace Rights
Richard Rabin
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Follow us on Twitter! @MAAdultEd
and share photos and insights the day of the event via
#NETWORK2021
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SAVE THE DATE!
April 1, 2022
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MANY THANKS!
Thank you to everyone who helped make NETWORK 2021 a success by
generously sharing their time and talents. We are grateful for your
commitment and dedication.
NETWORK 2021 CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Suzanne Martin, Co-Chair
Andrea Perrault, Co-Chair
Retired, Brockton Public Schools
Retired, Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education/Adult
and Community Learning Services
Fred Abisi Abisi Adult Learning Center, Lowell
Angela Amell 1199 SEIU Training & Upgrading Fund
Jeanne Annino
Ben Bruno
Retired, Literacy Program of Greater
Plymouth
Technology Help Desk Coordinator
Rachel Gwaltney MCAE Director
Caryn Kelley Conference Coordinator
Barbara Krol-Sinclair
Mary Beth MacNeil
Chelsea Public Schools
Plymouth Public Schools
Elizabeth McKiernan Abisi Adult Learning Center, Lowell
Denise Myers Julie’s Family Learning Center
Susan Prior Methuen Adult Learning Center
Barbara Sherman Consultant
Roberta Soolman Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts
Luanne Teller World Education, Inc.
Christine Tibor Retired, Framingham Public Schools
Exhibitors and Sponsors
Workshop Presenters
Workshop Proctors
Technology Team
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SPECIAL APPRECIATION
We extend our grateful appreciation to
Corporate Sponsor
especially Brandi Cardwell and Barry Nitzberg
for all of their help, guidance and support that made the
NETWORK 2021 Virtual Conference possible.
Thank you for being the publisher that cares!
