Transitioning ABE Students into the Workforce Exploring What Works for Action Research and...

Transitioning ABE Students into the Workforce

Exploring What Works for Action Research and Instruction

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.comchristinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com

SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Webinar Overview1. Lessons learned making a transition2. Situate the information and acknowledge

some complexities involved3. Intensity of ABE-work connections– Classroom-based– Work experience connection– Integrated academic and vocational approach– Partnerships with employers and colleges

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

ABE and College or Employer Partnerships

Integrated Academic/Work Courses

Work Experience

Classroom-based

Intensity of ABE-Work Connection

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Lessons Learned from My Experience

1. Learning about work is all about learning work culture and communication

2. Rethink text-based activities3. Work experience is

invaluable4. Work-related certificates

really do help5. Meaningful holistic planning

first, then apply outcomes and standards

6. Both educators and students will have a range of responses to changes

7. Greater retention and completion

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

‘Attachment’ (to what?)

Secure Jobs to Support a

Family

Local Opportunities

Qualifications Experience

and FitABE Influence

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Saskatchewan ABE Demographics2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012

Total Learners 8,819 9,266 9,829 10,330

Female 65% 62% 61% 60%

Male 35% 38% 39% 40%

Aboriginal 65% 65% 53% 48%

Disabled 6% 5% 5% n/a

ESL 12% 17% 20% n/a

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

ABE and College or Employer Partnerships

Integrated Academic/Work Courses

Work Experience

Classroom-based

Intensity of ABE-Work Connection

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Classroom and Curriculum-based

• Content changes and modifications• Developing work-based themes and topics• Bringing work experience into the classroom– Guest speakers from community organizations– Former students– Employers– Field trips and site visits

• SARN example

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Content Criteria Learner experience is

first and foremost Learner’s words and

perspectives are kept intact

Their experience and expertise is not lost in the abstract language of skills frameworks

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Content Criteria

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Content Criteria

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Work Experience

On-site work

experience

Classroom learning

Off-site work

experience

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Off-site Work Experience

• Short-term job shadowing opportunity to explore a particular career choice

• Short-term community service arrangement directed at jobs of interest

• More formalized job placement or co-op as part of an ABE course or program

? Issue of WCB (Worker’s Compensation Board) insurance coverage

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Off-site Work Experience

Contents• Importance• Organizing considerations• Preparing the learner • Related curriculum• Progress• Final evaluation

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

On-site Work Experience

Teamwork1. Operating a snack shop2. Preparing and selling a

weekly lunch3. Publishing a newsletter4. Organizing program events

and outings

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Integrated Academic - Work Courses

Sector Specifi

c Conte

nt

Secondary Credi

ts

Work Placement

Work Certificate and Diplom

a

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Good outlook + No PSE

• Nurse Aides, Orderlies• Food and Beverage Servers• Sales/Retail• Drivers/Operators• Labourers and support

(Farming, Mining, Oil and Gas, Forestry)

• Food/Beverage Processors

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Building Block ModelComm

Science

Math

Social Studies

Life/Work

ABE 3

English

Canadian Studies

Math

Science

Electives

GED

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Sector Specific

Communications& English

Life/Work and Electives

ScienceMath

Social Studies and Canadian Studies

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Sector Specific

Communications& English

Life/Work and Electives

ScienceMath

Social Studies and Canadian Studies

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

College Partnership Model

I-BEST ABE or subject-based skills and

knowledge Vocational content Direct entry into college vocational

program

? Designed with ESL students Makes ABE learning more relevant

for students Eases college transition Higher ABE completion rates

• I-BEST Video 1 of 4: Overview• I-BEST Video 2 of 4: Traditional an

d Collaborative Team Teaching Models

• I-BEST Video 3 of 4: Parallel and Split-Differentiated Team Teaching Models

• I-BEST Video 4 of 4: Complementary/Supportive and Monitoring Team Teaching Models

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Employer Partnership Model

Pilot project with ABE 1 and 2 programs in Ontario and learners on income assistance

Employer partner in food and beverage processing

Job entry

? Industry certification

? Secondary credits and GED

? Success and retention

ABE and Employer Partnerships

Integrated Academic/Work Courses

Work Experience

Classroom-based

Intensity of ABE-Work Connection

Fund

ing,

Time,

Reso

urce

sFunding, Time, Resources

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015

Resources Suggested by Webinar Participants

• “Prince Albert Literacy Network have partnered with Woodlands SK Polytech for some Certificate programs in the area of child care with work placement involved.”

• Arlene Sanderson (NWRC)• • “Douglas College also partnered with SRDC to evaluate Essential Skills Training and the

benefit of providing training in Resorts. It as very interesting.” Sharon Wass (SIIT) • • • “If any one has access to Nova Scotia curriculum The Age Essentials was a wonderful

resource. I also modified it for working with various first nations groups in British Columbia.” Sharon Wass (SIIT)

• • “At Parkland College we have Essential Skills projects up front of our skills training

programs and we would like to have more ES and transition to employment integrated into ABE. Some great ideas and resources presented here.” Carol Bobowski (Parkland College)

You are welcome to contact me

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com

christinepinsentjohnson@gmail.com SARN Webinar February 25, 2015