OCTAE launches new adult education teacher training modules rooted in UDL
Date:
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
In partnership with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE), CAST is proud to announce the launch of seven free self-paced professional learning modules for adult education instructors on OCTAE's Literacy Information and Communication System (LINCS).
These new modules — It all Starts with the Goal, Learning that Works for all, Making Math Matter, Making Reading & Writing Matter, Building Communities for Learning, Self-Advocacy for Work & Learning and Improving Systems for Adult Education — are rooted in principles of Universal Design for Learning, an educational design framework that embeds inclusivity and customization to reach a broader range of learners.
"The main goal of these modules is really to fill them with research-based, hands-on strategies that support educators, helping them meet the needs of their learners," said Travis Combs, branch chief, innovation and improvement team for the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education with the U.S. Department of Education.
Combs says OCTAE was drawn to UDL's asset-driven approach as the organization explored opportunities to promote program improvement and increase diversity, equity and inclusion in training and communication efforts in adult education programs.
The two-year collaboration between OCTAE and CAST resulted in research-based, interactive resources built on feedback from focus groups with ABE educators, interviews with online adult education experts and current policy and academic researchers. Video case studies, information about adult education, tips and activities included in the modules give adult education instructors tangible strategies to implement in their classrooms immediately.
To access the Universal Design for Learning modules and other free resources, visit the LINCS website.
Contact:
Amanda Bastoni, Ed.D
Research Scientist
CAST, Inc.
abastoni@cast.org
(603) 547-7438
About CAST
Founded in 1984, nonprofit CAST's mission is to transform education design and practice "Until learning has no limits®." Our primary levers of change are the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework and the UDL Guidelines. Winner of the Smithsonian Innovation in Education award and many other honors, CAST conducts research and development, provides technical assistance and professional development, and publishes exceptional media for the education market.
About OCTAE
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) administers, coordinates programs that are related to adult education and literacy, career and technical education, and community colleges. The Division of Academic and Technical Education is responsible for helping all students acquire challenging academic and technical skills and be prepared for high-skill, high-wage, or high-demand occupations in the 21st century global economy.