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Attention Montana ABLE Programs!
Click here http://svc.mt.gov/gsd/onestop/SolicitationDetail.aspx?SolicitationID=7213 to access information about the TANF Adult Basic Education RFP.
The STATE OF MONTANA, Department of Public Health and Human Services, Human and Community Services Division ("State") has TANF Education Support funding available to provide grants to appropriate programs that offer adult basic education programs for TANF eligible individuals working to improve their educational skills, obtain a high school diploma, or obtain general educational development (GED) certification. Priority for funding must be given to adult basic education and programs or entities offering instruction and assistance during the months of June, July, and August.
HiSET Clarification from Amy Riker, HiSET Director High School Equivalency Testing
Click here to read HiSET response to GED Testing Service® claims.
Click here to access a pdf of the ETS Presentation for Montana ABLE
https://eval.webex.com/eval/ldr.php?AT=pb&SP=MC&rID=66886297&rKey=5f9b7f47ba647cd0
ETS HiSET ABE Informational Session-20130423 1653-1
April 23, 2013, 2:06 pm New York Time
1 hour 7 mins
Note from Margaret Bowles:
I am thrilled to be forwarding this email. Representatives from state ABLE programs are cordially invited to attend the first annual Alt Ed Summit. The Summit is being hosted by Superintendent Juneau, and it is a wonderful opportunity for ABLE staff to glean information on cutting-edge strategies and participate in conversation with our state education partners. It would be wonderful if we could have representation from each of our ABLE programs.
Mark the dates on your calendar and hit the registration link.
I look forward to seeing there.
Margaret
Where: Paris Gibson Alternative School, Great Falls, MT
When: June 9 & 10
On June 9 and 10, 2013, State Superintendent Denise Juneau is hosting Montana alternative education leaders at an Alt Ed Summit Designing the Future of Learning to be held at Paris Gibson Alternative School in Great Falls, Montana. Alternative education practitioners, educators, and administrators should consider attending. There is no fee for the Summit, and travel reimbursements for travel over 150 miles one-way are available.
Preliminary topics for the Summit include: technology: tapping the explosive use of technology for greater student learning; policy: incorporating greater flexibility with sample variance to standards requests through Chapter 55; and student-centered learning: supporting strategies for student success in the 21st Century.
The Summit kicks off with an early evening reception on Sunday, June 9 at 5pm and concludes on Monday, June 10 at 4pm.
To register, please go to http://graduationmatters.mt.gov/resources.html?gpm=1_3
For more information, please contact Deb Halliday at dhalliday@mt.gov or 444-3559.
Old Rule/New Rule
Please continue to adhere to old rule until January 1, 2014. You must observe the current rules regarding retakes. New administrative Rule applies to the 2014 HiSET test.
Acknowledgement Form
Currently, your test candidates must sign the form acknowledging that their pre-2014 passing scores will not count when finishing their exam in 2014. I would advise you to continue this protocol, as the OPI has not completed negotiations with ETS. Until contracts are signed, and the process in which GED and HiSET scores will be combined is clearly defined, it is in the students’ best interest to have them understand their scores may expire. Test takers may be apprised of the possibility of banking scores, but it would be important to explain that negotiations are in process and the legal documents guaranteeing this is the case are not completed.
HiSET Facts
The 2014 HiSET will be aligned to the common core standards for math and English/Language Arts. The Phase II test will include alignment to the common core science and social studies standards. The science and social studies standards have not yet been adopted, so alignment will follow adoption.
Please contact Margaret Bowles, Adult Literacy and Basic Education Specialist, if you have any questions.
Directors' April Meeting Resources
Click here to access all information presented or click on the individual links below:
ABLE Directors Meeting
Cohort
MABLE
TABE
Summary: 4/11/13
I would like to thank each of you for your participation in our annual directors’ meeting. All meeting material will be posted on MTLINCS next week.
I always value our time together, as your ideas and input truly lay the foundation for our work in the upcoming program year. I have listed a summary of the upcoming state level activities that was discussed.
· Develop MT ABLE Student Transition Policy to include
o Common definitions
o Best practices
o State models
· Create MT ABLE teacher effectives guide to include
o Credential/authorization definition
o Course work and support
· Support standards-based instruction to include
o Alignment with OVAE college/career readiness standards
o Technical assistance for instructors (work with Susan Pimentel and provide follow-up professional development)
o Work with ETS HiSET team
· Funding formula review to include
o Analyze impact of cohort designation
o Review existing components
· Data Support to include
o Continued work with the data team and technical assistance for programs
· EGrants
The standards, data, and teacher effectiveness review teams are in place, and during the next few months a transition and funding formula review team will be organized. If you would like to participate in any existing taskforces please contact me, there is always room for more! If you have ideas about the proposed activities or would like to add additional activities to the list please don’t hesitate to email the group so we can keep the conversation going.
Best regards,
Margaret
Montana High School Equivalency
Montana High School Equivalency Test
The Montana Board of Public Education unanimously approved the ETS HiSET as the high school equivalency test beginning January 1, 2014. I have listed below the major highlights of this assessment. The OPI will begin contract work with ETS very soon; all the details will be discussed at that time. Check out their Web site-the link is at the bottom of the page.
Margaret Bowles
Highlights of the ETS High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)
Cost
· $50 (to include two free retests in a calendar year)
· Services can include: registration, accommodations, scoring, diagnostic score reports, and transcripts.
Phased in Test
Phase I
· 2014-15 test is similar to current GED.
· Students will be allowed to use 2002 individual test battery scores to combine with HiSET test batteries.
· Compatible with current professional development materials.
Phase II
· 2013-2015 ETS will work collaboratively with MT to develop a college/career ready assessment aligned to the common core.
Test Centers
· OPI will continue to be the entity that approves testing centers.
· Approved test centers can administer the new assessment within existing infrastructure.
· Computer-based and paper/pencil test will be available.
· ETS plans to meet with each test center during the transition phase.
Marketing
· ETS will help the state with the transition to include social media, radio, print, and television.
· ETS will schedule meetings with Department of Labor and other partners to help them with the transition.
Smarter Balance
· ETS is working with the MT K-12 assessment developer; this will provide opportunity in the future to discuss connections between the HSE and the high school assessment.
GED Close Out
· With the ability to combine scores with the 2002 GED series, MT can put energy and focus into the Phase II.
For More Information Visit
Please contact Margaret Bowles, if you have any immediate questions.
Click here https://www.mpaea.org/?page=conference to access MPAEA Conference 2013.
Click here http://www.nwlincs.org/mtlincs/mpaea/MPAEA2013_LINCS_STRAND.pdf to access LINCS Strand at MPAEA 2013.
Directors' Meeting
Holiday Inn Downtown
Elkhorn Rooms A & B
April 9-10, 2013
April 9th
8:30 A.M.
· TABE Training
· Bring a copy of the TABE Norms Book Complete Battery and Survey All Levels for Form 9 and 10 (extras will be available if you don't have one)
· ABLE Business Meeting
· Bring laptop
· Bring your MABLE flash drive with the following downloaded
· Cohort report (be prepared to discuss how many potential students in each cohort)
· The classroom report
· Table 4 (very recent)
April 10th
Starting time tentatively set for 8:30
· Bring a copy of your last extension application 2011
See you soon,
Margaret
A busy two days are being planned for our directors' only meeting on April 9th and 10th. With so many significant changes it is important for us to have time to look at data, share ideas, and have information that will make a difference in the months remaining in this program year.
Below is an overview of significant topics and pre-meeting activities for you to complete. As you read on you will note there will be a lot of time spent on laptops, so come charged!!
TABE: I am required to provide a TABE training each year, and the participant is obligated to be the TABE trainer for their program. This year the training is going to be geared for directors; each of you can return to your programs and share the information with a current designated trainer. You will be immersed in learning how to make the TABE work for your program.
Cohorts: We are going to be discussing cohort reports to determine how many students are potentially in each cohort and be prepared to discuss the impact on curriculum and partnerships.
Pre-meeting activity
Download your cohort report on your MABLE flash drive and be prepared to share how many students are in each cohort and what you are doing to track student progress.
Classroom Report: Peruse the classroom report prior to the meeting; the report instructions are attached for you convenience.
Pre-meeting activity
Download the classroom report on your MABLE flash drive and bring all questions you may have regarding the report.
State Targets and Student Persistence:
Pre-meeting activity
Down load your most recent Table 4 on your MABLE flash drive.
E-grants:
Pre-meeting activity:
Download your 2011 Extension Application and bring it to the conference. You will be using this application as a guide for your e-grant entries. You will likely want a paper copy for reference.
Create an e-grant account if you don't already have one with the state. Watch for Carol's email on setting up an e-grant account.
Other agenda items include the new HSE, funding, ESL updates, teacher effectiveness.
Margaret
Good Morning,
We will be having our Program Director’s Only meeting on April 9-10, 2013 at the Holiday Inn Downtown. I have sleeping rooms blocked for the evening of April 8 and 9 and you need to make your reservations NO LATER THAN MARCH 24. Please call Holiday Inn Downtown at 443-2200 at your earliest convenience. Lauree tells me the hotel is sold out as are other hotels with so much going on with legislature. The block of rooms are under OPI Adult Education.
We will be meeting downstairs in the Elkhorn rooms and we’ll start promptly at 8:30 am on April 9, 2013.
We will be walking through the E-Grants system with you so in order to do that you will need to do the following ASAP! ...
CONTACT CAROL FLYNN FOR MORE INFO ABOUT THE E-GRANT ACCOUNT
Please email me to confirm your attendance.
Carol
MABLE Assessment Standards and Guidelines Update
Click here http://www.nwlincs.org/mtlincs/opi/pp/mt_able_policies_and_procedures.htm for the update.
Attached please find the updated Montana ABLE Assessment Standards and Guidelines document. We removed the old Student Profile from the appendices of the document and inserted the new 2013 Student Profile form in the appendices in the document.The updated 2013 Student Profile Form is also on the website as a standalone document that can be filled in electronically.Our website is http://www.opi.mt.gov To find these documents and other related documents click on the Programs button, Career, Technical and Adult Education (CTAE), then Adult Basic Education and finally related documents.Carol Flynn
Did you attend the Montana ABLE Cohort Trainings in Billings or Missoula? Need a copy of the PowerPoint presentation? Click below.
· Goals, Cohorts, and New Reports, Oh My! – PowerPoint
· Goals, Cohorts, and New Reports, Oh My! – pdf
Good Afternoon,
In our last Shop Talk conversation, we confirmed we would be having two regional meetings to help you with NRS reporting changes (Cohorts for Enter Employment, Retain Employment, GED and Post-Secondary Education) that will go into effect July 1, 2013. Additionally, we will be sharing lots of great new information to help you manage that data.
We will be meeting in:
January 17 9 to 3 Billings
Lincoln Center Board Room, 415 N. 30th
Sleeping Rooms are blocked under OPI at: Crowne Plaza, 27 N. 27th, 406-252-7400
January 31 9:30 to 3:30 Missoula
Dickinson Lifelong Learning Center, 310 S. Curtis Sleeping Rooms are blocked under OPI at: Hilton Garden Inn - Missoula, 3702 North Reserve Street, 406-532-5300
Release date on the rooms will be 1/6/2013 Release date on the rooms will be 12/31/12
Program Director and key data entry staff should attend. Lunch will be provided. We will reimburse lodging and meals not provided while in travel status. One vehicle per site will be reimbursed for mileage.
Please email me no later than December 21 and let me know who from your program will be attending each of the trainings.
Thank you!!
Carol Flynn
Click here to access November Shoptalk.
Click here for GED Program Undergoing Major Changes.
Click here for Fact Sheet 2012.
Click here for GED PSA (radio).
Please find attached (above) documents to help all test centers in sunsetting the 2002 GED Test. These materials are intended to support you in reaching out to test takers in your area; you are encouraged to modify or use this information to create material specific to your area.
The package includes:
· PSA templates (these will need to modified to fit the exact time frames-it will be important to pick out the key message needed for your area)
· Informational paper
· Fact Sheet
The Fact Sheet, Redesign Paper, and PSA's were written in collaboration with the State Workforce Board staff; the staff understands the connection between a vibrant workforce and the GED. They want to support adult learners and help us reach out through the Future ForGED Initiative. Additional Future ForGED material can be requested from our office.
I understand that many of you are planning specific close activites in your areas, and if you have an event, or activity, that has a noted impact on getting people into your test centers, please let me know and I can share with other centers through the montanagednow.mt.gov web site.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Thanks,
John Peterson
GED Education Specialist
Office Of Public Instruction
REMINDER!!!!!TATT MATH TRAINING IN BILLINGS DURING MEA-MFT!DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR MEA-MFT IS NEXT TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9THAT MIDNIGHTGood Afternoon:I just want to remind those of you who are doing the TATT Training in Billings on October 18 during the MEA-MFT Convention to please get registered ASAP. You need to register with MEA-MFT and pay the $25.00 to MEA-MFT and I’ll reimburse you. The deadline to register is only 5 days away.Then let me know who from your programs will be attending the TATT training so that I can get lunches lined up. As of today, I only have two individuals signed up for the TATT Training in Billings. If you have forgotten to let me know, please do so right away.Thank you!CarolGood Afternoon,
I have had several calls asking for clarification on MEA-MFT registration and the TATT Training in Billings. For those of you who plan on going to Billings in October, please read the additional information that Kathie Daviau asked me to send out to you.Montana Adult Education TATT 2012Thursday, October 188:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.7 Renewal Units AvailableCourse Location:Registration for the Educators Conference will be at Skyview High School. You may register Wednesday evening or Thursday morning. If on-site registration is available, you will be informed before the conference.Conference location: Castle Rock Middle School, Room 3031441 Governors Boulevard, BillingsCourse Description:The Montana Adult Education TATT 2012 addresses topics that are pertinent today: the 2014 GED, ten principles of teaching math, the common core standards, and the Montana ABLE Tool box. To end the day, we will have a round table discussion of relevant topics.Registration Information· Go to http://mea-mft.org/and click on the Educators Conference tab.· Select: Member of MAACE· $25 charge for registration, which will be reimbursed after the conference. Remember to print your receipt.Additional Information· Lunch is provided. It is a working lunch.· Your $25 registration includes a no-cost dinner to the Teacher of the Year Banquet on Thursday evening. This is a wonderful meal and an inspirational event.· Your registration also includes the Friday sectionals. MAACE sponsored sectionals include development of the criminal child, Adobe Photoshop, and how to create effective crisis and behavior plans.· OPI renewal units will be awarded for the TATT hours if you stay for the entire 7 hours of sectionals. MEA-MFT can award renewal units for individual sectionals. However, the $25 registration fee will not be reimbursed unless you attend the entire TATT training.· If you do not preregister by October 9, the registration fee is $50. You will be reimbursed for only $25. So register today!
Hope this answers more of your questions.CarolClick below on region for more information.
October 18th in Billings November 2 in Missoula Good Afternoon:Open the attachments above to get the information on the fall TATT Trainings that Kathie Daviau and Kathy Jackson will be doing again this year.DIRECTORS: PLEASE SUBMIT NAMES OF PARTICIPANTS TO ME AT OPI BY OCTOBER 12, 2011.Thank you,Carol
Click here for Data Quality 2012 agenda.
BEST Data Quality Conference Ever
MABLE and Much, Much More!
The conference committee has designed a fast-paced conference that weaves data, curriculum, and assessment together. Directors and staff will return to work with a plethora of ideas to link data analysis and program improvement in innovative ways that will ultimately enhance student retention and educational gains.
Each program should plan on bringing at least one laptop, as we have a very special group activity that will require teams to look at information on a computer. If several people are coming from your program, you may want to bring more than one laptop.
See you September 18th and 19th in Helena!
Please see attached agenda for a sneak preview.
Margaret Bowles
Click here http://www.nwlincs.org/mtlincs/opi/pp/MABLEUserManualJuly2012.pdf to access MABLE Users Manual.
As promised, attached is the new Mable User’s Manual. We have made some changes to MABLE per the new NRS Guidelines that took effect on July 1, 2012. The Personnel section (pages 4-8) is new. Pages 14-15 in the student section cover the new fields.And, we also updated the information on the Goals page 18. The rest of the document is basically the same as before.
We hope you will find this document helpful and that it walks you through the new fields that have been added. The document will be posted in MABLE under the Help Menu, Useful Forms and General Information early next week.