About KAELI
Kentucky Adult Educators Literacy Institute (KAELI) is the adult education professional development initiative provided by CCLD and funded by KYVAE for selected adult literacy educators throughout Kentucky. KAELI provides a yearlong, course at both graduate and undergraduate levels through an in-depth exploration of the reading and writing processes and an investigation of the teaching and learning strategies that support the struggling adult literacy learner. Emphasis is placed on implementing and applying strategies and ideas in an adult learning context.
- Mission
- Core Concepts of the KAELI Initiative
- Eligibility Requirements for KAELI Students
- Tasks Expected of KAELI Students
- Typical Year of KAELI Activities
- KAELI Research Findings
- KAELI 2005-06 Information Booklet
- 2006-07 KAELI Application Materials
Mission
The mission of KAELI is to design and deliver research-based, innovative, professional development in literacy that advances the knowledge and instructional practices of adult educators in Kentucky. KAELI educators are dedicated to adult learners attaining personal literacy goals in the workplace, family and community.
Core Concepts of the KAELI Initiative
KAELI will provide a sound foundation in adult literacy instruction through professional development that:
- Applies theory and research to understand the reading and writing processes
- Designs and manages a learner-centered approach that incorporates multi-faceted literacy instruction, including technology
- Identifies processes and strategies for teaching word recognition, reading comprehension and critical thinking skills using a variety of texts and technologies
- Uses formal and informal assessments to guide instruction
- Models collaborative and flexible infrastructures to support learners
- Addresses the experience and knowledge of the adult learner including their impact on learner persistence
- Supports the literacy goals and expectations of the learners in order to prepare them for success in the workplace, family and community
- Addresses equity and diversity issues and their impact on literacy instruction
Objectives For KAELI students
The objectives for the KAELI students are to develop:
- a concept of reading comprehension and strategies for instruction
- a concept of vocabulary and strategies for instruction
- an understanding of the reading process
- an understanding of the writing process
- strategies for supporting adult learners
- the ability to use inquiry based instruction
- the ability to use technology and literature in literacy instruction
- a concept of reading/study skills and strategies for instruction
Kentucky Adult Education Practitioner Standards
Kentucky Adult Education Practitioner Standards Being Addressed in the
KAELI course:
(for a list of all the practitioner standards, contact the Kentucky
Adult Education's Professional Development staff.)
- Standard: Demonstrates Knowledge of Content
Competency:- Develops and maintains an in-depth knowledge base in primary content area and in other relevant areas (i.e., literacy)
- Standard: Plans, Designs. and Delivers Instruction
Competencies:- Uses a variety of instructional strategies and tools appropriate to the needs of the learner, including individual and group instruction
- Creates and utilizes learning experiences that challenge, motivate and actively involve the learners
- Effectively integrates current and appropriate media and technology as tools for instruction
-
Standard: Assesses and Monitors Learning
Competencies:- Interprets initial formal and informal assessment results with learner and develops appropriate education plan
- Uses formal and informal assessment data to monitor and document learner progress
-
Standard: Demonstrates Professionalism
Competency:- Exhibits a positive attitude toward teaching as a vocation and values the well-being and achievement of each learner
Professional Development in Reading Instruction
KAELI provides professional development in reading instruction that:
- Emphasizes sound theory and practice in literacy
- Reflects current theories of adult learning
- Recognizes the relationship between reading and writing
- Demonstrates culturally relevant practices
- Includes a variety of contexts -- family, workplace and community
- Supports intergenerational connections to literacy
- Invites collaboration
- Promotes active, enjoyable participation
Eligibility Requirements for KAELI Students
- Meet university enrollment requirements at either graduate or undergraduate level
- Be currently employed as an instructor in a KYAE-funded adult education program. (Preference will be given to those working 20 hours or more per week.)
- Have completed KYAE's Orientation to Adult Education and Orientation to Instruction and Curriculum
- Receive written endorsement from Program Manager to participate in KAELI
- Be willing to attend the KAELI cadre closest to your place of employment.
Tasks Expected of KAELI Students
Besides the writing and research typically required by university coursework, KAELI students also take on the following tasks:
- KAELI Statewide Networking Seminars
The first KAELI Statewide Networking Seminar begins this professional development initiative with a common foundation of literacy knowledge and experiences. The learning program is introduced through keynote addresses by internationally renowned adult literacy researchers. In the second seminar, KAELI participants share ideas and information from the work they completed during the year that represented success in their literacy instruction. - Online Discussion Board
This allowed participants the opportunity to reflect, explore and dialogue online with KAELI directors and instructors, and with peers, concerning topics and issues relevant to adult literacy teaching and learning experiences. -
On-Line WebQuest
The on-line WebQuest consisted of the following tasks:- Task 1 Synthesis of articles and formation of literacy action plan
- Task 2 Matching of comprehension and learning strategies with reading materials
- Task 3 Synthesis of articles and formation of writing plan
- Task 4 Matching of writing strategies with reading materials
- Task 5 Case Study
- Task 6 Generative Themes: The Learner Leads the Way - Case Studies
- Follow-up Days and Peer Visits
These learning experiences provided more thorough exposure to areas of the reading and writing process; helped re-focus efforts towards exemplary reading and writing instruction; provided hands-on experiences with using technology to teach reading and writing and were opportunities for the further sharing of resources and literature.
Typical Year of KAELI Activities
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| July 7 (9:00-3:30): |
Registration; course introduction; distribution of resources; and other activities provided by the KAELI Director and instructors - Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green. |
| July 26-28 (9:00-3:30): |
Intensive sessions focused on reading/writing strategies; group work; introduction to the Webquest - University of Kentucky, Lexington. |
| September 15 (9:00-3:30): |
Statewide Networking Seminar #1, to be advised. |
| October 27 (9:00-3:30): |
University cadre follow-up session at Western Kentucky University. |
| Oct/Nov: | Peer visit or coaching visit -- timing of visit determined in consultation with colleagues and KAELI director. |
| February 9 (9:00-3:30): |
University cadre follow up session, to be advised. Alternative dates will be set in case of snow. |
| Feb/Apr: | Peer visit or coaching visit -- timing of visit determined in consultation with colleagues and KAELI director. |
| April 20 (8:30-4:00): |
Statewide Networking Seminar #2 - round table presentations of key topics and ongoing learning. Presentation of certificates and awards, Lexington. |
KAELI Research Findings
KAELI 2002-03
Executive summary (9K PDF)
By Beth L. Goldstein for the KAELI Research Team