Adult Basic and Literacy Education Fact Sheet
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Mathematical skills are a gatekeeper for entrance into postsecondary education and training programs for adults of all ages, and significantly affect employability and career options. Recognizing the importance of math education, the National Math Panel (NMP), an important part of the American Competitiveness Initiative, was established, in June of 2006, by Executive Order. The Panel published its synthesis of research on K-12 mathematical education, in February 2008.
To address findings of the Panel's implications for adult education, the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) awarded a contract to MPR Associates, Inc. with Rutgers University's Center for Mathematics, Science, and Computer Educations; the University of Tennessee Center for Literacy Studies; and, Technical Education Research Centers (TERC). The project convened a group of subject matter experts to analyze the findings and recommendations of the National Math Panel (NMP) report for applicability to adult education. This work resulted in a publication summarizing the evidence-based principles for adult numeracy instruction. Project collaborators applied these principles to enhance the existing Teachers Investigating Adult Numeracy (TIAN) professional development model. The newly enhanced Adult Numeracy Instruction Professional Development model (ANI-PD) model was field tested in two States (Arkansas and Georgia). Based upon the field test results, the model was revised and recommendations made to OVAE for making the ANI-PD model available to all States. The project period was October 2007 to September 2010.
- Developed the TIAN professional development instrument to assess the effectiveness in teacher delivery and research to practice.
- Analyzed the National Math Panel findings for applicability to adult education.
- Field-tested the ANI-PD model in selected States.
- Finalized enhanced and improved ANI-PD model and materials for further dissemination.
Outcomes and Products
- Building on Foundations for Success: Guidelines for Adult Math Instruction, a publication summarizing guidance for improving the practice of adult numeracy instruction.
- ANI-PD model for adult numeracy educators, now being made available through the LINCS Regional Professional Development Centers.
Heidi Silver-Pacuilla, Heidi.Silver-Pacuilla@ed.gov
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