What We Do
Practitioner Resources

What We Do

Guest Speakers and Featured Sessions

Barbara Bush--Keynote Address, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation Student Recognition Luncheon
November 3

Former United States first lady Barbara Bush will deliver the keynote address during the Dollar General Literacy Foundation Student Recognition Luncheon on November 3.

Barbara Bush was first lady from 1988 to 1992. In 1989, she established the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, which has awarded more than $40 million in grants. She believes that many of our nation’s problems could be solved if every man, woman, and child could read, write, and comprehend. A tireless advocate of volunteerism, Mrs. Bush has helped countless charities and humanitarian causes during her years in public life, including organizations that train adult literacy volunteers.

Mrs. Bush has a long track record of working with ProLiteracy’s predecessor groups, Literacy Volunteers of America and Laubach Literacy. In addition, President George W. Bush awarded the 2006 Presidential Medal of Freedom to Ruth Colvin, founder of Literacy Volunteers of America. Mrs. Colvin will introduce Mrs. Bush at USCAL, and Dr. Bob Laubach will make a special presentation to Mrs. Bush on behalf of ProLiteracy.

Betty Anne Waters--Keynote Address, Opening Session
November 2

Betty Anne Waters, the inspiration behind the movie “Conviction,” will deliver the keynote address during the opening session on November 2.

Ms. Waters earned her GED® degree and then went on to law school in order to gain the credentials to prove her brother, who had been convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison in 1983, was innocent. Her persistence and determination resulted in her brother’s exoneration in 2001.

Ms. Waters continues to advocate on behalf of wrongfully convicted individuals and for the rights of prison inmates. 

GED® and the GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education®.

FEATURED SESSIONS

November 3, 2011, 8:30-10 a.m.

Digital Literacy: Skills, Tools, and Opportunities to Re-Shape Adult Literacy Learning and Instruction
Digital literacy is an essential 21st century skill that demands strong reading, writing, and communication skills. It's the ability to use technology effectively, understand digital content, and communicate with digital tools. At the broad intersection of digital technology, social media, and adult literacy, we are all learners and teachers. We often lack the constellation of digital literacy skills needed to effectively access, process, and communicate  information. These challenges affect how adult literacy programming is developed in literacy programs, adult education classes, libraries, the workplace, and community colleges. By working collaboratively, educators, librarians, and learners can master and use new technologies, including social media,  to bridge the constantly expanding digital literacy divide. Panelists will highlight collaborative efforts, innovative programs, and ongoing challenges for adult educators and learners at the national, programmatic, and individual levels. Panelists include Toni Cordell, literacy advocate; Lana Jackman, National Forum on Information Literacy; Stephen Reder, Portland State University; and Petrice Sams-Abiodun, Lindy Boggs National Center for Community Literacy at Loyola University. The panel will be moderated by Dale Lipschultz of the American Library Association. 

Federal Level Public Policy and Advocacy Updates
Join us for an interactive panel discussion on how to advance public policies at the federal level for adult education and family literacy. National presenters will give federal level updates and discuss how policy can be the catalyst for change, what's needed, and what we can do about it. We will explore the following issues and initiatives:

  • The American Library Association’s Digital Literacy Initiative
  • ProLiteracy’s Public Policy and Advocacy Initiatives
  • TESOL: What’s New on Immigration Policy
  • The National Coalition for Literacy: What’s Happening with WIA and ESEA Reauthorization, the Forecast for Appropriations in 2012 and Beyond, and Expanding Our Grassroots Advocacy Base
  • The U.S. Department of Education Office of Adult and Vocational Education’s Priorities for 2012

The panel will be moderated by Marsha L. Tait with the National Coalition for Literacy.

Managing in Challenging Times: How to Survive and Thrive During Funding Crises
This session is designed for program executives and senior program staff who have responsibility for the overall management, funding, and strategic directions of their programs. The session will focus on how to position programs for stability in a very challenging financial environment. Participants will consider how to develop new nontraditional partnerships, leverage limited funds, develop alternative accountability and data systems, and forge innovative business and community partnerships. Participants will also look at how to reframe their organizations to take advantage of new funding initiatives or directions. They will share innovative program ideas and learn what other programs are doing to survive during financially difficult times.

Merging Workforce Development and Adult Education: Perspectives on a Work in Progress
This session is for program managers and board members trying to navigate a policy and funding landscape being reshaped to align adult education with national workforce development needs. A diverse group of panelists will share the programmatic models they have used to integrate adult education and workforce development in their states. Participants will hear practical examples of strategies and approaches that have worked as well as some that have not. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions and share their own ideas.

November 4, 2011, 8-10 a.m.

Public Policy Forum—Advancing Adult Learner Leadership and Managing Mission and Money

Advancing Adult Learner Leadership

The Public Policy Forum will include a report from the Adult Learner Leadership Summit held on November 2, 2011. In these challenging times, a stronger student voice and comprehensive adult learner involvement in adult education and literacy programs may be the key to successfully advocating for literacy and the issues we care about. A diverse group of experienced learner leaders and practitioners gathered to develop the report and action steps.

The Summit vision is to build a comprehensive plan to advance adult learner leadership—providing a true voice in the political, social, and program realms of literacy adult education. The report will include specific policy initiatives and strategic action plans to successfully implement the policies.

The report will be delivered by learner leaders and summit participants will be available for questions and comments.

The session will also include Mission or Money: Can You Have Both?
A provocative discussion with colleagues exploring solutions to challenging times.

In the United States today, social and economic trends are changing the landscape threatening the publicly funded adult education system. Programs are being asked by federal and state funders to prepare adults for work or postsecondary regardless of their purposes for learning. In this new world, adults are being asked to pay for adult education classes and possibly higher GED test fees. This is forcing adult educators to make difficult decisions. How are you and your colleagues confronting these challenges and not falling victim to challenging times? Join us for a provocative forum where David Rosen, president, Newsome Associates, will set the stage for a lively discussion of solutions with a panel of your peers.