To build a strong state – and a strong economy – requires a concentration of talented people who are prepared to compete in the labor market. Michigan has a goal of increasing the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree from 45% today to 60% by 2030. This objective requires a robust adult education system, which is tailored to meet the individual needs of adult students. Adult education and literacy programs help adults acquire the basic skills needed to be productive workers, family members, and citizens. This includes instruction in reading, writing, math, English language proficiency, and problem-solving. Adult education provides an opportunity for adults to achieve or improve education levels equivalent to those of high-school graduates. 

To fully understand their position, new professionals need to understand Michigan’s adult education history, results-driven mission, basic standards, funding, tools, and documentation. This course will explore the role of an adult education instructor within the context of the broader Michigan adult education system.  New instructors must have working knowledge of the background, scope, and terminology used in the Michigan adult education system in order to effectively meet the state and regional goals. This training will explore: 

• Michigan adult education system history and mission 
• Regional and state goals and roles  
• Terminology and acronyms
• Funding streams
• Updates and regulations 
• College and Career Readiness Standards 
• Diagnostic tools, assessments, and documentation 
• Additional resources  

Course Learning Objectives

By the completion of this professional development offering, trainees should be able to:

• Summarize the history and mission of adult education in Michigan  
• Define acronyms and terminology commonly used by adult education professionals 
• Discuss the role of educators in the Michigan adult education system 
• Explain the role of the College and Career Readiness Standards in adult education 
• Describe various adult education funding streams and their impact on program design and delivery 
• Identify the various tools and assessments used by Michigan adult education professionals 
• Describe how the Michigan Adult Education Reporting System (MAERS) is used to document student and program performance  

After meeting the requirements of this course, participants may be eligible to receive 2 hours of Continuing Education (SCECH) Credits that will fulfill the state licensure requirement for either teachers or counselors.

NOTE: After enrolling in this course, click here for easy access to the Keywe login screen, where you can login and access this course.