Back to Basics:

1
Back to Basics
Effective Computer-Less Instruction to Help
Prepare for WorkKeys
2
SC WorkKeys Career Readiness Initiative

• WorkKeys as early as 2002 with ParaProfessional
  initiative
• Began CRC with pilot programs in 2005
• Funding for most programs (40) in 2006
• 4000 certificates awarded to date

3
How to train teachers administrators?

• Instructors Handbook Phase 1
• What is WorkKeys?
• What do levels mean?
• Score reports, Certificates, procedures for SC
  Adult Education
• Where is Curriculum?
• How can we instruct in Locating Information?

4
Phase 2 Instructional Strategies Guide

• Created Instructional Strategies guide (with
  assistance from teachers)
• Covers AM, LI and RFI
• Uses Workbook pages from software
• Parts of In-house curriculum
• Highlights other resources
• Tips Techniques

5
Phase 3 Sample Course

• CRC Test Prep course
• Whats in it for me?
• Review of individual areas using a variety of
  resources
• Review of test taking tips
• Time frame can be customized

6
CRC TEST PREP COURSE Course Outline Day 1
Introduction to class/goal setting/formative
testing Days 2 -3 Math Review using whole
group instruction (Teachers
manual), computer-based practice and WK Practice
Test Day 4 Reading Review (same three
methods) Days 5-6 Locating Information Review
(same three methods) Day 7 Individualized
Review and Practice, Test Taking Tips,
Post-testing for NRS gains Day 8 Full
WorkKeys CRC Battery If using other than 4 day
per week schedule, adjust accordingly. Sample
Class Schedules TWO WEEK TIME FRAME 4 days per
week _at_ 3 hours/day 24 hours 3 days per week _at_
4 hours/day 24 hours 3 days per week _at_ 3
hours/day 18 hours
7
WorkCore Facts

• WorkCore is a program designed by South
  Carolinas Adult Education to build essential
  skills for the workplace.
• WorkCore offers training on workplace issues,
  communication, problem solving, basic skills and
  the job search.

8
The WorkCore Curriculum addresses standards that
apply to academic and employability skills. The
specific skill standards to which the curriculum
aligns are

• Math
• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking
• Information and Communication Technology
• Analyzing and Problem Solving
• Teamwork
• Self and Career Development

9
ParaProfessional Facts

• The South Carolina ParaPro Test Preparation
  Curriculum is designed to assist
  paraprofessionals in meeting the proficiency
  requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind
  Legislation.

10
The curriculum addresses the full set of skills
included on the ETS Para Pro Assessment and is
also correlated to the skills assessed on the
WorkKeys Assessments for Reading for
Information, Applied Math, and Writing. The
Test Preparation Coursework consists of the
following components

• Instructors Guide
• Participants Guides
• Math Skills (with Test Taking Strategies)
• Reading Skills (with Test Taking Strategies)
• Writing Skills (with Test Taking Strategies)
• Curriculum Drills

11
Essential Skills

• Additional Instructional Material from Canada

12
Essentials Skills and Workplace Literacy
Initiative

• Enhance skills levels of Canadians entering or
  already in workforce
• Increase outreach awareness
• Provide tools and applications for individuals
  and business
• Occupational profiles

13
9 Essential Skills

• Reading Text
• Document Use
• Numeracy
• Writing
• Oral Communication
• Working with others
• Continuous Learning
• Thinking Skills
• Computer Use

14
Characteristics of Levels

• 1-5, 1 being easiest and 5 being most difficult.
• Their Level 3 for Document Use is comparable to
  WorkKeys Level 5 for Locating Information.
• For more details, check out Understanding
  Essential Skills.
• Take Essential Skills Indicator to get a feel for
  the levels.

15
Authentic Workplace Materials

• Search by skill and level
• Printable workplace materials
• Develop questions and exercises for students
  related to workplace materials.

16
Additional Workplace Materials

• Essential Skills Publications can be purchased.
• Explanation of types of graphs.
• Good lessons for whole-group instruction.
• Includes activities that implement all elements
  of creating graphs and charts.

17
Tips for Teaching WorkKeys

• Tips for Instructors

18
WorkKeys Test Taking Tips

• Tips for Students

19
Additional Ideas

• Reading Journal Worksheet additional ways to
  practice reading skills