The purpose of the Integrating Language & Numeracy Study Circle is to advance adult education teachers’ ability to effectively and confidently integrate numeracy instruction and English language instruction. It is appropriate for teachers of all levels of English and math within Minnesota Adult Education, as teachers adapt tasks for their own levels and classrooms.

Like our other language instruction study circles, it involves reading a selection of relevant research and completing various classroom-based reflection tasks. During the 3 meetings of 3 hours each, participants discuss the readings and tasks and explore together how research can inform classroom practice.

Objectives

Three main objectives shape this study circle, guiding participants to:

• Articulate a big-picture sense of numeracy and English learning in MN ABE and identify their current roles(s) in this work.
• Begin integrating numeracy into a language course with meaningful focus, coherence, and rigor.
• Apply classroom activities that support language and numeracy.

Participating teachers:

• explore their own place within the field of language and numeracy instruction and the perspectives of their cohort members
• learn about and practice using the College & Career Readiness Standards (CCRS) to create meaningful numeracy progressions within the various contexts of an English language learning course
• create or adapt classroom activities to teach numeracy concepts, supported by intentional language instruction
• are observed and do one observation of a cohort member with the purpose of practicing integrating language and numeracy and having the opportunity for feedback and reflection

Benefits of participation

Participants earn 15 CEUs plus a $100 stipend for completing all the requirements for a study circle, including attendance at all 3 meetings. Priority for slots is given to current paid staff of MN ABE programs.

Here is what some of our participants have said about their experience:

• “Really thought the research literature was relevant and interesting to discuss with others. Great to have the research organized in a way that is easy to get to and can be very useful beyond the study circle.”
• “I liked hearing what other people are doing in their classrooms and what is working for them. It was informative and also inspiring!”
• “I felt this was one of the most valuable professional development activities I have ever had. There have been a lot of them, but this is and will remain a high point going forward.”

Interested in participating in a study circle?

Interested in participating in a study circle? Contact Lindsey Cermak, ATLAS Numeracy Coordinator.

You are also welcome to make use of our Integrating Language & Numeracy Study Circle Facilitator Guide, which provides step-by-step suggestions for conducting study circles no matter where your program is based.