BEdA Handbook
2024 Track B: Advancing Correctional Education

In this session, participants will examine the Transparency in Teaching & Learning (TILT) framework for designing transparent assignments. TILT has been linked to increased sense of belonging, self-efficacy, and metacognition in learners with implications for bridging equity gaps for underserved populations. Participants will learn the theory and structure of the TILT framework, strategies for implementation in Canvas and the classroom, and how TILT can be used to engage learners to foster "learning to learn" skills. Participants will work collaboratively to analyze assignments before and after application of the TILT framework and discuss the differences, in addition to receiving resources to start or continue their practice of transparency in instruction. To maximize your experience in this session, please come ready to collaborate with colleagues and consider ways you might apply the TILT framework to your own instructional practice. Intended audience: faculty.

Outcomes: By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• explain the components of a TILTed assignment in their own words,
• analyze assignments to determine relative transparency and explain why, and
• plan ways to apply the TILT framework and other transparent teaching strategies to their teaching practice.

Session Materials

• Applying the TILT Framework in Canvas & the Classroom
• 1 - Graphic Organizer
• 2 - Experiential Activity Assignment Prompt
• 3 - Collaborative Analysis Activity Prompts
• 3b - Example Assignment Science 101
• 6 - Getting Started with TILT Templates

This presentation will provide an introduction and overview to the context and challenges of teaching ELL multilevel classes in a Corrections Education environment. It offers research-based instructional strategies for teachers and ways in which computer programs and workbooks can support teachers working in this setting. The presentation will identify the benefits of working with multilevel ELL classes and highlight the significant challenges that come with teaching a diversity of levels, subjects, and programs. In the first part of the presentation, we give a brief overview of ELL placement and assessment, and we will address considerations and possibilities for grouping students and provide instructional strategies that have been found to be successful for multilevel classes. The other part of this presentation focuses on the role curriculum and digital resources can play in helping teachers manage the complexities of multilevel classes. Finally, we will have some time to answer questions and share best practices and resources. This presentation will provide an overview and introduction to steps that can be taken to make a program offering multilevel ELL classes more effective and successful.

Outcomes:

• Participants will understand the placement and progression of ELL students in a Corrections Education classroom.
• Participants will comprehend best practices that support multilevel ELL instruction that engages and supports long-term English learning.
• Participants will be able to navigate and use ELL digital resources and curriculum to better serve their students.

Join us for an interactive session to learn about who justice impacted students are, current programs and resources for supporting justice impacted students, to recognize and address specific barriers experienced by justice impacted students, and to respect our context as equity practitioners in serving this population of students who are often furthest from justice.

Session Materials

• Supporting Justice Impacted Students

Break free from routine thinking exercises! Students lose motivation and become less engaged when thinking exercises follow a predictable flow, or when there is an expected outcome. In this session, participants will experience both complex and simple divergent thinking exercises through the learner’s lens, followed by processing time to bring it back to their own practice. You don’t want to miss “Thinking Sideways,” an energizing and interactive experience.

Audience: Instructors, Administrators, Program Directors, Curriculum Developers (anyone who would be presenting to groups)

Outcomes:

• Understand how divergent thinking exercises naturally foster individual and group creativity and "out of the box" thinking or problem solving.
• Gain understanding of the impact on learners and how to effectively use the exercises for various purposes.
• Discuss and plan for practical implementation to use immediately in the classroom or share with colleagues.

Session Materials

• Thinking Sideways:  Exercises in Divergent Thinking

This interactive session explores the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing Pell Grants in correctional facilities. Participants will discuss best practices for program approval and student support services to maximize the impact of Pell Grants on incarcerated students and reduce recidivism rates.