AE&L Conference: ‘2020 Vision for the Future’

The Virginia Adult Education & Literacy (AE&L) Conference was held in Harrisonburg on February 19-21, 2020 at the Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Conference Center. This conference was brought to adult educators by the Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center at VCU with support from the Virginia Department of Education and this year’s featured partner, Virginia’s Community Colleges. This conference convened with one purpose, one focus, and one voice to advance adult education in Virginia. The AE&L Conference provided a great opportunity for participants to engage with colleagues, network, and learn together while showcasing emerging trends and practices in the field of adult education.

This year’s state conference theme was “2020 Vision for the Future.” Guided by the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Virginia’s Combined State Plan, content at the conference concentrated on the following five key theme areas: Career Pathways, Integrated Education & Training (IET), Workforce Preparation, Standards Based Instruction (SBI), and Removing Barriers. The conference program provided attendees with rich learning experiences that can be readily applied in practice.

The conference represents an exchange of ideas and information, a forum for new developments in the profession, and a professional environment for working, learning, and communicating with other adult and continuing education practitioners. The conference showcased keynote speakers in general sessions, networking opportunities, and various workshops for participants to choose from.

At the end of each day, participants had the opportunity to attend a “Think Tank” group where they could discuss issues related to a particular area of interest. “Think Tank” groups provided an additional opportunity to extend learning and discuss the conference with colleagues.

The following team of four adult education practitioners representing Southwest Regional Adult Education (SRAE) attended the event: Program Manager Linda Allen, Administrative Assistant Susan Harris, GED® Test Administrator Alison Stiltner, and Lead Teacher Karen Gent.

For information about adult education services offered throughout the region, contact Southwest Regional Adult Education at 866/581-9935, or visit our website at https://sites.google.com/russell.k12.va.us/adulted.

GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education. Used under license.