Kentucky Adult Educators Literacy Institute (KAELI)

Mission

The mission of the Kentucky Adult Educators Literacy Institute is to design and deliver research-based, innovative professional development in literacy that advances the knowledge and instructional practices of adult educators in Kentucky. KAELI educators are dedicated to adult learners attaining personal literacy goals in the workplace, family and community.

Brief Description

KAELI is a professional development initiative that provides an innovative, 3 hour graduate/undergraduate course for adult educators in literacy, which is completed over a year. KAELI is a project of the Collaborative Center for Literacy Development (CCLD) which is housed in the College of Education, University of Kentucky. Senate Bill 1 directed CCLD in consultation with the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) and Kentucky Adult Education (KYAE) to provide professional development and research for adult educators.

The objectives for the KAELI participants are to develop:

  • a concept of reading comprehension and strategies for instruction
  • a concept of vocabulary and strategies for instruction
  • an understanding of the reading process
  • an understanding of the writing process
  • strategies for supporting adult learners
  • the ability to use inquiry based instruction
  • the ability to use technology and literature in literacy instruction
  • a concept of reading/study skills and strategies for instruction

For further information

Dawn Hanzel
CCLD Adult Education Director
101Taylor Education Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0001
Dawn.Hanzel@uky.edu 

Phone 859-257-8195
Fax 859-323-2824
www.kyvae.org/KAELI

Benefits

  • Paid tuition
  • Three hours undergraduate/graduate credit awarded on successful completion of the course
  • KYAE PD Credit
  • Selected KAELI lodging expenses reimbursed
  • Books and teaching materials with a minimum value of $150.00
  • Networking with other adult educators
  • Skills in teaching literacy that benefit adult learners and assist in meeting program goals.

Comments by past participants

"There has been an increase in student attendance at the center since I've used many of the KAELI strategies and materials. My students enjoying reading and writing for pleasure as well as for information purpose and they use some of these things, like graphic organizers and the writing process, when they practice for the GED test."

"KAELI is just the start! I have so much to learn and I am a better instructor because of KAELI. I even learned things that have helped me become a better reader and writer."

"Since using KAELI techniques and materials there has been a change in the actual excitement about reading and writing, as opposed to just motivation to get GED. I have watched self-proclaimed non-readers and non-writers transform to readers and writers. Reading scores are on the rise and attendance is more consistent. My students' writing has improved from incomplete thoughts or sentences to communication that's more easily understood."

Funding for KAELI is provided by Kentucky Adult Education, Council on Postsecondary Education.