Here is a summary of the 2024 GED Conference for the educators and program administrators who were not able to join us. The GED Conference, held in Long Beach, California, from July 24 to 26, was an inspirational event centered around the theme “We Are Not Done Yet!” The conference, which brought together close to 600 educators, administrators, and industry leaders from 24 states, provides a space for thought leaders to work together in shaping the future of adult education.

This year’s key highlights included speaker Marcus Bullock, a renowned entrepreneur and justice reform advocate, and GED President Vicki Greene, who set a moving tone for the event.

Attendees had access to 54 interactive sessions, including 10 new sessions, covering topics such as using AI tools in education, advanced teaching techniques in algebra, and applying GED Analytics for different levels of instruction. Sessions focused on correctional education and Integrated Education and Training programs also took place.

The annual meeting also featured a preview of the GED mobile app, GED & Me™, designed to support learners with on-the-go access to resources. Other offerings also included a Train the Trainer session, information GED® analytics, multiple sessions offered in Spanish, and awards for the Administrator of the Year, Mike Farma and celebrations of awards for GED® graduates. Additionally, the exhibition hall provided hands-on experiences with the latest educational tools and technologies.

Overall, the conference was a platform for professionals to gain fresh insights, celebrate the successes of their students, share best practices, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of GED programs, leaving everyone with a sense of pride and motivation.

Read the heart-warming story of 62 recent GED graduates who are parents of Denver Public Schools students, studying side by side.

Launched in 2022 by Denver Public School Superintendent Alex Marrero, the community hubs take a two-generation approach to improving students’ lives by helping children and parents with learning opportunities such as the GED and other services, from financial counseling to mobile medical appointments. Denver Public School Community Hubs address a holistic approach to student learning through programs and services that support families’ social, emotional, physical, academic, and basic needs. Denver Public Schools works with each identified community to build out the services most aligned to their needs.

Community Hubs is dedicated to promoting equity and inclusion in their communities. These Community Hubs celebrate diversity while addressing the unique needs of their community members. To ensure inclusivity, the staff work diligently to remove barriers and make their programs accessible. They provide physical accessibility, language accommodations, and support for diverse learning styles and abilities. They value representation and empower individuals from marginalized groups to participate and lead in their programs. Everyone in the community should have a voice and contribute to their Community Hubs’ success.

The Community Hubs also have a training-to-employment pipeline designed to increase diversity across Denver Public Schools and better reflect the city’s demographic makeup by providing skills training and resume-building classes.

The message to DPS parents is: “We want you here. That’s the magic of the community hubs,” says Community Hub Executive Director Esmeralda de la Oliva. The magic is also in the dedication of the staff. From GED instructor Mayra Laguna, who customized materials for her students, to ESL instructors to all Community Hubs staff members who are dedicated to their students’ academic achievement and overall well-being. “This is a work of love and your heart has to be in the right place. Our families deserve the best.” said De la Oliva.

On a recent Wednesday morning, adult Spanish-speaking students in a GED class practiced math and celebrated with pink-frosted cupcakes for a classmate who had passed their tests. Since 2022 the six Denver area Community Hubs have provided GED classes to hundreds of students from various countries. The learners’ ages ranged from 28 to 45. The graduating class of 62 was the largest to date.

Let’s recognize GED graduates, appreciate adult educators and kick off National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week!

I have always thought of the GED as so much more than a test – it’s an entire program that equips learners for success in education and in life, building knowledge and confidence for a brighter, more equitable future for all. This is one of the reasons why we are excited to announce the first annual National GED Day to be celebrated on September 16th. We are proud to raise awareness for the GED and acknowledge the determination and resilience of GED learners, the commitment of educators, and the support of all those who motivate students to succeed.

Innovative programs from the Voice of Adult Education in the largest state in the continental USA

The California Council for Adult Education (CCAE) is California’s largest professional organization serving adult education. CCAE serves all levels of the adult education community, including teachers, classified staff, administrators, and learners. For this reason, CCAE plays a pivotal role in enhancing adult education across the state. Established to advocate for adult learners, CCAE provides high-quality education opportunities that empower individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals.

One of the primary objectives of the CCAE is to promote policies that support funding and resources for adult education programs. The council’s inclusive and collaborative approach, working with various stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, and community organizations, ensures that adult learners have access to the necessary tools for success. This approach fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility, making CCAE a true partner in the adult education community.

CCAE offers a range of professional development opportunities for educators, equipping them with innovative teaching strategies and resources to better meet the diverse needs of adult students. By fostering a community of practice, the council encourages collaboration and sharing best practices among educators throughout California.

CCAE executive director Adriana Sánchez-Aldana says “at CCAE we stay true to the origins of adult education in California, dating back to 1856 in the basement of St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco. The San Francisco Board of Education authorized the class to teach English to Irish, Italian, and Chinese immigrants. Adult schools have been called upon on numerous occasions to assist the state in dealing with significant social, political, and economic issues.”

In addition to its advocacy and professional development efforts, the California Council for Adult Education (CCAE) is unwavering in its commitment to raising awareness about the transformative power of adult education. Through outreach initiatives and partnerships, CCAE seeks to inspire hope and highlight how education can transform lives, improve job prospects, and enhance community well-being.

In essence, the CCAE stands as a vital advocate for adult education in California, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to learn and grow, no matter their age or background.