ELA Lens: Contextualization & Relevance

Contextualized skill instruction engages adult learners in learning ELA skills while building knowledge in important domains of adult life (e.g., civics, science, health, careers, financial literacy). In this type of instruction, adult learners use and integrate multiple ELA skills throughout a unit (a series of connected lessons), engaging with a set of complex texts with increasing independence. Ultimately, they complete tasks and develop written and multimedia products that reflect how those ELA skills are applied outside a school setting. 

Well designed, contextualized instruction can ultimately do double-duty: teach ELA skills and develop knowledge of the world.

When making curricular or instructional decisions, ask the following questions (also downloadable as a one-page PDF):

• How are your learners building knowledge of content-area topics (civics, science, workforce prep, etc.) while learning and practicing ELA skills and standards?
• For ASE-level students who do not have separate classes for social studies or science, do topics relate to what they will see on the HiSET/GED or in their next steps?
• Do topics represent real-life contexts in which ELA skills are used by adults? Are the topics relevant to students' roles as workers, family members, community members, and/or lifelong learning?
• Within the time available and other constraints, what is possible for project and problem-based learning?
• What opportunities exist for learners to apply the targeted ELA skills and standards in meaningful tasks, appropriate for adults? (in addition to passing the HiSET or GED)?
• If students ask, "Why are we studying this?" what will you answer?
• Do major tasks seem to be worth the time involved?
• Do any tasks need to be streamlined or simplified?

Tools and Resources

• ELA Proficiency Guide
• ProLiteracy Research Brief: Contextualizing Adult Education
• Learning Standards and Frameworks (including HiSET and GED)
• Resources for Content Areas (helpful for finding reading material video clips, lesson ideas, etc. related to social studies and science topics)
• Examples of MA ABE Contextualized Curriculum
• Teaching Skills That Matter (TSTM), including an emphasis on Civics, Health Literacy, Workforce Preparation, and Financial Literacy

	SABES ELA Curriculum Hub
	SABES CCRSAE-ELA Hub
	SABES ELA Priority Lenses
	SABES ELA Home Page