Authentic Materials: Implications for Policy

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The Use of Authentic Materials in Adult Literacy Classrooms
Erik Jacobson
American Institutes for Research/CALPRO

Implications for Policy

• More training I & time for reflection
• Technology needs to be developed for tracking and follow-up of validated studies
• Linking of data between schools making information user friendly
• Providing professional development activities that help instructors access pertinent information
• How to validate authentic material in the food chain of what’s counted in NRS especially since learning & use is increased
• Having devoted staff development time- paid time at regional levels (i.e. CALPRO) as well as at local level
• Use regional centers to correlate & fund study groups
• For policy makers, allow students to use authentic things (i.e. policies in prison education)
• Freedom for teachers for choice of material and not mandate curriculum
• Resources & funding need to be allocated for equipment & staff inservicing
• Reward schools that implement faculty inservicing
• Spread to high school/ABE
• Administration support in developing/and gaining materials
• Needs assessment more often in classroom
• Matching accountability testing does support