AI: Does it Work for Low-Literacy Adult Students?
By: S.O.L.V.E.D. I just read a quote the other day that if teachers don’t get on board with AI, their job will become obsolete. I thought, hmmm… that couldn’t be further from the truth. Then I started going down a rabbit hole wondering how many educators have embraced AI and what they use it for. According to a Gallup poll (2025), 60% of teachers use AI to help save time, plan lessons, and develop activities. What about the other 39%? Are they not ready for a world of AI, or are they not familiar with how to use it? Many educators are told to begin implementing AI, but they truly don’t know how. What AI tool do they use? How can they do good prompt engineering? When do they use their judgement whether AI is hallucinating and providing bad data? In what situations is it appropriate to use AI? How do they teach students to use AI? And the list goes on and on……. In the Adult Education world, it seems we have a lot of catching up to do! While K-12 teachers have had some PD’s on implementing Generative AI, adult education seems to be left behind. The problem with this is that we are not preparing students for the modern workforce. Many jobs now require AI skills, and I believe in the future AI will be embedded in all streams of the workforce. But where do we begin? Think of a student who is NRS 1, or on a kindergarten reading level; they never got appropriate schooling and have a goal of getting an education to obtain a better job. Do we start those students with AI? Arguments can be made on both sides, but generally I believe skills such as analyzing, synthesizing, judging, and evaluating are necessary before students even think about touching AI. AI learns from many data sets even if the data is wrong. Just think: how will students know that AI is incorrect if they don’t have those necessary skills? In addition, I believe that foundational skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, phonological awareness, and fluency should be taught by a human. Yes, AI can probably teach those things, but AI is missing a few factors. AI cannot motivate on the spot or make a quick adjustment (without, of course, someone prompting it) and cannot engage students in the way a teacher can. AI cannot properly diagnose student learning abilities and create specific modifications in a way an educator and a team would. Remember, AI is being fed data that largely comes from online, aka Reddit……..this means it is only teaching a student what it is generating from the data it has been fed. It can be missing sooooooooo many strategies and innovations to help low-literacy students! So, what can we teach to low-literacy students then, if AI isn’t recommended? I thought the whole goal was to embed AI in adult education so students are ready for the workforce….and we will….but differently. I believe we start teaching students who are NRS 1 and 2 vocabulary words they will come across and start introducing them to AI concepts, independent of a chatbot….so the notion of AI isn’t completely foreign to them as they continue to increase their literacy. Only when we feel students have inherited some of those higher-order thinking skills do I feel Generative AI should be utilized. Now I did think of utilizing AI to help me write this, but don’t worry I didn’t. I wanted this blog post to be authentic and utilize the skills I learned in school, rather than depending on a chatbot. See, I still need to use my brain and my judgment. This is what low-literacy students need. Skills they can use without AI, without technology (because, as we know, technology can fail), so they can become independent thinkers and move around the world applying skills and strategies they have developed, which can result in long-term success and economic mobility.
Rethinking the College Dream?
By: S.O.L.V.E.D. – Here are 7 ways to ensure your College Dream becomes reality. Remember, achieving your College Dream requires dedication and effort. When I was growing up, achieving my College Dream was the only option. Many young adults are rethinking their College Dream in today’s world. You had NO choice. Parents often bragged about their child going to college or getting accepted into a university. It was the crème de la crème, even more so if you were a first-generation college student. You were not just encouraged to go; you were expected to GO and SUCCEED. Those who went to technical schools were often assumed to be students who could not get into a university and had to settle for another path. This heavy weight on our shoulders often makes us question our College Dream. In this shifting landscape, pursuing your College Dream may not be the only path. Millennials and those before us are now stuck with student loans, unable to find jobs that allow them to even begin paying those loans off. Many struggle with bills and quietly wonder, Why did I do that? Yes, of course, for certain careers, college is the only option. But for many of us, it was never presented as a choice. So many of my friends are carrying $100,000+ in student loan debt, which we are told is one of the only things that follows you for life, a fate we hope is not near. Defining what your College Dream means to you can lead to new opportunities. This shift in choices impacts what many are now considering for their College Dream. But times have changed. Many are finding that their College Dream can also include vocational paths. Reimagining your College Dream involves considering multiple avenues to success. Many are ready to explore what makes their College Dream truly fulfilling. Ultimately, your College Dream should be a reflection of your unique journey. Understanding Your College Dream Now, more than ever, we must support each other’s College Dream. Young adults are now saying NO to student loans and NO to the idea that college is the only path to a successful life in America. Between the pandemic, a skilled labor shortage, and the reality of starting adulthood buried in debt, this model simply does not appeal to Gen Z. In fact, about 42% of Gen Zers are choosing trade school or technical college (Resume Builder, 2025), compared to 31% of Millennials in 2005. This shift shows that vocational, technical, and trade programs are no longer seen as a last resort. They are becoming a real and respected option for high school graduates. I remember one of our CTE leaders once calling a four-year university a steak and a technical or vocational school lobster. The message was simple. We can have both, and both can be good. Technical and vocational programs can often get students into the workforce faster, without the massive debt. In many cases, young adults come out earning more than peers with a four-year degree. I should know. As a former teacher, I often worked two additional jobs just to make ends meet. This is not about the death of college. It is about the end of college as the default. Rethinking the college dream means recognizing that success does not come from one path, one institution, or one definition. It comes from giving people real choices, pathways that lead to sustainable careers, and education that works for their lives, not against them. And for the first time in a long time, it feels like we are finally ready to have that conversation. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, it’s essential to examine the factors contributing to this significant shift in mindset. The rise of technology and the ever-changing job market play pivotal roles in shaping young adults’ decisions. For instance, many industries are now prioritizing skills over formal education, allowing individuals to thrive based on their abilities rather than their degrees. Moreover, the stigma surrounding vocational and technical education is gradually diminishing. Many successful professionals are openly sharing their non-traditional paths, inspiring a new generation to consider alternative routes to success. Take, for example, the story of a young electrician who, after completing a two-year apprenticeship, now earns a six-figure salary; this narrative resonates with many young individuals. Additionally, the increasing popularity of online courses has made learning more accessible. Platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy offer a plethora of courses that equip individuals with the necessary skills for various trades and professions without the hefty price tag associated with traditional college degrees. Furthermore, the rise of entrepreneurship among Gen Z plays a crucial role in this transformation. Many young adults are exploring innovative business ideas and freelancing opportunities, which often require skill sets that can be acquired outside the classroom. This entrepreneurial spirit encourages individuals to think creatively and seek alternatives that align with their passions and interests. It’s also worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this transformation. As businesses adapted to remote work, many realized they could operate effectively without requiring employees to possess a four-year degree. This realization has led to a more inclusive job market that values diverse experiences and skills, further validating the choice of vocational and technical education. In addition to financial considerations, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and work-life balance. Many young adults are prioritizing jobs that offer flexibility and fulfillment over traditional career paths that may lead to burnout. This shift signifies a need for education systems to adapt and offer programs that promote well-being alongside academic and professional growth. As we look ahead, it is crucial to continue the dialogue surrounding educational choices. Schools, parents, and communities must work together to provide accurate information about various pathways and emphasize the value of skills training. By encouraging exploration and open-mindedness, we can help young adults make informed decisions about their futures. Ultimately, the future of education lies in recognizing
IET: The Fast Track to a Career
When adult learners ask me, “How do I get a good job without spending years in school?” my answer is simple: Integrated Education and Training (IET). IET is more than a program; it’s a strategy that helps learners build basic skills and career training at the same time. No waiting. No wasted time. Just a direct path to credentials and employment. Why This Matters Now The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects major growth in jobs that require both technical skills and strong foundational skills. Here are a few examples: Wind Turbine Technicians – 50% Solar Photovoltaic Installers – 42% Nurse Practitioners – 40% Data Scientists – 34% Information Security Analysts – 29% Medical & Health Services Managers – 23% Physical Therapist Assistants – 22% Home Health Aides – 17% These roles aren’t just growing, they’re shaping the future of work. And they all require specific training PLUS literacy, math, and communication skills. That’s where IET shines. What Makes IET Different Concurrent Learning: Basic education, occupational training, and employability skills occur together. Contextualized Instruction: Math isn’t just math, e.g. it’s math in healthcare, math with manufacturing, or math using energy. Employer Alignment: Programs are designed with real labor market needs in mind. Why I’m All In on IET IET isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement. It’s about giving adult learners the tools to succeed in today’s economy without unnecessary delays. As workforce needs evolve, IET is the model that keeps education and employment connected. If you teach adult learners, you already know the challenge: balancing foundational skills with career readiness. IET makes that easier, and you don’t have to do it alone. Here’s a simple starting point: Collaborate with a CTE instructor: Pair your academic lessons with hands-on technical training. This partnership makes learning relevant and keeps students engaged. Start small: Choose one career pathway that most of your students are interested in, and integrate real-world tasks into your lessons. Focus on outcomes: Every activity should connect to a skill that matters in the job market. Ready to try IET in your classroom? Start by connecting with a CTE instructor and building one lesson together. Keep it simple, keep it relevant, and watch how much more engaged and motivated your learners become!