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SABES, the Massachusetts adult education professional development (PD) system, provides high quality PD and support to increase educator effectiveness and strengthen programs.

SABES Professional Development

Curriculum & Instruction PD Centers

  • Content knowledge
  • Curriculum and instruction
  • Instructional leadership
  • Learning disabilities and difficulties
  • Integration of digital literacy
  • Diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment
  • Professional standards
  • Cultural competence
Math and Numeracy
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English Language Arts
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ESOL
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Additional Resources, PD, and Support

Communication Center
  • Website, calendar, registration and SABES promotional activities
Massachusetts NRS Assessments

UMass Amherst training and support for

  • administering and scoring required tests
  • interpreting test results
  • (re)certification
ACLS
  • Massachusetts adult education system information and resources
Partner Organization PD
  • Partner PD organizations and events

What's New at SABES

Setting the Stage for Successful Distance and Blended Learning Programs (Webinar)

We are excited to launch this first of a series of three Tech ‘n Tell Webinars which begins by “setting the stage”. We provide guidance for establishing successful programs by introducing key...

Trauma-Informed Instruction Part I: Understanding the Science of Trauma (Worcester)

Why should an understanding of trauma matter to adult educators? This workshop, the first of two sessions on trauma-informed instruction, will focus on the science of trauma: how it affects the brain...

Differentiated Instruction in the ESOL Classroom (Worcester)

The magic and challenge of teaching English to adults comes from the diversity of our learners. Individuals of every age, education level, linguistic background, migration path, and learning goal...

Making Sense of Proportional Reasoning (Bedford)

Proportional reasoning is the capstone of arithmetic and the cornerstone of all that follows ( Lesh, Post, & Behr, 1988 ). In this course, you will analyze videos of adult students engaged in...
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SABES Tips and Highlights

When I think of our work

"When I think of our work, I think of a former student who was living in a car with her three children, and who is now the director of the same adult ed program that helped her succeed."

Luanne Teller, Co-director, SABES Program Support PD Center

Massachusetts Adult Education High Quality PD Standard #1

HQPD acknowledges and addresses the unique context of ABE, the variety of preparation and experience with which adult educators come to ABE, and the diverse realities and needs of adult learners. 

Massachusetts Adult Education Standards for High Quality Professional Development (HQPD)

Massachusetts Adult Education High Quality PD Standard #6

HQPD promotes collaboration among educators to encourage sharing of ideas and working together to achieve the identified goals and objectives. 

Massachusetts Adult Education Standards for High Quality Professional Development (HQPD)

Math & Numeracy Center course meets with approval

"I have learned through the SABES class how to use more open-ended questions to have my student articulate the concepts and extend their application. This will strengthen his understanding and ability to apply the concepts."

Making Sense of Proportional Reasoning, December, 2017

College & Career Math Standards Video Gets Nod from a Program Director

From a program director:

"I wanted to let you know that I just watched your overview of the CCR Math Standards, and was (again) so inspired! Thanks for putting your video out into the world, in the way you did."

Watch the video here.

Learning from Each Other

"I have also learned that there are different ways to approach a proportion question, and if the student can articulate his reasoning, then we can both learn from each other."

Making Sense of Proportional Reasoning, December, 2017

It's about more

"It's about more than scoring well on a test, it's about being ready for college and career." 

Per Barbara Bradbury, Springfield Adult Learning Center at Springfield Technical Community College, about teaching students for success in their lives rather than for passing tests

What Do ESOL Instructors Need To Know and Be Able To Do?

Review the Massachusetts Professional Standards for Teachers of Adult ESOL to find out. Then sign up for one of the SABES professional development sessions, which provide teachers with opportunities to investigate the standards and customize their own PD–whether they are novice or experienced practitioners. Look for ESOL courses on our SABES calendar.

Our Banner Image Stars

You may recognize the three women on our new banner image! They are Ana Rodriguez, Laura Porter, and Pesha Black, at our PD workshop Redesigning Career Pathways Programs for Adult Student Success held in Worcester last November.

Massachusetts Adult Education High Quality PD Standards

#2. HQPD has clear goals and objectives relevant to desired student outcomes.

#4. HQPD is informed by data, research, and/or standards relevant to the identified goals, objectives, and audience.

Massachusetts Adult Education Standards for High Quality Professional Development (HQPD)

Check Out the SABES Calendar of Events

View upcoming events from the SABES PD Centers and ACLS on the SABES calendar.

The Massachusetts Adult Literacy Hotline

Information about adult education programs and resources, online and at (800) 447-8844

Looking for an Adult Education job in Massachusetts?

Search available jobs or post openings here.