This is the first of four videos in the series Creating Robust ELA Unit Plans Using the SABES Template.

In VIDEO 1, you will learn how Lauren Twardy, an ABE teacher with Middlesex Community College, approached the Unit Topic/Title and Rationale sections of the SABES ELA Unit Plan template.

Lauren discusses the following in the video:

1. How using the SABES Unit Plan template helped her consider the relevance of the unit on immigration for her adult learners;
2. What changed in the unit as a result of completing the Rationale section; and
3. The benefits of completing the Rationale section. 

Guiding Questions: As you watch the video, think about how you would respond to these questions from the SABES REVIEW GUIDE: ELA Unit Plan.

• Does the unit topic represent a real-life/authentic context in which ELA skills are used by adults (e.g., civics/current events, health, financial literacy, workforce preparation, parenting; see TSTM)?
• Does the unit topic reflect the diverse identities, goals, and needs of learners at this level? Will they see it as relevant?
• If separate classes are not provided for content area instruction (e.g., social studies, science, workforce preparation, financial literacy), does this unit build knowledge in one of those areas? (For ASE students: Does the unit topic relate to topics students will see on the HiSET/GED or in their next steps?)
• Does the rationale effectively explain why the topic and ELA skills are important for adults to learn, referencing real-life experiences and practical applications of ELA skills?

Watch the next video in the series:  

• VIDEO 2: Unit Outcome/Culminating Assessment

Related Links:

• Lauren Twardy's Revised ELA Unit Plan: U.S. Immigration Issues Impacting Our Communities
• Design Tasks & Resources for ELA Unit Planning - outlines the process Lauren followed to revise her unit.
• SABES TEMPLATE: ELA Unit Plan
• SABES REVIEW GUIDE: ELA Unit Plan

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