PLS & DSS Meeting Hub: Essential Resources for Adult Education Professionals

The Professional Learning Specialists (PLS) & Directors (DSS) Meeting Hub is a central resource for Adult Education specialists to access meeting recordings, notes, and key takeaways. These resources require special access for authorized educators. If you need access, please contact support@riadulted.org.

Pathways Communities

Professional Learning Pathways provides many options to get and stay involved in adult education practitioner communities so that you can interact with your peers. Communities are divided into Google Groups (GGs) and Communities of Practice (CoPs), which are organized by topic so you can join the communities relevant to your work. See below for more information on how to join GGs and CoPs.

If you need assistance, contact support@riadulted.org.

  • Click here to join All Staff

    This group is for any person working in adult education including directors, teachers, administrative staff, caseworkers, and volunteers. Anyone working in RI adult ed can post a message or announcement to this group, so feel free to share resources and exchange ideas with your colleagues. The RI PD Centers will post news announcements to the field through this ALL Staff Group.

    Click the “All Staff” link above to join. If you already have an riadulted.org account, you can join directly. If not, you can request to join, but you will need a Google or Gmail account. If you would like an riadulted.org account, contact support@riadulted.org.

  • Click here to join the LACES User Group

    The LACES User Group meets regularly throughout the year to support programs using the adult education database, LACES. If you have questions about the LACES management information system (MIS), feel free to ask this group. Messages for all LACES users will be shared through this LACES User Group.

    Click the “LACES User Group” link above to join. If you already have a riadulted.org account, you can join directly. If not, you can request to join, but you will need a Google or Gmail account. If you would like a riadulted.org account, contact support@riadulted.org.

  • Click here to join the Directors Group

    This group has been created as a convenient communication mechanism for directors of RI adult education organizations. News announcements and information specific to directors will be shared through this group. Any RIAE Director can send a message to all Directors through this group.

    Click the “Directors” link above to join. If you already have an riadulted.org account, you can join directly. If not, you can request to join, but you will need a Google or Gmail account. If you would like an riadulted.org account, contact support@riadulted.org.

  • Click here to join the PLS Group

    Each adult education provider has a designated Professional Learning Specialist (PLS) who supports instructors and works with the RI PD Centers to determine the training and PD needs of the field. Information specific to the PLS role will be shared through this group. PLSs can share information, ask questions and exchange ideas within this group.

    Click the “Professional Learning Specialists” link above to join. If you already have an riadulted.org account, you can join directly. If not, you can request to join, but you will need a Google or Gmail account. If you would like an riadulted.org account, contact support@riadulted.org.

  • Click here to join the Assessment Specialists Group

    From the RIDE Assessment Policy:

    Each program shall designate an Assessment Specialist to oversee processes for administration, scoring, and reporting of assessments at the program. Additionally, programs shall identify appropriate individuals to administer and score assessments. Training will be scheduled by RIDE’s professional development provider for the CASAS and BEST Plus 2.0 assessments. Programs shall keep records of which staff attended training and who conducted the training.

    Click the “Assessment Specialists” link above to join. If you already have an riadulted.org account, you can join directly. If not, you can request to join, but you will need a Google or Gmail account. If you would like an riadulted.org account, contact support@riadulted.org.

Google Groups (GGs)

RI Adult Education manages several Google Groups-based mailing lists for communication and coordination. As a member of a GG, you will receive emails, events, and documents relevant to your role. You do not need an riadulted.org email address to join - just a Google account. You can apply to join a GG by clicking on a group name below.


Communities of Practice (CoP)

A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of individuals who share a common passion or interest. Members collaborate on projects, share knowledge, and participate in activities, leading to innovative solutions and skill-building. CoPs provide a space to learn, grow, and connect with others. You can join any CoP that aligns with your role and interests.

  • Click here to join the ABE-GED CoP

    This group has been established as a community of practice (CoP) to enhance communication and provide training among instructors of adult basic education and GED across Rhode Island. This platform aims to facilitate the sharing of information that is relevant to ABE-GED instructors. Teachers can utilize this group to exchange ideas, ask questions, and share information with one another.

  • Click here to join the Digital Literacy CoP

    This group has been established as a Community of Practice (CoP) to enable communication among RI practitioners regarding Digital Literacy. Members will receive information, upcoming training sessions, and other relevant details specific to Digital Literacy. Members can utilize this group to exchange ideas, share their experiences, ask questions, and gain knowledge from one another.

  • Click here to join the ESOL CoP

    This group has been created as a community of practice (CoP) to facilitate communication among teachers of English for Speakers of Other Languages within Adult Education organizations across RI. This platform will be used to share information, training sessions, etc., specific to ESOL programs and instructors. Teachers can use this group to share information, ask questions, and exchange ideas with one another.

    Click the “ESOL CoP” link above to join. If you already have a riadulted.org account, you can join directly. If not, you can request to join, but you will need a Google or Gmail account. If you would like a riadulted.org account, contact support@riadulted.org.

  • Click here to join the LD Designees CoP

    This Community of Practice has been created to communicate for Learning Disabilities and Learning Differences Designees across Adult Education organizations in RI. Information specific to the LD Designee role will be shared through this group. LD Designees can share information, ask questions, and exchange ideas within this group.

    Click the “LD Designees” link above to join. If you already have a riadulted.org account, you can join directly. If not, you can request to join, but you will need a Google or Gmail account. If you would like a riadulted.org account, contact support@riadulted.org.