OTAN News

Now Recruiting: Pilot Teachers for the CILIA-T Curriculum

The University of Minnesota Duluth and OTAN are seeking educators to pilot CILIA-T (Content Integrated Language Instruction for Adults with Technology Support). This research-based, 16-module curriculum is designed to help adult learners learn U.S. history and civics while simultaneously building academic English proficiency and essential digital skills.

About the CILIA-T Curriculum

CILIA-T is an open-access resource aligned with CCR and ELP standards. It offers a flexible design suitable for in-person, online, or hybrid instruction.

• Comprehensive Instruction: Each of the 16 modules provides approximately 6–8 hours of instruction centered on U.S. history and civics topics.
• Digital Literacy: Includes six videos and integrated resources specifically designed to build digital skills.
• Evidence-Based: The curriculum is research-based and structured to support Intermediate-Advanced ESL and GED prep students.

What’s Inside a Module?

Every module follows a consistent, high-impact instructional flow to ensure student success. Components include:

• Introduction: Warm-up activities to build background knowledge.
• Anchor Text: Multiple readings of a central text to build fluency and comprehension.
• Think and Apply: Interactive activities to deepen content understanding.
• Digital Literacy: Digital skills and digital citizenship practice.
• Word Workshop: Focused vocabulary development.
• Project & Reflection: A module project and self-reflection.
• Assessment: A self-check quiz to monitor progress.

Join the Pilot

We are looking for classroom partners to help evaluate the impact of CILIA-T. This is a unique opportunity to use high-quality materials while contributing to the field of adult education research.

Participant Requirements:

• Implement the CILIA-T curriculum in your classroom.
• Participate in pre- and post-testing of learners.
• Allow for classroom observations by the research team.

Compensation:To recognize the time and effort required for this study, both teachers and students will receive financial compensation for their participation.

How to Get Started

Ready to bring CILIA-T to your students?

• Learn More & Complete the Interest Form Here
• Explore the Modules: Pressbooks Link
• Curriculum Website: CILIA-T Site

Questions? Contact the Project Team:

• Aydin Durgunoglu: adurguno@d.umn.edu (University of Minnesota Duluth)
• Erin Cary: cary0011@d.umn.edu (University of Minnesota Duluth)
• Anthony Burik: aburik@otan.us (OTAN)