Promoting Literacy with Technology: How Highlands Leverages Digital Tools for Learning

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, we sit down with Kristopher Macias, Director of Instruction and Professional Learning at Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools. Kristopher shares a transformative perspective on literacy instruction—one rooted in the needs of adult learners, many of whom are immigrants seeking not just a high school diploma, but a new beginning.

From classroom culture to biliteracy and the nuanced difference between translation and interpretation, Kristopher offers a front-row look at how adult education challenges conventional thinking. He discusses the emotional and pedagogical balancing act required to teach foundational literacy skills to students in their 30s, 40s, and beyond—while respecting their lived experiences and cultural identities.

Whether you’re an educator, instructional leader, or edtech innovator, this conversation will shift how you think about literacy, learning environments, and equity in education.

Key Moments

00:00 Biliteracy and Workforce Readiness Education

06:21 Teaching Multilingual ELD Students

07:39 Bridging Language Gaps in Education

11:39 Highlands District Technology Integration

14:48 Respectful Adult Language Education

17:06 Strategic Student Placement Approach

21:48 Intentional Teaching for Student Confidence

23:28 Hiring Teachers for Adult Education

27:57 Language Learning: Bridging Contextual Gaps

30:50 Promoting Literacy and Practice

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• You’ll discover what it takes to build a classroom culture where adult learners feel safe enough to make mistakes—and confident enough to grow.

• Kristopher unpacks what true biliteracy support looks like, and why it’s so much more than translation.

• You’ll gain insight into the delicate art of teaching foundational phonics and fluency to learners well beyond the K-12 age range.

• The discussion highlights real-world applications of technology (including AI) in bridging literacy gaps—and where current tools still fall short.

Connect with Kristopher Macias

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-macias-563046180/

Website: https://hccts.org/

Follow & Subscribe

Host LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation
Company Website: https://mindplay.com/

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