History of the Adult Education & Literacy Program
September 19, 2007
In 1997, the District assumed full responsibility for the operation of the Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Program. Prior to that, the Adult Education and Literacy Program was known as the English Language School (ELS). The AEL Program operates from a satellite building owned by the School District of University City and is adjacent to the district's McKnight Administration building. The original English Language School was founded for the purpose of assisting immigrants to adjust to their new homes in the St. Louis area. It now includes, as well, Literacy Education and General Education Development Preparation to those most in need.
Depending upon the needs or interests of a particular student, course work at the AEL Program can lead to a General Educational Development (GED) diploma; Citizenship; improved language, writing or reading skills; and an expanded knowledge base.
PROGRAM'S MISSION
The mission of the
University City AEL Program is to provide basic education to
adults, age 16 and over, so that they may become productive,
self-sufficient and contributing members of society. The AEL
Program aims to accomplish its mission by implementing the three
courses of study authorized by the Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education (DESE) of the State of Missouri, Adult
Education Division. These courses are: General Educational
Development (GED), English as a Second Language (ESL), and Literacy
Education.
PROGRAM FUNDING
The University City
AEL Program is funded by a grant through the Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) of the State of Missouri.
The grant covers teacher salaries and administrative salaries and
benefits (60%), as well as, instructional and administrative
materials and expenses. Funding is determined by a ratio of dollar
reimbursement to contact hours, i.e., hours that students spend in
the classroom. Teacher salaries are paid for classroom teaching
only and teachers are regarded as part-time employees.
All AEL Programs must adhere to a set of guidelines issued by DESE in the Administrative Guide for Adult Education. AEL Programs operate on an open entry/exit basis to better accommodate adult learners. Students begin classes after registration and testing and attend at times convenient to their schedules with classes open year round. Students are encouraged to persist in their studies and remain in the program until they reach their educational goals.
TEACHERS
Teachers in the GED,
ESL, and Literacy Education Programs are certified by the State of
Missouri through the AEL certification program. They must possess a
Bachelor degree, participate in annual AEL workshops and take
courses toward a certain number of credit hours in Adult Education.
Quite a few teachers possess a Masters degree in ESL or other
areas, speak other languages, and/or have taught abroad and are
experienced in teaching adult learners.
PROGRAMS OF STUDY
English as a Second Language (ESL)
English as a Second Language (ESL) is particularly important to
University City's diverse and growing community. The aim of the
program is to provide students, for whom English is not their
primary language, with a working knowledge of English in
preparation for citizenship tests, the workplace, additional
education, and daily living.
General Educational
Development (GED)
The General
Educational Development (GED) program offers preparation for the
GED exam to those individuals who are 16 years of age and older and
do not have a high school diploma. The program has a high success
rate and students who complete their high school graduation
requirements are now prepared to continue with higher education or
obtain better employment in the job market.
Literacy Education
Program
Anyone who is 16
years of age and older who wishes to improve his or her reading
skills is eligible to join the school Literacy Program. Trained
volunteer tutors work one-on-one with individuals to improve
vocabulary, comprehension, writing skills, and/or prepare for job
searches.
Additional Program
Services
· Advisory services
for the District’s High School Option Plus Program, a state
approved in-school GED Program.
· Monthly District Dropout Tracking.
· Provides Community Partnerships for Adult Education services
on-site for residential facilities, such as, Senior Citizen and
Group Homes, the Public Library, and churches.
· Collaboration with District’s English for Speakers of Other
Language (ESOL)
Coordinator to ensure service for parents of K-12 Limited English
Proficient students.