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SEPTEMBER 2018
THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG
Community Education Community Education Spotlight SHAWNDA SCHELINDER STAFF WRITER
Adult Basic Education Whether you need to prepare for your GED, brush up on digital literacy, study for college entry assessments or improve your English language skills, St. Francis Area Schools Adult Basic Education (ABE) can serve you. “Not everyone understands the scope of what ABE does,” said Adult Basic Education Coordinator Tammi Bernard. “Last year, I had one student who spoke five languages but wanted to improve her English skills. She also wanted to brush up on math and study for her driver’s license written exam. She received help with workplace skills and brushed up for the Accuplacer assessment for accurate college placement.” Students have a variety of needs met through ABE, including: ■ GED preparation classes ■ English Language Learner classes ■ College and postsecondary preparation ■ Occupational and workforce development preparation ■ Citizenship/civics education ■ Basic skills enhancement ■ Digital literacy ■ Distance learning St. Francis Area Schools ABE offers all of these services to adult learners from age 17 and beyond. “As part of the Metro North Consortium, if there’s a service a student needs that we don’t offer, we can find another site that can help,” Bernard said.
Tammi Bernard
COURIER PHOTO
Flexibility is another aspect of ABE that is important to adult learners. ABE classes are not like a traditional education setting. “Students can drop in at any time during our open hours and stay as long as they choose,” Bernard said. Students are also able to attend daily or as their personal schedules allow. ABE is staffed by licensed teaching professionals, as well as adult learner volunteers. “This model helps people build their confidence for those who were not successful in a
traditional setting,” Bernard said. “The students build amazing friendships and connections with each other. They inspire each other and help one another along their journey.” Bernard, a former adult learner herself who started college in her 30s, understands how intimidating and overwhelming it can be to walk into the classroom. “They don’t really know what to expect,” she said. “They wonder if they’ll be the oldest student or how their math and reading skills might compare to someone else’s. But we meet people where they’re at. Everyone works at the pace that’s right for them. You have to put in the time and dedication to reach your goals, but we’ll be here for you.” ABE in St. Francis serves a diverse group of students. During the 2017-18 school year, ABE served 56 students from 10 different countries. The youngest student was 17; the oldest student was 81. Students do not have to be a resident
St. Francis Area Schools Adult Basic Education has moved to a different location, St. Francis Learning Center at 4111 Ambassador Blvd. NW, St. Francis. COURIER PHOTO
Community needs assessment moving forward this fall LISA RAHN
COMMUNITY EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Community Education is looking to the future and will be conducting a community needs assessment in September. The survey will assess the attitudes and opinions of residents of St. Francis Area Schools on four areas: perception of current community education programs, barriers to participation, interest and potential for additional or expanded programming and understanding current demographics. Along with these goals, the school district will also be collecting information on enrollment choices and attitudes toward the district. The survey will
be conducted by phone to randomly selected households; selection is unbiased and will be validated. If you receive a call from the Morris Leatherman Company a national research firm located in Minneapolis, please know that your participation is greatly appreciated. Results will be presented at a future Community Education Advisory Council and school board meeting. Based on the results, Community Education will look at potential new programs, address barriers to participation and make changes to meet the needs of our community. If you have questions about this process, please feel free to contact Lisa Rahn, Lisa.Rahn@isd15.org.
within the St. Francis school district. In fact, ABE is available in a number of different locations, including libraries, workforce development centers and correctional facilities. Statewide, ABE sites served more than 70,000 last year. Bernard is looking forward to serving students at ABE’s new location. St. Francis Area Schools ABE is located at the St. Francis Learning Center, 4111 Ambassador Boulevard NW in St. Francis.
Adult Basic Education classes begin Tuesday, September 4; however, students can register and start anytime throughout the school year. Class times are Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday 5:00-8:00 p.m. Classes are free of charge. For additional information contact Bernard at 763-7537190 or tammi.bernard@isd15. org.
Community Education Directory Community Education Director............................................................... 763-753-7048 Adult Basic Education (GED)...................................................................... 763-753-7190 Adult Enrichment & Rec................................................................................ 763-213-1640 Communications/The Courier.................................................................. 763-753-7031 Youth Enrichment • Grades K-5................................................................ 763-213-1616 Districtwide Youth • Grades 7-12............................................................. 763-213-1640 Driver Education/Behind the Wheel..................................................... 763-213-1640 Early Childhood Family Education.......................................................... 763-753-7170 Early Childhood Screening.......................................................................... 763-753-7187 Facility Scheduling............................................................................................ 763-213-1589 Kids Connection/Just 4 Kids Program Supervisor..................................................................................... 763-213-1616 Cedar Creek Elementary School Site................................................ 763-753-7160 East Bethel Elementary School Site................................................... 763-213-8921 Lifelong Learning Center Site................................................................ 763-753-7199 St. Francis Elementary School Site..................................................... 763-213-8674 Preschool Place 15/School Readiness.................................................. 763-753-7170 Rec Department................................................................................................. 763-213-1823 www.isd15.org • www.the-courier.org • www.communityed15.com
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