A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   Contact:  David W. Thomas    June 28, 1994                                      (202) 401-1579

ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS HONORED BY SECRETARY RILEY

"As we strive to improve elementary and secondary education, we must remember our commitment to those adults who left school without completing their education," Riley said. "These programs clearly demonstrate that with imagination and dedication it is never too late to learn."

Adult education programs offer instruction in basic reading, writing, mathematics and related skills, and English-as-a-second language (ESL) classes for immigrants and other adults with limited English skills. Approximately four million persons ages 16 and above are participating in adult education programs this year.

State directors of adult education were invited to nominate programs for competition. Nominees were evaluated on 10 key characteristics, including:

• strategies to recruit and retrain students;
• evidence that students attain their learning goals and that curriculum and instructional methods are up-to-date and geared to adult learners;
• program coordination with other community services and the private sector.

The Secretary's Awards for Outstanding Adult Education and Literacy Programs began in 1985. Each winning program will receive an engraved plaque at a local ceremony.

Northeast Area Winners:

Portland, Maine Adult Education -- The Portland program operates year-round, serving more than 2,500 adults in 10 sites throughout the city. Partnerships are maintained with homeless, correctional, refugee resettlement, and public housing organizations, as well as with various area businesses for workplace literacy services. The program focuses on quality learner-centered education and a responsive and creative environment to support and motivate learners. (Contact: Robert L. Wood (207) 874-8155)

Philadelphia, Pa.; Center for Literacy, Inc. -- The Center provides literacy services at all instructional levels to more than 2,500 students at 106 sites. It is the nation's largest and Pennsylvania's oldest community-based adult literacy provider. In addition to its community program, 18 family literacy, 11 workplace education, six ESL, two homeless, three education for work, and two parole and probation classes are offered. (Contact: JoAnn Weinberger (215) 474-1235)

Dover, Del.; James H. Groves Adult High School -- This program serves more than 2,500 students a year in six sites. It focuses on students' "end of program goals" rather than on a credential. Extra services to participants include developing leadership skills, competency assessment, student advisement, community service, cooperative learning, workplace internships, and credits earned for work experience. More than 600 participants graduate annually with 30 percent moving on to college. (Contact: Fran Tracy-Mumford (302) 739-4681)

Southern Area Winners:

Hickory, N.C.; Adult Basic Skills Education Program, Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) -- CVCC supports seven adult education programs aimed at providing participants with the skills and knowledge to enable to join a "Nation of Learners." More than 2,500 students attend programs at 85 sites. Programs offer classes in several industries, such as furniture, textiles, hosiery, fiber-optic cable, packaging, lighting manufacturing, bakery, and plastics. (Contact: Claudia McLean (704) 327-7006)

Houston, Texas; Adult Education and Literacy Program, Harris County Dept. of Education, Adult Education Division -- The Harris County program targets special groups such as dropouts, homeless, single parents, the unemployed, persons with disabilities and the institutionalized. Workplace literacy classes provide on-site instruction to major corporate partners, including Shell, Dupont, Exxon, Mitsubishi, Brown and Root Services, Hi-Port, Inc., and Minh Foods. Student retention rates are among the highest in the state of Texas. (Contact: Arnaldo Hinojosa (713) 692-6216)

Mid-West Area winners:

Rockford, Ill.; Rock Valley College Adult Education Center -- Rock Valley Ed Center conducts 129 adult education classes at 29 satellite locations located in a tri-county area in northern Illinois. More than 2,100 adults participate in off- campus programs that provide adults with special circumstances convenient access to learning programs. The Center coordinates 16 workplace education programs and tailors the curricula to company needs and individual employees. (Contact: Diana Barthelman (815) 654-4454)

Glen Ellyn, Ill.; Adult Literacy Program, College of Dupage -- This program is a coordinated network of diverse curricula, study options, and support services serving 3,500 students annually in 43 townships. Some 75 percent of upper-level students advanced into transitional academic or vocational mainstream classes; 39 percent of public aid recipients were removed from public assistance or had a reduction in their benefits; and 250 students completed workplace literacy instruction, up from 120 students in 1992. (Contact: Joanna Escobar (708) 858-2800 or 3697)

Western Area Winners:

Twin Falls, Idaho; SCSI Adult Basic Education, College of Southern Idaho -- Adult basic education services are provided to more than 2,300 displaced farm workers, school dropouts, immigrants, incarcerated adults, parents of at-risk youth, and adults with disabilities. Strategies to enhance the training include integrating technology into instruction, developing workplace partnerships, and intensive staff and student involvement. (Contact: Jane Brumbach (208) 733-9554)

Merced, Calif.; Literacy Skills, Merced Union High School District -- The Merced Adult School provides a comprehensive basic skills, adult secondary, and ESL program to more than 3,200 adults in the communities of Atwater, Livingston and Merced. Through collaboration with Greater Avenues for Independence, the Job Training Partnership Act, parent education, and the Livingston Migrant Education Even Start Project, basic skills instruction is provided to under-served adult populations. The program also serves as an Outreach and Technical Assistance Network site, providing technical and staff development to adult education agencies. (Contact: Margaret Kirkpatrick (209) 385-6524)

Juneau, Alaska; Southeast Regional Adult Education Program, Southeast Regional Resource Center (SERRC) -- SERRC's full range of adult education services, include basic education, literacy programs, life skills, ESL, skills assessment, and citizenship. The program serves more than 1,000 adults in 15 communities and villages over a 36,000-mile area. SERRC works closely with agencies serving the needs of special populations in correctional centers, alcohol and substance abuse recovery centers, half-way residential homes for youth and adults, centers for batter and abused women, and low income housing projects. (Contact: JoAnn Henderson (907) 586-6806)