Mary Walker, Program Coordinator
714-241-5749 orwalker_mary@sac.edu
Target population:
Students age 18 and older who want to improve academic success and
employment opportunities.
Goals:
To assist students in strengthening skills in reading, writing,
grammar and math; to prepare students for high school subjects, the
GED or college credit courses; and to strengthen skills necessary
for students preparing to enter the workforce.
Description:
The Santa Ana College Adult Basic Education (ABE) program is a
not-for credit program that prepares students for postsecondary
education by strengthening reading, writing and math skills. Any
student with below average assessment scores is encouraged to
attend. Students enter the program via high school counseling or
adult education programs where they are encouraged to earn their
high school diploma; or through the College’s ESL program, where
students in the highest two levels are encouraged to participate.
ABE programs are offered at the College’s Centennial Education
Center, Market Place Educational Center, Success Center, and at
several community sites. Instruction
includes self-paced, small group, and whole class teacher directed
lessons that address specific content skills as well as general
overall skills that all students need.
Staffing:
25 part-time faculty and 1 project coordinator
Facilities, equipment, materials:
Classrooms
Costs, funding source:
FTE, WIA Federal Grant
Outreach and marketing:
The College conducts outreach via flyers and presentations to K-12
schools; and ABE faculty members visit students enrolled in the two
highest levels of ESL and promote the program.
The program also collaborates on a statewide level with CCAE
(California Council for Adult Education) and on the national level
as a member of COABE (Commission on Adult Basic Education).
Evidence of effectiveness:
The program works to break down barriers to success for second
language and other learners, encouraging students to continue their
postsecondary education leading to high wage, high demand
occupations or transfer to two or four-year colleges and
universities. This program is very student friendly and can make a
huge difference as students are empowered to pursue educational
goals and rewarding careers.
Suggestions for replication:
Success depends on supporting positive relationships –it is
important to build community and class spirit within a program and
among students and faculty.
Work collaboratively with educational and community partners such as
the community’s Adult School and other adult education programs, as
well as state and national programs that focus on improving basic
educational skills.