Special Populations - Santa Ana College - Adult Basic Ed

Adult Basic Education (ABE ) Program - Santa Ana

Program Components:

Academic/remedial supports

Secondary-postsecondary partnership

Collaborative funds

Mary Walker, Program Coordinator

714-241-5749

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-forcredit

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.

Los Angeles/Orange (7/8)