[Nesabes] students who do not progress

[Margaret English]

HI everyone,  
Here at ELP when I first came 9 years ago as Coordinator there were several
students who were identified as "spinning their wheels" in classes. No
progress.  The majority of these students as it turned out had little or no
literacy in their native language.  We began a "Literacy Class" for just
this population and have always had a full class.  If there are no
transferable skills then the student will not make the progress necessary to
keep up with DOE standards.  This class is now non-DOE funded so that this
will not detract from our "numbers" for DOE standards.  Many (but not all)
students have made great great strides but have often had to stay in the
Literacy class for 2 years.  We attempted a Transitions class where a
Literacy graduate could practice their new found skills but we did not
receive enough funding after 2 years of this class to maintain it, so we
depend on the Literacy class to help these students.  It works, not
perfectly, but for "most" students they have the sense of community found in
a classroom and the knowledge that their needs are being met.  
We have no  ABE experience.  
Love to talk about this some more. How about a meeting with people concerned
about this whether teacher, counselor or director?????  MEG 

  _____  

From: nesabes-bounces at lists.literacytent.org
[mailto:nesabes-bounces at lists.literacytent.org] On Behalf Of Povenmire,
Alisa
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 6:42 PM
To: Bower, Carol; Brenda Lynch
Cc: nesabes at lists.literacytent.org
Subject: [Nesabes] students who do not progress


Hello Carol and all,
 
I have a few questions about policy regarding students who do not progress
after years at a certain level.  My concern is for ESOL students, but this
may be an issue in ABE as well.  
 
1.  How long do you allow a student to remain at a certain level without
progress?  Indefinitely? 2 years? 5 years?
2.  Do you ever decide to deny a student readmittance to a program if they
do not progress?
3.  If you do deny readmittance, how do you do this tactfully?
4.  Does DOE have a set policy on this issue?
 
Because our waitlist is so long, I worry that students who stay so long
(whatever this is generally considered to be) are over-utilizing a resource
that might better be offered to folks who haven't had opportunity.  But I
also know that some students really derive a community inclusion benefit
from participation in English classes and I do not want to undervalue this
aspect.
 
I would appreciate your comments and suggestions as I am new to dealing with
this particular issue.
 
Thank you,
Alisa
 
 
Alisa Vlahakis Povenmire
ESOL Coordinator
Adult Literacy and Transition Programs
Northern Essex Community College
78 Amesbury Street
Lawrence, MA 01841
apovenmire at necc.mass.edu
978-738-7623
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