[Nesabes] students who do not progress

[Bower, Carol]

Hi All,
 
Thanks Nancy and Meg for your replies to Alisa's question.  As you can see, Alisa there are a variety of ways that programs deal with this difficult issue.  This topic was discussed at a directors' sharing group meeting a few years ago, and I think other programs, similar to Nancy's and Meg's have come up with some policies and procedures to deal with those learners who do not progress.  Whether it means additional assessment to determine the possible underlying causes, or referral to other organizations or community services that will meet their social affiliation needs, programs have to have some system in place for reviewing individual learner progress over a period of time, with prescribed steps to follow before a decision is made to terminate the student from the program.  
 
If there is a group of practitioners who would like to meet around this topic, I would be happy to convene it.  Please just reply to me - cbower at necc.mass.edu
 
Best regards,
Carol
 
Carol Bower
NE SABES
Lawrence, MA
978-738-7301

________________________________

From: Margaret English [mailto:elitercy at rcn.com]
Sent: Wed 11/21/2007 10:07 AM
To: Povenmire, Alisa; Bower, Carol; 'Brenda Lynch'
Cc: nesabes at lists.literacytent.org
Subject: RE: [Nesabes] students who do not progress


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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