[NLA] Help For Adult Literacy Outside NIFL

[Matthew Scelza]

Hello,

David's posting led me to think about a model for vocational training that Germany has used for years.  Essentially, students enter a vocational school for two years of training after high school.  The students receive classroom instruction in automobile repair, computer repair and maintenance, etc., and also serve in real-world internships during their two years.  This is a viable alternative for students who do not wish to enter university, but also want more career preparation than high school offers.  

Could a similar model exist for LEP students in this country?  Two years of full-time learning English and participating in career preparation classes and internships?

Peace,
Matthew Scelza

-----Original Message-----
From: David J. Rosen [mailto:DJRosen at theworld.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 01, 2002 5:59 PM
To: nla at lists.literacytent.org
Subject: Re: [NLA] Help For Adult Literacy Outside NIFL


NLA Colleagues,

My thoughts:

As standards rise in school systems across the country, high stakes
tests are guarding the high school graduation gate keeping many Limited
English Proficient (LEP) young adults from a diploma.  Ideally public
schools should provide the needed help, but this doesn't always happen,
and I believe we will see an increasing number of school dropouts who 
have limited English skills.

GED and adult diploma programs may provide the answer for some, but many
LEP school dropouts are not prepared for the adult secondary education
level.  They need an intensive program with appropriate level ESOL and
basic skills instruction in a functional work context.  This might 
include vocational skills (such as computer maintenance and repair, 
building trades, or healthcare) combined with English language learning. 
   The program should include youth leadership opportunities, including
community service.  In most cases such a program would need to be at
least two years, full-time, and should have both the GED (or adult
diploma) and English proficiency as outcomes.  Other outcomes should
include eligibility for -- or actual enrollment in -- post-secondary
education or training, official recognition of the community service,
and successful paid work experience.


And....

I wonder if NLA subscribers can suggest some models for LEP young adults
for which there is evidence of success or promise.  It would be most
helpful if these are models which have been documented and if you could
site a reference.

David J. Rosen
NLA List Moderator




_______________________________________________
NLA mailing list: NLA at lists.literacytent.org
http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/nla
LiteracyTent: web hosting, news, community and goodies for literacy
http://literacytent.org
_______________________________________________
NLA mailing list: NLA at lists.literacytent.org
http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/nla
LiteracyTent: web hosting, news, community and goodies for literacy
http://literacytent.org