First, let me thank this committee for this opportunity to provide input on these issues regarding adult education. I am a Job Readiness Instructor at an Adult School. In my 8 years of teaching experience, I have had the opportunity to teach classes at the community college, high school, R.O.P., and adult schools levels. In my option, the adult education school is the best and purest educational environment I have ever seen. My particular school is located inside a one-stop also know as a community employment center.
When I first decided to return to school, (12 years after graduation from high school) it was not to attend a community college class. I felt that I did not have the criteria needed so I started with my local high school taking vocational and computer classes. When I was encouraged and ready to start college I enrolled. I am not the only person who has felt this way. In fact, I see many individuals daily who have said the same thing.
My initial response to this Bill 823 is that it would allow adult education to continue to play a collaborative and active role in the educational system and the Master Plan. Yes, there may be changes to the qualifications of instructors, but at my school the instructors either have masters or have completed student teaching via their multiple subject or single subject credentials. What bothers me the most is understanding the Bill, if Bill 823 is to remove adult education away from the high school districts and move them exclusively under the umbrella of the community college this would be an injustice to the adults we serve. If this were correct then why would the California Educational System want such an injustice to the people?
I would also like to have clarification on whether Bill 823 allows for only basic education, ESL, and vocational training. If so what happen to earning a high school diploma at the adult school level? Please clarify. Last year alone the adult school, where I work had 130 individuals complete and earn their H.S. Diploma.
We have had many individuals visit our school and I am confident that this type of exposure to Adult Schools has been valuable to informing the people of California of who and what we do.
I would like to state that moving the Adult Schools under the umbrella of the Community Colleges would not serve the same type of benefit that it currently does in the high school settings. Keep in mind that most high school - Adult Schools are located in the community they serve and classes are open entry/open exit, not to mention the classes are available in both the day and evening time. Most importantly, students are expose to the most up-to-date technological learning environment available.
Finally, this is an appeal to maintain Adult Schools an active participate within the high school setting is extremely valuable to our communities. Thank you for your time.
Nancy Woods Hernandez
Educator
nhernand@ouhsd.org
Posted as a reply to:
SB 823 by Adrienne Hamlin
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