Career and Technical Education: Nurses Needed; Construction Calling; More Machinists Please!

School:: Immokalee Technical College
Subject:: Language Arts
Teacher:: Brad Myers
Students Impacted:: 100
Grade:: Adult Ed.
Date:: October 7, 2021

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

Island Walk Racquet Sports Committee - $441.82

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 12

This grant impacts a differing number of students who enter my classroom over the course of a school year, which often approaches 100. To date, about a dozen students have used the new materials to prepare for testing, both for entering career and technical education programs and for GED test preparation to earn a high equivalency diploma. The students who have used the books have developed greater understandings of the English language and have made great strides in becoming more proficient in writing, understanding and speaking in Standard English. In particular, two students are using the materials to study for exams to enter the practical nursing program and have increased their scores high enough to be admitted for the next semester. Another student who used the books is now in the nursing program and continues to study using the books, as her scores also increased enough to secure a place in the program sooner.

Overall, the new materials have provided students additional means to prepare for testing. Because many of the students are immigrants from outside the U.S., these extra tools have been a huge benefit to assist them in preparing for English language testing, and will be for some time as students continue to pursue careers in technical educational and to earn their high school equivalency diplomas.

grant photo

A prospective nursing student uses an English prep

grant photo

This student is practicing for an upcoming TABE La

Original Grant Overview

Goal

In order for students to complete Career and Technical Education programs and join the Southwest Florida skilled labor workforce, they must earn program-specific scores on adult basic education tests. Many students struggle to pass these tests, even with current materials, including computer-aided learning, because English is not their first language. My goal is to have as many different resources as possible to help teach English language arts concepts to students. By using a variety of classroom materials, I hope to assist my students not only in entering and completing their career programs, but also help them gain stronger English language skills to navigate daily life. The overall goal is to help adult students and our community by teaching important language communication concepts in our ever-growing population. Ultimately, the students will use the skills in their workplaces and in our community in general.

What will be done with my students

First, after the students’ needs are assessed, they will use the appropriate level books and computer programs to practice. Because the students begin their literacy programs at different times and they have different needs, the students will use the new books individually or sometimes with a partner as appropriate. Students will be guided through the book focusing on their weaknesses, as they do not need to practice what they have done well. During the progression of the course, students will periodically take practice tests to ensure growth and to correct any errors and misconceptions. In using the newest, up-to-date resources, in conjunction with existing materials, students will earn the required scores for their respective programs. Those who do not, will continue to practice until they have reached the desired level for success. Once, the students reach the level, they exit the literacy program and focus solely on their career and technical education classes.

Benefits to my students

The added benefit for the students is that they will have another option to practice and learn the literacy skills they need to be successful in their career and technical education programs. One size does not fit all in education; multiple means of learning concepts broadens the chances for understanding and creating meaning. The adult basic education literacy skills are needed to ensure that students have the abilities necessary for successful transition into and completion of postsecondary education, training or employment. By adding additional resources to my room, my students will have a significantly higher opportunity for success. This is a benefit for those students in their chosen career path and for the community at large, as the students will become vital members of the local workforce.

Budget Narrative

The only items needed are the newest versions of the TABE Language tutor books to add to my classroom resource materials. I have included just eight of each level needed and the shipping costs, for a total of $441.82.

About 100 students annually will benefit from these items.

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	(8) A Tutor for TABE Language Level A: Student Edition ISBN 9781934350829	$199.92
2	(8) A Tutor for TABE Language Level D: Student Edition ISBN Pending	$199.92
3	Shipping Charge	$41.98
	Total:	$441.82

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