SCOOP SCOOP! Stop the Presses!!!
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Just before sending out our enewsletter we learned that the age cap for the High School Completion Program has been removed. All Vermont adults can now complete their high school diplomas through this cutting edge legislation.
The High School Completion Program authorizes high schools to join forces with Vermont Adult Learning so that any student, regardless of age, can create an individualized graduation plan. These plans can include a wide range of education and training experiences, counseling and health services, and innovative community partnerships. There is no cost to the student.
We are very excited about this new legislation and the learning opportunities it brings for all our students!
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Workkeys Testing
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As jobs continue to become more complex, employers are asking their employees to have increasingly higher skills. Employers provide specific on-the-job training to nearly 80% of the workforce. That's why employers are looking for job candidates who possess the foundational skills that make them easier to train on the job. The WorkKeys® program helps ensure that individuals are ready for work. A job assessment system, WorkKeys® measures "real world" skills that employers believe are critical to job success. These skills are valuable for any occupation-skilled or professional-and at any level of education. Students can use their WorkKeys® scores to determine how their skills measure up to those required in the workforce. For more info please contact Heather Kelman @ 802-735-1480. CONGRATULATIONS TO Paulina!  | | Paulina Varela, VAL HSC Graduate & WorkKeys recipient |
Congratulations to Paulina Varela for completing her graduation education plan through the High School Completion Program. In addition to a Burlington High School Diploma, she also earned a WorkKeys certificate. Well done, Paulina! |
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GED Schedule
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June 2013
VAL Downtown: Tues., Jun. 4
Sat. at Colchester: Jun. 15
VAL Colchester: Mon. Jun. 24
Computer Based Tests: $24/test
Paper Version: $17/test
Please call to pre-register:
(802) 735-0662
If you have new students to refer please see the "Our Process" info below.
 | GED: Computer Based Testing is Here!
(please click photo to view the video). |
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Our Process
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Every student who comes through our doors is expected to attend an orientation session. We assess their skills in the areas of reading, writing and math so they have a clear understanding of where they are and where they need to go. Students are then assigned to an Educational Adviser who will help them set goals and create a clear educational path.
Our process is structured, and the emphasis is on student support and outcomes.
For the GED, High School Completion Program and for ESOL classes please see below to schedule the first appointment.
First time Callers
Vermont Adult Learning
Learning Centers are located in Fort Ethan Allen, Colchester and in Burlington (downtown Burlington @ Church & Cherry)
For English Language Classes: (802) 735-0662
For GED, Adult Diploma Program, High School Completion Program and help with basic skills:
(802) 846-7245
OUR PROGRAMS ARE FREE OF CHARGE!
Vermont Adult Learning
will be closed
Thursday, July 4th for Independence Day
Graduation is Thursday, June 20th at the Elley-Long Music Center in Fort Ethan, Colchester
6p.m.
Happy Spring!
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Greetings!
 | | Cindy Mill, VAL Regional Mgr. with Gov. Shumlin at our June graduation ceremony. |
Spring is a time to embrace change and put into motion new ideas. During the last eight months, Vermont Adult Learning in Chittenden County, has been re-making itself focusing not only on a more efficient structure but also better outcomes for students - English language acquisition including citizenship, earning a high school diploma or GED, completing work certifications that leads to employment or promotion, transitioning to college, and improving basic skills in reading, writing, and math.
It's a tall order.
And to lead the charge, we've hired new faces that bring a fresh perspective to what we do. Heather Kelman, Forrest Gardner, and Julia DiPietro are the instructional coordinators that make sure VAL's programs are in line with Chittenden's ever changing business and education needs.
Many adult education students work and have families. They have made a commitment to add an education component to their already busy, even hectic, lives. To help balance this challenge, Beverly Keim was hired to teach
English within the context of VAL's business contracts including the University of Vermont's Custodial Services Department, Fletcher Allen Health Care's Environmental Services Department, and the Vermont Judiciary and their interpreter training program.
Kate Compton joins the VAL staff as an Employment Specialist in conjunction with Creative Workforce Solutions and Reach Up. Kaelyn Murray is our newest addition. She comes on board as a High School Completion Plan Manager working with students from Colchester, Essex, South Burlington and Milton High Schools.
GED is changing. As of January 1, 2014, GED will no longer be given in a paper and pencil format; it'll be totally computer-based, reduced from five to four tests incorporating writing throughout the language, science and social studies portions. Chris McClain is our new GED Examiner and will support students as they transition into the new era of GED. (By the way, if you know of anyone who needs to finish their GED, have them get a hold of VAL at 846-7245. Ask for Christopher or Maureen. After 12/31/13, everyone who previously began their GED but never finished will have to start over. Don't get caught short!)
Best,
 
Cindy Mills, Regional Manager
Vermont Adult Learning
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Announcing New VAL Staff
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Kate Compton, VAL Employment Specialist
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Kate Compton joins VAL Burlington as an Employment Specialist for Reach Up clients. She works closely with individuals as they take the steps to becoming economically self-sufficient. This includes a range of progressive employment activities such as resume building, community service/work experience placements, job readiness classes, and job searches. She enjoys the variety of individuals she gets to work with and their unique skills and backgrounds.
Kate recently moved to Burlington from Boulder, Colorado where she earned her Bachelor's degree in International Relations. She is excited about everything Burlington has to offer, especially the outdoors, yoga and up-cycling!
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Chris McClain, GED Examiner
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Chris McClain is the new GED Examiner. She is originally from Missouri, attended the University of Kansas and moved to Vermont in 1978. She retired from The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in October. She is best known in VAL circles for piping at our graduation ceremony 10 years running.
There are many changes happening to GED. First, the current version expires December 31, 2013. It is imperative that anyone who has started completes all five tests by then in order to avoid starting over. Help us get the word out!
Beginning in January, 2014, the GED is going to a computer-based testing format with four tests instead of five. The stand alone writing exam is being discontinued and will be incorporated into the reading (language), social studies, and science tests. The GED certificate opens doors to college, better jobs, the respect adults deserve, and the satisfaction of earning a high school equivalency credential, so we want to make sure that everyone is aware of this deadline. Support and testing is available in Burlington and Colchester. Please help spread the word!
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Beverly Keim, ESOL Employment Teacher
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Beverly Keim joined VAL in October as a workplace ESOL instructor. Most of her students work for the custodial and environmental services departments at UVM and Fletcher Allen Health Care respectively. They make her job a joy! Beverly taught for a couple of years in public schools after completing her MA-TESOL and VT Teacher's License in 2010. Prior to her work in TESOL, Beverly was the French School Coordinator with the Middlebury College Language Schools for many years, admitting students and making all logistical arrangements for the language-immersion program. She grew up in the Midwest and came to VT by a circuitous route which included teaching English to adults in Germany.  | |
Maureen Cavanaugh, ESOL Teacher
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Maureen Cavanagh recently joined the Chittenden County staff as a part-time ESOL teacher at Sloane Hall. Prior to this, she volunteered with Vermont Adult Learning for four years and taught a beginning ESOL literacy class. Before retiring and moving to Vermont, Maureen was the director of the Coos County, New Hampshire Adult Learner Services Program for 16 years. We are thrilled to have her on board  | |
Kaelyn Murray, HSCP Plan Mgr.
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Kaelyn Murray is our new High School Completion Plan Manager. She has worked with young adults in Chittenden County through various education and social service programs. Kaelyn is interested in supporting students as they work to become lifelong learners and active members in our community. She enjoys studying ecological design and encourages students to grow as stewards of both themselves and their place.
Kaelyn plays soccer, enjoys hiking and is a beginner gardener. She is excited to be part of the VAL team and looking forward to working with students as they achieve personal and academic growth. |
Meet Our Three New Coordinators
 | | Julia DiPietro, ESOL Program Coordinator |
The English Language Program
at Vermont Adult Learning has been very busy. We are currently serving over 250 students, from beginning to advanced levels. Our classrooms are located at Sloane Hall in Colchester, Sara Holbrook in Burlington, St. Joseph's School in Burlington, CCV in Winooski, and at the King St. Center in Burlington.
 | | Forrest Gardner, ABE Program Coordinator |
The Adult Basic Education Program
at Vermont Adult Learning helps Vermonters build the skills they need to be successful in our credentialing programs.
As usual there is a lot happening in the world of Adult Basic Education in Chittenden. We are increasing our use of online learning platforms such as CSM (Core Skills Mastery) and Key Train and having great success. Over the coming months, we will be turning out attention to getting ready for the new GED in 2014.
 | | Heather Kelman, ASE Program Coordinator |
Our Adult Secondary Education programs are designed to address the needs of Vermonters who need to earn a high school credential.They are all free of charge.
Due to new legislation, the High School Completion Program (HSC) is now open to Vermonters regardless of age. Individualized graduation plans are created and can include a wide range of educational and career opportunities as well as community partnerships.
We are very excited about this new legislation and what it means for all of our students!
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Spread the Work: New GED Test in 2014
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