Archive: December 2011
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Sanford (LVGS) is pleased to announce our third annual Trivia Night at the Town Club on Friday, January 13, 2012. This fun event, which raises money for LVGS programs, takes place at the Town Club in the Trust Building in downtown Sanford and includes team competition on trivia questions, delicious appetizers and great raffle items. Trivia categories include geography, science, current events, literature, food, television and superstitions. Raffle items include tickets for the Bruins, Red Claws, Seadogs, and Mainers as well as a hotel stay and Keurig coffeemaker.
Tickets are $20 a person including appetizers. Teams need 4 to 8 people. If you don’t have 4 people, please call us and we will match you with others for a team.
The doors open at 6 p.m. and the Trivia Game is 7 – 9 p.m.
Please join us for an evening of lively competition hosted by emcee Marcel Blouin and catered by Above and Beyond!
To register, please call the Literacy Volunteers office at 324-2486 or email lvgs@metrocast.net.
Posted
by Ingrid Baily
on December 30, 2011
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Meet Janet Hooper [Wiscasset Adult & Community Education]
Hello, my name is Janet Hooper, and I live in Wiscasset. I am married, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
People take the Office Skills Certificate Program (OSCP) for many different reasons. In my case it was because the company I had worked at for 23 years moved its operation to Mexico. Having thought I would retire from there, I found myself instead having to think about re-entering a different work field.
I went to the Adult Education Office in Wiscasset where I met a great staff who helped me get started on the right path. After several discussions with them I decided I wanted to work in an office environment. Career change decided but no computer skills! This is where OSCP came into play.
I started the program which is self-paced, teacher lead, and involves many different aspects. Part of the course is typing 30 words per minute at the basic level and 50 words per minute at the advanced level without looking at the keys. It is a long road from 10 words per minute but with much practice I made it to 32 words per minute. So I guess 50 will soon come.
Learning the Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) was fascinating to me. I couldn’t believe how much is out there to learn. My skills have increased tremendously! My favorite part of the course is accounting. I have always loved math and hope to work with financial records.
Another aspect of the program is the WorkReady Credential, which teaches you more about entering the work force. It teaches you how to write your resume and cover letters which are needed today to apply for jobs. They do on site visits to different places that give you an inside look at all the different jobs available. Mock interviews are done so you know what you are going to face in an interview, extremely helpful to me as I had not gone to one in over 20 years! I strongly urge anyone looking to find a job to take the WorkReady program.
The hands-on help from the instructors was very beneficial to me. The whole staff at Wiscasset Adult Ed, along with our program instructors, was willing to assist with anything I needed help with. I look forward to finishing this program soon and getting started on the Accounting Clerk Certificate.
I want everyone to know, it doesn’t matter your age—you can always learn more, and you may find it enjoyable.
Posted
by Anne Fensie
on December 30, 2011
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Big changes to the GED® Test in 2014
On March 15, 2011, The American Council on Education (ACE) and Pearson announced the creation of a ground-breaking new business that will drive the future direction, design, and delivery of the GED® testing program based on their vision for the GED in the 21st century. Their press release explained that the three primary components of this initiative will include:
1. A new, more rigorous GED Test aligned with Common Core State Standards designed to ensure career- and college-readiness;
2. A national test preparation program featuring an expanding array of innovative and personalized learning resources; and,
3. A transition network that connects GED test-takers to career and postsecondary educational opportunities.
The need for higher standards is clear. With a labor market that increasingly seeks some postsecondary training, paired with dispiriting rates of high school and college completion, the future of our economy depends on creating a highly skilled, creative, and competitive workforce. This includes more intensive educational opportunities for the 40 million adults in the U.S. without a high school diploma.
Policy makers and the GED Testing Service are working to reposition the GED as a step in a journey toward postsecondary training, rather than as an end in itself. Epitomizing that shift in thinking, the new exam, due out in 2014, will have two passing points: the traditional one indicating high school equivalency, and an additional, higher one signaling college and career readiness.
"The message is that you’re not here just to get a high school equivalency and walk out. You’re here to get prepared for careers and educational opportunities that are going to demand that you have even more skills," explains Nicole Chestang, the executive vice president of the GED Testing Service.
The New Benchmark: Common Core Standards
According to the Maine Department of Education, the Common Core State Standards are a set of academic standards in Mathematics and English Language Arts, which includes literacy in history/social studies, science and technical subjects. The Common Core State Standards focus on developing college- and career-ready standards and ensuring these standards are evidence- and research-based and internationally benchmarked to top-performing countries.
Sample GED Science Question
Question: Oxidation is a chemical reaction that occurs when oxygen combines with an element or compound. For instance, when raw apple slices are exposed to air, certain chemicals on the surface of the slices oxidize and turn brown. Antioxidants are substances that slow the rate of oxidation. Citrus fruits, for example, contain the antioxidant vitamin C.
Suppose fresh apple slices are dipped briefly in lemon juice and then placed in a bowl. How will the lemon juice affect the apple slices?
1. The apple slices will turn brown much more slowly.
2. The lemon juice, but not the apples, will turn brown.
3. The lemon juice, but not the apples, will oxidize the air.
4. The surface of the apple slices will oxidize more quickly.
5. The interior, not the surface, of the slices will be oxidized.
Answer: Lemons are a citrus fruit, so lemon juice contains the antioxidant vitamin C, which slows the rate of oxidation. If the apple slices are dipped in lemon juice, they will oxidize more slowly. As a result of the slower oxidation rate, they will also turn brown more slowly, so choice 1 is correct. The other choices reflect a misunderstanding of the material in the passage. Choices 2 and 3 are about changes in the lemon juice. The question asks about changes in the apple slices. Choice 4 says the surface of the apple slices will oxidize more quickly, but an antioxidant slows down oxidation. Choice 5 mentions the interior of the apple slices, but the lemon juice is on the exterior of the apple slices.
For example, one of the ten reading standards for literacy in science and technical subjects on key ideas and details is outlined below based on age group.
1. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. (grades 6-8)
2. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to the precise details of explanations or descriptions. (grades 9-10)
3. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the account. (grades 11-12)
Let’s look at a sample question from the current version of the GED Science test. Answering this question correctly would demonstrate mastery of the above standard at the 6-8 grade level. Imagine how much harder this question will have to be to demonstrate mastery at the 11-12 grade level. In addition, all of the information needed to answer the question can be found in the reading passage itself, whereas the new version of the test will require background science knowledge.
The Local Impact
There are many people in the area who have started taking the GED tests, yet have not completed all five to earn their High School Credential. Our program works hard to ensure the success of each student, as evidenced by the 85% passing rate of students who take the GED tests. Over the past three years, 760 students have enrolled in academic and career preparation programs at Wiscasset Adult & Community Education, 288 (38%) with the goal of earning a High School Credential. Of the students in the High School Completion Program, 145 (50%) students took at least one GED test, 122 (42%) students received passing scores, and 55 (19%) earned a High School Diploma. Obviously, there are many people that need to return to adult education to complete the remaining tests before 2014 to earn their High School Diploma.
"We’ve already begun the shift in using the GED as merely a stepping stone on the path to success, rather than a dead end," notes Anne Fensie, Director of Adult Education in Wiscasset. "Our local requirements for testing include completion of orientation, career advising, goal planning, student success skills, and significant academic preparation before registering to test. The recently released details about the 2014 version [of the GED] support the mission of our school district: to educate each and every student to the fullest of his/her potential, enabling them to participate fully as a productive and self-fulfilled member of a democratic society."
Take Action
So, what does this mean for you if you don’t have a high school credential? If you wait until 2014 to get started on taking the GED tests, it will likely take longer to achieve your goal as you will be held to a higher standard. Most will need to get started now to be able to pass the new GED. It is also important to note that old scores will not transfer to the new version of the test. Beginning in 2014, anyone who has not earned their high school credential will have to take all of the new tests. Of course, the benefit of passing the new GED is that you and potential employers/schools will have proof that you are ready to succeed in college and more demanding, higher paying jobs. Our advice—get started now!
GED® and GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education (ACE). They may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of ACE or GED Testing Service. The GED® and GED Testing Service® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license from the American Council on Education.
Posted
by Anne Fensie
on December 26, 2011
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Community Connection for High-Speed Broadband Internet Technical Assistance.
Bangor Adult & Community Education is your Community Connection for information on how you can use Maine's expanding high-speed, broadband internet connectivity to help you meet educational goals, enrich your life, obtain health information, access governmental services and enhance economic and community development. Contact our office and arrange a special presentation on the importance of high speed interent for your civic or social organization.
Look for this symbol in our catalog. It identifies courses and workshops where you'll about high-speed internet connectivity. This community education program is presented in cooperation with the Maine Department of Education and the ConnectME Authority. Learn more at www.maine.gov/connectme and check the speed on your internet connection.
The MARTI project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act State Broadband Infrastructure Program Award Number 23-50-M09062.
Posted
by Greg Leavitt
on December 21, 2011
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Community Connection for High-Speed, Broadband Internet Technical Assistance.
The RSU25 Adult Education program is your Community Connection for information on how you can use Maine’s expanding high-speed, broadband internet connectivity to help you meet educational goals, enrich your life, obtain health information, access governmental services and enhance economic and community development. Contact our office and arrange a special presentation on the importance of high speed internet for your civic or social organization.
Look for this symbol in our catalog. It identifies courses and workshops where you’ll learn about high-speed internet connectivity. This community education program is presented in cooperation with the Maine Department of Education and the ConnectME Authority. Learn more at www.maine.gov/connectme and check the speed on your internet connection.
Posted
by Tina Monreal
on December 20, 2011
Maranacook Adult Education is now offering gift certificates in $10, $25 and $50 denominations. The certificates may be used toward the cost of any course. Please visit our web site for more information.
Posted
by Sue Gadberry
on December 18, 2011
Karate [RSU 25 Adult and Community Education]
2013 Karate begins 1/2!
Enjoy yourself while learning self defense! Increase your confidence, respect, mental and physical endurance. Offered year round by Adult Education and the Bucksport Branch of Tracy’s Karate. Karate is a great family sport with safety and health issues a top priority. Experienced instructors. Give it a try. You can’t be too old, too big, or too small. To register, contact Sensei Linwood Bridges, 7th degree black belt, 469-7416. Ask about our Discount Programs! This is an ongoing program and you may come to register at anytime. Ongoing.
W 5-8pm with Sensei Linwood Bridges at JS $55 youth/$60 adult
Posted
by Kathy Pelletier
on December 8, 2011
Students will master the basics of Python as well as more advanced skills such as object-oriented programming with classes and exceptions. In addition, they'll explore unique Python data structures such as tuples and dictionaries and learn to create Python programs with graphic elements including graphical user interface (GUI) objects.
If your next question is, what is Python?, here's a link for you: http://www.python.org/about/ , or register for the course here.
Posted
by Kathy Normandin
on December 7, 2011
We at Massabesic Center for Adult Learning are always interested in your feedback on how and what we are doing.
We welcome your thoughts on:
1.Things we are doing right.
2.Areas that could use improvement.
3. Other services or courses you would like MCAL to offer for community members.
Feel free to e-mail Barbara Gauvin: barbaragauvin@rsu57.org with your comments.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in helping us to keep improving our program to fit the needs of our community members.
Posted
by Deborah Whitehouse
on December 6, 2011
