Basic Skills & I-BEST

SAN DIEGO—The California budget for education has been significantly reduced and remains restrictive, yet San Diego Continuing Education has found a curriculum model to keep a shining light on a student-centered approach to learning, and ultimately on student success.

CONTEXTUALIZED LEARNING

I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education Skills Training) is contextualized learning, or learning in context. For example, to a student in a Nursing Assistant training class, a math problem is more applicable if it is converted from solving non-specific math calculation into a specific math calculation that relates directly to the subject they are learning. When you change the approach from solving a math problem that calculates the answer to “What is 75% of 79?” into a problem that calculates a patient’s new dosage of penicillin when a doctor decreases the 79mg dosage by 25%, the math problem immediately becomes relevant and the student knows how the lesson can be applied in a real-life situation outside the classroom.

I-BEST pairs an adult basic skills instructor with a professional, technical instructor in the same classroom at the same time. The combination of the instructors working together to develop and deliver instruction provides academic and workforce skills that lead students to a living wage job on a viable career path.

“I-BEST represents a fundamental shift in pedagogy for basic skills instruction. Our students are afforded a highly relevant educational experience. This, in addition to the cohort experience, motivates them to be more successful, said Brian Ellison, Ed.D., Vice President of Instruction for Continuing Education.

The potency of contextualized learning is not a secret. Washington State has been using the I-BEST model successfully since 2002; pairing vocational training with contextualized basic skills through a team-teaching environment.

Modeling best-practices from Washington State and using their existing Allied Health program, Anthony Beebe, Ed.D., President of Continuing Education and a team of administrators and faculty and have established an I-BEST model at Continuing Education, the first of its kind in CA.

“I-BEST takes what we have known for centuries about how students learn and brings it to life in the classroom. Students don’t wonder why they are learning something. Instead, students follow the instructor and understand why they need to learn the material,” said Dr. Beebe.

RESULTS

From pre-test to post-test, students have shown an increase of 15% or 1.5 letter grades in as little as six weeks. Additionally, one in every six students moved from below 60% (a grade F) to above 90% (a grade A). “We wanted to build a specific and accelerated the pathway into higher education. The empirical results of our students’ success rates prove that we have done exactly that,” said John Lindem, I-BEST Program Coordinator.

Students were surprised at their own success. “This class helped me ace the TEAS,” said Sarah McKinsey speaking about the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) test. Another student, Maria, said, “With I-BEST, I have been able to study both nursing and basic skills at the same time. This means I can find a better job and quicker.”

In addition to the Nursing Assistant training classes, I-BEST is also embedded within the Welding and Structural Fabrication program, and a VESL (Vocational English as a Second Language) Personal Assistant/Caregiver class. Recently, Continuing Education’s I-BEST VESL class was awarded a 2010 Promising Practices Award by the CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems) Awards Review Team, in coordination with the CA Dept. of Education.

FUTURE OF I-BEST AT CONTINUING EDUCATION

“SDCE’s effort to introduce the I-BEST model into the Welding program is based on the need to approach our students in a relevant and pragmatic manner,” said Dr. Ellison. “Our goal is to ensure simultaneously that program competencies are achieved and the student's employment potential is high.”

San Diego Continuing Education offers free Job Training/Certificate Programs at six Continuing Education campuses. Programs cover numerous industries and include Child Development, Culinary, Professional Bakeshop Skills, Office Skills, Computers, Plumbing, and Clothing Construction. See a full list of programs at www.sdce.edu.

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San Diego Continuing Education is the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District. It was one of the first community college continuing education institutions in California to meet the standards for independent accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. More than 100,000 students are served per academic year at six main campuses in San Diego. Noncredit classes are available at no cost, including online options.

Classes are free because San Diego Continuing Education is part of the California system of higher education. Funding also comes through business and industry partnerships. Learn more at www.sdce.edu.

Due to current statewide fiscal constraints, many classes offered by San Diego Continuing Education are at capacity, and many have waiting lists. It is likely that students may not be able to enroll in the class of choice this fall due to these fiscal constraints, and unprecedented student demand. Continuing Education apologizes in advance for any inconvenience students may experience when attempting to enroll, and encourages people to contact their legislative representative when voicing concerns.

Continuing Education Diana Bandak teaches in the Adult Basic Education program at West City Campus. Bandak recently visited the White House on the occasion of the United States signing the treaty for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdce/sets/72157625172753925/

Continuing Education Celebrates Commencement

This Year’s Oldest Graduate is 75 Years Young

SAN DIEGO– San Diego Continuing Education will honor more than 1,100 graduates during Commencement at Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park on Wednesday, June 2 at 5 p.m. The ceremony is a collaboration with the San Diego Unified School District Adult High School Diploma Program. The graduates are a collective group: many have, at some point, fallen through the cracks of the traditional education system and chose to re-enter classrooms and complete either their High School Diploma, or a GED; some have completed specific job training skills as part of a certificate program and are eager to enter the workforce; and others have mastered English as their second language.

At age 75, Maria Llamado suffered a stroke ten years ago, which partially paralyzed her, but has since recovered. She takes no medication and walks an hour everyday to attend class at Continuing Education's Centre City Campus. "It takes me about 2,000 steps," she says. "I count the steps to keep my memory sharp. I also use the time for meditation."

Llamado is walking proof that you are never too old for education. "My grandkids were tinkering around with the computer and e-mail and I didn't want to be left behind," she said. After enrolling in computer keyboard classes, Llamado was ambitious enough to complete a Front Desk/Office Assistant Certificate Program, and is participating in commencement as this year's oldest graduate.

The representative student speaker for the ceremony is age 37 and left middle school without being able to read or write. She lived homeless on the streets for a while; found some solace in a church; then worked as a missionary in Tijuana before meeting up with a group who helped her get back to education.

She is proud to represent her class as commencement speaker for 2010. “I have my Ph.D. from the street, and now my GED from CE,” she says.

"El conocimiento abre puertas y derriva fronteras,” is a Mexican expression that means "knowledge opens doors and flattens boundaries,” said Dr. Anthony E. Beebe, President of Continuing Education. “Commencement is the ultimate example of how we can change lives by helping people achieve their educational goals.”

Awards include 227 GEDs, 600 High School Diplomas, and 340 certificates of completion for career technical education programs. More than $19,000in scholarships will help 68 graduates with additional educational goals. Approximately 450 graduates are expected to participate in the ceremony.

Additional Student Success

Priscilla Angulo’s education was interrupted when she became pregnant at age 15. While working two jobs, she completed her high school diploma and plans to attend community college.

Due to the impact of the poor economy, at age 42, Eric Hill needed a new set of skills, which he found at Continuing Education in the short term job training program for Automotive Technician. Hill’s first career lasted 16 years as a computer technician and included employment at Gateway, and as an independent consultant. His new automotive skills helped him land a job at Bob Baker Toyota of Lemon Grove.

Hill says he learned three years’ worth of knowledge and skills in just six months, including having hands-on experience from older vehicles, to newer electric models. He credits the professionalism and individualized instruction from Continuing Education instructors for his new-found confidence and success.

The Soroptimist International of La Jolla awarded a $2,000 scholarship to Continuing Education student Ngoc T (Tina) Pham. The scholarship is their Women’s Opportunity Award, and given to a woman who is the head of her household, and who is committed to furthering career goals.

Pham immigrated to the US from Vietnam 18 years ago. After surviving an abusive marriage, she is now divorced and raising six children, ages 3 to 13 years. She will complete the Continuing Education Office Skills Certificate program this summer, and transfer to Mesa College in the fall with plans to secure an AA Degree in Management.

Monique Bernard, age 34, enrolled in computer classes at Continuing Education in 2007 and completed the Front Desk/Office Assistant Certificate, followed by the Administrative Assistant Certificate. As a student with a disability, she overcame challenges by working with Disability Support Programs & Services (DSPS) and by articulating her learning needs to her instructors.

Bernard completed additional BIT courses to enhance her learning. Her new confidence includes working for DSPS part-time as a student office assistant, where she is able to apply what she has learned in class to the world of work. Bernard will remain enrolled in Continuing Education classes to keep her skills sharp, and plans to pursue a certificate program in Human Resource Management at SDSU Extended Studies

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San DiegoContinuing Education is the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District.

SDCE was one of the first continuing education institutions in California to meet the standards for independent accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. More than 100,000 students are served per academic year at six main campuses in San Diego. Noncredit classes are available at no cost, including online options.

Certificate programs are offered for numerous industries including: Automotive Technician, Child Development, Culinary Arts, Nursing Assistant Training, Professional Bakeshop Skills and Web Specialist. Classes are free because San Diego Continuing Education is part of the California system of higher education. Funding also comes through business and industry partnerships. Learn more at www.sdce.edu.

Continuing Education Celebrates Commencement

for 1,100 Adult Students

SAN DIEGO– San Diego Continuing Education will honor more than 1,100 graduates during Commencement at Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park on Wednesday, June 2 at 5 p.m. The ceremony is a collaboration with the San Diego Unified School District Adult High School Diploma Program. The graduates are a collective group: many have, at some point, fallen through the cracks of the traditional education system and chose to re-enter classrooms and complete either their High School Diploma, or a GED; some have completed specific job training skills as part of a certificate program and are eager to enter the workforce; and others have mastered English as their second language.

"El conocimiento abre puertas y derriva fronteras,” is a Spanish expression that means "knowledge opens doors and flattens boundaries,” said Dr. Anthony E. Beebe, President of Continuing Education. “Commencement is the ultimate example of how we can change lives by helping people achieve their educational goals.”

Awards include 227 GEDs, 600 High School Diplomas, and 340 certificates of completion for career technical education programs. Students with additional educational goals will benefit from 68 scholarship awards totaling more than $19,000. Approximately 450 graduates are expected to participate in the ceremony. 

The representative student speaker for the ceremony is age 37 and left middle school without being able to read or write. She lived homeless on the streets for a while; found some solace in a church; then worked as a missionary in Tijuana before meeting up with a group who helped her get back to education.

At age 35, she stumbled upon the Continuing Education West City Campus and started adult basic education classes in pursuit of her GED. She spent significant time with Lola Gaona, Continuing Education counselor, to understand her options (including Disability Support Programs and Services) and after two years she has met her goal of being able to read and write. She will graduate in June and is planning to attend Mesa College.

She is proud to represent her class as commencement speaker for 2010. “I have my Ph.D. from the street, and now my GED from CE,” she says.

Student Success Stories

Priscilla Angulo’s education was interrupted when she became pregnant at age 15. While working two jobs, she completed her high school diploma and plans to attend community college.

Due to the impact of the poor economy, at age 42, Eric Hill needed a new set of skills, which he found at Continuing Education in the short term job training program for Automotive Technician. Hill’s first career lasted 16 years as a computer technician and included employment at Gateway, and as an independent consultant. His new automotive skills helped him land a job at Bob Baker Toyota of Lemon Grove.

Hill says he learned three years’ worth of knowledge and skills in just six months, including having hands-on experience from older vehicles, to newer electric models. He credits the professionalism and individualized instruction from Continuing Education instructors for his new-found confidence and success.

The Soroptimist International of La Jolla awarded a $2,000 scholarship to Continuing Education student Ngoc T (Tina) Pham. The scholarship is their Women’s Opportunity Award, and given to a woman who is the head of her household, and who is committed to furthering career goals.

Pham immigrated to the US from Vietnam 18 years ago. After surviving an abusive marriage, she is now divorced and raising six children, ages 3 to 13 years. She will complete the Continuing Education Office Skills Certificate program this summer, and transfer to Mesa College in the fall with plans to secure an AA Degree in Management.

Monique Bernard, age 34, enrolled in computer classes at Continuing Education in 2007 and completed the Front Desk/Office Assistant Certificate, followed by the Administrative Assistant Certificate. As a student with a disability, she overcame challenges by working with Disability Support Programs & Services (DSPS) and by articulating her learning needs to her instructors.

Bernard completed additional BIT courses to enhance her learning. Her new confidence includes working for DSPS part-time as a student office assistant, where she is able to apply what she has learned in class to the world of work. Bernard will remain enrolled in Continuing Education classes to keep her skills sharp, and plans to pursue a certificate program in Human Resource Management at SDSU Extended Studies.

San Diego Continuing Education Commencement will be Wednesday, June 2 at 5 p.m. Join Continuing Education faculty, staff, and administrators as we celebrate the success of our students with their instructors, counselors, and families.

The Adult Basic Education program at Continuing Education’s Mid-City Campus has something to brag about! Recently, 16 students completed Adult Basic Education and were promoted to the GED class. The group of graduates includes students from Disability Support Programs and Services, as well as English as a Second Language students who had previously transitioned to Adult Basic Education. Congratulations to the accomplishments of these dedicated students!

On January 21, 2010 five mid-level Adult Basic Education (ABE) students at San Diego Continuing Education’s Mid-City Campus were promoted to the High School/GED class.

Congratulations to these students for their hard work, dedication, and courage to overcome the challenges they faced to achieve their goals.

Good News!  On April 3, 2009, eight mid-level ABE students completed the course and were promoted to the HS Diploma/GED class at Mid City.  Their names are: Cynthia Appleby (BSI), Angel Cardoza, John Dunn, Lekakoko Hussein (BSI), Karen Minano, Roda Omar, Marcela Osorio (BSI), and Rachel Sanchez (BSI).  Congratulations to all of them for their hard work and dedication in achieving their personal goals!