RSS FeedsCalifornia Department of Education Programs of Excellence Awards 2006
EUREKA ADULT SCHOOL
English as a Second Language Program
ADA served in ESL program, 2004-2005: 44.54
Lead Administrator: Kim Kellenberg, Director
Location: 674 Allard Avenue, Eureka, California 95503
Web site: www.eurekaadultschool.org
Contact: Kim Kellenberg, 707-441-2417
Statement on Becoming a Program of Excellence from the Director
“Applying to become a Program of Excellence was a decision that required the support of all Eureka Adult School staff. Although it is an award for one program, every program and staff member at Eureka Adult School was involved in the process, including office staff, instructors, custodians, support staff and administration. The ESL staff spent several months performing a self-evaluation. The process moved the ESL program from a good program to a great one. Using the Programs of Excellence criteria gave us a useful tool with which to measure our strengths and identify the areas needing change. Teams of stakeholders visited other exemplary programs and found practices that could be adapted to give us better outcomes for our students. Staff took pride in what they accomplished and flourished with the recognition and support. We are pleased to be receiving the award. However, even if we were not being recognized, the self-evaluation and improvement process would have been worth the effort.”
--Kim Kellenberg
Curriculum and Instruction
Teachers meet weekly with administrators and monthly with community collaborators to ensure the curriculum addresses students’ language and lifeskill needs and their roles as adults. Teachers use research-based practices such as grouping strategies, critical thinking, teaching with authentic materials, and competency-based lesson planning. Students learn through field trips and project learning, like creating their own community resource guide. The program integrates technology into learning via computers and smart boards.
Learner Outcomes
New ESL students meet one-on-one with bilingual counselors after intake to identify their learning goals. In their classrooms, learners document progress toward goals using charts and journaling. Teachers and counselors monitor students’ goals and encourage them to advance within the ESL program, into Career Technical Education (CTE), into the Adult Secondary Education, and into programs outside the adult school. The program developed a system of sharing between CTE and ESL students to expose ESL students to future opportunities available to them in the CTE program.
Learner Support Services
ESL students at Eureka Adult School frequently mention feeling welcomed, supported, and valued. Shortly after registration and assessment, new students meet with counselors, identify their goals, and receive classroom placements. The program offers support for family, work, transportation, and health issues. Collaborating community-based agencies provide counseling on site to the learner’s family, not just the learner. Students receive assistance from student mentors, classroom aides, and community volunteers.
Leadership and Planning
Administrators foster communication, respect, and good working relationships by inviting stakeholders in the school and community to participate in decision-making. Students bring ideas to teachers, and teachers bring ideas to administrators. Administrators use a systematic approach to planning. They meet regularly with the staff and community to receive input and incorporate it into the process for continuous improvement. Professional development is a top priority; Teachers receive 12 days per year of paid professional development time.
Community Involvement and Collaboration
Eureka Adult School creates positive economic change in its community by providing students the language skills and workforce training they need to become employed. Community members assist with student internships, marketing, guest speaking, job fairs, and volunteering. They also participate in long-term planning, keeping an eye on economic and demographic trends and working with administrators to address changing and emerging community needs.
