Digital Literacy – ESL Levels 2, 3 and 4; All HSE Students

About our Program

The mission of adult education and literacy is to ensure that all adults who live in Texas have the skills necessary to function effectively in their personal and family lives, in the work place, and in the community.

NEISD Adult Education offers FREE English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for students 19 years and older, as well as high school equivalency (HSE) (aka GED) preparation classes in English and in Spanish for students 16 years and older.

Additionally, we, in partnership with NEISD Community Education, offer Career Training Programs that lead to Workforce Certifications. Scholarships are available to those students who qualify. Visit: http://www.neisd.net/Page/19226 for more information.

Texas Workforce Commission

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) sponsors NEISD Adult Education. Together, we offer ESL services that prepare you for career progression. There is no monetary cost to you, only your time and dedication! When a student leaves our program *early and/or does not take a progress test then our program may lose state and federal funds to pay for ESL classes, teachers, and building maintenance.

*Early is defined as less than 40 hours

Purpose

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is the state agency charged with overseeing and providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers of Texas. TWC strengthens the Texas economy by providing the workforce development component of the Governor's economic development strategy. Texas boasts an incredibly skilled workforce ready to attract enterprise to the Lone Star State. By focusing on the needs of employers, TWC gives Texas the competitive edge necessary to draw business here.

Major Functions

The major functions of TWC include developing the workforce, providing support services in workforce training and adult education and literacy services, providing services for people with disabilities to obtain training and employment, and administering the unemployment benefits and tax programs.

Visit http://www.twc.state.tx.us/about-texas-workforce to learn more.

Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency (formerly GED)

The GED Testing Service provides the GED2014® that is a nationally recognized, official high school equivalency testing battery. Those who pass all four GED2014® tests earn the Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency (TxCHSE). "Earning your GED" is a branding phrase just like "getting a Band-Aid®." Students who complete the GED2014® tests will receive the TxCHSE. Please visit http://tea.texas.gov/TxCHSE.html for more information.

Students now have a choice of test battery: GED2014, HiSET, or TASC. All three test batteries are available in English and Spanish. GED2014 tests are only available on the computer. HiSET and TASC tests can be taken on the computer or with paper/pencil. Discover more pros and cons: http://ged.com, https://hiset.ets.org, and http://www.tasctest.com.

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Digital Literacy – ESL Levels 2, 3 and 4; All HSE Students

Keep in mind, no matter which high school equivalency test battery you choose, you will earn the Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency (TxCHSE). This is what you need to get into college and/or get a better-paying job. The TxCHSE is always printed in English no matter if you take the official tests in English or in Spanish.

NEISD Adult Education offers high school equivalency preparation classes in English and in Spanish. Visit: https://www.neisd.net/Page/11183

If yours is a Workplace Literacy site, then your employer chooses English or Spanish instruction.

ESL

English Language Acquisition also known as English as a Second Language (ESL) is defined as "a program of instruction designed to help eligible individuals who are English language learners achieve competence in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension of the English language; and that leads to attainment of the secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent; and transition to postsecondary education and training; or employment."

Career Training Program

Our Career Training Programs are carefully researched to meet the high job demands in the Greater San Antonio area.

These certification courses are rigorous and comprehensive. We provide our students with the necessary support to ensure success.

One of our certifications can help you demonstrate dedication and professional commitment to potential employers in your interest area. It can also provide you with the opportunity to stay abreast of changes in your employment industry.

NEISD Career Training Programs are open to all qualified community members. Scholarships are reserved for Adult Education students. *See Scholarships Qualifications for more details – www.neisd.net/Page/19226

Career Training Programs include the following:

• Medical Billing & Coding

• Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)

• Pharmacy Technician

NEISD Adult Education Policies and Procedures

ATTENDANCE - All ESL students must:

• attend at least 40 hours of instruction before taking the progress test• contact instructor if unable to attend for any reason or if you must leave the program, e.g. moving away

HOMEWORK – Homework is a vital part of our ESL program. All students must complete ALL teacher-assigned homework. If a student misses a scheduled class and the homework assignment, it is the responsibility of the student to communicate with the teacher to get the assignment.

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Digital Literacy – ESL Levels 2, 3 and 4; All HSE StudentsSTUDENT BEHAVIOR - All students will: • always be respectful to instructors, staff, fellow students, equipment, books, and facilities• sign in when you arrive and sign out as you are leaving every class session • not fight or display any similar aggression (NEISD has zero tolerance and student will be banned from NEISD Adult Education) • not use electronic devices in classroom (i.e. cell phones, headphones, or such devices), without teacher’s permission.

DRESS CODE - All students will dress appropriately in class. Students must not wear:• tight clothing/spandex pants • torn clothing • revealing or see through clothes• baggy or low riding pants • clothes displaying vulgar language• hats or hoodies in the classroom (exception: religious or medical reasons) • tank or halter tops or short shorts • clothing that reveal undergarments – everStudents who do not comply will be asked to leave class until dressed appropriately.

FURTHERMORE: • By enrolling in a state and federally funded program I will comply with all program requirements, including taking the progress test after earning 40+ semester hours.• I understand that if I do not earn *40+ hours in the semester and take the progress test that I will be allowed 4 weeks from last day of class to complete the hours and take the test. If I do not succeed then I will not be allowed to enroll in any classes offered by NEISD Adult Education for one school year. Remember, our program can lose state and federal money when students do not earn minimum required hours and/or take the progress test.

NEISD Adult Education Expectations

Teachers are expected to:

attend all scheduled classes avoid tardiness avoid leaving class early incorporate a variety of teaching strategies, like creating class routines, providing daily agenda and warm-up

activity, using games, using technology provide feedback on students’ classroom work and homework

Students are expected to:

attend all scheduled classes avoid tardiness avoid leaving class early participate in all class activities, discussions, and presentations complete all assigned homework complete at least 40 instructional hours then take a progress test

Distance Learning (DL) Program Description

The NEISD Distance Learning Program is a combination of in classroom study (traditional) and at home computer study (separated from teacher). Students interested in participating in distance learning are required to attend regularly scheduled registration and orientation sessions.

Program Requirements

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Digital Literacy – ESL Levels 2, 3 and 4; All HSE Students

A DL student MUST have access to a computer and to the Internet. Computers can be accessed at San Antonio Public Library.

Students MUST have an email account, know how to access their account, and check email daily. Students must have basic computer skills such as keyboarding, opening hyperlinks, searching the Web, composing documents in Word, and attaching a Word document to an email.

Dual Enrolled Students

Students who are dual enrolled, meaning those who are taking a traditional class and taking online classes, are required to earn required hours in ALL classes.

Attendance in DL is a very important part of class. Distance Learning is treated like any other class. Students must set a schedule for regularly working in the program. Attendance is equated with the amount of hours spent working "on task" in the assigned program.

The Distance Learning week begins on Mondays and ends the following Sunday at midnight. DL teachers closely monitor students’ hours each week.

Students who consistently fail to meet the minimum requirements will be counseled and removed from access to the website.

If an emergency arises such as hospitalization of family member, illness, an unexpected business trip out of town, or computer issues, YOU MUST LET YOUR TEACHER KNOW. Students who fail to communicate in this manner for a Distance Learning class will be counseled and/or removed from access to the website. If a student does no work for two weeks and does not communicate, access to the online program will be removed.

To enroll in HSE Distance Learning send email to adultlearning2@neisd.net

Your email must include in subject line: HSE DL Registration

Your email must include: Your Name (exactly as you registered), and your teacher’s name

Digital Literacy Objectives

Class objectives are aligned with Texas Adult Education and Literacy Content Standards (2017). Reference: http://www.twc.state.tx.us/files/news/texas-ael-content-standards-twc.pdf

Texas Adult Education and Literacy Content Standards for Digital Literacy

Print Production.

Use basic computer skills.

Demonstrate basic computer processing skills, and make efficient use of technology such as spellcheck, font changes, printing, etc.

Adapt email style to purpose and audience.

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Digital Literacy – ESL Levels 2, 3 and 4; All HSE StudentsMaster a range of communication protocols for use in the workplace.

Reading Foundations

Fluency. Read a text accurately and with fluency.

Reading

Vocabulary Development. Apply vocabulary and concepts to use accurately in reading, speaking, and writing.

Comprehension of Literary Texts in a Variety of Genres and Presentation Modes. Comprehend a wide range of literary texts (novels, poems, plays, etc.) from different world cultures and historical periods.

Comprehension of Literary Texts: Locate explicit textual information, draw inferences, and analyze and evaluate the varied structural patterns, stylistic elements, and features of literary nonfiction and fiction. Identify supporting evidence from the text to support understanding.

Comprehension of a Variety of Informational Texts. Describe, analyze, and evaluate diverse informational texts, and identify supporting evidence from the text to support understanding.

Writing

Writing Process. Use a recursive process to prewrite, compose, revise, and edit a variety of texts that demonstrate clear focus, logical development of ideas in well-organized paragraphs, and the use of language that advances the author’s purpose.

Oral and Written Conventions

Language Conventions. Understand the conventions of language when speaking and writing.

Print Production. Use basic computer skills.

Research

Planning Research. Use a variety of strategies to plan research.

Gathering Sources. Determine, locate, explore, and systematically document a broad range of relevant print, digital, and web-based resources for addressing a research question.

Organizing and Presenting Ideas. Design and produce a written or oral presentation.

Listening and Speaking

Listening. Apply listening skills in informal and formal situations as an individual and as a member of a group in a variety of settings (e.g., lectures, discussions, conversations, team projects, presentations, and interviews).

Speaking. Understand the elements of communication in group discussions and formal presentations (e.g., accuracy, relevance, rhetorical features, and organization of information).

Teamwork. Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with others.

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Digital Literacy – ESL Levels 2, 3 and 4; All HSE Students

Methods of Assessment

Students are given formal (standardized), summative assessments such as the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment Tests. https://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/

Students are also given less formal formative assessments such as: Computer Modules utilizing the Microsoft Digital Literacy Curriculum, which involves students carrying out

specific tasks on the computer to show their mastery of the tasks according to the TWC standards. Class assignments, allowing skill practice; the teacher’s observation of student involvement with class

participation, class discussions, and questioning during class; group projects; and, student presentations Oftentimes, class and homework assignments are corrected by the teacher, yet not scored with a numeric or

letter grade

Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs) [Instructor, will discuss methods he/she uses]

Module Mastery Classroom Discussion Question and answer Interactive Integration Demonstration Preliminary Northstar Practice Assessment Other(s) ______________________, ______________________, ______________________

Active Learning Strategies [Instructor, will discuss methods he/she uses]

Module explanation Technology Identification Discussions Structured Problem Solving Think Aloud

ESL Academy

San Antonio community members who participate in NEISD Adult Education become known as academy students and are members of the ESL academy. Academy ESL students begin on a college or career pathway that will lead to success in the workplace, at home and in the community. Academy ESL students progress through the skills levels that lead to the completion of a high school equivalency certificate, postsecondary education (i.e. college), workplace training opportunities, career training certificate, promotions, and/or higher pay.

*English Language (EL) Civics class is required if you have lived in the United States for 1 year or less.6

ESL Basic, 1, 2, 3, 4Speech & Writing

*EL Civics, Digital Literacy, Financial Literacy

Workplace Literacy or College Bound

HSE 1, 2, 3High School Equivalency

CollegeCareer Training CertificatePromotions - Higher Pay

Digital Literacy – ESL Levels 2, 3 and 4; All HSE Students

Please keep in mind that you are participating in a tuition-free program that is grant funded by Texas Workforce Commission. Your obligations are: 1) take all ancillary courses, earning at least 12 hours in EL Civics, if you are required; and/or 12 combined hours; 2) earn at least *50 or 60 total program hours; 3) take the progress test; and, 4) pass all HSE official tests to earn the Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency.

Our obligations are: 1) instruct you to improve your English speaking, listening, reading and writing skills; 2) prepare you to take and pass the HSE official tests; 3) provide ancillary courses that will help you whether you want to start a career, progress in a career, or go to college; and, 4) provide health professions career training programs.

When will you “finish” the ESL program?The answer to this question depends on your beginning skill level. It also depends on your desired English skills. All ESL students are required to achieve the Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency. Your NEISD adult education instructor and counselor will work closely with you to help determine your goals and study plan.

HSE Academy

San Antonio community members who participate in NEISD Adult Education become known as academy students and are members of the HSE academy. Academy HSE students begin on a college or career pathway that will lead to success in the workplace, at home and in the community. Academy HSE students progress through the skills levels that lead to the completion of a high school equivalency certificate, postsecondary education (i.e. college), workplace training opportunities, career training certificate, promotions, and/or higher pay.

You are assigned to a core class based on your entrance exams. Your core class is the subject in which you scored the lowest, either math or language arts. You have the option to take a second class (either math or language arts) depending on your availability.

You are required to take the following ancillary courses: Digital Literacy and Financial Literacy. You must also choose either Workforce Literacy or College Bound.

Please keep in mind that you are participating in a tuition-free program that is grant funded by Texas Workforce Commission. Your obligations are: 1) take all three ancillary courses; 2) earn at least 40 total program hours; 3) take the TABE progress test; and, 4) pass all HSE official tests to earn the Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency. Our obligations are: 1) prepare you to take and pass the HSE official tests; 2) provide ancillary courses that will help you whether you want to start a career, progress in a career, or go to college; and, 3) provide health professions career training programs.

When will you “finish” the HSE program?The answer to this question depends on your beginning skill level. It also depends on how much time and effort you contribute to your learning. Your NEISD adult education instructor and navigator will work closely with you to help determine your goals and pathway.

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HSE 1, 2, 3Digital Literacy

Financial LiteracyWorkplace Literacy or College Bound

High School EquivalencyCollege

Career Training CertificatePromotions - Higher Pay

Digital Literacy – ESL Levels 2, 3 and 4; All HSE StudentsNEISD Adult Education Support and Resources

Career Counseling

Our transition counselor is available to all NEISD Adult Education students. The counselor can meet, email, or text to discuss your desires for further education and training opportunities. She is also available to counsel your spouse and children 16+ years old regarding college and career goals.

Mrs. Joy Felix is available at adultcareertraining@neisd.net

Texas Workforce Commission

They offer resources, tips, and tools to build a strong Texas workforce. Go to twc.state.tx.us

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

They offer services for people with physical or cognitive disabilities, I including blindness or visual impairment. Go to http://www.twc.state.tx.us/jobseekers/vocational-rehabilitation-adults

Workforce Solutions Alamo

Working to strengthen the Alamo regional economy by growing and connecting pipelines to employers. Go to http://www.workforcesolutionsalamo.org/

NEISD Adult Education HSE Distance Learning

To enroll, email adultlearning2@neisd.net

More Resources

San Antonio Public Library: www.mysapl.org. Go to RESOURCES > EDUCATION > GED TESTING or ESL > LEARNING EXPRESS.

Math Call Center: Toll Free Call (888) 295-3916; On the Web: www.studentnest.com > Live Support; Email: tutoring@studentnest.com

GED Testing Service: www.ged.com

HiSET test website: https://hiset.ets.org

TASC test website: http://www.tasctest.com

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