AASD celebrates adult learners
AASD celebrates adult learners Altoona Mirror
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Adult Education Program in Altoona Area School District
Introduction
Adult education transforms lives, strengthens communities, and boosts the economy, according to Tina Swineford, director of the Altoona Area School District’s adult education program. In celebration of national adult education family literacy week, Swineford gave a presentation to Altoona Area School Board members on the importance of the program to Blair County residents.
Program Overview
The district’s adult education program started in 1969 and is funded through a competitive grant with the state Department of Education. The program offers classes for Blair County residents, age 18 or older, to study for the General Educational Development (GED) test and earn a high school equivalency diploma. It also offers refresher classes for people who are looking to change careers or go back to school. The classes are offered in morning, afternoon, and evening sessions throughout the week to accommodate flexibility for the students, staff, and volunteer classroom aides involved.
Program Impact
Last year, the program served 139 adult learners, with 92 residents within the Altoona Area School District. Out of these learners, 25 earned their high school equivalency credential, 65 gained employment, and 16 enrolled in area post-secondary schools. The program has met or exceeded the PA Department of Education’s performance outcomes. This year, there are more than 90 students pursuing high school equivalency diplomas and about 40 students taking refresher classes in various subjects.
Student Testimonials
City resident Janette Aleksandrovic, a student in the program, expressed her appreciation for the flexibility in her schedule, allowing her to continue volunteering and pursue additional training. Another student, Melissa Corle, shared her journey of returning to school after 18 years and her plans to attend college and become a physician’s assistant.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Altoona Area School District’s adult education program aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. These goals include:
- No Poverty
- Quality Education
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Reduced Inequalities
- Partnerships for the Goals
ESL Services
The program will soon offer English as a second language (ESL) services to adults in the area. The board has hired an ESL coordinator, and classes are expected to begin in about six weeks. There is already a high demand for ESL services in the area.
ArtsAltoona Agreement
The district’s adult education program is currently housed in the ArtsAltoona building along Sixth Avenue. The board approved a three-year rental agreement to continue using the facility. The agreement includes provisions for necessary repairs and maintenance.
Conclusion
The Altoona Area School District’s adult education program plays a vital role in transforming lives, strengthening communities, and promoting sustainable development. Through its commitment to providing quality education and opportunities for personal and professional growth, the program contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content
- SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
- SDG 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article
- Number of adult learners enrolled in the program
- Number of learners who earned their high school equivalency credential
- Number of learners who gained employment
- Number of learners who enrolled in post-secondary schools
- Number of students pursuing high school equivalency diplomas
- Number of students taking refresher classes in social studies, mathematics, science, and English Language Arts
- Student scores on GED pretests
- Number of students completing the program and obtaining their high school equivalency diploma
- Number of students enrolling in college or career and technology centers
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university. | – Number of adult learners enrolled in the program – Number of learners who earned their high school equivalency credential – Number of learners who gained employment – Number of learners who enrolled in post-secondary schools |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training. | – Number of learners who gained employment |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | – Number of adult learners enrolled in the program – Number of learners who earned their high school equivalency credential – Number of learners who gained employment – Number of learners who enrolled in post-secondary schools |
Note: The indicators listed in the table are not exhaustive and may be supplemented with additional indicators for a comprehensive assessment of progress towards the identified targets.
Source: altoonamirror.com
