Plainville Adult and Continuing Education has been awarded WIOA Title II Program Enhancement Projects (PEP) for Adult Education federal grant funds, to support three priority areas, totaling $105,000, according to Superintendent of Schools, Brian Reas.
Plainville Adult and Continuing Education Coordinator, Jill O’Brien, commented, “Each priority area is braided with workforce development initiatives. Students will learn about community services, career pathways, and regional training opportunities that will assist them on their journeys leading to financial self-sufficiency. We aim to reach more students and provide meaningful learning opportunities, while making a positive impact in this community.”
The first priority area is a Family Literacy Service grant award of $50,000. This has been offered in Plainville for over 25 years, through a successful re-application process. Funds will support day time adult education classes including Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL) and General Education Development (GED), held at Linden Street School. While parents attend classes, their children are engaged in educational activities at the Plainville Family Resource Network.
“Throughout the years our collaboration has proven to be the perfect partnership offering Adult Education, Early Childhood Development Education, and Parenting programs. We assist parents in becoming partners in their children's education and reach their own educational/job preparation goals,” said Plainville Family Resource Network Coordinator, Donna Cavallaro.
The second priority area is an Instructional Innovation grant award of $30,000. Funds will support new Adult High School Credit Diploma Program courses: Developmental Child Psychology sessions 1 and 2. The immersive learning experience will include observations, field trips, Career Navigator support, and guest speaker presentations. With each session, students will earn one credit toward graduation, gain exposure to multi career pathways, and acquire parenting resources. These courses are primarily designed to meet the needs of Credit Diploma Program students, and enrollment will be available to students from other adult education program areas, who do not have a secondary diploma or its equivalent, and are seeking additional course options.
The third priority area is Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education. The grant award is $25,000. Funds will support contextualized instruction for (ABE, ESL, and Citizenship Preparation) students. They will focus on literacy and English language acquisition; the rights and responsibilities of citizenship; naturalization procedures; civic participation; and U.S. history and government. Weekly field trips will support civic related topics such as how to navigate community services, including schools, employment, and health care. Involvement in community activities and volunteerism will be emphasized.
"Our Adult Education Department is to be commended for creating opportunities for our adult community," noted Superintendent Reas.
All of the programs are available at no cost, and scheduled to begin this fall. For registration / more information, please contact the Plainville Adult and Continuing Education Department, located at Plainville High School: (860) 793-3209.