Adult Basic Education expands learning with spring specialty classes

This spring, Community Education’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program held three specialty classes to help adults reach their goals: beginner driver’s knowledge, citizenship preparation and intermediate to advanced computer skills.

The beginner driver’s knowledge course focused on students learning vocabulary related to driving, road signs and parts of a car. In the citizenship preparation class, students learned about the process of becoming a citizen, naturalization application and preparing for the oral interview, reading and writing tests. In the computer skills class, students learned about Google Drive, Google Docs and Google Meet and Google Classroom, the technology used in ABE classrooms. 

“Teaching the Computer Skills Class has been really gratifying. It is so fun to see the students’ excitement when they learn something that will make their lives easier, such as how to make the font bigger! When I look back to the beginning of the semester, I can see how much progress students have made, and I am very happy to be a part of their journey,” shared Jessica Gaedke, ABE teacher. 

Kelli Ferguson, another ABE teacher shared, “The Citizenship Preparation Class informs and prepares students for the process of becoming a naturalized US citizen. To become a naturalized citizen, an applicant must meet the eligibility requirements, fill out a lengthy application, go to a biometrics appointment, complete an interview with an immigration officer, pass a civics exam and pass English reading and writing exams. Teaching this class, especially at this moment in history, has been an absolute honor. Students come to class eager to learn and put in a great deal of time and effort towards making their dreams of citizenship come true. They are already amazing members of our community, and I know they will make great contributions as citizens of this country. I am so proud to be their teacher and to have been a part of their journey.”

The ABE program serves adult learners across the district and beyond. All classes are free to adults and taught by licensed teachers. To learn more visit ce.district279.org/abe