METROPOLITAN EDUCATION DISTRICT
Metropolitan Adult Education Program, San Jose (MAEP)
Adult Basic Education Program
ADA served in ABE program, 2004-2005: 333.41
Lead Administrator: Susan A. Glass, Director
Location: 4849 Pearl Avenue, Room 1, San Jose, California 95136
Web site: www.metroed.net
Contact: Martha Rao, 408-947-2300, ext. 3593 or Susan A. Glass, 408-723-6450
Statement on Becoming a Program of Excellence from the Director
“To achieve excellence in program delivery, MAEP focused on building and maintaining a strong professional development program. The leadership team met regularly to update curriculum and improve accountability. We sought input from teachers and students through surveys. These elements remain integral to our program’s continued process of improvement. Teachers became actively involved in study circles on persistence and attended conferences and CALPRO trainings and workshops. We incorporated research-to-practice teaching strategies from NCSALL into classroom activities and individualized student goal setting into student orientation sessions and classroom curricula. We increased our partnerships within the community, especially with CalWORKS, to support our adult learners. Rejection of our first application made us more determined to address program weaknesses, and we did. Each teacher, aide, and administrator scored the Adult Basic Education program against the criteria set forth in the five components of the Programs of Excellence application. Based on the results, we proceeded with program improvement and completed the application. It was very time consuming. However, it is well worth the effort for any program seeking direction on building a Program of Excellence.”
--Susan A. Glass
Curriculum and Instruction
MAEP offers its students a variety of instructional settings and strategies including open-entry/open-exit classes, computer-aided instruction, and one-on-one tutoring. In the classroom, they may be involved in cooperative learning groups based on skill level or in mixed ability groups of various sizes. Students participate in project-based and thematic learning experiences. The team encourages use of research-based instruction including new strategies on teaching adults to read.
Learner Outcomes
Learners develop short- and long-term goals, which they monitor on a weekly basis through journaling and checklists. To motivate and retain students, the program offers the opportunity to earn elective and required high school credits in Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes. The leadership team reviews multiple sources of data at monthly accountability meetings and uses its findings to drive and inform instruction. Administrators have developed a seamless, well-defined process to advance students from level to level and program to program.
Learner Support Services
During assessment and orientation, students learn about educational options and requirements via handbooks, flowcharts, and presentations. Certificated counselors work with students on developing and updating individual learning goals. Job placement and California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) representatives assist students on site. Program graduates return as tutors and offer encouragement to current students.
Leadership and Planning
The major goal of the leadership group’s twice monthly meetings is to integrate research into classroom practice. The group developed a writing rubric and sequential math program. In addition, the group instituted a project to encourage and reward teachers for implementing research-based practices in the classroom.
Community Involvement and Collaboration
MAEP communicates with its partners in the community and with the greater San Jose area via a quarterly newsletter. Students are highly visible in the community, participating in service learning projects that benefit others and strengthen students in their roles as citizens, parents, workers and lifelong learners.
