VERMONT ADULT LEARNING / CHITTENDEN

ADULT BASIC EDUCATION

IN-PERSON COURSE CATALOGUE

FY27 WAVE 2

*This catalogue does not include English Language Learning courses or online courses. For online courses, visit https://sites.google.com/vtadultlearning.org/course-catalog?pli=1.

*For all courses, regardless of format, advisors should email the instructor prior to referring a student for their course.

Friday Math Lab

Instructor: Kevin Van Allen

Course Description: This is a hybrid in-person/online space with a volunteer instructor for students to build math skills. The primary instruction platform is IXL, though students may be working with other curricula as well. Students should arrive knowing what they need to work on with the ability to work semi-independently.

Course Format: Skill-Building Lab

Prerequisites: Students should be enrolled and set up in IXL prior to attending the first lab OR should be enrolled in at least one other VAL math course. Students should know how to use the basic features of IXL before attending the lab. English fluency is required.

When: Fridays, 10:00am-12:00pm

Sign-Up Requirements: Sign-up is not required, but students must be enrolled with VAL. Drop in between 10:00am and 11:30am.

Reading & Computer Help Drop-In Hours

Instructor: Ruth Williams

Course Description: Improve your reading and study skills with an instructor available to help out. General computer assistance is also available!

Course Format: Skill-Building Lab

Prerequisites: None.

When: Wednesdays 2:00pm-3:00pm

Sign-Up Requirements: Sign-up is not required, but students must be enrolled with VAL. Drop in promptly at 2:00pm.

Learning Lab

Instructor: Forrest Gardner & Roger Ledgister

Course Description: The Learning Lab is a drop-in study hall time to work on skill-building, homework, and projects. VAL staff and volunteers are available to assist as needed. Students should arrive knowing what they need to work on with the ability to work semi-independently. The Learning Lab is intended to be a study space to supplement work that students are doing in other VAL courses or online learning platforms.

Course Format: Skill-Building Lab

Prerequisites: Students should be enrolled in at least one other VAL course or working actively on an online learning platform. The lab is designed to be a supplemental learning space, not primary instruction.

When: Thursdays, 4:30pm-6:30pm

Sign-Up Requirements: Sign-up is not required, but students must be enrolled with VAL. Drop in between 4:30pm and 6:00pm.

Computer Skills Basics

Instructor: Krissy Shelvey

Course Description: In this course, students explore the Google Suite of Applications. This includes Gmail, Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Meet, Google Classroom, Google Drive, and Google Calendar. Students learn how to create and use PDF documents, and preview some popular applications including Canva, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. Students explore computing protections such as internet safety, protecting personal information, and the importance of digital footprints.

Course Format: Skill-Building Course

Prerequisites: Students should have an email and know how to turn on a computer, how to use a mouse, trackpad, and keyboard, and how to perform a basic Google search. English fluency is required.

When: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am-12:00pm

Sign-Up Requirements: Sign-up is required during the enrollment period. Students may contact their advisor during the enrollment period to sign up.

Intro to Algebra

Instructor: Melissa Grace

Course Description: This course covers prerequisite material to dig deeper into the world of algebra. Students build skills in working with exponents, graphing, interpreting and building lines, describing written information with functions and variables, and visually and mechanically finding solutions to simple linear equations. By the end of this course, students will be in a good place to move onto more complicated algebra topics. This course is perfect for building TABE D and GED skills. M-level students are also encouraged, as there is an overlap in content.

Course Format: Skill-Building, TABE-Prep, & GED-Prep Course

Prerequisites: Students must be at TABE M-level or TABE D-level. English fluency is required.

When: Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:30pm-4:00pm

Sign-Up Requirements: Sign-up is required during the enrollment period. Students may contact their advisor during the enrollment period to sign up.

Core Concepts

Instructor: Meg Reynolds

Course Description: This course is for any student who has specific needs in regards to their writing skills and would benefit from in-person instruction. This includes building skills in grammar and other writing conventions and support on voice portfolio or independent project work.

Course Format: Skill-Building Course

Prerequisites: English fluency is required.

When: Mondays & Wednesdays 10am-11:30am

Sign-Up Requirements: Sign-up is required. This is a rolling admission course. Students may contact their advisor any time during the wave to express interest. Space is limited.

Math Help Drop-In Hours

Instructor: Melissa Grace

Course Description: This drop-in lab is an opportunity for students to receive help with all levels of math. Students must come prepared with material from other math courses. Bring homework, tests and quizzes to review, practice material, and/or GED-prep material. This lab is intended for individualized student help in support of other math courses only; there is no structured content. This is a mixed-level lab, and multiple students of varying skill levels may be in attendance on any given day.

Course Format: Skill-Building Lab

Prerequisites: Students should be enrolled in at least one other VAL course or working actively on test preparation. The lab is designed to be a supplemental learning space, not primary instruction. English fluency is required.

When: Mondays 10:00am-12:00pm, Tuesdays 10:00am-12:00pm, Wednesdays 11:00am-12:00pm, and Fridays 11:00am-12:30pm

Sign-Up Requirements: Sign-up is not required, but students must be enrolled with VAL. Drop in at any time during the blocks of time listed.