Academic Curriculum
There are three distance learning programs:
- Adult Basic Education,
- Adult Secondary Education and
- English as a Second Language.
The Adult Basic Education program serves learners under a ninth grade reading level. Academic curriculum used for this program are Pre GED Connection (reading grade level equivalent 6 - 8.9 with supplements for level 5), Skills to Make Adults Ready to Succeed (SMART) (reading grade level equivalent 4 – 7), and Skills Tutor (reading level equivalent 4-8).
Adult Secondary Education serves learners at a ninth grade level of reading or higher. Academic curriculum used for this program is GED Connection, GRASP or Skills Tutor.
English as a Second Language students who have a National Reporting System (NRS) level four may participate in distance learning.
The academic curriculum used in this program is Crossroads Café. All distance learning programs will use the packet delivery modality as explained earlier in this guide. Teachers must be trained in the academic curriculum by a certified New York State trainer and must take a refresher training session in every three years thereafter. SED will issue certificates upon completion of the training session.
- GED/PreGED Connection – A home study course offered on public television that prepares participants to take the GED test and offers instruction in the five GED content areas. GED Connection includes three workbooks and 43 program tapes published by Kentucky Educational Television (KET). Students using this curriculum must have a ninth grade level in reading. Pre GED Connection includes three workbooks and 29 program tapes. It is recommended that students using this curriculum have a sixth to eighth grade level in reading. Teachers may use supplemental materials for grade level 5 in reading. Students view the videotapes either on television, from the Ed Video Online website, on e-Literacy New York Learning Management System or by playing copies of the videotape on their VCR/DVD, after which they complete assigned work. EPE can be claimed for this program only when certified teachers provide instruction.
- Skills to Make Adults Ready to Succeed (SMART) - This is a curriculum developed by the Yonkers Curriculum Development Team. It is composed of two segments, an academic core curriculum of reading, math and writing along with four living and workplace components. Each lesson has three difficulty levels that addresses Adult Basic Education (ABE). This curriculum may be used for ABE students with a reading grade level equivalent 4 – 7 and may also be used as a nonacademic resource.
- Giving Ready Adults a Study Program (GRASP) – Designed for adults with a minimum reading grade level equivalent of 9.0 who are seeking a high school equivalency diploma. Students must be able to work independently and devote at least 6 hours per week to studying. Individualized home study packets are delivered twice a month via the regional library network, by mail or may be picked up by hand.
- Crossroads Café – This curriculum may be used in both the “traditional” classroom and in distance learning. The distance learning model would generate EPE contact hours using the distance learning formula (see section 303 of the EPE Manual). A special application form (see Appendix C of EPE Manual) requesting specific program information must be submitted with the EPE comprehensive plan of service. This video/workbook series includes 26 lessons focusing on English language skills development for ESOL learners ranging from low intermediate to advanced learners. The curriculum will assist learners develop their communication skills and understand elements of the American culture. Each video includes a culture clip. Two workbooks accompany the video series including lessons in listening, reading, writing, grammar, speaking and pronunciation. The photostories workbook is designed to support lower-level learners. The Crossroads series is available with a wraparound instructional feature which can be accessed on the e-Literacy New York electronic distance learning platform. When this series is used for distance learning, a telephone component is a programmatic requirement.
- Skills Tutor - Skills Tutor is a multi media, web based software that has successfully completed a three year pilot. It is an approved academic curriculum for ABE student that have TABE tested at grade levels 4-8 and ASE students that have TABE tested at grade levels 9-12. ASE students must supplement with GED Connection for the Social Studies, and writing components.