Wiscasset Adult Education/RSU 12 Receives $50,000 “Catalyst for Change” Award

Grant from Nellie Mae Education Foundation recognizes efforts to put students at the center of learning 

Wiscasset, ME –The Wiscasset schools of RSU 12 have been selected as a recipient of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation’s Catalyst for Change awards, which recognize existing examples of personalized, student-centered learning experiences across New England. Twelve schools and education organizations have received a one-time grant of $50,000.

“We are thrilled that the hard work and commitment to personalized learning is receiving this recognition,” said Anne Fensie, Adult Education Director. “It is our hope that we can collaborate on successful models of student directed learning with other schools in the region to capitalize on the school reform initiatives that promote personalized learning. In addition to actively engaging students in learning, the Wiscasset schools have created a change in the school culture that makes students believe that the logical choice is to attend some form of postsecondary training or college.”

“The selection process has helped us become more aware of efforts already taking place across the region to put students at the center of the educational experience,” said Mary Sylvia Harrison, Vice President of Programs for the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.  “We’re pleased to recognize these schools and organizations, and we look forward to further exploring how to build on the momentum for innovation that these models create.”

All Catalyst for Change applicants were asked to clearly articulate how they define, implement and/or promote personalized, student-centered learning through their school models, policy change or advocacy efforts.  Applicants were also asked to present a clear rationale for their particular approach and provide supporting evidence of the approach’s contributions to the improvement of educational outcomes for middle and high school students, especially the underserved.  Applicants also had to show that their programs were a core facet of schooling and not a stand-alone program.

Wiscasset Middle School will utilize the award to ensure the successful continuation of Expeditionary Learning. This program engages students in authentic opportunities that allow them to be out in the community doing "real" work that has significant impact as they do research regarding our local environment, especially the watershed areas. Wiscasset High School will enhance personalized learning by enabling additional programming for at-risk students and supporting the implementation of Response to Intervention. The funds will also support initiatives to bring students out into the community for experiential learning with local professionals, including after school and summer programming. Wiscasset Adult & Community Education will increase the availability and intensity of services for out of school youth, especially as they transition to postsecondary education. In addition, these funds will be utilized in coordination with the Maine Department of Education Office of Adult Education to create additional self-paced curricula aligned with the Maine Learning Results and modified for adult learners at various educational functioning levels, which can then be distributed to adult education programs throughout the state.

Twelve schools and organizations from across New England were selected to receive Catalyst for Change awards, including: Boston Arts Academy (Boston, MA); Boston Day & Evening Academy (Boston, MA); The Domus Foundation (Stamford, CT); Jobs for Maine’s Graduates (Augusta, ME); Northeast Kingdom Learning Services (Newport, VT); Q.E.D. Foundation (Amherst, NH); Springfield Renaissance School (Springfield, MA); Steps to Success (Brookline, MA); Vermont Rural Partnership (East Hardwick, VT); Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (Richmond, VT); and Young Voices (Providence, RI).

For more information about the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, visit www.nmefdn.org

Posted by Anne Fensie  on February 18th 2010 | Read more in: News

The Lincoln County College Connection

College Transitions Information Evening

Put Yourself on the Road to Success

The New Year brings with it renewed possibilities and the opportunity for a fresh start.  If you have been thinking about attending college, don’t miss this opportunity to further your education, improve your earning potential, and enhance your quality of life.   The Lincoln County College Connection (TLC³) is hosting an information night for adults who want to enter or return to college on Wednesday, January 20^th at Lincoln Academy from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

TLC³ is a collaborative effort between the Central Lincoln County, Boothbay Region, MSAD40, and Wiscasset Adult Education programs with classes offered in each program.  The goal of TLC³ is to offer free services to adults who are planning to enroll in post-secondary education, change careers, or return to school.  TLC³ offers services to help students get ready for college and ultimately earn a college degree.  College Transitions in adult education works by providing classes in subjects such as: study skills, college writing, algebra, biology and chemistry; by helping with completion of applications and financial aid forms; and through college counseling and career planning. All the college transitions courses and workshops offered through TLC³ are free.

Come learn first hand about the advantages of being a College Transitions participant, meet the staff and find out which classes would be right for you. Refreshments will be served and families are welcome.

For more information, or to register please call Megan Dichter, Lincoln County College Transitions Coordinator at 350-6344  or contact AOS 93 Adult Education at 563-2811, MSAD 40 Adult Education at 832-5205, Wiscasset Adult Education at 882-9710 or Boothbay Region Adult Education at 633-3224.

Posted by Anne Fensie  on January 5th 2010 | Read more in: Events and News

Workready™ profits local job-seekers and businesses

Wiscasset Adult & Community Education is pleased to announce a training program that will benefit both local job-seekers and businesses. WorkReady™ is a free 60-hour training program created with the needs of employers in mind. The goal is to provide participants who complete the program with the skills employers are looking for in employees. The training session will be held in January at the Wiscasset High School.

While the name "WorkReady" may imply that the program is designed for individuals with little to no work experience, it is actually highly applicable to a wide variety of individuals with varying degrees of training, education, and occupational skills. “It’s really exciting to see the diversity in our classes, especially in the career and technology programs,” says Anne Fensie, adult education Director. “Out-of-school youth, stay-at-home moms, and seasoned workers can be found sitting side-by-side, sharing their perspectives on employability and work experiences. We can all learn a lot from each other.”

For employers, the WorkReady™ Credential, issued by the Maine Department of Education, can be a reassurance that the holder possesses the skills and disposition necessary to be competitive in today’s job market. Trainees learn to improve attitudes, attire, ambition, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, as well as the basics of getting a job, such as where to find openings, how to write stellar cover letters, impressive resumes, and making the most of the job interview. People who successfully complete the program will be able to:

1. Understand how to be successful employees based on individual strengths and personal awareness.
2. Develop a plan for employment based on career interests.
3. Know how to seek and apply for a job.
4. Understand how to communicate effectively in the workplace.
5. Work effectively with co-workers and as part of a team.
6. Demonstrate basic work knowledge.
7. Demonstrate an awareness of work-related safety and its importance.

Local businesses can support the WorkReady™ Credential Program in the Midcoast by guaranteeing interviews to graduates of the program; referring job applicants who lack soft skills; promoting the program to other colleagues, business partners and industry associates; and by providing input for curriculum customization to reflect local business needs. For the January sessions, Wiscasset Adult & Community Education is specifically looking for volunteers from the business community to visit the program and share their experience as an employer; conduct mock interviews; attend the WorkReady™ graduation and help review graduate’s portfolios; lend authentic workplace materials and documents (employee handbook, safety posters, timecards, applications, etc.); and identify potential sources of funding for additional training programs.

For more information about WorkReady™ or any of the other programs offered by Wiscasset Adult & Community Education, visit www.wiscasset.maineadulted.org or call 882-9710.

Dates: January 19 – 29, 2010
Times: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Location: Wiscasset High School
Registration: ongoing
Fee: FREE

Posted by Anne Fensie  on December 16th 2009 | Read more in: Events and News

Basket of Thanks & Merry and Bright Family Night in Wiscasset

Families Learning Together Events

Local families enjoyed two recent events hosted by Wiscasset Adult and Community Education’s Families Learning Together Program, a free program funded by the Barbara Bush Foundation, which helps parents achieve their educational goals and helps children succeed at school.

Family Fun Cozy Cookout

On November 13^th , Maine Heritage Village on Route 1 in Wiscasset put on a magical evening for families to kick off the holiday season and celebrate family literacy. The evening commenced with dinner and live music in the Lobster Shack; then families gathered in the village gazebo to watch the holiday lights come on. Afterwards, the children had story time and played wonderful old fashioned games, such as, Pin the Gobbler on the Turkey and an apple-spoon relay. To top it all off, families enjoyed s’mores and hot cocoa, face painting, ice cream cones and a game of charades accompanied by live music.

Basket of Thanks

The following week on November 24^th, Families Learning Together hosted their Basket of Thanks event at Wiscasset Primary School, featuring Thanksgiving crafts, pie making, and a class on how to read food labels. Finally, families had the opportunity to put together a free Thanksgiving basket of food for their holiday dinner.

Merry and Bright Family Night

Families Learning Together will be hosting another free family event, Merry and Bright Family Night, on Thurdfay evening December 17^th from 5-730 pm, which will include holiday gift making and crafts for both the children and parents, pictures with Santa and singing  holiday carols. There will be free books, a “gently-used” toy swap and gift wrapping. Finally, families will have the opportunity to put together a basket of food for their holiday meal. Don’t miss this opportunity to get together with other families and celebrate the season!

To register for Merry and Bright Family Night or for further information about the Families Learning Together Program, please call the Wiscasset Adult & Community Education office at 882-9710 or attend registration morning at the Wiscasset Primary School on Tuesday, December 8^th from 8:30-9:30 am. Participating families must have a child 0-8 years old and a parent (s) who is committed to improving their education.

Posted by Anne Fensie  on December 9th 2009 | Read more in: Events and News