Maine Adult Education Association

Wiscasset Adult Ed writing students featured at upcoming poetry reading

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:43:15 -0400

SMCC Midcoast Campus hosts Poetry and Popcorn

Brunswick – On Tuesday, April 23rd, poetry lovers will have the opportunity to enjoy well-known and not so well-known local poets reading their own work at the Southern Maine Community College Midcoast Campus. The events will be called Poetry and Popcorn. There will be two separate sessions, an afternoon session at 1:00 and an evening session at 6:30. Both are open and free to the public. Each event will include an hour of poetry followed by a popcorn reception. The College chose to offer popcorn because the Midcoast students have fallen in love with their movie theatre popcorn machine and they request popcorn at every event.

The poets for the afternoon program include award-winning poet Jim Thatcher, along with Paul Dostie, Elizabeth Potter and members of the Wiscasset Adult and Community Education Program Writing Circle. The poets for the evening program include Helene McLaughlin, Joyce Pye, Maryli Tiemann, Margie Kivel, and two talented SMCC student poets.

The Poetry and Popcorn events will take place in the Hannaford Auditorium in the Academic Building on the SMCC MidcoastCampus at Brunswick Landing. For directions or more information contact Nancy Collins at 844-2064 orNCollins@smccME.edu. Directions to the campus are available at http://www.smccME.edu/midcoast.

Wiscasset Adult Education Introduces New Online Course: Introduction to Microsoft Word 2011 for Mac

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 17:16:41 -0500

Wiscasset Adult & Community Education has a program that makes it easy to take high-quality, noncredit online courses. Wiscasset Adult Education has partnered with ed2go to offer hundreds of online, instructor-led courses and is pleased to announce the launch of Introduction to Microsoft Word 2011 for Mac.

Participants in this course will learn how to use the world's most popular word processor for creating documents and formatting text, now available on the Macintosh. They'll master tips and techniques for editing and formatting documents, adding images, sharing documents, and much more.

This course is part of Wiscasset Adult Ed's growing catalog of more than 300 instructor-facilitated online courses. Through well-crafted lessons, expert online instruction, and interaction with fellow students, participants in these courses gain valuable knowledge at their convenience. They have the flexibility to study at their own pace combined with enough structure and support to complete the course. And they can access the classroom 24/7 from anywhere with an Internet connection.

New sessions of each course run every month. They last six weeks, with two new lessons being released weekly (for a total of 12). The courses are entirely Web-based with comprehensive lessons, quizzes, and assignments. A dedicated professional instructor facilitates every course; pacing learners, answering questions, giving feedback, and facilitating discussions.

To learn more, call Wiscasset Adult & Community Education at (207) 882-9710 or visit them online at www.MyAdultEd.org.

Student Spotlight: Meet Martha

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:37:20 -0500

Martha is a student at Wiscasset Adult & Community Education in the career training program.

I turned to Adult Education to refresh my skills after a divorce and being out of the workforce to raise my children. Wiscasset Adult Ed isn't the closest location to me, but it is the location that answered the phone with a friendly greeting and supportive help instead of an answering machine.

I was ready to grow and Wiscasset Adult Ed was ready to help me. The positive, uplifting confidence of the staff encouraged me to sign up for the Office Skills Certificate Program that refreshed my computer skills, and later for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program. Once again, there was support in the form of a payment program to make tuition more affordable.

The free WorkReady Program was better than $10,000.00 worth of therapy for discovering who I was, what my goals were, and what I had to offer the workplace in the form of the varied experiences that a mature worker has to offer. In the WorkReady Program we wrote our resumes and participated in mock interviews with actual companies in our area. Field trips to visit local businesses helped to make what we were learning practical and relevant.

Realizing that classes kept students away from home during some meal times and that money is an issue on a limited budget, they even thought to have nourishing snacks on a donation basis to keep us going.

It’s never too late to get started on a new career. If you have been thinking about making a change in your life, go ahead and call the friendly and supportive staff at Wiscasset Adult Education. It could be the call that changes your life.

DIY Twelve Days of Christmas in Wiscasset

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 19:09:15 -0500

Twelve Homemade Gifts for everyone on your shopping list

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me... a wreath made from more than pine trees.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me... retro candy trimmings...

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me... three quilted runners...

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... four bangling baubles...

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... five drink ware bling...

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... six glasses charming...

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me... seven knits up-cycling...

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... eight jar lamps canning...

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... nine candies tasting...

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... ten cookies swapping...

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me... eleven bags-a-toting...

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... twelve secrets something...

Black Friday... Small Business Saturday... Cyber Monday... Get back to basics and in the spirit of the holidays by putting your time and attention into lovingly crafted handmade gifts. With twelve days of Christmas crafts, there is something for everyone! Spend an evening or two—or twelve!—out with friends in a supportive and relaxing environment, creating memories and gifts.

Wiscasset Adult & Community Education is offering a new crafting workshop every night for twelve nights in December. Each of these “Twelve Days of Christmas” will provide an opportunity for friends and strangers to join together in creating their own homemade holiday gifts. Each workshop costs $15 (plus materials, if applicable). Register for more than one and get the 4^th night free (use Promo Code XMAS). Classes meet 6:00 – 9:00pm at Wiscasset High School. Call 882-9710 or visit www.MyAdultEd.org to register.

1st Day of Christmas:
Wreath Making

Participants will be creating a wreath (approximate value from $15-$50 or more) in an unconventional way, using multiple types of evergreens. Some materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own evergreen materials that they may have from their gardens, like holly, cypress, juniper, fir, scotch pine or other pines, holly berries, rose hips, ornamental crab apples, pine cones, or other natural materials to add color and texture.
Monday December 3
Tuition: $15
Materials: $10
Register Now

2nd Day of Christmas:
Candy Wreath

Join in on the holiday fun! Come learn how to make a Retro Holiday Wreath. You will learn this easy method of making a wreath, filled with hard candies, to keep and share with your holiday guests or give away as a hostess gift. No special skills necessary. You don't even have to be crafty to be successful with this!
Tuesday December 4
Tuition: $15
Materials: $5
Register Now

3rd Day of Christmas:
Quilted Table Runner

For this Holiday table runner will use the Ohio Star pattern. You will need: 3 colors of fabric: 1st color ½ yard (part of Star and square in corner.); 2nd Color 1–½ yards boarder/back; 3rd Color ? yards (for 2nd star color), & thread to match your colors. Please bring cutting mats, rulers, rotary cutters, and machines. Extras will be one available. Please notify us if you do not have a machine.
Wednesday December 5
Tuition: $15
Register Now

4th Day of Christmas:
Baubles, Bangles & Beads

Are you a fashionista! Do you like to change accessories as much as you like to change your clothes? Learn the simple art of crafting beaded jewelry including, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Make a matching set for a favorite person or how about a different pair of earrings for each day of the week?
Thursday December 6
Tuition: $15
Materials: $5
Register Now

5th Day of Christmas: Personalized Coasters

Looking for a special gift to give to that person that's so hard to buy for? Come make an inexpensive set of coasters that will be personalized for your person. Think about what would be meaningful to them, photos of your children, a destination on a map, fashion design pictures, etc. Alternatively, you could make your coasters feature a collage of various materials. Bring your own materials or select from an assortment of provided images and materials.
Monday December 10
Tuition: $15
Materials: $10
Register Now

6th Day of Christmas:
Wine Glass Charms

Wine glass charms are attached to a glass to easily identify your drink throughout the evening at a dinner party or reception. A unique set makes a great gift for any host or hostess. Bring some of your own trinkets or odds and ends, or try a combination of the materials we supply to create masterpieces that truly express you!
Tuesday December 11
Tuition: $15
Materials: $10
Register Now

7th Day of Christmas:
Cashmere Upcycle

Woooowhooooo! Cashmere Galore! Come learn how to upcycle your old cashmere sweaters. A variety of projects will be offered using sweaters of all kinds, but cashmere makes the softest! Pillows, handbags, heirloom baby blankets, and even luxuriously soft undies--the possibilities are endless! Bring your own sweater or choose from a variety that will be available.
Wednesday December 12
Tuition: $15
Materials: $10
Register Now

8th Day of Christmas:
Canning Jar Lamps

A canning jar lamp makes a lovely gift for holiday giving or for giving to yourself! Using a little ingenuity, you can be as creative or simple as you choose. Useful, but delightfully frivolous, this handmade lamp will thrill anyoe who receives it. Fill with small items, ganish the lampshades with beads, pins, or stencil an image on and you have a thougtful present that shows how much you care.
Thursday December 13
Tuition: $15
Materials: $20
Register Now

9th Day of Christmas:
Holiday Candy Making

Soft, chewy caramels... Sweet and salty, smooth and chunky peanut butter balls... Rich, creamy, chocolaty truffles... Who wouldn't love to receive a box of hand-crafted candies? Learn how to make these sinfully scrumptious treats, and taste a few along the way.
Monday December 17
Tuition: $15
Materials: $25
Register Now

10th Day of Christmas:
Cookie Swap

Join us for a good old fashioned cookie swap! You supply your favorite recipe and special ingredients; we provide the kitchens, baking goods, and packaging tins. Bake a few batches of grandma's tasty biscuits, then we’ll each swap a few to make up cookie tins with a variety of goodies.
Tuesday December 18
Tuition: $15
Materials: $5
Register Now

11th Day of Christmas:
The Bag Lady

Make a fun and fashionable utility bag to give this holiday season that one can throw all their stuff in: groceries, laptops, a good novel and a sandwich to go with it, babies play things, whatever!! You will have the opportunity to choose coordinating patterns and materials of various textures to create a beautiful bag of your own or for giving! Please bring a sewing machine, scissors and rotary cutter and board if you have one on hand. Materials will be provided.
Wednesday December 19
Tuition: $15
Materials: $10
Register Now

12th Day of Christmas:
Elf's Surprise!

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas the elves have a surprise! What will this mystery craft be? Will it be a holiday scrapbook? Will it be fancy gift wrap? Will it be sea glass art? We’re not telling, because it’s the Elf’s little secret. Sign up to find out. And the materials are on us this time!
Thursday December 20
Tuition: $15
Register Now

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Welcome Back College: Wiscasset Adult Education receives $70K grant from the Finance Authority of Maine

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:20:56 -0500

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) has awarded $889,277 in grants to twenty-two Maine schools and non-profit organizations through the Maine College Access Challenge Grant (MCACG) program, with $70,000 going to Wiscasset Adult & Community Education to serve adults in Lincoln and Sagadahoc Counties. The goal of MCACG is to increase the number of Maine students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education, with a focus on preparation, aspiration and success. The Wiscasset grant program has collaborated with University College Bath/Brunswick to develop Welcome Back College, a program specifically targeted at adults who began college but did not complete a degree.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census Survey of Income and Program Participation, college enrollment in Midcoast Maine is significantly lower than the state and nation, particularly in Lincoln County. While college enrollment rates in Maine and the United States are at around 27%, they are only 19% and 14.5% in Sagadahoc and Lincoln Counties, respectively. More than 10,000 residents in this area have some college experience but have not earned a degree. In contrast, the Maine Department of Labor anticipates that within this decade, more than two-thirds of job postings will require a college degree. Without a doubt, there is a largely untapped market of adults in this area who need to be reached for postsecondary completion.

It takes a great deal of courage for an individual to return to college after an extended absence. Many potential students embarking on the college re-entry process encounter various obstacles in their pursuit of higher education. Some have families and need to consider child care options, while others have time issues and financial concerns. Additional complications might include lower academic and study skill levels if the student has been out of school for some time. These obstacles can lead to a lack of confidence and frustration. Often, this is all it takes to deter these individuals from completing their degrees.

Welcome Back College provides a myriad of services to students re-entering the college environment, including two Personal Higher Ed Navigators, Vanessa Richards and Dawn Wheeler, who meet with students regularly to offer intensive support in a variety of areas. Some students benefit from study group sessions and peer networking. Others need help completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and college applications. Assistance is given in navigating distance learning technologies and strategies, including ITV, videoconferencing, Blackboard, Maine Street and hybrid programming. Other supports include retrieval of transcripts, prior learning assessment, and career decision making. Over the course of a semester, each student will receive an average of 20-25 hours of comprehensive services from these professionals at no charge.

Vanessa and Dawn offer flexible hours at both Wiscasset Adult Education and University College Bath/Brunswick, which students can access for support and guidance. Schedule an appointment or call with questions at 208-2703 for Vanessa or 208-6547 for Dawn. The Personal Higher Ed Navigators can also be reached by email at Vanessa@MyAdultEd.org and Dawn@MyAdultEd.org. For more information about all of the programs at Wiscasset Adult & Community Education call 882-9710 or visit www.MyAdultEd.org.

Rediscover Why You Love the Midcoast

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:56:22 -0400

Themed Educational Tours of Midcoast Maine

Wiscasset Adult and Community Education has released their schedule of educational tours with a focus this fall on the many splendors of midcoast Maine. If you are hungry for adventure, day excursions include a Seafood Safari (September 22), Tour de Thrift (September 22), Winery Tour and Vinfest (September 29), and a Swine & Stein Oktoberfest Tour (October 13). These events are open to residents of any community, and participants are encouraged to register early as seats are filling quickly.

The fun begins on Saturday, September 22^nd, with the Seafood Safari! Participants will travel comfortably in a Mercedes mini-coach, sample delicious seafood all day and learn the harvesting process that happens every day on the midcoast of Maine. You will even get to ride along on a lobster boat, enjoy the natural wonders of the coast and experience authentic lobstering. The day will end with a scrumptious meal at Waterman’s in South Thomaston! This trip departs from Wiscasset High School at 11:00 a.m. and returns at 8:00 p.m. The fee for this adventure is $175 per person.

If shopping is your thing, then the Tour de Thrift is for you. On Saturday, September 22^nd, travel up and down the mid coast from Damariscotta to Falmouth with like minded bargain hunters. The group will be stopping at many of the well-known, and maybe some not so well-known, ladies’ consignment stores! Along the way, participants will play games and earn prizes that will add even more to their savings! Board the bus at Wiscasset High School at 8:00 a.m and return by 8:00 p.m. The fee for this extravaganza is $25 per person.

The following Saturday, September 29^th, wine lovers can hop on the All Aboard Trolley Mini Coach for a Winery Tour and Vinfest! The tour will include stops at Fat Friar’s Meadery, Sweetgrass, Savage Oaks and Cellardoor wineries. Participants will delight in samples all along the way! Find your favorite varieties and try some new ones as well. The tour will end at the Cellardoor’s annual Vinfest where there will be grape-stomping, food and wine pairings, a BBQ, music, demonstrations and much more. Depart from Wiscasset High School at 11:00 a.m. and return at 5:00 p.m. The fee for this excursion is $95 per person.

Mark your calendars for the Swine and Stein Brewery Tour & Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 13^th! Visits and sample some of Maine’s unique creations at regional breweries with a final stop in Gardiner for the Third Annual Swine and Stein Oktoberfest! Delicious beers. farm-to-table pork and live music will be enjoyed by all. The Oktoberfest includes dunk tanks, chicken flings, pony races and other merriment galore! Departure is at 11:00a.m. from Wiscasset High School and return is 5:00 p.m. The fee will be $95 per person.

Additional tours in October include a Fall foliage Getaway (October 20), a Coastal Nature Tour (October 6), and a Midcoast History Murder Mystery Tour (October 27).

Each year Wiscasset Adult and Community Education offers educational events and excursions that are designed to appeal to locals and visitors alike. These often include cultural experiences that one wouldn’t ordinarily embark upon on their own. With thoughtful planning and input from local experts, the staff at Wiscasset Adult and Community Education has created a mixture of lively opportunities that are sure to be of interest. To find out more about these events or to register, please call Wiscasset Adult & Community Education at 207-882-9710 or register online at www.MyAdultEd.org.

FREE WorkReady Career Training: In Person w/ Local Employers

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:44:27 -0500

Learn about your chance to earn the WorkReady Credential from the Maine Department of Education!

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.

So, why should you learn about WorkReady? In this program, you will...

Learn what it takes to get and keep a better job.
Find out what employers expect.
Network with businesses!
No cost to participants.

Network with Local Employers

Here are just SOME of the local businesses who have participated in previous training sessions by hosting site visits, conducting mock interviews, or delivering guest presentations:

Lincoln County Healthcare
Hannaford
Home Depot
Sebasco Estates
Mobius
Midcoast Behavioral Health
Bath Savings Bank
Coastal Enterprises, Inc
BIW

Join us at the FREE information session on Monday June 18, 2012 at 12:00pm or Tuesday June 26, 2012 at 6:00pm at the Wiscasset High School to learn more about this FREE training program. Call Wiscasset Adult & Community Education at 882-9710 or visit www.MyAdultEd.org to register.

The next WorkReady training program runs July 9 - 25, 2012. Classes meet Monday through Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm.

Meet Janet Hooper

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:04:28 -0500

Hello, my name is Janet Hooper, and I live in Wiscasset. I am married, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

People take the Office Skills Certificate Program (OSCP) for many different reasons. In my case it was because the company I had worked at for 23 years moved its operation to Mexico. Having thought I would retire from there, I found myself instead having to think about re-entering a different work field.

I went to the Adult Education Office in Wiscasset where I met a great staff who helped me get started on the right path. After several discussions with them I decided I wanted to work in an office environment. Career change decided but no computer skills! This is where OSCP came into play.

I started the program which is self-paced, teacher lead, and involves many different aspects. Part of the course is typing 30 words per minute at the basic level and 50 words per minute at the advanced level without looking at the keys. It is a long road from 10 words per minute but with much practice I made it to 32 words per minute. So I guess 50 will soon come.

Learning the Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) was fascinating to me. I couldn’t believe how much is out there to learn. My skills have increased tremendously! My favorite part of the course is accounting. I have always loved math and hope to work with financial records.

Another aspect of the program is the WorkReady Credential, which teaches you more about entering the work force. It teaches you how to write your resume and cover letters which are needed today to apply for jobs. They do on site visits to different places that give you an inside look at all the different jobs available. Mock interviews are done so you know what you are going to face in an interview, extremely helpful to me as I had not gone to one in over 20 years! I strongly urge anyone looking to find a job to take the WorkReady program.

The hands-on help from the instructors was very beneficial to me. The whole staff at Wiscasset Adult Ed, along with our program instructors, was willing to assist with anything I needed help with. I look forward to finishing this program soon and getting started on the Accounting Clerk Certificate.

I want everyone to know, it doesn’t matter your age—you can always learn more, and you may find it enjoyable.

Finish the GED Tests Now—Or Else!

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:10:47 -0500

Big changes to the GED^® Test in 2014

On March 15, 2011, The American Council on Education (ACE) and Pearson announced the creation of a ground-breaking new business that will drive the future direction, design, and delivery of the GED^® testing program based on their vision for the GED in the 21st century. Their press release explained that the three primary components of this initiative will include:

1. A new, more rigorous GED Test aligned with Common Core State Standards designed to ensure career- and college-readiness;

2. A national test preparation program featuring an expanding array of innovative and personalized learning resources; and,

3. A transition network that connects GED test-takers to career and postsecondary educational opportunities.

The need for higher standards is clear. With a labor market that increasingly seeks some postsecondary training, paired with dispiriting rates of high school and college completion, the future of our economy depends on creating a highly skilled, creative, and competitive workforce. This includes more intensive educational opportunities for the 40 million adults in the U.S. without a high school diploma.

Policy makers and the GED Testing Service are working to reposition the GED as a step in a journey toward postsecondary training, rather than as an end in itself. Epitomizing that shift in thinking, the new exam, due out in 2014, will have two passing points: the traditional one indicating high school equivalency, and an additional, higher one signaling college and career readiness.

"The message is that you’re not here just to get a high school equivalency and walk out. You’re here to get prepared for careers and educational opportunities that are going to demand that you have even more skills," explains Nicole Chestang, the executive vice president of the GED Testing Service.

The New Benchmark: Common Core Standards

According to the Maine Department of Education, the Common Core State Standards are a set of academic standards in Mathematics and English Language Arts, which includes literacy in history/social studies, science and technical subjects. The Common Core State Standards focus on developing college- and career-ready standards and ensuring these standards are evidence- and research-based and internationally benchmarked to top-performing countries.

Sample GED Science Question

Question: Oxidation is a chemical reaction that occurs when oxygen combines with an element or compound. For instance, when raw apple slices are exposed to air, certain chemicals on the surface of the slices oxidize and turn brown. Antioxidants are substances that slow the rate of oxidation. Citrus fruits, for example, contain the antioxidant vitamin C.

Suppose fresh apple slices are dipped briefly in lemon juice and then placed in a bowl. How will the lemon juice affect the apple slices?

1. The apple slices will turn brown much more slowly.

2. The lemon juice, but not the apples, will turn brown.

3. The lemon juice, but not the apples, will oxidize the air.

4. The surface of the apple slices will oxidize more quickly.

5. The interior, not the surface, of the slices will be oxidized.

Answer: Lemons are a citrus fruit, so lemon juice contains the antioxidant vitamin C, which slows the rate of oxidation. If the apple slices are dipped in lemon juice, they will oxidize more slowly. As a result of the slower oxidation rate, they will also turn brown more slowly, so choice 1 is correct. The other choices reflect a misunderstanding of the material in the passage. Choices 2 and 3 are about changes in the lemon juice. The question asks about changes in the apple slices. Choice 4 says the surface of the apple slices will oxidize more quickly, but an antioxidant slows down oxidation. Choice 5 mentions the interior of the apple slices, but the lemon juice is on the exterior of the apple slices.

For example, one of the ten reading standards for literacy in science and technical subjects on key ideas and details is outlined below based on age group.

1. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. (grades 6-8)

2. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to the precise details of explanations or descriptions. (grades 9-10)

3. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the account. (grades 11-12)

Let’s look at a sample question from the current version of the GED Science test. Answering this question correctly would demonstrate mastery of the above standard at the 6-8 grade level. Imagine how much harder this question will have to be to demonstrate mastery at the 11-12 grade level. In addition, all of the information needed to answer the question can be found in the reading passage itself, whereas the new version of the test will require background science knowledge.

The Local Impact

There are many people in the area who have started taking the GED tests, yet have not completed all five to earn their High School Credential. Our program works hard to ensure the success of each student, as evidenced by the 85% passing rate of students who take the GED tests. Over the past three years, 760 students have enrolled in academic and career preparation programs at Wiscasset Adult & Community Education, 288 (38%) with the goal of earning a High School Credential. Of the students in the High School Completion Program, 145 (50%) students took at least one GED test, 122 (42%) students received passing scores, and 55 (19%) earned a High School Diploma. Obviously, there are many people that need to return to adult education to complete the remaining tests before 2014 to earn their High School Diploma.

"We’ve already begun the shift in using the GED as merely a stepping stone on the path to success, rather than a dead end," notes Anne Fensie, Director of Adult Education in Wiscasset. "Our local requirements for testing include completion of orientation, career advising, goal planning, student success skills, and significant academic preparation before registering to test. The recently released details about the 2014 version [of the GED] support the mission of our school district: to educate each and every student to the fullest of his/her potential, enabling them to participate fully as a productive and self-fulfilled member of a democratic society."

Take Action

So, what does this mean for you if you don’t have a high school credential? If you wait until 2014 to get started on taking the GED tests, it will likely take longer to achieve your goal as you will be held to a higher standard. Most will need to get started now to be able to pass the new GED. It is also important to note that old scores will not transfer to the new version of the test. Beginning in 2014, anyone who has not earned their high school credential will have to take all of the new tests. Of course, the benefit of passing the new GED is that you and potential employers/schools will have proof that you are ready to succeed in college and more demanding, higher paying jobs. Our advice—get started now!

GED^® and GED Testing Service^® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education (ACE). They may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of ACE or GED Testing Service. The GED^® and GED Testing Service^® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license from the American Council on Education.

Meet Dawn Wheeler

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:32:20 -0400

As a new instructor to Wiscasset Adult Education, I have come to appreciate the warm atmosphere that my fellow staff people have promoted.

Students are brought on-board in a comprehensive manner which includes an in-depth orientation. This orientation process affords each student the opportunity to acclimate to the world of adult education and increases their readiness to learn.

My experience has been that students come into the classroom with exuberance and eagerness to learn. Each student is valued as an individual, bringing their own strengths and challenges to their learning process. We solicit continual feedback from students in order to create a curriculum that interests the students and covers a broad range of topics.

It is an absolute pleasure and inspiration to work with these learners, providing them with a supportive environment from which they can grow.

Dawn teaches adult basic education in our Learning Center, high school completion classes, and the Family CIRC:LE. She can be reached via email at dwheeler@svrsu.org or by phone at the adult ed office 882-9710.

Meet Josephina Gasca

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:29:25 -0400

Imagine a room filled with a group of women wearing bright-colored hip scarves with jangling coins. Ranging from high school seniors to senior citizens and every age in between, they come from all walks of life, some mother-daughter pairs, some belly dance buddies, but all of them eager to dance, each with a unique body type and history. And each with a story to express through the dance. And you begin to understand. There’s nothing as satisfying as getting together with this group of women every week to dance. And they are amazing women.

Teaching belly dance is the highlight of my day during the work week. For me, it’s an opportunity to help form community and bridge the generations at a time when we are more connected virtually, but in turn more isolated. I often say in my classes that if humanity danced together, there would be a lot less war. I believe this, because I have observed the evolution of many women sinking in and getting really comfortable in their own skin and stretching out into the music and luxuriating in the dance.

I am privileged to be able to share an art form which creates a space for these women to explore that feeling on an individual level as well as in community. We work hard and laugh even harder. We move quietly. We clamor. We dance.

Josephina teaches Belly Dance on Wednesday nights at Wiscasset Adult & Community Education, Monday in Brunswick, and Thursday in Bath. An accomplished writer, she also teaches a Pen2Page Fiction workshop.

Meet Stephanie Malinski

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:38:53 -0400

Stephanie is a student in our family literacy program working towards the completion of her High School Diploma. Here is her story in her own words.

Wiscasset Adult Education has opened up a world of opportunities to me. I am a single mother who left a situation where I couldn’t finish my education. Moving here from Illinois I had no friends or any family for 2000+ miles. I came with two important goals. My first one is finishing my high school diploma, which had been put off for several years. My second goal is to create a better life for my son.

I was referred to the local high school for the Wiscasset Adult Education program where I met Anne. She was very insightful and caring when it came to my needs and wants. She took time to listen to everything I had to say. I have been enrolled for over a year now and have accomplished much more than I could have ever imagined. I started in the Family Literacy Program which helped strengthen my math skills and do some fun activities with my son. I am currently attending Learning Center which is helping me work towards the credits I need in English to achieve my high school diploma. The small group and one-on-one setting have helped me address my dyslexia and move forward quickly towards my educational goals.

The staff here at Wiscasset Adult Ed is very helpful. They are such a lovely group of people. I have never felt judged in any way. I have dyslexia which makes a lot of my school and home life tasks difficult to accomplish. The instructors I have come across in the year I have been here have been unbelievably helpful and show a lot of interest in my learning needs. Overall, this has been an excellent life experience. It has made me feel more confident in my work, schooling and everyday life. My self esteem has risen. I have become more social and have been able to meet new people and make friends. I am glad and feel very lucky I found this program when I did. I would not think twice about referring anyone in need of bettering themselves and their education to Wiscasset Adult Ed. A huge thanks to everyone involved in the program. I appreciate everything you have done for me. My dream is to eventually go on to college and pursue a degree in Massage Therapy.

In Transition: Sylvia Reed

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 17:13:30 -0400

This is a great article that one of our students wrote for the upcoming April edition of The Learning Link.

I graduated from Cony High School in 1977 and attended one year of college at UMA before I dropped out to go to work in a factory in Gardiner making children’s clothing. At that time, there were no scholarships or financial aid; there weren’t even night classes, and I had to work for a living. The money was great at the factory. I already knew how to sew, so I felt comfortable with the work I had to do. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, but I knew that I didn’t want to stay at the factory for the rest of my life. Down the road, I eventually got married and had two beautiful, adorable daughters. I’ve always been interested in education; I like to know things. I read a lot. All those years, I wanted to go back to school, but I didn’t think any college would take me, because it had been so many years.

Melinda Gilman, Wiscasset Adult Ed’s College and Career Counselor, told me I could come to classes at Adult Ed even though I had graduated from high school. She said they would be able to help me to refresh all those things I had learned many years ago when I was younger. I was absolutely shocked that somebody that had graduated from high school could take classes at Adult Ed and prepare to go to college for free. I didn’t know such a program existed.

So I came and I tried it. I kept coming because it was really fun. We actually laugh a lot, in class; it’s really relaxed and everyone is encouraged to ask questions. I really like my fellow students; people are here because they want to learn. Everyone helps each other out by sharing ideas and strategies of what’s worked for them in learning a new concept or skill. And the teachers are not evil! They actually want you to succeed; they answer your questions before you even ask them. They break difficult concepts down into easy little steps, and they don’t ever assume you already know more than you do. They’re here to teach you at whatever level you are currently, at whatever pace you want to go. Most importantly, the atmosphere is kind and loving…with little stress and good food!

I personally think everyone should come back to school, because a mind is a terrible thing to waste, and so is a life! My goal down the road is to irritate others as much as possible by encouraging everyone I come in contact with to go for it and do what you really want to do with your life. It’s not too late! I read recently that a 92 year old woman had graduated from college with honors. She had dropped out of school to support her family when she was a young woman, and she decided to go back to school in her late eighties and get an education…

If she can do it, we all can!

Why Adult Ed? Why now?

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 16:12:53 -0400

A message from the Director:

What do you know about adult education? What can adult ed do for you? I often hear people say, "Wow, I didn't realize adult ed did so much!" So, let me tell you a little about what exactly it is that we do. I will explain why we need adult ed, and why we need it now.

Maine Adult Education programs offer services in five areas: literacy, high school completion, college transitions, business and skills training, and personal enrichment. We work with learners from a variety of backgrounds, from all ages, and all skill levels. We work with the full spectrum of humanity. Our mission is to work together to ensure a community of fluent learners, critical thinkers, and creative contributors to our society.

What ultimately makes adult education so unique is the people, both the staff and the students. The staff are passionate about making a difference and truly love what they do. Meet Dawn Wheeler on page 18 of The Learning Link to hear just how much. Equally inspiring are the students who genuinely want to learn. Many have surmounted serious challenges just to get to class.

So, why adult ed, and why now?

Perhaps you know someone who struggles to read, and is too embarrassed to seek help. Literacy is essential to quality of life in so many ways, so I encourage you to bring them in with you so we can get them started on an educational plan.
Maybe you never liked school, or had some kind of interruption in your education that kept you from graduating from high school. We offer a variety of opportunities for gaining the skills and credits to earn either a High School Diploma or pass the GED® tests. I promise that we can make you comfortable, even in a school setting. Read Stephanie’s story on page 21 of The Learning Link for some inspiration.
Our country has been experiencing an exponential shift in the demographics: the baby boomers are the first generation to have a higher level of educational attainment and longer life expectancy than their children. This means that it has never been more urgent that we begin transitioning adults ages 18 - 55 into the college pipeline. Maine Adult Education College and Career Pathways addresses this very need. Meet Sylvia on page 16 of The Learning Link.
While college is an essential for many, others may need to learn a targeted skill to retain their job or earn a certification to re-enter employment. You will find many affordable options as you explore this site.
Finally, with the stresses of our day, we can’t forget to be human. We can’t forget to take care of our hearts, our minds, and our bodies. Our personal enrichment offerings are so diverse that you are sure to find just the right way to take care of you.

There has never been a better time for you to improve your education. Adult education offers a wide variety of programs to assist you at each stage of your life. I hope you will take advantage.

Warmest Regards, Anne Fensie
Director, Wiscasset Adult & Community Education

College Admit-in-a-Day Event at Wiscasset Adult & Community Education

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 13:40:32 -0500

JumpStart Your Journey to SUCCESS

If you have been thinking about going to college, it’s time to Jumpstart your Journey! Wiscasset Adult & Community Education is pleased to host a free “Admit-in-a-Day” event for learners of any age. This is an exciting opportunity to complete the entire college enrollment process in just one day. This includes career exploration, college applications and interviews, placement testing, financial aid application, and more. All application fees will be waived!

Admit-in-a-Day will be held at Wiscasset High School on Friday January 28, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. An additional session is being planned for early spring at the Bath CareerCenter. Registration is required as space is limited. There is no charge for this event. To sign up, call 882-9710 or visit www.MyAdultEd.org.

“College isn't a luxury anymore,” says Anne Fensie, Director of Wiscasset Adult & Community Education. “The latest figures from the Department of Labor state that 45% of the job postings in Maine during 2010 required a college degree. In 2020, this will climb to nearly 2 out of 3. Most of us can’t afford not to go to college. Thanks to a college access challenge grant from the Finance Authority of Maine, our program can provide additional services to make the college dream a reality for so many more in this area.”

For adults who have been out of school for a while, knowing where to begin or how to navigate the whole process of getting started with higher education can be overwhelming. By providing all of these steps in one day, people can leave with an acceptance letter, information about support services, and a concrete plan for starting college.

The event features admissions representatives from a variety of colleges, qualified professionals to assist with completing financial aid forms, career counselors to advise on educational preparation for specific occupations, and college transitions coaches to identify further needs. Participating organizations include University of Maine at Augusta, University College Bath/Brunswick, Southern New Hampshire University, Southern Maine Community College, Central Maine Community College, Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), Maine Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC), Bath CareerCenter, Goodwill Workforce Solutions, Maine College Transitions, and more.

Wiscasset Adult & Community Education provides additional free college and career programming throughout the year. For example, The Lincoln County College Connection is a comprehensive college transitions program offered during the daytime and evening at various locations throughout Lincoln County. Surviving & Thriving Distance Education features a series of workshops to ensure success for students who do not attend classes full time on a campus. The Adult Learning Center operates throughout the year to assist adults with a variety of educational needs, and now features the addition of videoconferencing for those who have transportation challenges. To find out more about these programs, call 882-9710 or visit www.MyAdultEd.org.

College for ME?? FREE Info on FREE Programs Can Make it Happen

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 15:22:28 -0500

Let's make your college dreams a reality!

What will she be when she grows up?
What did you want to be?
Are you satisfied with your career?
Would more education make a difference?

College isn't a luxury anymore. 45% of the job postings in Maine during 2010 required a college degree. In 2020, this will climb to nearly 2 out of 3. What will YOU be doing in 10 years?

Join Wiscasset Adult & Community Education and The Lincoln County College Connection as we help you explore how to make college a reality. In our FREE information sessions, you will learn about these FREE programs:

The Lincoln County College Connection —a comprehensive college transition program with daytime classes in Wiscasset & evening classes in Newcastle
Admit-in-a-Day—meet with local college admissions counselors, financial advisors, career counselors, and more!
College Goal Sunday
College Access Challenge Grants
Competitive Skills Scholarship Program
OSHER Scholarship

...and more!

These FREE information sessions are schedule for

Monday January 10, 2011 at 8:30am at the Wiscasset Primary School
Wednesday January 12, 2011 at 6:30pm at Lincoln Academy
Thursday January 13, 2011 at 6:00pm at Wiscasset High School

Don't go it alone---get college connected with The Lincoln County College Connection!

Call 882-9710 or email afensie@svrsu.org for more information.

Wiscasset Adult & Community Education Releases New Publication: "The Learning Link"

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 16:02:05 -0500

Information Overload.

Do you ever just feel like there is too much information out there?

We're in the business of educating, which used to be primarily about acquiring skills and soaking up knowledge. But how full can we get? Is there a physiological limit to the number of skills any one body can possess? Is there a knowledge saturation threshold? I don't have the answers to these questions, but I have some hypotheses. I'll have to do some research...

Which brings me to my point. The world of education has added as one of its primary missions the development of information processing, critical thinking, decision-making, communication, and innovation. In addition to the 3 R's, there is a new assortment of literacies to teach: written, oral, numeric, financial, visual, employment, and digital literacy. With so many services and programs available through adult and community education, our catalogs have become jam-packed.

Is the content of our catalog really accessible to all of the members of our community?

This has left me wondering, is the content of our catalog really accessible to all of the members of our community at large? Or is it information overload? Are we really giving you the right kind of information you need? Is it organized in an easily digestible format? While I don't think the answer to these questions is a resounding No, I do think we can serve you better. Here’s how.

Enter The Learning Link.

Welcome to the first issue of The Learning Link, our new periodical that will replace our catalog. As you flip through the pages, you will see a combination of articles, charts, advertisements, lists, and images. The content is organized around the major programs we offer, providing you with a quick snapshot, an explanation, and some details at a glance. This allows you to utilize The Learning Link in several different ways: browsing at your leisure, deeper study, or as a quick reference. Additional information about each course and program we offer is available on our website at www.MyAdultEd.org.

Visually Differentiated Text uses "the 7 Bs":
♦ bullets ♦ boldface
♦ breaks (white space)
♦ banners (paragraphs titles)
♦ beginnings ♦ boxes
♦ beyond monochrome (color)

In direct response to information overload, a new form of expository text has been developed for new media, called Visually Differentiated Text (VDT). You will see in these articles, as well as in other magazines and websites, how this helps make the text easier to read, search, and navigate. We hope you will welcome the change.

Your Thoughts?

Let us know what you think. We are your adult and community education program, poised to adapt to suit your needs. If you have some input on courses you would like to see, services we could provide, or how to improve The Learning Link, please give us a call at 882-9710 or email afensie@svrsu.org.

Happy Learning!

Anne Fensie, Director

Wiscasset Adult & Community Education receives college access grant

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 16:30:59 -0400

Maine College Access Challenge Grant from FAME to prepare adults for college and career success through the Career Passports program

Wiscasset, ME, October 24, 2010: Wiscasset Adult & Community Education was awarded a Maine College Access Challenge Grant (MCACG) from the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). MCACG is part of a federal program designed to significantly increase the number of underrepresented students who enter and remain in postsecondary education. The $36,400 grant will provide additional college and career preparatory services in the Wiscasset area, including surrounding Lincoln County and Bath, through a new program called Career Passports.

“This announcement is exciting news for our community,” says Anne Fensie, Director of Wiscasset Adult & Community Education. “We have had great success with providing both career preparation and college transitions programming, but often adults come to us seeking only one or the other. This will allow us to provide more comprehensive services that really marry the two. With a projected shortage of credentialed workers for high-paying jobs, it is essential that we enroll more adults in the educational pipeline as soon as possible.”

The Career Passports program targets under-served learners in the Wiscasset region, primarily working adults and those facing other significant challenges to higher education. Such barriers include low income or a criminal record, as well as insufficient childcare, transportation, or academic skills. Existing services for youth and adults will be bridged to provide a continuum of support for all members of the community on their journey to career and academic success.

Career Passports will be stamped for completing activities in the ongoing journey to career success—filing the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA), submitting a college application, completing the Career Decision Making Tool, taking the Accuplacer, visiting college campuses, job shadowing, developing an educational plan, completing test preparation, attending a college success workshop, meeting with an advisor, etc. Assistance will be provided to complete these activities at times that are most convenient to adults, including during the school day, after school, evenings, and weekends.

The Lincoln County College Connection (TLC³) will be expanded to provide services for inmates at Two Bridges Regional Jail, additional outreach throughout the County, and to provide additional support locally for students during their first semester in college. Adult education and high school instructors will work with faculty at community colleges and universities to align their curriculum with higher education, ensuring that students are indeed prepared to enter postsecondary education and succeed. With the support of the Maine College Access Challenge Grant from FAME, all of these services will be provided at no charge to area residents.

Wiscasset Adult & Community Education offers courses in 5 major categories: Business & Skills Training, College Transitions, GED & High School Completion, Literacy, and Personal enrichment courses. For more information visit their website at www.Wiscasset.MaineAdultEd.org or call (207) 882-9710.

Midcoast Skilled Workforce Forum

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:21:54 -0400

On Friday October 1, 2010 from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Wiscasset Adult & Community Education and University College Bath/Brunswick will host the Midcoast Skilled Workforce Forum at Wiscasset Middle School.

Midcoast Maine has a unique economy with rapidly changing workforce needs. The key to maintaining economic prosperity is an educated workforce. With dwindling resources, how do we make this happen?

All those who have a stake in the educational attainment of adults in our region are invited to participate in this discussion. The format of the day will include a panel discussion with leaders in higher education, followed by choices of presentations from a variety of organizations throughout the midcoast, as well as plenty of opportunities for networking. With a capacity of 75 attendees, this is a great opportunity to build new and strengthen old relationships with partners.

This year will feature panelists Dr. James Ortiz, president of Southern Maine Community College, and Dr. Curt Madison, Director of Distance Education for the University of Maine System.

Dr. Ortiz has spent the last year experiencing the challenges and triumphs of developing the Maine Advanced Technology Center in Brunswick. MATC focuses specifically on building the capacity of community colleges to train workers in high growth/high demand industries. Dr. Madison spent many years as the Director of the Center for Distance Education and Independent Learning at the University of Alaska/Fairbanks and brings with him a deep understanding of the challenges in reaching a rural population.

The panel discussion: Collaborative initiatives to improve the skill level and educational attainment of the workforce will be moderated by Rosa Redonnett, Executive Director of Student Services at UMS.

This is an exciting opportunity for business, education, and workforce development to come together to sustain our local economies with a highly skilled workforce.

This event is offered courtesy of Wiscasset Adult & Community Education and University College Bath/Brunswick and is open to the public with advanced registration. Registration can be completed online at www.Wiscasset.MaineAdultEd.org. For additional information, please email Anne Fensie or Dennis Unger or call 882-9710.

A Degree for Every Maine Worker?

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 08:00:00 -0400

While Mainers are pretty good at earning a high school credential, the state ranks well below its neighbors in achievement of degrees. Higher levels of education mean higher salaries and lower rates of unemployment, which is why those hit hardest by the recent economy include the majority of workers in this state. Year after year, Maine tops the list of worst states for business due to the low educational attainment of its workforce. A degree in the hand of every working Mainer would make this an attractive state to entice young families and big business.

Why does Maine need more degrees?
Why do we need to focus on adults in postsecondary education?
What are the obstacles to non-traditional students?
What is currently in place to address these?
Where do we fall short?
What can be done?

65% of high growth/high wage jobs in the pine tree state require at least some college. In addition, job growth in the near future will be found in the highest and lowest paying jobs, meaning that those desiring a steady paycheck can choose between a minimum wage job or becoming highly qualified to meet the demand of growing industries.

So, how do we get more degrees in Maine? A rapidly aging population and the exodus of college-going youth from this state means we must raise the educational attainment of adults currently in the workforce. The most skilled, experienced, and connected workers in this state will retire within 15 years, leaving a huge gap that must be filled with qualified workers—workers that currently are getting by on less than family-sustaining wages, probably on public assistance, and most likely have a low level of education.

Nontraditional students face many obstacles when they return to school, from weak academic skills, to inexperience with college culture, procedures, and use of technology. Many are working parents who struggle to juggle work, family, classes, and mounds of homework. Most give up. Some don’t apply when they find their financial aid award doesn’t meet the cost of attending college. Still others cannot afford the cost of both college and childcare, or do not live within commuting distance of a campus.

Fortunately, there are programs to help adults improve their education. The University of Maine System offers an abundance of distance courses, and the Rural Maine Childcare Initiative assists parents with childcare while they attend a community college. Most campuses also offer a variety of student support services. However, the biggest hurdles come before these students even begin college: namely, awareness and aspirations for college, academic readiness, and an understanding of how to navigate the systems. The Maine College Transition Program was developed to address these issues through adult education at.

The goal of Maine College Transitions is to raise student performance on college placement tests, while providing a comprehensive program on college preparation and success. Students learn time management, reading and note taking, stress management, and career exploration, while receiving support and encouragement from other nontraditional students who are facing similar life challenges. Participants visit colleges, meet with counselors, and receive help with filing financial aid forms and college applications. College Transitions is tremendously successful in preparing adults for a successful college experience.

Maine needs to reward adults for choosing to enter postsecondary education, becoming equipped with the skills to persist, and utilizing resources to continue to degree completion. A program should be established for Maine adults who successfully complete a College Transitions program that provides a $2,500 cash grant over and above their financial aid award. Further, by maintaining a C+ average and utilizing institutional support services, they will continue to receive these funds for 4 years. This program will cover some of the unmet financial need facing most Mainers who want to go to college, while ensuring that they first obtain the skills that will make them successful in school. With a plan like this, I think it is truly possible for every Maine worker to earn a degree.