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The History of Adult Basic Education
The Adult Learner
Teaching and Learning Styles
Student Eligibility
Student Services
Curriculum Frameworks
Staff Development

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Glossary of Terms

he First Step

"You've never been here before? Well, then you will need to take a test. Let's see when there is room in the testing session for you. I'll schedule a time for you to come back. Make sure you are here exactly when it says. If you are late, you will not be allowed in."

How would you feel if you walked into a school for the first time looking for assistance and you were met with the above statement? Think about your students. Many have not had positive experiences with educational settings. Many are fearful that they will "fail again." For many of our students, it took a lot of fortitude to just walk in the door.

Think about the first thing that happens to students when they walk into your school. Are they met by a smiling face and a warm greeting? Are their needs taken care of immediately or are they asked to wait until someone "has the time" to see them? Or are they told that first of all they will need to be scheduled for a test?

Although assessment is necessary, first a student needs reassurance that this is the right place for him/her. Adult programs often do not get a second chance. How your students are greeted and oriented to your program is a major factor in whether they will ever enter your classroom.
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This web-based training program was developed by the State of Florida Adult Basic Education Committee of the Practitioners' Task Force, through an Adult Education State Leadership Grant from the Florida Department of Education, Division of Community Colleges and Workforce Education.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this web-based training component, it is not an official publication of the Florida Department of Education.