LAKE TECHNICAL COLLEGE   

Applied Academics for Adult Education (AAAE)   

  

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE 

  

Most students in career and technical education institutions are required by Florida law to take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) evaluation within six weeks of enrollment in a job preparatory program. Course curriculum frameworks dictate minimum grade levels for each career and technical education program. The primary function of the AAAE program is to assist students who have not met the state established grade. AAAE instructors work with program instructors to ensure that student attendance is maintained and assigned study material is relevant.   

  

The purpose of AAAE is to prepare students for college and future careers. It provides academic assistance in reading, math, and language to students through a self-paced, individualized, diagnostic/prescriptive format. 

Instructors prescribe learning materials that are appropriate to the student's learning level and style of learning.  Additionally, the program offers opportunities to develop digital literacy and to acquire college and career readiness skills. 

  

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS  

  

Eligibility for enrollment  

       Must be sixteen (16) years of age or older. 

       Completion of official digital or online application.  

       Completion of the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) assessment as a means for determining specific academic needs. Any student who scores at least a 9.0 on the TABE will be enrolled in AAAE. Students with scores below a 9.0 will be enrolled in Adult Basic Education (ABE) until a score of 9.0 or above is achieved.   

       Students in career and technical education (CTE) programs may work one hour or more daily in the AAAE lab if TABE scores do not meet state requirements.  

  

Note: Enrollment in AAAE complies with school policy and state law. Students take the Test of Adult Basic Education prior to enrollment.

 

ESSENTIAL TRAINING TASKS  

  

Essential training tasks involve the specific requirements that one must be able to accomplish in order to successfully work through a program of study (in this instance the AAAE program).  These requirements or tasks are physical, mental, and emotional oriented. The physical, mental, and emotional requirements for the ABE program are that a student must have the ability to: 

       Sit for extended periods of time. 

       Comprehend both spoken and written English. 

       Use a computer keyboard or a keypad. 

       Work with others as a team as well as working independently. 

       Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, and/or diagrammatical form. Plan, organize, and manage time as well as daily activities.   

  

ACCOMMODATIONS  

  

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities as identified on the secondary student’s IEP or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations plan to meet individual needs to ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation of accommodations, if needed, and develop a plan with their postsecondary service provider.   

  

Students desiring accommodations or updates to their accommodations are encouraged to self-identify as early in the program as possible. In order to receive disability accommodations, students must self-disclose the disability to the Students with Disabilities Coordinator and provide documentation that clearly shows evidence of a disability and

 

applicable accommodations. The Students with Disabilities Coordinator will schedule a meeting with the student and instructor to discuss the documented disability and applicable accommodations.  

  

Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education.  They change the way the student is instructed.  Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems.  Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided are maintained in a confidential file separate from the academic record.   

  

GENERAL INFORMATION 

 

Reason for Withdrawal   

Noncompliance with guidelines for AAAE will result in withdrawal from the program. The missing of six consecutive scheduled class sessions will result in an immediate withdrawal. This is due to state policy. Inappropriate behavior may result in withdrawal or dismissal as determined through a Student Intervention Team (SIT) meeting process. For those who are withdrawn during a term and who wish to return during the same term, a reenrollment fee of $10.00 is required.  

  

Orientation A program orientation is required for all Lake Tech Adult Education students. Students will sign off on an understanding of the policies of the college and the individual program requirements at the conclusion of the orientation.  

 

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 

  

The mission of Lake Technical College (LTC) and the Adult Education Program includes providing the necessary skills for students to be successful employees in whatever career they choose. To be successful in the workforce, as well as college and career ready, graduates must possess both strong academic skills and good professional skills.  These types of skills are what employers are looking for in their employees, for example, communication skills, dependability, productivity, and teamwork.  The following are areas that all adult education students are expected to exhibit in class: 

 

Standards 

Professional and Academic Integrity  

       Attendance:  Attends class for all scheduled hours assigned; arrives/leaves on time; logs in and out properly; communicates with instructor when arriving late, leaving early, or being absent for any reason. 

       Communication/Teamwork:  Contacts instructor with learning or other concerns; works cooperatively with people with diverse backgrounds and abilities; is an active group member; teaches others; contributes ideas and suggestions. 

       Ethics:  Displays academic integrity (no plagiarism); follows LTC code of conduct (appropriate use of cellphone/smartphone, following tobacco product rule, food and drink rule, etc.). 

       Respect:  Shows respect for self, classmates, instructors, and staff; does not engage in harassment of any kind (verbal, nonverbal, written, and electronic); and respects class materials – appropriate use of technology, books and other materials are not marked in or taken from the classroom and are returned to appropriate place or instructor. 

 

Self-Management  

       Appearance:  Follows the LTC dress code using appropriate dress, grooming, and hygiene, and wears regulation uniform. 

       Attitude:  Shows positive attitude; willing to cooperate; accepts constructive criticism.  

       Preparedness:  Has needed materials and supplies to complete assignments; comes ready to learn; prioritizes tasks and time for the day. 

       Productivity:  Stays on task; utilizes time constructively; when finishes assignment and is waiting for further instructions, finds appropriate materials and continues studying. 

 

Grade Scale 

5 = Exceeds Expectations:  Professional skills performance is exemplary.  Student consistently demonstrates characteristics that will stand out in the work environment and will advance her/him in the career chosen. 

4 = Meets Expectations:  Professional skills performance standards are met.  Student demonstrates characteristics that will stand out in the work environment. 

 

3 = Needs Moderate Improvement:  All professional skills standards are met most of the time.  The quality of the student’s professional skills performance is that of a good employee in the normal work environment.

 

2 = Needs Substantial Improvement:  Some professional skills standards are not met.  Additional work on employability skills is recommended. 

 

1 = Unacceptable:  Professional skills performance is below average.  Most skills have not been met.  

  

GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION

Campus Safety  

Lake Technical College makes every effort to provide a safe environment for all students, visitors, faculty and staff.  Basic safety standards, which will include fire drills, weather drills, equipment usage, and traffic regulations, will be covered in the program orientation.  Also for further safety, all students are required to wear the appropriate Lake Tech shirt for that program; adult education students wear a light blue shirt with the Lake Tech logo. Furthermore, students must wear the school issued photo identification while on campus. These basic safety standards will be reinforced throughout the program enrollment.  See the current school catalog for additional campus safety information.  

 

Children on Campus  

Students and employees are expected to make off-campus childcare arrangements. The College assumes no responsibility for the supervision of children. At no time should children be left unattended either in buildings, grounds or vehicles.    

  

Food and Drink  

To protect equipment and furnishings in the classroom and laboratory areas, only water, in closed, covered containers, is permitted. No other food or drinks are allowed, unless specific permission is granted by the instructor. However, under no circumstance may food or drinks be in the laboratory areas.  

  

Lunch   

Food services are provided on the main campus by the Professional Culinary Arts and Hospitality program and are available during scheduled breaks and lunch. Adult students may leave the LTC campus during the scheduled 30-minute lunch break as long as they return to class on time.  

  

Parking Regulations  

Students at the main campus may park only in the south parking lot in spaces not designated as staff or customer service parking. For safety, loitering in or around vehicles once the vehicle is parked is not permitted and a 10 mph speed limit is enforced. In consideration of the neighbors and classes in session, loud music in vehicles on campus is prohibited. A person parking in spaces designated as “disabled permit only,” requires an official state disability decal to be displayed on the vehicle.  Students parking on the campus, must have the Lake Tech issued annual school year parking decal visibly displayed on their vehicle; this decal may be obtained in the Business Office.

  

Smoking and Tobacco Use  

The college is a tobacco free institution, so the use of tobacco products of any kind and the appearance of such use, including e-cigarettes and vapes, is not permitted at any school location, including parking lots. Any student who is found to have violated this policy will be subject to dismissal 

  

ATTENDANCE POLICY   

  

In an effort to develop appropriate work ethics, LTC students are expected to attend all class sessions. Only regularly scheduled class hours will be reported for attendance. Make-up time will not be accepted. Students with continued excessive absences will be subject to penalties such as prohibition from re-enrollment in the next grading period. 

  

Absences  

If it is necessary to be absent due to illness or emergency situations, all students are to notify the instructor as soon as possible prior to the start of class, as is the case in the workplace when students are fully employed. The missing of six consecutive scheduled class sessions will result in an immediate withdrawal. 

  

Students in ABE, GED® Preparation, and Applied Academics for Adult Education (AAAE) programs must have achieved a minimum of 80% attendance at the end of each semester. Students not having met this requirement will sign an acknowledgement that they have been notified that continued absences will pose a threat to program enrollment.  School Intervention Team meetings will be held with the student as necessary to attempt to alleviate issues resulting in excessive absences and to counsel him or her of possible alternatives and consequences.   

  

Students on attendance contracts are deemed to be on probation until such time that their absences are 20% or less.   

  

Tardiness  

Students are expected to be in their seats promptly for the start of class.  As a courtesy, students must notify the instructor before the start of class of any anticipated tardiness and an expected arrival time.  This allows the instructors to best utilize their time.    

  

Leaving Campus during School Hours  

For safety reasons, all students must notify their instructor when leaving campus early. Students may leave campus for lunch provided this is done within the allotted time.  

  

Adult Education Distance Learning Policy  

Only through continuous communication with your instructor and consistent work habits can an online course be a successful experience. Please read the following policies and procedures to understand the specific participation requirements to maintain enrollment in the online ABE, GED® Preparation or AAAE program course.  

  

You will attend a one (2) hour orientation at the main campus before beginning your coursework. During this time, you will complete required forms and review any pertinent information. You must have a working email address for direct consultation with your instructor as well as the Adult Education Online Coordinator. If you do not have an email account, you can create one during the orientation. You will also at this time receive login information for the online tools used for study.   

  

You are enrolled for six (6) hours for part-time or ten (10) hours for full-time each week. Your attendance will be determined by the number of work hours on computer-based coursework, additional assignments and other events as determined by your instructor. Attendance reports will be run each Monday by the instructor and submitted to the Adult Education Online Coordinator for review.   

  

AAAE online students are required to participate a minimum of eighty percent (80%) per week of their enrollment. If you have participated less than four point eight (4.8) hours in a week, part-time, or eight (8) hours in a week, full-time, you will be notified by your instructor. To maintain your current enrollment status, you must show a minimum of 4.8 hours (part-time) or 8 hours (full-time) of participation for EACH five (5) week period.  

  

If you do not meet the above requirements, your instructor will notify Lake Technical College that you have been withdrawn from the course. It is important to notify your instructor of circumstances that may prevent you from attaining the required number of hours of participation.  

  

Re-admission will be subject to availability, willingness to abide by the policies and procedures for distance learning (online classes), and current re-admission procedures of the Admissions Office. Note that you will be subject to a reenrollment fee of $10.00 if the reenrollment occurs in the same semester as withdrawn. 

  

A meeting with the Adult Education Coordinator will be required before re-enrolling in the course.  

  

STUDENT DRESS CODE  

  

Students who attend Lake Tech shall dress in a manner appropriate for the job in which they are receiving training, including any special protective gear and professional uniforms. All clothing, make-up and jewelry must be neither distracting nor offensive and be clean, neat, modest, in good repair and appropriately sized. In order to instill professionalism and consistency, as is done in the career and technical programs, students within any Adult Education program will wear a specific Lake Technical College t-shirt for that program. These shirts will be available for purchase in the Business Office.  

 

The director or designee has the final authority for determining whether or not a student’s apparel conforms to the dress code. If it is determined that it does not, students will be required to change into clothing which will conform to this code or leave campus. Students may return to campus when they have changed into appropriate clothing.   

  

PLAN OF INSTRUCTION  

  

Objectives  

The aim of AAAE is to help students reach state mandated minimum academic skill levels and succeed in career and technical programs and subsequent employment. The program is characterized by open-entry/open-exit enrollment, self-paced instructional modules that relate to the student's occupational goal and learning style, flexible schedules, and performance-based (non-graded) evaluations.  

  

Another characteristic element of AAAE is the personalized approach and unique relationships established between students and instructors. Highly qualified instructors facilitate learning and develop lesson plans in order to teach to the College and Career Readiness Standards as noted by the Florida Department of Education. Lessons and materials include career related success skills along with the academic components of Reading, Math, Language and digital literacy. Instructors provide encouragement and clarification to maintain a positive learning environment and to facilitate attainment of academic and career goals.   

  

Goals and objectives for AAAE are:  

           To identify the student's level of academic competence in reading, math, and language through TABE evaluation.  

           To diagnose deficiencies in basic skills and assess remediation needs based on each student's career and educational goals.  

           To prescribe individual study plans (prescriptions) in each subject area needing remediation.  

           To manage, monitor, and evaluate the student's learning activities and progress and provide immediate feedback. 

           To prepare students for the workplace by modeling appropriate work habits soft skills such as punctuality, appropriate grooming, teamwork, self-management, critical thinking skills, etc. 

           To recommend students for career and technical placement and to provide support, if needed, during program enrollment.  

  

AAAE academic requirements vary depending on career and technical education program requirements. Completion time may also vary depending on the student's academic level at entry, time spent in the class, and program requirements.  

 

Instructional Materials   

The AAAE classroom is equipped with a wide variety of multi-media materials to meet diverse academic levels, interests, and learning styles of students. These include textbooks, workbooks, programmed written materials, videos, computer software, and the Internet.  

  

Provisions for Meeting Individual Needs for Students   

Individualized lesson plans are prescribed for all students that address individual needs in reading, math, and language. Learning style questionnaires determine the student's learning style, in order to meet the needs of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.  

  

The Students with Disabilities Coordinator is available to provide assistance to students with special needs. Adult students with disabilities must self-identify and request accommodations.  

  

Student Progress Data  

Students are given immediate feedback on all class work and tests. Scores and dates are recorded on individual prescription sheets. As students complete prescriptions, the TABE is re-administered. Computer printouts of all test grades and modular analysis are available for comparison.  

 

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS  

  

The AAAE program provides the necessary skills for students to be successful employees in whatever career they choose.  To be successful in the workforce, college and career ready, graduates must possess both strong academic skills and good professional skills.  These types of skills are what employers are looking for in their employees, for example, communication skills, dependability, productivity, and teamwork. Instructors give assistance and counsel students regarding good professional skills in preparation for work force entry and/or entry into the GED® program of study. 

  

COMPONENTS OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE STANDARDS  

  

Instructional strategies for this program include methods that require students to identify, organize and use resources appropriately; to work with each other cooperatively and productively; to acquire and use information; to understand social, organizational and technological systems; and to work with a variety of tools and equipment. Instructional strategies also incorporate methods to improve students’ personal learning strategies and high-order thinking skills.   

 

After successfully completing appropriate coursework for each subject area of the program, the student will be able to shift upwards into a Lake Technical College career and technical education program. Students will also be expected to have completed a career plan and to have made progress towards enrollment in postsecondary or job placement.  

 

(NOTE: Delegation of instructional components)  

  

1.          CAREER ASSESSMENT AND/OR REFERRAL  

Students are referred to the Career Advisors or Student Success Counselor as needed.  

  

2.          BASIC SKILLS RELATED INSTRUCTION  

These skills are all taught in the AAAE class or online.  

  

3.          OTHER RELATED INSTRUCTION (as needed)  

These skills are taught in the career and technical programs.  

  

4.          WORKFORCE PREPARATION ACTIVITIES  

These are taught in career-technical programs and in AAAE as needed.  

  

5.          COMPLEMENTARY SKILLS  

These are taught in AAAE as needed.  

  

6.          DIGITAL LITERACY  

These are a part of career and technical program components. Introductory lessons are provided in AAAE for the computer competency necessary for computer assisted instruction.   

 

ADVISORY COMMITTEE  

  

Community representatives and school staff serve on the Adult General Education Advisory Committee. Committee members represent many of the schools and agencies with whom AAAE staff must interact to coordinate efforts made on behalf of the student population. Educational trends at the local, state, and federal levels are shared among committee members.