“ No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship”.

James Comer

Introduction

The ADI Vocational Education and Training Program seeks to further the services of ADI to populations needing habilitation based on our Vocational Rehabilitation model and mission. As the market becomes more and more competitive in the working world, many agencies and schools look to offer some form of vocational training for their population. Not only does the ADI vocational education program offer students an edge above those without vocational training, but it instills confidence and competence in the students and their abilities.

The Vocational Education Program is established and enforced from the beginning as an actual job site which requires the conduct and work ethic of a real work setting. Students are paid for their time and they receive extra incentives such as bonuses, raises and promotions based on their job performance. The Vocational Education program consists of four essential components which are:

• Computer and Technology Training
• Community Service Involvement
• Vocational Training Skills
• Self Advocacy and Self Help Skills
• Typical Daily Schedule

The Program

With a year of vocational and academic service completed, the ADI Vocational Education Program has grown beyond the expectations that were initially set in its inception. The success of the ADI Vocational Education Program has been attributed to the team work approach of Aspen Diversified Industries and in its contracting associate Fountain-Fort Carson School District Number 8.

This program is specifically tailored for youth in transition who may be facing hardships in the traditional high school who have been diagnosed as high risk or special needs students as designated by the laws of the state of Colorado. Students in the ADI Vocational Education Program have had to have educational support due to needs in the areas of emotional and developmental disabilities.

Because of the special needs of the ADI Vocational Program, flexibility and versatility are essential components.

Success

Attendance: The ADI Vocational Education Program had a success rate of ninety-six percent or better in the last three years of class participation.

Enrollment: Of the fifty three students who participated the past three years the ADI Vocational Education Program eighty eight percent successfully completed the program.  Five students left the program because of relocation to other area school districts.

Employment: Students who attended the ADI Vocational Education Program were employed at a rate of 39% and were successful in the job market.

High School Graduation: Seniors who attended the ADI Vocational Program were given high school credit in the following areas:

.6 Credit in English
.6 Credit in Social Studies
.6 Credit in Mathematics and;
.6 Credit in Physical Education or Elective

Those seniors who matriculated in the program had a one-hundred percent graduation from high school.

Conclusion

Students who concluded the program were trained in a variety of curricular and developmental areas.  Variety and hands on learning are the key to a very no-nonsense approach to academic and vocational excellence.  A summary report can be found at the education facility located at 220 Ruskin Drive in Colorado Springs or by calling Dr. Rudy Gonzales at 896-0013.

RIGHT TRACK EDUCATION PROGRAM

GED Testing and Preparation Program:

The GED preparation program has moved in to the world of technology as our GED programs are now computer based.  The system allows the instructor to access immediate results for clients and has a built in program that indicates when the client is ready for testing.  Adjustments to the computer based program were immediate as clients have been prepared through instruction in the Introduction to Computers class.

The GED preparation class is held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00-6:00 PM.

So that clients are well balanced in the GED preparation program most clients are required to also matriculate in the Life Skills and Introduction to Computers program. 

As licensed by the Colorado Department of Education ADI is now a GED certified testing site.  Students who matriculate in the GED preparation program are tested in house, with results immediate from our state of the art scanning system.  Students usually receive their diploma within a week of testing.

The Communication Seminar Program is designed to help students who struggle in the areas of math and reading.  In order to help students learn and process, a curriculum has been developed using the GED preparation material as a beginning standard.  Students work one individually with an instructor to billed self esteem in the area of academics, thus preparing themselves for success in the GED preparation program.

The Communication Seminar Program is held on Monday thru Thursday and by appointment from 1:00-3:00 PM.

Life Skills- Self Advocacy is a course designed to help students become successful citizens in the community.  Students are taught the fundamentals necessary to live and survive in society.  Such skills include budgeting, job search, applications, resumes, interviewing, taxes, time management and many more curricular activities.  Students in Life Skills-Self Advocacy matriculate in conjunction with the GED Preparation Program.

Introduction to Computers teaches the student the world of technology.  Included in this course is a basic curriculum on typing and typing skills.  The RTP program has had success using Mavis Beacon as a training tool which helps develop skills necessary to pursue the Microsoft Suites computer program that includes Word, Power Point and Excel.

Students who are not part of the GED component and are enrolled in a public school setting are offered the opportunity of enrolling in a course designed to train them in High School Survival Skills.  This program teaches the value of proper high school techniques such as test taking skills, note taking, study habits and the importance of attendance, behavior, and discipline.

Employment Power was created to help RTP students seeking employment and learning how to keep a job.  

Education is an important ally in the fight against poverty, unemployment and homelessness.  The focus of the program is designed to help the client move from these areas a rehabilitate toward self sufficiency.  Through education we believe that this is an essential step to success.