Somerton Adult Education earns top Arizona award for second year
- Somerton Adult Education has earned first place in Arizona's adult education services for the second year, according to an evaluation by the Arizona Department of Education.
- The Arizona Department of Education granted the award based on the program's performance in adult education services.
- These areas focus on teaching English and providing academic learning opportunities for adult students.
Somerton Adult Education has earned first place in Arizona’s adult education services for the second year, according to an evaluation by the Arizona Department of Education. The program received the “Excelling Title II Adult Education Award for ESOL/IELCE,” which is the highest category of recognition available within the state’s evaluation framework.
ESOL and IELCE Performance Standards
The Arizona Department of Education granted the award based on the program’s performance in adult education services. The distinction specifically highlights the institution’s work in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE).
These areas focus on teaching English and providing academic learning opportunities for adult students. The goal of these services is to help students strengthen their academic skills to prepare for new employment and educational opportunities.
ARISE Project and Teacher Recognition
Three instructors from the program were recognized for their work with the Adult Reading Instruction Supported by Evidence (ARISE) project. The educators distinguished in this edition are Andrea Fletes, Claudia Rubio, and Jose Isla.
ARISE is a one-year professional development project. It focuses on the implementation of Evidence-Based Reading Instruction (EBRI) in adult education classrooms.
Through this project, teachers acquire strategies supported by evidence to improve how reading is taught. The program aims to use these methods to support the academic progress of adult students.
Institutional Impact in Somerton
The institution attributes these state-level achievements to the combined efforts of its teachers, administrators, and educational staff. The program maintains a focus on the continuous formation and development of its students to increase educational opportunities within the community.
By securing the top ranking for two straight years, Somerton Adult Education has established a pattern of quality in its service delivery as measured by state standards.