Transition Tools for the Classroom -Allen Call, Transitions Coordinator, Wilkes Community College -Les Miller, Pathways Coordinator, Wilkes Community College

Session Objectives Learn about some effective transition tools including Workforce Connects, MECA, and Transitioning Beyond Basic Skills (AHSD elective course) Discover how to use these tools to best serve all learners Discuss how these tools could be used across colleges Share and discuss as a group existing and useful transitioning tools to help students succeed along their pathways

Workforce Connects All-in-one online solution providing assessment, instruction, remediation, and resources that lead to career pathways Also helps learners build academic and workplace skills/competencies to become better career-ready Assessment is tied to the three WorkKeys areas (Reading for Information, Locating Information, and Applied Math). Instruction and Remediation is correlated to TABE, CASAS, et al. Program is non-linear, e.g., students can move from instruction to resources or resources to remediation

Workforce Connects Demonstration

MECA MECA (Microcomputer Evaluation of Careers and Academics) “Hands-on” assessment system that allows adult learners to explore different careers Students take a computer-assisted interest assessment that reveals their general likes/dislikes. Then, students can use Work Sample Kits that align with their interests. (Each kit has three work samples.) Wilkes CC currently has 21 kits ranging from horticulture to healthcare. (There are 55 career choices in all.)

Sample Student Profile

Guide for Occupational Exploration Agriculture and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, Media Technology & Communication Business, Management and Administration Health Science Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation Human Service Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Scientific Research, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Horticulture Building Maintenance Construction Technology Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Painter Telecommunications Computer Graphics Digital Video Producer Graphic Design Multimedia Designer Performing Artist Dietetic Technician Entrepreneur Office Technology Biotechnology Computer-Aided Design Environmental Technician Distribution/Warehouse

Skills Map

MECA Demonstration

Transitioning Beyond Basic Skills (TBBS) Adult High School online, required course designed to help ASE learners transition to postsecondary pathways. Run through the Moodle system (required to complete in class) Students begin and complete this course as they are near finishing the Adult High School diploma.

Components of TBBS Course Postsecondary Preparation: Complete the Wilkes CC application Take the Accuplacer placement test Meet with the Student Services Coordinator for support and advising Meet with the Student Services Career Counselor for further career exploration activities (optional)

Continued… Complete the Wilkes CC online “Treasure Hunt” (assesses students ability to use the college’s website and find useful and necessary information) Watch the Adult Basic Skills Professional Development’s “Be Prepared” videos and complete the reflection questions (helps students experience “real” student testimonials and college personnel’s keys for success)

Continued… Career-Readiness Preparation Complete WorkKeys assessments in Reading for Information, Locating Information, and Applied Math and become eligible to take the Career Readiness Certification exam Access O*Net and complete the corresponding personality profile surveys Create a working resume Create a cover letter

Allen Call, Transitions Coordinator Les Miller, Pathways Coordinator Wilkes Community College Questions/Sharing/Discussion