Hawthorne Education Center by Leslie Gorfine

Demographics: By Age

gorfinel — 2018-06-18 01:27:33 UTC

During the 2017-2018 school year, Hawthorne served approximately 1,977 learners.
Here are the demographics broken down by age and ethnicity:

Barriers Population Faces

gorfinel — 2018-06-18 01:27:33 UTC

The students served by Hawthorne are almost all high-poverty, and so their barriers to getting education and career advancement are often those of practical matters including lack of reliable, safe housing, transportation and childcare. 

Hawthorne does all-day daycare on-site, so the parent can drop off their child in order to attend classes. 

Nadine noted that fewer refugees are entering the country and enrolling in classes due to the current government's policies, and last fall other pupils were worried about the safety of the facility given the increased deportations. 

Nadine noted that enrollment at Hawthorne usually falls when unemployment is low, as was the case this year.

Adult Literacy

gorfinel — 2018-06-18 01:27:33 UTC

"Adults, 17 years and older (who are not enrolled in another K-12 program) can improve their skills in reading, writing, math and computer. Face to face classes are available with a teacher, as well as computer-based programs for use both in and away from school. These classes can help you get prepared for college and/or employment."
Most programs are personalized to the student and their goals/needs at Hawthorne, so anyone who enrolls is likely to sign up for a combination of the courses they offer.

Bridges to Success: Careers and College

gorfinel — 2018-06-18 01:27:33 UTC

These programs help students prepare for college coursework and/or receive workplace training in collaboration with RCTC and the Minnesota Workforce Center.

English as a Second Language

gorfinel — 2018-06-18 01:27:33 UTC

" Seven levels of language training are available for adults (17 years and older) who are non-native speakers of English. Classes are offered mornings, afternoons and evenings to accommodate busy work and study schedules."
Although classes are offered on a quarterly schedule, students can enroll at any time. The class size is usually around 10 to 20 students.

Location

gorfinel — 2018-06-18 01:27:33 UTC

Hawthorne is located near Riverside Elementary, at 700 4th Avenue SE, Rochester MN.

Phone Number and Website

gorfinel — 2018-06-18 01:27:33 UTC

Phone: 507-328-4440

Website: www.rochesterce.org/hawthorne/

Citizenship Classes

gorfinel — 2018-06-18 01:47:47 UTC

"Hawthorne Education Center provides citizenship preparation classes to lawful permanent residents. These classes prepare students to take the citizenship test and interview."

GED Preparation and Testing

gorfinel — 2018-06-18 01:48:00 UTC

"At Hawthorne, students can receive help to strengthen Math, Reading, and English skills and to prepare for the four test areas of the GED. Official practice tests will be available for students."

Health Checks and Guidance

gorfinel — 2018-06-18 01:48:08 UTC

The health office at Hawthorne assists learners with the following:

Seeing a doctor or nurse
Having vision or hearing tested
Making a doctor or dentist appointment
Help with Medical Assistance and health insurance applications.
Providing information about health

Reading Courses (in collaboration with Rochester Public Schools and RCTC)

gorfinel — 2018-06-18 01:48:43 UTC

"Five levels of developmental reading classes are available for adults (17 years and older) at Hawthorne Education Center. Some are Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes, and others are Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) courses.

Computer Literacy

gorfinel — 2018-06-18 01:49:19 UTC

Computer literacy is an essential skill for nearly all jobs in 2018. To that end, Hawthorne offers a certificate in computer literacy via modules from Northstar Digital Literacy.

Distance Learning

gorfinel — 2018-06-18 01:49:29 UTC

"Distance Learning at Hawthorne gives students the opportunity to mix classroom study with working from home, especially when schedules are busy and time is tight! Distance Learning allows students to work at their own pace on individualized programs."
Note that the Hawthorne lab is available during the hours the facility is open hours for students to use.

Advice for Teaching Adults

gorfinel — 2018-06-18 01:51:30 UTC

Nadine told me that when working with adults it is important to have the same qualities you would want in any teacher: patience, understanding, empathy, and the ability to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere. She also noted that ongoing professional development is essential, as is taking the time to learn about the students' cultures and traditions.

One obstacle that teachers of adult language learners encounter is the lack of English learning materials geared towards adults--much of it is often geared towards children, and their goal is to treat adults like adults.

Demographics: by Race

gorfinel — 2018-06-18 02:40:56 UTC