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DeKalb Technical College has been providing workplace literacy programs for over forty years and is committed to partnering with business and industry to raise the literacy level of our workforce. Our service delivery area encompasses DeKalb, Newton, Rockdale, and Morgan counties. Low literacy levels in the workplace have staggering implications - increased production costs because of accidents and absenteeism, costly errors, low product reliability and lost management time in providing close supervision.
DeKalb Tech's Workplace Education Program offers two basic services to business and industry. First, we provide Adult Basic Education (ABE) instruction to any employee whose reading and/or math skills are deficient. This includes preparation for the GED examination if requested. Second, we provide English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to employees whose lack of English skills prevents them from satisfactorily carrying out their jobs.
Basic Skills Remediation in Reading, Writing, or Mathematics
A unique aspect of this service is that we adapt the curriculum to the workplace setting. This means that we incorporate into the curriculum words and phrases or computational skills that are used on the job. This insures that what we teach is practical and will enhance job performance. Our instruction is also conducted at the work site for the convenience of the company and its employees. If a company desires that DeKalb Tech provide on-site General Educational Development (GED) or pre-GED preparation for employees who do not have a high school diploma, this can be done also.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Instruction for Employees Whose First Language is Not English
Metropolitan Atlanta is one of the most culturally diverse regions in the country and this is reflected in its workforce. Like the basic skills remediation, we adapt the ESL curriculum to the workplace setting and provide instruction onsite. We also teach English language survival skills that the employee can use at work and at home.
To determine the appropriate levels at which to start instruction, we administer nationally recognized assessments. In addition, we meet with the company management team and observe workers in a literacy task analysis to determine how the employees' apply verbal, reading, and math skills to their jobs. This will result in a customized curriculum to insure that what is being taught reflects the skills needed for the job.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, 40 million Americans 16 years of age and older have only rudimentary reading and writing skills. DeKalb Technical College is committed to raising literacy rates in order to create a more productive and competitive workforce.
DeKalb Technical College - Community Education Center is pleased to provide a dynamic TOEFL® Preparation class designed to offer challenging and individualized TOEFL® test preparation in the current TOEFL® formats. These include the latest information on the Next Generation iBT (new integrated skills, Internet based test) along with an overview of the computer-based and paper-based versions. One class series is scheduled to begin every quarter and typically meets in the afternoons (tentatively Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30pm until 5:00pm) for eight weeks (56+ total class hours). Future classes will be scheduled in various delivery formats to best meet student needs. Classes are small to allow for individualized instruction and personal attention. We use multiple, state-of-the-art software "packages" that recreate authentic, timed versions of the TOEFL® and provide participants the practice needed to become more comfortable with comprehension and expression in the four assessed areas of the test:
To increase mastery of these four areas, we have instructors who also specialize in teaching test-taking techniques and strategies. They address topics such as reducing test anxiety and building confidence by sharing helpful tips and including specific skill building exercises. Another important component of this class is the wide range of writing tutorials offered, which are based on the requirements as outlined in the Written Expression section of the TOEFL. During this class, students will identify areas in need of improvement and follow targeted action plans. They can expect to experience timed exercises and receive individualized feedback throughout the course. Thus, participants can assess progress and learn to manage response time more effectively.
This class is open to advanced level students and other non-native speakers of English with advanced language proficiency (equivalent to Level 6 or higher). A pre-assessment ($40) is required to determine eligibility for those interested in enrolling. For eligible students, the class tuition is $400.00 which includes an Individualized Education Plan, the course textbook with CD-Rom, and additional materials used to construct a personalized study guide based on completed assignments.
Please contact Workplace Community Education for more information and updated schedules.
DeKalb Technical College
Workplace Education Coordinator
1085 Montreal Road
Clarkston, Ga. 30021
404-297-9522 ext. 2555
or contact the TOEFL® Instructor:
Marion Kriwanek
404.297.9522 ext 4006
kriwanem@dekalbtech.edu
TOEFL® (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS).
For more information call (404) 297-9522 Ext. 2501 or view the Adult Education Program Contact Information.
