Conejo Valley Adult School launches a new distance learning program
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

Conejo Valley Adult School this week added a distance learning program to its inventory of courses and programs.

According to Michele Arso, head of the school's Learning Center and coordinator of the new program, distance learning allows students more flexibility and options to pass the GED (General Educational Development) test, a requirement to earn a high school equivalency certificate.

Students now have the option of completing coursework at the school, online or by checking out DVDs, tapes, books, assignment packets and other interactive materials from the center.

The procedure for the new program starts traditionally. Students who are within 60 days of their 18th birthday, in high school and due to graduate in 60 days, or a military recruit, must first take a pre-test in math and/ or reading to determine their needs, followed by a practice GED test in five subjects- reading, math, social studies, science and English- including an essay portion.

Once Arso has pinpointed a student's strengths and weaknesses, she develops an individualized plan, which can be completed at the school, home, work- anywhere.

"There's a credentialed teacher (at the school), so if anyone has any questions, they will be helped and guided," Arso said. Students periodically meet with a supervisor or teacher to ensure they are on track toward their goals.

The program is not just for teens who slipped up in high school. Arso said many adults complete the course and pass the GED test. An 80-year-old Westlake Village resident, who by all accounts reached the pinnacle of success in business, had pulled out of school during the Depression and never earned his high school diploma. "Every time he went to his grandkids' high school graduations he got teary," Arso said. "Not only did he pass the exam, but he wound up at Westlake High School as an honorary speaker."

Another senior- a 93yearold man- took the course to see how much information he had retained over the years. He also wanted to sharpen his skills, Arso said.

The Conejo Valley Adult School is the official GED center. The eight-hour examination is administered once a month on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Services at the school are free, but the GED test costs $110.

Several other programs are offered. Students from any public or private high school in the region can enroll concurrently at adult school to make up credits or retake a class. These students must receive approval from their high school counselor.

Randy McLelland, a counselor at Oak Park High School, regularly refers students. "The Conejo Valley Adult School has been an excellent option for students in our district who need to remediate a class they have failed," McLelland said. "Because we are still a relatively small district, our summer school program is not able to offer high school diploma-level courses for all classes, but the adult school provides that option. Plus, they have very flexible hours and supportive staff. Over the years, I've had several students who would not have graduated were it not for this program."

High school students can also take electives, from keyboarding and art history to business math and healthful living. Arso said students can take core classes to meet graduation requirements only if their high school's offerings don't fit into their schedule.

"We're not supposed to supplant what the high school does," Arso said. "The adult school is meant to enrich their educational experience or help them reach their graduation requirements."

A class is also offered to help students prepare for the high school exit exam, Arso said.

The work study program is designed for students under the age of 18 who are legally required to be in school but choose to work. These students are required to attend school five hours per week and are allowed to work 15 hours per week. If a student doesn't have a job, Arso said, they must put in 20 hours of school per week.

"More often than not they are credit-deficient, and it would take them too long to graduate," Arso said. "It is more practical because they are really trying to move forward and out of the school system."

The school also offers comprehensive courses for English learners. Students of any age can enroll in day or evening Englishasa-second language courses. They can also augment their education by studying at the school's "lab" when they are not in a teacherdirected class.

Arso said one man is improving his English by writing love letters to his girlfriend in Japan. The teacher helps him edit his drafts. The man also makes use of the school's interactive software and grammar lessons. An interactive dictionary is offered, as are audio tapes helpful for pronunciation.

"We are so, so flexible," Arso said. "Because we're small, we can offer self-directed instruction and attention to meet all of their individual needs.

The Conejo Valley Adult school "is the best kept secret," Arso said.

For further information on the school's programs or hours, call Arso at (805) 277-2100, ext. 1001 or visit www.conejo.tec.ca.us.