Adult Education and Literacy

The SWTJC Adult Education and Literacy Program is a federally funded project (since 1973) that provides adults the opportunity to improve their literacy levels and skills, thereby increasing their ability to function in the complex society and job market of the 21st Century. The project operates an 11 county region that includes Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Kinney, La Salle, Maverick, Medina, Real, Val Verde, Uvalde, and Zavala counties.

Enrollment Protocol As We Begin to Turn the Page on COVID-19

SWTJC-AEL anticipates a return to normal as we turn the page on the pandemic. That is, a switch back to in-person services with more relaxed procedures, especially for vaccinated individuals. For example, mask requirements are optional however, encouraged in close proximity or crowded indoor gatherings.

Students living in remote areas with no AEL service center presents maintain the option for virtual/online registration procedures and virtual (remote) instruction. Prospective participants should engage with the nearest Contact Center in order to schedule face-to-face and/or online appointments with AEL personnel:

Contact Centers:

Crystal City – (830) 374-2828
sescamilla@swtjc.edu

Del Rio – (830) 703-1586 or (830) 703-1572
yrcariaga@swtjc.edu

Eagle Pass – (830) 752-1761
mpbernal@swtjc.edu

Hondo – (830) 584-7027 or (830) 426-2018
tlsharp1@swtjc.edu

Uvalde – (830) 278-4391 or (830) 278-5208
dmperez@swtjc.edu

Main Office – (830) 591-7385
ael@swtjc.edu

New Student Orientation (NSO): [for students in remote areas with no AEL service center presence]

Face-to-Face option for NSO is available by appointment to minimize traffic or;
Schedule/Conduct online NSO via Teams/Zoom (blank documents shared or emailed)
Program POC (Point of Contact) information is shared (phone #s, best times to call, emails, webpage, social media, etc.)
SEF (Student Enrollment Form) is filled out over the phone
Student submits (via encrypted email; dropbox; mailed in) required eligibility documentation to local sites

Remote Testing Option: [remains for students in remote areas with no AEL service center presence]

Face-to-Face baseline/post option is available by appointment or;
Regional Assessor’s who have undergone training can opt. to remote test
TABE 11/12 Pre/Post Remote testing (as available for 18+ yr. olds)
BEST Plus Pre/Post Remote testing (for 18+ yr. olds)

Instructional Delivery:

Face-to-Face instruction is encouraged and/or a combination hybrid approach realizes optimal student outcomes
Yet, remote services are available for students in remote areas with no AEL service center presence

TXCHSE: [OnVue a.k.a. online proctored GED testing]

In-person GED exams are available through the SWTJC-Uvalde Testing Center
Online GED Testing continues contingent on meeting criteria (from home or an AEL service center)
GED exam vouchers are available to qualifying individuals

What is Adult Education and Literacy?

Adult Education and Literacy provides comprehensive English literacy services with basic instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics to adult learners. In addition, adult education programs provide workplace literacy services and family literacy services. Performance indicators include placement in, retention in, or completion of, postsecondary education, training, employment or career advancement in addition to receipt of a Texas Credential of High School Equivalency or GED. In communities across the Lone Star state, adult students gain the education necessary to find and keep jobs working in the highly-skilled occupations that increasingly characterize the Texas economy. AEL programs help Texans build a strong foundation of academic skills in order to fulfill their roles as workers, parents, and citizens/community members.

How Do Adults Participate in Adult Education and Literacy?

There are several qualifications an individual must meet in order to be eligible to participate in an adult education class. He/she must be at least 17 years of age (16 if court ordered) or older. Additionally, he/she must lack a high school diploma and/or function at or below 12.9 grade education level, and not currently enrolled in secondary school. New to AEL starting in 2018 - 2019 will be the Academy Model approach to ensure that students can more directly identify a program of study within services that address their objectives.

SWTJC-AEL Prime Objective:

Transition to Higher Ed.; Training; and/or the Workforce.

What’s your Why?

I want to learn English. Why? - to get a job. = Career Academy

I want to get my GED. Why? – to enroll in college. = College Academy

I want to learn English. Why? – to get my Citizenship. – Life Academy

Because we are your How.