Adult Education & English Language Learning

Adult Education programs support adult students who are building academic skills, working to earn a high school credential, working to improve their employment situation, and/or who are learning English.

A major support for WTCS Adult Education programming is federal Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) funding, which prepares adult learners to:

• Successfully enter and succeed in postsecondary certificate, technical degree or diploma programs, apprenticeship training, associates degree, transfer and/or other postsecondary education
• Attain and retain meaningful and sustainable employment
• Effectively support literacy development and academic success within the family
• Become informed and productive participants in community and civic life
• Become self-directed and lifelong learners

Adult Education includes several categories of adult learning, including:

• Adult Basic Education which spans grades K – 8.9 instruction with grade levels equivalent to academic courses offered by an accredited school district in the state and that build toward the equivalent of high school enrollment.
  • For more information contact Mark Johnson, Education Director mark.johnson@wtcsystem.edu
• Adult Secondary Education which includes 9.0 – 12.9 instruction with grade levels equivalent to academic courses and acceptable for credit toward high school completion approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). ASE includes courses that are designed to prepare learners in pursuit of a GED or high school equivalency diploma (HSED) as well as prepares students for transition and success in postsecondary education.  Use Aid Code 76 for Adult Secondary Education, Aid Code 77 for Developmental Education, and Aid Code 78 for Remedial Education.
  • For more information contact Christina Lorge,  Associate Vice President of Student Success, christina.lorge@wtcsystem.edu
• English Language Learning (ELL) refers to instructional programs designed to assist eligible adults who are English language learners achieve competence in reading , writing, speaking, and comprehension of the English language learners, and leads to attainment of a secondary school diploma or its equivalency, as well as transition to postsecondary education and training or employment.  English language learning prepares students for success  as community members, parents, and employees.  ELL programming can only serve immigrants, refugees,  or WI residents. Individuals with F, M, B student, or J visas are not eligible for ELL programming and should contact each  college’s International Programs webpage for enrollment options.
  • For more information contact Cristina Parente, Education Director cristina.parente@wtcsystem.edu
  • To be added or taken off the ELL Faculty Listserv, complete this survey.
• Justice-Involved Education can include components of Adult Education, ELL and/or occupational skills education and training, and is often delivered in partnership between colleges, state and local correctional institutions, and other community partners. The goal of this programming is to reduce recidivism and increase employment for justice-involved individuals.
  • For more information contact Lenard Simpson, Education Director lenard.simpson@wtcsystem.edu

• WI AEFLA State Director – Christina Lorge Assoc. VP – Student Success
• WI AEFLA Performance Accountability – Ben Konruff, Education Director ben.konruff@wtcsystem.edu

AEFLA Grant information can be found on the AEFLA Grant Page.

Ability to Benefit

Ability to Benefit (ATB) is a financial aid provision which offers adult education students the opportunity to enter a WTCS career pathway program, earn a high school credential or its equivalent, and obtain funding for applicable tuition/fees under Title IV federal aid. ATB is accessible for students of all backgrounds, abilities, and socioeconomic levels, and is especially beneficial for low income and first-generation college students.
ATB has three eligibility options:

1. Passing an ATB acceptable academic assessment or entrance exam
2. Completing 6 college credits (or equivalent) without financial aid
3. Participating in the WTCS ATB State Process.
   • All institutions participating in the WTCS ATB State Process must sign an MOU of participation and agree to provide all required services. Furthermore, the participating college(s) agree to provide ATB identified pathways and all required client reporting data. Please view the WTCS ATB State Process FAQ for additional information.

• For more information contact Christina Lorge, WI AEFLA State Director/AVP-OSS

ATB Professional Development

• WTCS Ability To Benefit User Guide
• Fall 2020 WTCS Ability To Benefit Overview PowerPoint
• Spring 2021 ATB State Option Meeting PowerPoint
• Spring 2021 ATB State Process Meeting Notes