With funding from FPAE and Sam Cohen Foundation, Portland Adult Education was fortunate to launch a Learning Lab in March 2018. The lab serves students whose prior experiences, schedules, or learning styles have prevented them from obtaining high school credentials or preparing for college.
The Learning Lab offers online tools, academic support, and one-on-one relationships that help students feel a sense of community and stay motivated to achieve their personal learning goals. Since March, over 85 students have visited the lab to study at their own pace for the HiSET and ACCUPLACER exams and to talk with staff about planning for the future. FPAE is thrilled to announce that since the Lab’s opening 4 students have passed the HiSET, 4 students have passed the ACCUPLACER, and even more students are getting closer to passing these tests! Thanks to funding from FPAE, the Learning Lab was was able to offer consistency of service to students by remaining open for six weeks this summer, a time when most students do not have access to summer classes.
The Learning Lab staff is currently working on improving goal setting and individual learning planning offered to students, building an online community where students can share information, and expanding volunteer matching for students who wish to have one-on-one support while working in the lab. Additionally, as part of a grant through United Way Greater Portland, PAE staff will work with adult education providers across Cumberland County to share ideas, professional development opportunities, and marketing strategies to improve lab offerings county-wide.
For more information contact Erin Krivicky at krivie@portlandschools.org