Frequently Asked ??s

1. Do I have to live in your program’s service area to enroll in your adult education classes?

No.  We serve people from all over the State of Maine and parts of New Brunswick.  New distance and remote options allow for students to attend programming in a variety of formats including from a distance.  We also provide access to a number of online curriculum platforms that help any student succeed, whether face to face or in remote learning.

     2.  How do I register or pay for classes?

ENRICHMENT:  You may register for enrichment programming by phone such as for Senior College or Hunter Safety, for example.  Your seat in class will not be confirmed until payment is received.  You may pay in person or by mail (see addresses below).  NO credit card payments will be accepted at this time.

• • Valley Unified Continuing Education, SAD #27, 84 Pleasant Street, Fort Kent, ME 04743     or
  • Madawaska Adult Education, 135 – 7th Avenue, Madawaska, ME 04756

ACADEMIC:  All Academic and workforce training classes require an in-person interview, intake, and assessment testing session.  Most academic programming is offered at NO charge while workforce training courses do have a cost that varies by course.  Payment plans and tuition assistance are available upon request.

Appointments can be made by calling (207) 834-3536   or   (207) 728-6314.

Although we do not have online registrations at this time, our website does provide information about our programming for a summary of services and offerings under the courses tab or on the link to our course brochure located on the home page.

     3.  What are your high school diploma offerings?

• • The traditional high school diploma through credits is offered.  Valley Unified Continuing Education requires 20 credits with at least 1 credit earned through our program.  A transcript audit, using transcripts from other schools, will provide information about how many credits remain to earn your diploma through adult education.  This will vary by student.
  • The HiSET® is Maine’s equivalency diploma requiring students to pass exams in 5 content areas:  Math, Writing, Reading, Science, and Social Studies.  Pretests are administered, students are enrolled in classes, and official tests proctored once students have proven test readiness in each of the 5 areas.  Time frame for completion varies based on student readiness.

There is NO charge for the HiSET® or high school diploma classes if you live in Maine.  Students must enroll in adult education and complete the required intake process.  To attend adult education, students must:

• • be at least 17 years old;
  • not be enrolled in any other high school, face to face or online;
  • home-schooled students qualify for adult education services;
  • have written superintendent’s agreement if you are school age and live outside the Valley Unified School District areas (MSAD 27, MSAD 33, or Madawaska);   and
  • complete the intake process with adult education staff.

     4.  What is Adult Basic Education (ABE)?

Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses support basic literacy in Reading, Writing, Math and English as a Second Language.  These courses can assist adult learners in daily life such as balancing a bank account, budgeting, communicating with doctors, improving computer and digital literacy skills, managing job and family responsibilities, assisting children with homework, and more.  These courses can be the starting point for some who may be interested in pursuing a high school diploma, college, or workforce training but are not quite ready academically.

     5.  What is involved in a comprehensive program of study at Valley Unified Continuing Education?

High quality, cost effective and accessible programming that includes:

• • Individual Learning Plan based on personal needs and goals;
  • Career Advising, planning and training;
  • Internship Assistance;
  • Academic preparation:  Math, Writing, Science, and more;
  • Basic literacy courses;
  • Financial aid application assistance;
  • College planning including workshops for college success;
  • Accuplacer testing;
  • Co-enrollment in adult education and college classes or workforce training courses;
  • Additional supports once fully enrolled in college;
  • Workforce training assistance;
  • Referrals to partner agencies such as ACAP, Universities, Colleges and employers.

These steps are designed to lead to enrollment in a post-secondary school of your choice or entrance or advancement into your career of choice.  All plans are individualized based on each student’s needs and goals.

When students complete programming, they are more comfortable in the school or work environment and more prepared to be successful in their career path.  Valley Unified Continuing Education staff have decades of experience and have successfully helped many adults get into college and prepare for specific careers.

     6.  Are there any services provided to high school students?

Valley Unified Continuing Education supports a variety of high school student needs.

• • Credit Recovery:  High school students who are struggling to complete certain credits or standards in the high school classroom can be referred to adult education for what is called “credit recovery” or “standards recovery”.  The adult education classroom provides a different environment with a more individualized pace for students in which to complete their high school requirements.  These students must be referred by their guidance counselor or high school principal and require an interview with adult education administrative staff.  These students remain in their high school classroom for all other classes.
  • TOPS:  The St. John Valley does not have a designated alternative school.  TOPS, The Other Pathway to Success, is a program within the Valley Unified Regional Educational Center (MSAD #27, MSAD #33, and Madawaska) that provides students who require additional supports with alternative programming.  Students primarily in the 11th and 12th grades can apply for admission.  Not all students who apply are accepted as there are a limited number of seats and this learning environment may not be the best solution for every student.  TOPS students typically do not remain in their high school classrooms.  There are two sites that include the Continuing Education space in MSAD #27 as well as a designated classroom at the St. John Valley Technology Center in Frenchville.  Students enter the program with a plan that reflects the graduation requirements from their sending school.  They are assigned work based on these requirements which can include an online curriculum as well as a variety of offline work, internships, participation in CTE programming, project-based learning, and more.  face-to-face attendance during the regular school calendar is mandatory.  Placement in TOPS is reviewed regularly and students can be removed from the program if it becomes apparent that it no longer serves in their best interest.

   7.  What is Maine College and Career Access?  (MCCA)

Are you thinking about college or improving your career options?  Are you unsure where to begin?  Maybe the idea of going back to school or starting a new career scares you or you don’t feel prepared.  Valley Unified Continuing Education can help.  This program is also known as the College Transitions program or the College and Career Access Program (CCAP).  This program provides the same services as noted in FAQ #4 above, helping students prepare for their future in the post-secondary school or career of their choice.  This program is funded through a grant with the State of Maine and is provided at NO cost to students.  Plans vary from student to student, depending on individual needs and goals.

     8.  Are all Maine College Transitions Program the same?

No.  Although this is a State of Maine sponsored program, each local adult education program shares certain characteristics with other programs while other aspects differ depending on student need and area resources.

Two models in the comprehensive program are:

• • Cohort Model, all students enter the program at the same time and continue to work together through the program.  Usually this type of program is semester based.  Schedules may be one full day per week or two evenings per week or two morning or afternoon sessions per week.
  • Menu of Services, Classes and services are offered at a variety of times and locations, including remote options.  Students work with the adult college transitions counselor and instructor to plan their schedules and complete course requirements on a more flexible and individualized schedule.

Some students do not require the entire comprehensive plan of study so they only need to enroll in those courses and services that meet their specific needs and goals.  

     9.  How do I sign up for a C.N.A. course or other Healthcare related course?

RECOMMENDED ADMISSION CRITERIA

• • Good Physical and Mental Health (as noted by a physician);
  • Good grooming and personal hygiene;
  • Dependable and reliable work habits with a willingness to be flexible;
  • A High School Diploma or HiSET (High School Equivalency Diploma) preferred;
  • Pass the reading comprehension CASAS entrance test with a grade equivalent of 9 or higher;
  • Ability to manage own learning;   and
  • Ability to use technology for assessment testing and possibly distance learning options.

REQUIRED

• • Interview with Adult Education Director or Program Services Coordinator;
  • Adult Education intake paperwork
  • State Bureau of Investigation Background Check; (prior to beginning the clinical experience of this program and must be submitted as part of the registry application process.);
  • Absence of drug and alcohol use;
  • Immunization MMR – unless born before 1956;
  • Evidence of negative T.B. test or negative chest x-ray;
  • Physical exam within the past year – statement from physician;   and
  • Plan for payment prior to the start of class which may include the following options:  Payment plan with Adult Education, payment support from an employer, payment support through ACAP if approved, tuition assistance that may vary by program.

Please call (207) 834-3536 or (207) 728-6314 or email us at staceycyr@sad27.org for more information.

     10.  What is the Early Learning Center?  Is this a public daycare?

The MSAD #27 Early Learning Center, is a daycare center licensed by the State of Maine that also operates within a full-service family literacy program .  This center is offered to the general public for fees based on state guidance depending on the age of each child and how many hours per week they are enrolled.  This childcare center provides free services for parents who are also attending our adult programming.  To qualify for this full-service family literacy program, adult family members must meet minimum attendance requirements each week.  This daycare does utilize a comprehensive early childhood curriculum, providing routine educational and developmental assessments while making referrals to outside agencies as needed or as requested by parents.  We are also licensed to serve families who qualify for childcare subsidy.  We can provide assistance in completing and submitting the subsidy application.

For more information, please contact our office and we would be happy to answer any of your questions:  (207) 834-3536. with adult education staff