The Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) in Missoula, Montana, stands as a beacon of educational opportunity for adults seeking to enhance their skills and achieve their academic and professional goals. As a dedicated Adult Basic Literacy Education Center, the LLC has been a pioneer in leveraging innovative programs like EdReady Montana to provide accessible and effective learning experiences. This article delves into how the Missoula Lifelong Learning Center utilizes EdReady Montana to empower adult learners and transform lives through education.
Empowering Adult Learners in Missoula with EdReady Montana
For nearly a decade, the Lifelong Learning Center Missoula has been at the forefront of adult education in Montana, notably as the first Adult Education Center in the state to implement the EdReady Montana program in August 2014. This forward-thinking approach, championed by leaders like Renee Bentham, Department Chair of the Academic Success Program, and math teacher Mike McCarthy, has positioned the LLC as a model for effective adult education.
Exterior view of the Lifelong Learning Center in Missoula, Montana, an adult education center utilizing EdReady Montana program.
The Lifelong Learning Center caters to a diverse range of adult learners, from those seeking to improve foundational math skills (ranging from a 3rd-grade level to college preparation) to individuals aiming for high school equivalency, college readiness, or success on standardized tests like the ASVAB, ACT, and college placement exams. EdReady Montana has become an integral tool in achieving these diverse objectives.
Individualized Instruction and Flexible Learning
A key strength of the Lifelong Learning Center Missoula is its commitment to individualized instruction. Renee Bentham explains, “We use EdReady to provide individualized instruction to adults with varying skill levels and educational goals inside the same classroom.” This approach recognizes that adult learners come with unique backgrounds and learning styles.
EdReady’s flexibility extends beyond personalized learning paths. The program allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedules, accommodating the busy lives of adult learners. Students can access EdReady resources both at the Learning Center and from home, making education more accessible and convenient.
EdReady as a Core Instructional Tool
At the Lifelong Learning Center Missoula, EdReady Montana is not just a supplementary tool; it has evolved into the primary instructional resource for math education. The integration process begins with an initial assessment to gauge each student’s math skills. Based on this assessment, educators at the LLC assign personalized learning goals within EdReady, aligning with the student’s skill level and aspirations.
Mike McCarthy elaborates on this integration: “EdReady has evolved into our primary instructional tool for math. We supplement the program with some direct instruction, other classroom handouts, standardized test specific questions, basic information or extra drill and practice tools as needed.” This blended approach ensures that students receive comprehensive support, combining the personalized learning of EdReady with targeted teacher instruction.
The curriculum is further enriched with strategies for standardized tests. While EdReady builds fundamental math skills, the LLC recognizes the importance of test-taking strategies and practice with specific question types to ensure student success on high school equivalency and college entrance exams.
Program Flexibility and Student Engagement
One of the most appreciated aspects of EdReady Montana at the Lifelong Learning Center Missoula is its inherent flexibility. It caters to diverse learning preferences, offering presentations, worked examples, practice problems, and textual explanations. Students can choose the learning modalities that best resonate with their individual styles.
This flexibility extends to goal setting. Educators can create customized goals within EdReady to align with each student’s specific objectives, whether it’s high school equivalency or college-level coursework. Renee Bentham highlights the program’s credibility with prospective college students: “It has been especially helpful when serving prospective college students in that they see our use of the EdReady program as giving them a credible solution to prepare for College even though they are not at the college when they are with our program.”
The overlapping learning objectives within EdReady’s goal structure are also highly valued. This design reinforces concepts as students progress, particularly beneficial for those grappling with specific skills. Furthermore, the exceptional support from EdReady Montana staff at the Digital Academy ensures the program remains user-friendly and effective for both educators and students.
Crucially, EdReady presents even basic math concepts in a rigorous yet adult-appropriate manner. This respectful approach fosters student engagement and motivation, overcoming potential math anxieties often experienced by adult learners.
Keys to Successful Implementation and Positive Student Response
The successful integration of EdReady at the Lifelong Learning Center Missoula is attributed to several factors. Firstly, the program effectively addresses the diverse needs of their student population. Secondly, the dedication of the math teacher, Mike McCarthy, in championing and integrating EdReady into all facets of student services has been instrumental.
Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many adult learners arrive at the LLC with math apprehension due to past negative experiences. EdReady provides a supportive and empowering environment, enabling them to build confidence and achieve math success, often for the first time. The individualized nature of EdReady empowers students by giving them control over their learning journey, fostering comfort and engagement.
A Model for Adult Education and College Readiness
The Lifelong Learning Center Missoula takes pride in the seamless and rapid integration of EdReady Montana. Unlike other systems that often require lengthy implementation periods, EdReady was quickly adopted and effectively utilized. A significant achievement has been the success of college-prep students who, after utilizing EdReady, have successfully placed into and completed required college-level math courses, bypassing developmental education. This outcome demonstrates EdReady’s effectiveness in promoting college readiness and changing student perceptions about their math abilities.
Advice for Implementing EdReady
For other institutions considering EdReady, the Lifelong Learning Center Missoula offers practical advice: Embrace a “just start” approach. While mastering all program components takes time, the best way to learn is by doing. Provide initial support to students as they navigate the program for the first time. Once familiar, students gain momentum and become self-directed learners.
It is also crucial to monitor student progress and provide guidance to those who may be attempting to “game” the system by solely focusing on achieving goal scores without genuine learning. Coaching and guidance ensure students utilize EdReady effectively for meaningful skill development.
The Lifelong Learning Center Missoula stands as a testament to the transformative power of lifelong learning and the effectiveness of EdReady Montana in empowering adult learners. Their success story offers valuable insights and inspiration for other adult education centers seeking to enhance their math programs and promote student success.
School Contact Information
Address: 310 S Curtis, Missoula, MT 59801
Phone Number: 406-549-8765
