Recognition for accomplishments, no matter how small, is very important in the success of adult learners. Students who have had little or no success in school in the past need ways to mark success fought so hard for as adults. One tried-and-true way to reward adult learners is to implement a Certificate Program.
The statewide ABE Taskforce investigated the possibility of implementing a statewide Certificate Program to reward adult learners at levels other than the earning of a GED. Though the taskforce ultimately decided not to recommend a statewide certificate program at this time, they did strongly recommend that districts and other providers of adult education implement local certificate programs as tools for retention, recruitment and public relations. Adult learners who are rewarded for achievements before the GED level are more likely to stay in school and continue learning. Potential employers who can be shown a certificate which lists the skills acquired by its owner are more likely to offer that student an interview and more likely to return to that program when new employees are needed. A public that reads of adults earning educational certificates is more likely to evaluate that program as successful and also more likely to volunteer in an ABE classroom.
There are many ways districts and adult education providers can structure a certificate program. Certificates could be awarded when all the LCPs for a level are completed; certificates could be awarded in particular subject areas or for across-the-board progress. Certainly, a certificate could be awarded when a student has attained functional literacy in all subject areas and is ready to move out of Adult Basic Education and on to GED preparation or job training.
Certificates can be awarded in a public ceremony once a semester; they may be mailed out at the end of each term. Some districts may want teachers to award the certificate as soon as the criteria is met and then announce certificates once a month in the local newspaper. However, once districts and other adult education providers decide to award the certificates, one can be sure that each recipient will be proud and interested in returning to class.
Following are some sample certificates that you may want to use in your classroom or lobby to get your district to use. Whatever you choose, remember that rewarding adult learners is crucial to retention.