Five of the remaining men were all very positive about the program and said they would like to return if time and work permitted. One thanked the writer for calling and showing an interest in the students. This courtesy was extended by some of the women as well, and one said she should have phoned and apologized for not coming to classes. One woman said the program had really been a positive experience: "My self-esteem has been perked." I would go back again." This woman had had negative school experiences in another province and the school "pushed her through." She had a Grade 12 diploma, but needed help with reading, writing and spelling. Her reading experience had been through "memorization." Another woman said that her attendance had been her first experience of an adult school and that she really enjoyed it. It was good to know that there were "people with the same problem." This woman also had a Grade 12 certificate, but had reading problems. Nevertheless she was taking time to read to her 11 month old daughter at night.

Nearly all of these respondents were impressed with the program and the teachers. There was one wistful woman, a widow, who had attended the evening classes, and said that "the teachers need to rotate and encourage the shy ones to ask questions." She felt that "the teachers" were very busy with some students and not the others. She also suggested a 10 to 15 minute social break would be useful so that people could discuss things and get to know others in the class. Also, the break would help the students to make better use of the time in class: "The mind wanders if it's just on a book." A computer group for the early 40s age group was also suggested.

Other comments

Eight of the respondents said that they only went once to the Centre for an initial interview. This writer would question whether such persons could really be considered withdrawals. The Centre, however, considered them registered and expected them to attend classes, so non-attendance was looked upon as a program withdrawal. This definition was honoured for purposes of the survey.

Eight people said they found out about the program through school district advertising - brochures, booklets, flyers - on a door-to-door basis. Seven knew of the program through friends or relatives. Two learned about the program through community means - a local high school, a multicultural community meeting.