There are approximately 340 adult education programs in California. For the 2021-22 school year, adult education programs operated by the Sonora Union High School District and the Calaveras County Office of Education (CCOE) ranked in the top five in the entire state of California. Combined, these alma mater programs gave Laude a 40% share of the state’s elite adult education graduation rate.
Since the 2018-2019 school year, adult education programs across the state have faced serious challenges. The number of students enrolling and generally obtaining diplomas or certificates decreases. However, adult education programs in Calaveras and Sonora have stood out. Both programs are included in the “Top 5 Institutions for Earning a Diploma, GED, or High School Equivalency,” according to LaunchBoard, a statewide data system for accountability and improving adult education.
Each adult education program serves an average of 35 to 40 students each year. Adults 18 years of age or older are eligible for the program. This service is provided free of charge and provides one-on-one support to students to help them reach their educational and career goals.
“The success of the adult education programs in Calaveras and Sonora can be attributed to the personal touch and support that is provided to each student,” explained Jessica Dorris, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the Canadian Education Center. “Our adult education teacher, Jenny Haskell, is so dedicated to each of her students, it’s just incredible to witness.”
A recent student told Jenny Haskell, “I’m so grateful I found Jenny through Calaveras Adult Ed. We worked together towards a goal I thought I’d never achieve. She had a solution to every obstacle I had. I wouldn’t be able to have the job I do today without Jenny.” “. I feel she went above and beyond to help me, I even gave up and went back to her. She guided me with open arms to completing one of my goals and then I could see others accomplished. She is an amazing teacher and her program is amazing. I hope more people know about the program and want to benefit from it.”
“Adult education teacher Diana Maybin supports her students in many ways,” said Sonora Union High School District Principal Ed Pelfrey. “Adult education isn’t just a program, it’s a person who cares.”
Sonora provides comprehensive support for their students.
“Miss. Mabeen has been absolutely wonderful and more than accommodating,” said Corey Gilman, a student at the Sonora Adult School. “While having a young child, this program allowed me to complete my dream of graduating. The process was much easier with Mrs. Maybin’s help. Finally, after all these years you have officially graduated. It’s a huge weight off my shoulders. I can move on with my life and go to college to fulfill my dreams.”
“He was a light in a dark place,” said Isaac Cantu, a student at the Sonora Adult School. “There is one person I could not have done all of this without and that is Ms. Maybin. This software works and makes it all possible. It is easily one of the best choices of my life. Thank you, Ms. Maybin.”
