Programs

Once a participant enrolls in the START Center program, the participant and START staff will complete an Individual Service Plan. This plan identifies the participant’s needs and goals to assist with formulating strategies to achieve the desired results. Every 6 weeks the participant and START staff reviews the participant’s Individual Service Plan for progress and revelation. Classroom curriculum is outcome based and follows TEA (Texas Education Agency) Standardized Curriculum Framework for Adult Basic Skills, correlates to Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS), Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Title II, Section 225, of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. The time period for this level is unique with each participant. Each participant is tested using a standard testing instrument at the time of entry. This test gauges individual achievement and prepares the participant for the GED testing in all five-subject areas. Once a student completes the GED, job searches, assistance with financial aid, and college entrance testing is a concluding component at this level.

ESL is divided into two segments consisting of a First and Second Tier. The First Tier is the beginning class for non- English speaking participants. Second Tier consists of an intermediate level of ESL. Based on evaluation conducted at intake, the participant is placed in either the First Tier or Second Tier. Every six weeks the participant is reevaluated by START staff as indicated in the Individual Service Plan. The two tiers consist of the following:

First Tier (1st – 3rd Grade Level)
This level teaches the basic alphabet, shape and sound of letters, vowels, and word building and word recognition. The participant is introduced to sight words, sentence usage, verb tenses, reading and understanding, and vocalizing. Survival skills such as label reading, warning signs, areas markings and ingredients are also introduced. Professional soft skills are highlighted with emphasis on polite speech, proper etiquette, appropriate personal hygiene and grooming. Attention to current events and successful interviewing techniques are emphasized.

Second Tier (4th –6th Grade Level)
This intermediate level of ESL uses a picture dictionary with beginning and intermediate levels of workbooks as a teaching tool. A “ Basic Grammar in Use”, in workbook form, is used to build vocabulary, pronunciation and comprehension in both written and spoken English. Translating and “hands on learning” is a critical aspect of this learning level. This tier will continue to emphasize professional soft skills and interviewing techniques. Completion at this level will provide adequate language skills so as to seek employment in custodial services in a home or office setting.

Basic Training
This component is a course consisting of touch typing and basic computer instruction. Emphasis is on the development of rudimentary computer knowledge.

Intermediate Training
This component is a course for the participant with basic computer skills. This course introduces the basic workings of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Publisher.

Advanced Training
This component is a course covering all aspects of the Internet and advanced software skills on Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Publisher.Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Publisher.