Community Partnerships for Adult Learning
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Supported by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education
of the U.S. Department of Education
The North Idaho College Adult Education Center
Highlights
Introduction
Background
Adult Education In North Idaho
Partnerships With The Adult Education Center
Northern Idaho College
The Educational Opportunity Center
North Idaho Workforce Investment Board
The Job Service
The Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Family Literacy Programs
School Districts
Sharing Resources
Sharing Successes And Challenges
Conclusion
Complete Profile (PDF, 366kb)
Return to Summary

PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE ADULT EDUCATION CENTER
The Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) expects staff to interact with other agencies to get the services their clients need. Based on an initial assessment of the client, DVR determines all the necessary services to help the client gain self-sufficiency. Most often, DVR includes a referral to adult education, based on an assessment of clients' educational levels. DVR counselors work with adult education instructors to monitor client progress, and the adult education instructors know they can call the DVR counselors if a client doesn't come to class or needs help.

For DVR and adult education staff, this is the usual way of doing business. DVR has a history of being involved with other organizations; each DVR counselor is assigned to act as a liaison with another agency. This structure allows DVR to maintain contacts, share information, and collaborate on grants or new programs. DVR uses the Adult Education Center for help with training and testing, and DVR counselors sometimes go to the Center to meet with clients. DVR counselors call Center staff to determine whether a client would benefit from taking classes or completing a GED diploma. Likewise, Center staff are familiar with DVR services and can refer learners there; in 2001-2002, adult education instructors referred 446 clients to DVR for assistance with healthcare, transportation, job placement, or education.

THE IDAHO INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
The Idaho Industrial Commission is responsible for helping people find employment after on-the-job injuries. Working with the Adult Education Center and other partners enables them to accomplish this goal. While clients are recovering physically, the Commission aims to get them motivated and "using their brains." As their staff determine a client's needs, they develop a plan usually involving multiple partner agencies, including the Adult Education Center. Still, the referrals are informal. Commission staff call or go to the Center to check on clients, and Center staff reciprocate by sending information on client progress to Commission staff. For the Commission, the Adult Education Center is an integral part of their approach to clients.