Enhancing Community Connection at More Than 30 Off-Site Locations

Consortium News December 05, 2018

Under the leadership of the English as a Second Language (ESL)/Citizenship Program Interim Director Katalin Gyurindak, a team of ESL experts including Special Projects Director Natalya Dollar, Student Services Specialist Carlos Gordillo, and Professional Expert Jon Schoepf, met with community-based class partners throughout the 2017 Summer Term. The team met with directors, administrators, and community liaisons that coordinate the 30 off-site locations in La Habra City School District, Fullerton Joint Union High School District, Fullerton School District, Magnolia School District, Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District, Brea Community Center, and Anaheim Elementary School District.

The goal of the meetings was to introduce Gyurindak as the new Interim Director, share the school’s accreditation renewal, and announce the name change from NOCCCD School of Continuing Education to NOCE. In addition, the meetings allowed for the ESL team to communicate several recommendations from the accreditation agency, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, for the off-site classes such as incorporating more data, providing the same level of support and access as at campus-based classes, and discussing technology options for the off-site locations. Outcomes included increasing outreach, growing class capacity, upgrading technology to improve digital literacy among students, and adding technology training for instructors. The meetings proved positive with community partner support remaining strong.