Basic Skills programs are one of three general tracks available to students at community colleges. The others are workforce training and preparation for a transfer to a four-year higher education institution.
Basic Skills education provides general and necessary tools for participation in the workforce. Illiteracy, the lack of a high school diploma, or poor English skills can be barriers to successful employment. Community colleges offer a variety of classes to raise the level of essential skills needed for the workplace. Wenatchee Valley College's Adult Basic Education (ABE) program offers classes in basic reading, writing, math, and computer skills. The ABE program is designed to equip students over 18 for the General Educational Development (GED) test, complete coursework to earn a high school diploma or prepare them for college classes.
To be included in this indicator, a student must be a Full-Time Equivalent Student (FTES). According to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 392-120-025, to be considered an FTES as a college student, the student must be “enrolled in at least 12 college credits or more per quarter.”
Locally, Walla Walla Community College offers basic skills classes through their Transitional Studies program. This program has classes designed for students who need pre-college level math, reading, and writing credits as well as preparatory classes for students taking the GED. There are also English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in the Transitional Studies program.
This indicator measures the total number and rate per 1,000 residents of the Walla Walla Community College Service District ages 18-64 who were a Full-Time Equivalent Student (FTES) and were enrolled in a state-supported course at Walla Walla Community College with the purpose of basic skills training. The Walla Walla Community College Service District includes Walla Walla, Asotin, Garfield, and Columbia Counties. Washington State is offered as a benchmark.