Norwich Regional Adult Education Program
Welcome!
Our program is sponsored by the Norwich Board of Education, the Boards of Education of the thirteen other cooperating towns, and the State Department of Education. Norwich Regional Adult Education serves residents from the following towns: Bozrah, East Lyme, Franklin, Groton, Ledyard, Lisbon, North Stonington, Norwich, Preston, Sprague, Stonington, and Voluntown.
This program is conducted in full compliance with federal, state and local regulations pertaining to adult education programs.
Mission Statement The mission of Norwich Adult Education is to promote learning as a lifelong process and to provide adult learners with the tools necessary to be successful in today’s world.
Norwich Regional Adult Education provides the following free programs to qualified individuals:
Adult High School Credit Diploma (HSCDP)
National External Diploma Program (NEDP)
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Citizenship Preparation (CP)
Qualified individuals are persons 17 years of age or older who are no longer enrolled in school and who do not have a high school diploma or have limited basic and English language skills. As of July 1, 2001, the age for compulsory school attendance in Connecticut was raised to 18 years of age. The law states that certain steps MUST BE TAKEN in order for 17 year olds to withdraw from high school and enroll in Adult Education. These steps are:
1. The parent or guardian must sign a withdrawal form at the student’s high school.
2. A copy of this withdrawal form MUST be provided for the student file at adult education BEFORE the student can begin adult education classes.
Online Courses
Through the CT AVHS (Adult Virtual High School) we offer online courses which allow students to earn credits toward their high school diploma. The counselor can discuss this option with you and refer you to a staff member who can help you get started in an online course. The online component is not a stand-alone program. Students who wish to earn online credits must also be enrolled in on-site classes.
Documented Life/Work Credits
Students may receive credit for documented life and/or work experiences. Documentation requirements are strict and students can receive credit only when all criteria are met. The three types of documented credits are explained below. Counselors will assist students with the appropriate forms for documentation.
1. Military Category - 2 credit maximum, elective credit only. One credit can be earned for successful basic training and one credit can be earned for successful specialized training. Discharge must be “other than dishonorable.” No partial credit can be awarded.
2. Community or Volunteer Service – 1 credit maximum, elective credit only. One credit can be given for participation in community services or volunteer activity with the same agency or institution. One credit can be earned for 100 hours of service and one-half credit can be earned for 50 hours of service. Counselors will contact appropriate agency for verification.
3. Occupational Category - 2 credit maximum, elective credit only. One credit can be given for work experience, occupational license, apprenticeship training or formalized job training. Counselors will contact employers or appropriate agency for verification. Please see the list below for specifics:
a) Work Experience: 1 credit can be earned for successful work experience which is full-time with the same employer for one year or half-time with the same employer for two years; no partial credit may be awarded.
b) Occupational License: 1 credit can be earned for a current occupational license earned by the student. The license must have official signature and seal; no partial credit can be awarded.
c) Apprenticeship Training: 1 credit can be earned for successful completion of a formal apprenticeship training program based on an employer-employee relationship which leads to proficiency in “journeyman status.” No partial credit may be awarded.
d) Formalized Job Training: 1 credit can be earned for successful formalized job training that is conducted by a recognized school, agency, employer or trade union and which is certifiable. No partial credit can be awarded.
National External Diploma Program
The National External Diploma Program (NEDP) is a high school diploma program for the mature adult who has acquired many academic skills through life and work experiences. This flexible program allows you to work with knowledgeable and helpful professional educators. The program features:
o Confidentiality
o Flexible Scheduling
o Individualized weekly appointments
This program measures your academic and life skills, including:
The National External Diploma Program is currently offered at the Adult Education Center, 191 Hickory Street, Norwich, CT, but is available to students throughout the Cooperative.
GED Preparation Program The GED (General Educational Development) Preparation program prepares students to pass the four-part GED exam which is completed on the computer. It also instructs students in test-taking skills, in addition to problem-solving, communication, and computation skills, and allows students to practice with the GED format to prepare them for the exam. Our program offers the Official GED Practice Test to determine readiness for the GED Examination.
All of the items on the GED Tests are multiple-choice questions except for one part of the writing test, which requires a written essay. The exam is structured to allow retakes of each section or the entire exam. Students are allowed to take the exam three times in one calendar year, and must wait four months between retakes. Those who pass the GED are awarded a Connecticut State High School Diploma.
GED Preparation Classes are held in the following locations:
DAYS:
EVENINGS:
Adult Basic Education helps adults with reading, writing and math skills. Adults who wish to improve basic and employment skills and/or prepare to enter a GED or diploma program are provided with materials to help them study. Instruction is individualized and adults may enroll at any time during the semester. A Placement Survey is given to each new student to determine instructional level.
ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL)
ESOL classes are offered mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Levels include pre-literacy, literacy, beginning, high beginning, intermediate, high intermediate and advanced. Class content includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the context of: employment, communication, technology, civics, American culture, community and family. Students must register and be pre-tested and post-tested during each semester. Regular attendance is required.
* * * * * *
CITIZENSHIP PREPARATION (CP)
Citizenship preparation classes are offered afternoons and evenings. Class content includes American history and government, practice with the 100 naturalization questions, civic participation, coaching for the USCIS interview and review of the N-400 application. Students must register and be pre-tested to determine instructional level.
ADULT EDUCATION POLICIES The following policies apply to all persons enrolled in adult education. Students may see a guidance counselor or the director to discuss these policies or to ask any questions.
STUDENT CONDUCT POLICY
Norwich Regional Adult Education programs succeed in large part because our students behave like mature, responsible adults and are treated as such. In addition, students in Adult Education choose to be there, and appropriate behavior reflects this choice. Our student conduct policy is guided by a theme of respect: respect for self, respect for others, and respect for facilities and property used for education.
If student behavior does not demonstrate a respect of self, others, or school, then the student may be asked to leave the program. Conduct that is unacceptable and that could lead to dismissal from the program includes:
§ Fighting
§ Theft
§ Obscene or profane language
§ Disruptive classroom behavior
§ Wearing inappropriate clothing. (See Dress Code section below.)
§ Threatening or intimidating students or staff
§ Possession of a weapon
§ Possession or consumption of drugs or alcohol
§ Destruction of school property
§ Making false fire alarms or bomb threats
§ Unauthorized entrance into any school facility
§ Any act of harassment based on sex, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, disability and national origin or ancestry
The site coordinator will explain any additional rules, specific to a particular adult education site. Adherence to such rules is required as well.
DRESS CODE
In keeping with Norwich Public Schools’ Dress Code, we remind students that clothing which does not cover the midriff, short shorts, pants that are worn too low on the waist, or tops that are inappropriate for school (halter tops, tops cut too low, etc.) will not be permitted. Shoes must be worn. Additional NPS Dress Code rules may apply.
ADULT EDUCATION POLICIES CELL PHONES
While we recognize that portable cell phones have become an important means of communication, their use during class time is not permitted. Phones are to be turned off during classes. Phones may be used only before or after class, or during break times. If a student does not turn off his/her phone and it rings during class, he/she will be asked to leave the class and will be marked absent for that period.
FOOD IN CLASSROOMS
No food is to be brought into classrooms or consumed during class. If students have a quick snack between classes, it should be consumed before entering the classroom.
SMOKING
State law prohibits smoking in school buildings and on school grounds. Since Norwich Adult Education is located in a public school building, this smoking policy must be enforced.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
It is the policy of the Norwich Regional Adult Education Cooperative that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise discriminated against under any program, including employment, because of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, mental retardation, and past/present history of mental disorder, learning disability and physical disability. SEXUAL HARASSMENT and INTIMIDATION POLICY Sexual harassment has been clearly established as a form of sexual discrimination. Sexual harassment has been defined as follows: Any intentional or unintentional unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, physical or visual contact of a sexual nature, when (1) submission to such conduct is a condition of employment or education; (2) submission or rejection of that conduct is used as the basis for decisions affecting the individual’s employment or education; or, (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the individual’s work, education or performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Specific behaviors considered sexual harassment include (but are not limited to):
Touching Sexual rumors
Sexual name calling Too personal a conversation
Jokes/cartoons/posters Cornering/blocking
Pulling at clothes Suggestive facial expressions
Verbal comments
Individuals who sexually harass others may subject themselves to civil or criminal action.
If you believe you have been discriminated against with regards to sexual harassment, you may file a grievance as per our Grievance Policy.
COMPUTER USE
Computers in classrooms at the Adult Education Center are for use in scheduled classes only. The software or websites required for instruction by teachers are the only programs you should be using.
Instant Messaging, downloading pictures, websites, software, and music, or changing the configuration of the computers in any way is strictly forbidden.
School computers are not to be used as students’ personal computers – they are tools to enhance learning in the classes. Any student using the computers for unauthorized personal use may be asked to leave the classroom and will be marked absent from class. Repeat situations will result in the student being asked to leave the program.
Individual classroom teachers may have some specific requirements regarding computer use in each class. Be sure and check with your instructor for specific policies in his/her class.
PARKING
Adult Education students should park along streets where permitted. Students should not park in front of the building. Please read and adhere to posted signs. Do not block driveways or park too close to street corners. Handicapped parking rules are strictly enforced.
ABE/GED Attendance Policy
Attendance Policy ABE/GED Students are encouraged to attend all classes. Students who must miss more than one class for any reason should inform the instructor or call the Adult Education Office (860-823-4299) and leave a message.
ESOL Attendance Policy
ESOL students demonstrate their commitment to learning by attending class regularly and participating in class activities in order to make progress and learn the skills necessary for success. Morning and afternoon students are expected to attend at least 9 hours each week, arrive on time and stay for the entire class. Evening students are expected to attend at least 3 hours each week, arrive on time and stay for the entire class. Students who must ‘stop out’ are expected to notify their teacher or the ESOL coordinator and make arrangements to take a post-test.
Attendance Policy Credit Diploma Program CDP students report to their classrooms at the start of each class period:
Daytime 9:00 a.m. Evening 5:30 p.m.
10:00 a.m. 7:25 p.m.
11:00 a.m.
12:00 noon
If a student is late, but arrives within the first 15 minutes of class, he or she:
1. Reports to the Attendance Coordinator to receive an Admit Slip.
2. Proceeds to class, quietly places Admit Slip on the teacher’s desk, and joins the class that is already in session. (The teacher does not stop teaching or interrupt class activities to discuss a late arrival.)
The Admit Slip will note name, date, and the time of arrival, and serves as a written record of the student’s arrival time. The teacher will return this slip to the Attendance Coordinator by the end of the day.
If a student arrives more than 15 minutes late, he or she is not allowed to enter the class.
A student may enter a class with an Admit Slip a maximum of 3 times in the semester. After having accumulated 3 late arrivals in a course during the semester, the student is no longer allowed to enter the classroom late. Therefore, all further late arrivals amount to additional absences.
According to the Norwich Adult Education Attendance Policy, a student may be absent from a course a maximum number of five times (daytime) or three times (evening) over the entire semester.
Consistent attendance is the responsibility of each student. The allowed absences are for those situations that prevent students from attending (illness, job requirements, etc.) Be careful not to use them for “days off” only to have no allowed absences later in the semester when you might need them!
If a student knows that he/she will be absent, it is important to notify teachers ahead. If it is a last minute situation, call the Adult Education Office and leave a message for the Attendance Coordinator who will notify teachers.
The Counselor is available to meet and discuss attendance issues with students upon request.
The Director will assist the Attendance Coordinator with the implementation of the Attendance Policy and reserves the right to make the final decision about a student remaining or withdrawing from classes due to tardiness or absences.
WAIVER OF ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students who have not met the Norwich Adult Education attendance requirement may submit a waiver to the Norwich Adult Education Waiver Committee. The request must be in writing and based on extremely extenuating circumstances in order to be considered for full credit.
PROCEDURES 1. See your Attendance Coordinator (daytime) or Counselor (evenings) to obtain a Waiver Request Form.
2. Fill out the form completely.
3. Ask your teacher(s) to sign your completed form. Their signature only indicates their knowledge of your request.
4. Turn the form in to the Attendance Coordinator or Counselor, as appropriate.
5. You will receive a copy of your request form and the Waiver Committee’s decision on the final day of the semester.
GRIEVANCE POLICY
All students participating in Norwich Regional Adult Education programs are provided with a grievance procedure, a process to follow whenever they feel that they have been unfairly treated, the rules have been inequitably enforced, or for any other school-related reasons.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
1. Adult Education Students who wish to file a grievance should first present it to the local site coordinator of their program. Any teacher can identify that person for you.
2. If the problem is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student, it should be brought to the Regional Adult Education Director, Mary C. Berry, at the Norwich Adult Education Center.
3. If it is necessary to take the situation beyond the Regional Director, the grievance should be presented to the Norwich Superintendent of Schools at 90 Town St., Norwich, Connecticut.
4. Beyond the Superintendent, the Norwich Board of Education would make any final decision on a grievance based upon school district policy.
Welcome!
Our program is sponsored by the Norwich Board of Education, the Boards of Education of the thirteen other cooperating towns, and the State Department of Education. Norwich Regional Adult Education serves residents from the following towns: Bozrah, East Lyme, Franklin, Groton, Ledyard, Lisbon, North Stonington, Norwich, Preston, Sprague, Stonington, and Voluntown.
This program is conducted in full compliance with federal, state and local regulations pertaining to adult education programs.
Mission Statement The mission of Norwich Adult Education is to promote learning as a lifelong process and to provide adult learners with the tools necessary to be successful in today’s world.
Norwich Regional Adult Education provides the following free programs to qualified individuals:
Adult High School Credit Diploma (HSCDP)
National External Diploma Program (NEDP)
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Citizenship Preparation (CP)
Qualified individuals are persons 17 years of age or older who are no longer enrolled in school and who do not have a high school diploma or have limited basic and English language skills. As of July 1, 2001, the age for compulsory school attendance in Connecticut was raised to 18 years of age. The law states that certain steps MUST BE TAKEN in order for 17 year olds to withdraw from high school and enroll in Adult Education. These steps are:
1. The parent or guardian must sign a withdrawal form at the student’s high school.
2. A copy of this withdrawal form MUST be provided for the student file at adult education BEFORE the student can begin adult education classes.
Online Courses
Through the CT AVHS (Adult Virtual High School) we offer online courses which allow students to earn credits toward their high school diploma. The counselor can discuss this option with you and refer you to a staff member who can help you get started in an online course. The online component is not a stand-alone program. Students who wish to earn online credits must also be enrolled in on-site classes.
Documented Life/Work Credits
Students may receive credit for documented life and/or work experiences. Documentation requirements are strict and students can receive credit only when all criteria are met. The three types of documented credits are explained below. Counselors will assist students with the appropriate forms for documentation.
1. Military Category - 2 credit maximum, elective credit only. One credit can be earned for successful basic training and one credit can be earned for successful specialized training. Discharge must be “other than dishonorable.” No partial credit can be awarded.
2. Community or Volunteer Service – 1 credit maximum, elective credit only. One credit can be given for participation in community services or volunteer activity with the same agency or institution. One credit can be earned for 100 hours of service and one-half credit can be earned for 50 hours of service. Counselors will contact appropriate agency for verification.
3. Occupational Category - 2 credit maximum, elective credit only. One credit can be given for work experience, occupational license, apprenticeship training or formalized job training. Counselors will contact employers or appropriate agency for verification. Please see the list below for specifics:
a) Work Experience: 1 credit can be earned for successful work experience which is full-time with the same employer for one year or half-time with the same employer for two years; no partial credit may be awarded.
b) Occupational License: 1 credit can be earned for a current occupational license earned by the student. The license must have official signature and seal; no partial credit can be awarded.
c) Apprenticeship Training: 1 credit can be earned for successful completion of a formal apprenticeship training program based on an employer-employee relationship which leads to proficiency in “journeyman status.” No partial credit may be awarded.
d) Formalized Job Training: 1 credit can be earned for successful formalized job training that is conducted by a recognized school, agency, employer or trade union and which is certifiable. No partial credit can be awarded.
National External Diploma Program
The National External Diploma Program (NEDP) is a high school diploma program for the mature adult who has acquired many academic skills through life and work experiences. This flexible program allows you to work with knowledgeable and helpful professional educators. The program features:
o Confidentiality
o Flexible Scheduling
o Individualized weekly appointments
This program measures your academic and life skills, including:
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Oral communication
- Critical thinking
- Using data-gathering skills
- Manipulating data
- Analyzing data
- Applying data
- Solving problems
The National External Diploma Program is currently offered at the Adult Education Center, 191 Hickory Street, Norwich, CT, but is available to students throughout the Cooperative.
GED Preparation Program The GED (General Educational Development) Preparation program prepares students to pass the four-part GED exam which is completed on the computer. It also instructs students in test-taking skills, in addition to problem-solving, communication, and computation skills, and allows students to practice with the GED format to prepare them for the exam. Our program offers the Official GED Practice Test to determine readiness for the GED Examination.
All of the items on the GED Tests are multiple-choice questions except for one part of the writing test, which requires a written essay. The exam is structured to allow retakes of each section or the entire exam. Students are allowed to take the exam three times in one calendar year, and must wait four months between retakes. Those who pass the GED are awarded a Connecticut State High School Diploma.
GED Preparation Classes are held in the following locations:
DAYS:
- Adult Education Center, 191 Hickory Street, Norwich
- Groton Public Library, Route 117, Groton
- CT Works, 113 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
- Southeastern Mental Health Authority (SMHA), Norwich
EVENINGS:
- Adult Education Center, 191 Hickory Street, Norwich
- East Lyme High School, 30 Chesterfield Road, East Lyme
- West Side Middle School, 259 Brandegee Avenue, Groton
- Stonington High School, 176 South Broad Street, Pawcatuck
Adult Basic Education helps adults with reading, writing and math skills. Adults who wish to improve basic and employment skills and/or prepare to enter a GED or diploma program are provided with materials to help them study. Instruction is individualized and adults may enroll at any time during the semester. A Placement Survey is given to each new student to determine instructional level.
ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL)
ESOL classes are offered mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Levels include pre-literacy, literacy, beginning, high beginning, intermediate, high intermediate and advanced. Class content includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the context of: employment, communication, technology, civics, American culture, community and family. Students must register and be pre-tested and post-tested during each semester. Regular attendance is required.
* * * * * *
CITIZENSHIP PREPARATION (CP)
Citizenship preparation classes are offered afternoons and evenings. Class content includes American history and government, practice with the 100 naturalization questions, civic participation, coaching for the USCIS interview and review of the N-400 application. Students must register and be pre-tested to determine instructional level.
ADULT EDUCATION POLICIES The following policies apply to all persons enrolled in adult education. Students may see a guidance counselor or the director to discuss these policies or to ask any questions.
STUDENT CONDUCT POLICY
Norwich Regional Adult Education programs succeed in large part because our students behave like mature, responsible adults and are treated as such. In addition, students in Adult Education choose to be there, and appropriate behavior reflects this choice. Our student conduct policy is guided by a theme of respect: respect for self, respect for others, and respect for facilities and property used for education.
If student behavior does not demonstrate a respect of self, others, or school, then the student may be asked to leave the program. Conduct that is unacceptable and that could lead to dismissal from the program includes:
§ Fighting
§ Theft
§ Obscene or profane language
§ Disruptive classroom behavior
§ Wearing inappropriate clothing. (See Dress Code section below.)
§ Threatening or intimidating students or staff
§ Possession of a weapon
§ Possession or consumption of drugs or alcohol
§ Destruction of school property
§ Making false fire alarms or bomb threats
§ Unauthorized entrance into any school facility
§ Any act of harassment based on sex, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, disability and national origin or ancestry
The site coordinator will explain any additional rules, specific to a particular adult education site. Adherence to such rules is required as well.
DRESS CODE
In keeping with Norwich Public Schools’ Dress Code, we remind students that clothing which does not cover the midriff, short shorts, pants that are worn too low on the waist, or tops that are inappropriate for school (halter tops, tops cut too low, etc.) will not be permitted. Shoes must be worn. Additional NPS Dress Code rules may apply.
ADULT EDUCATION POLICIES CELL PHONES
While we recognize that portable cell phones have become an important means of communication, their use during class time is not permitted. Phones are to be turned off during classes. Phones may be used only before or after class, or during break times. If a student does not turn off his/her phone and it rings during class, he/she will be asked to leave the class and will be marked absent for that period.
FOOD IN CLASSROOMS
No food is to be brought into classrooms or consumed during class. If students have a quick snack between classes, it should be consumed before entering the classroom.
SMOKING
State law prohibits smoking in school buildings and on school grounds. Since Norwich Adult Education is located in a public school building, this smoking policy must be enforced.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
It is the policy of the Norwich Regional Adult Education Cooperative that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise discriminated against under any program, including employment, because of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, mental retardation, and past/present history of mental disorder, learning disability and physical disability. SEXUAL HARASSMENT and INTIMIDATION POLICY Sexual harassment has been clearly established as a form of sexual discrimination. Sexual harassment has been defined as follows: Any intentional or unintentional unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, physical or visual contact of a sexual nature, when (1) submission to such conduct is a condition of employment or education; (2) submission or rejection of that conduct is used as the basis for decisions affecting the individual’s employment or education; or, (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the individual’s work, education or performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Specific behaviors considered sexual harassment include (but are not limited to):
Touching Sexual rumors
Sexual name calling Too personal a conversation
Jokes/cartoons/posters Cornering/blocking
Pulling at clothes Suggestive facial expressions
Verbal comments
Individuals who sexually harass others may subject themselves to civil or criminal action.
If you believe you have been discriminated against with regards to sexual harassment, you may file a grievance as per our Grievance Policy.
COMPUTER USE
Computers in classrooms at the Adult Education Center are for use in scheduled classes only. The software or websites required for instruction by teachers are the only programs you should be using.
Instant Messaging, downloading pictures, websites, software, and music, or changing the configuration of the computers in any way is strictly forbidden.
School computers are not to be used as students’ personal computers – they are tools to enhance learning in the classes. Any student using the computers for unauthorized personal use may be asked to leave the classroom and will be marked absent from class. Repeat situations will result in the student being asked to leave the program.
Individual classroom teachers may have some specific requirements regarding computer use in each class. Be sure and check with your instructor for specific policies in his/her class.
PARKING
Adult Education students should park along streets where permitted. Students should not park in front of the building. Please read and adhere to posted signs. Do not block driveways or park too close to street corners. Handicapped parking rules are strictly enforced.
ABE/GED Attendance Policy
Attendance Policy ABE/GED Students are encouraged to attend all classes. Students who must miss more than one class for any reason should inform the instructor or call the Adult Education Office (860-823-4299) and leave a message.
ESOL Attendance Policy
ESOL students demonstrate their commitment to learning by attending class regularly and participating in class activities in order to make progress and learn the skills necessary for success. Morning and afternoon students are expected to attend at least 9 hours each week, arrive on time and stay for the entire class. Evening students are expected to attend at least 3 hours each week, arrive on time and stay for the entire class. Students who must ‘stop out’ are expected to notify their teacher or the ESOL coordinator and make arrangements to take a post-test.
Attendance Policy Credit Diploma Program CDP students report to their classrooms at the start of each class period:
Daytime 9:00 a.m. Evening 5:30 p.m.
10:00 a.m. 7:25 p.m.
11:00 a.m.
12:00 noon
If a student is late, but arrives within the first 15 minutes of class, he or she:
1. Reports to the Attendance Coordinator to receive an Admit Slip.
2. Proceeds to class, quietly places Admit Slip on the teacher’s desk, and joins the class that is already in session. (The teacher does not stop teaching or interrupt class activities to discuss a late arrival.)
The Admit Slip will note name, date, and the time of arrival, and serves as a written record of the student’s arrival time. The teacher will return this slip to the Attendance Coordinator by the end of the day.
If a student arrives more than 15 minutes late, he or she is not allowed to enter the class.
A student may enter a class with an Admit Slip a maximum of 3 times in the semester. After having accumulated 3 late arrivals in a course during the semester, the student is no longer allowed to enter the classroom late. Therefore, all further late arrivals amount to additional absences.
According to the Norwich Adult Education Attendance Policy, a student may be absent from a course a maximum number of five times (daytime) or three times (evening) over the entire semester.
Consistent attendance is the responsibility of each student. The allowed absences are for those situations that prevent students from attending (illness, job requirements, etc.) Be careful not to use them for “days off” only to have no allowed absences later in the semester when you might need them!
If a student knows that he/she will be absent, it is important to notify teachers ahead. If it is a last minute situation, call the Adult Education Office and leave a message for the Attendance Coordinator who will notify teachers.
The Counselor is available to meet and discuss attendance issues with students upon request.
The Director will assist the Attendance Coordinator with the implementation of the Attendance Policy and reserves the right to make the final decision about a student remaining or withdrawing from classes due to tardiness or absences.
WAIVER OF ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students who have not met the Norwich Adult Education attendance requirement may submit a waiver to the Norwich Adult Education Waiver Committee. The request must be in writing and based on extremely extenuating circumstances in order to be considered for full credit.
PROCEDURES 1. See your Attendance Coordinator (daytime) or Counselor (evenings) to obtain a Waiver Request Form.
2. Fill out the form completely.
3. Ask your teacher(s) to sign your completed form. Their signature only indicates their knowledge of your request.
4. Turn the form in to the Attendance Coordinator or Counselor, as appropriate.
5. You will receive a copy of your request form and the Waiver Committee’s decision on the final day of the semester.
GRIEVANCE POLICY
All students participating in Norwich Regional Adult Education programs are provided with a grievance procedure, a process to follow whenever they feel that they have been unfairly treated, the rules have been inequitably enforced, or for any other school-related reasons.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
1. Adult Education Students who wish to file a grievance should first present it to the local site coordinator of their program. Any teacher can identify that person for you.
2. If the problem is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student, it should be brought to the Regional Adult Education Director, Mary C. Berry, at the Norwich Adult Education Center.
3. If it is necessary to take the situation beyond the Regional Director, the grievance should be presented to the Norwich Superintendent of Schools at 90 Town St., Norwich, Connecticut.
4. Beyond the Superintendent, the Norwich Board of Education would make any final decision on a grievance based upon school district policy.