| Plaza Comunitaria |
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A program focusing on adult literacy, elementary, middle The Plaza Comunitaria Education Initiative offers self-directed education in basic reading and writing, elementary, secondary and high school equivalent education through a curriculum that is culturally and linguistically relevant for Latino immigrants. The program is fully accredited by the Mexican Department of Education and is implemented through the Mexican Consulate in Denver.
Plaza Comunitaria was developed in Mexico City, Mexico as part of an effort of Mexican President, Vincente Fox, to promote life-long learning among Mexican adults. In the 1990s, the Mexican Consulate recognized that there was a similar need for Latino immigrants in the United States.
In addition to promoting life-long learning, community organizations, agencies and churches
recognized that the curriculum empowered immigrants with educational and job skills needed to successfully integrate into the United States economy and culture. Today, the curriculum has been successfully replicated in 120 sites across the United States.
How the Program Works
Enrollment
Every individual will complete a one-on-one enrollment process. This process will include an assessment conducted by Centro’s lead teacher to gauge the individual’s strengths and weaknesses in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics. The assessment is then entered into a secure, web-
based platform that generates a report indicating the appropriate placement for
the individual.
Study Groups
Adults enter one of three Study Groups: Alfabetizacion, Primaria or Secundaria. Alfabetizacion provides participants with basic literacy reading, writing and math instruction. The Primaria Study Group introduces more advanced reading, writing and math skills. Secundaria mirrors the U.S. middle school area of study. All students will engage in contextual learning, linking learning skills and resources to life experiences and subjects. In each Study Group, students will move through a series of learning modules hosted online on the CONEVyT portal—Plaza Comunitaria’s Internet hub for adult learning. Following the study of each module, students will complete a final test. Each Study Group includes approximately six modules, and students will move to the next level once they have mastered the subject matter covered in their Study Group. These groups also complement Centro’s existing educational programs.
Graduation
Following the completion of all learning modules, students may advance to the next Study Group. Students who complete the Secundaria Study Group graduate from the Plaza Comunitaria and or move on to Preparatoria and receive a diploma that may be used in Mexico or serve as a GED equivalent in the United States. The Mexican Consulate administers the official accreditation process. The Peruvian and Guatemalan Consulates are also participating in the program.
Career Development
Students learn about the United States workforce and employment opportunities. The students learn how to develop their resumes, conduct a job search, and learn about on line banking, comparison
buying, product research and accounting skills. Students then are linked to an employer network through the collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development |
