Annual Report 2011-12 | Page 2

Carlos Rosario School Holistic Model In its more than 40 years as an institution, the Carlos Rosario School has served over 60,000 students and won numerous awards for its programs, including recognition by the US Department of Education and the National School Board Association for excellence in adult education. A commitment to excellence and to the mission of preparing adult immigrants to become invested, contributing members of American society permeates the School’s culture. Foundational Literacy and Skills These courses provide students with important building blocks that serve as the basis for future learning. The curriculum offers intensive language and life skills instruction driven by students’ needs. Learner-driven instruction such as role-plays and practice simulations, portfolios and field trips form the foundation for the School’s approach to working with adult immigrants. Emphasis is placed on developing higher-order thinking skills, meta-cognitive learning strategies, life skills, and technological competence. Courses include English as a Second Language (ESL), ESL for Families, GED, Technology Essentials, and Citizenship. Workforce Development Comprehensive Support Services These courses prepare students to enter into and excel in demand-driven industries such as hospitality, healthcare and technology. Support services that address challenges to students’ ability to persist in the pursuit of their education are key to the success of our school model. The career training curricula are developed based on community need as well as projected industry growth and demand in the Washington, DC region. The School’s corporate advisory committees provide critical industry related guidance. Support services include individual bilingual counseling, job counseling and placement, extracurricular activities, college application and financial aid support, and leadership training. Students receive hands-on and theoretical learning guided by individual student goals and industry needs. Courses prepare students for important industry certifications. In addition to classroom learning students gain more than 22 hours of employability skills training along with career counseling and job placement assistance. The success of our support services hinges on strong relationships with more than 60 other community organizations such as La Clinica del Pueblo, Employment Justice Center, and the Legal Aid Society. The student government, comprised of elected student representatives, cultivates leadership skills. 1 3