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Educational Opportunities
• Stairways Behavioral Health Education Department
Please revisit this Web page for more information about the services Stairways Behavioral Health offers as this Web site develops. In the meantime, if you wish to speak with someone about Stairways’ educational opportunities, please contact Stairways’ switchboard operator at 814.453.5806 or email the Education Program director at rcgacka@stairwaysbh.org or the Learning Center at jhuggler@stairwaysbh.org. CLASSES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE STAIRWAYS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ADULT BASIC EDUCATION This class functions as a "self contained class" for a block of 3 hours per session. During that time the instructor conducts multiple activities in the areas of reading, math, writing, communication skills, computer use, and life skills. The difficulty level of activities is somewhat higher than is found in the "Beginning Literacy" class. The instruction is highly interactive and activities are concrete and participatory. INTENSIVE PHONICS This is a clinical phonics program that takes the student through a thorough review and practice of essential phonics skills. It addresses reading skills from an elementary level through high school and is applicable for both basic reading and "refresher" purposes. This program has both a computer and an instructional component. The networked computer-based part of this system retains records of student performance and "prescribe" appropriate future lessons. ACADEMIC AND EMPLOYMENT REFRESHER This class functions as a "self contained class" during which the instructor conducts activities in the areas of reading, math, writing, computer use, and life skills. Difficulty level is more demanding than the content at the "ABE General" level. Instruction is adjusted to the needs of the students. The instruction is highly interactive and activities are concrete and participatory but greater emphasis is placed on skill mastery and completion of individually assigned work Class content centers the vocational application of skills. GED AND PRE-GED PREP (Erie CareerLink) This class is designed to prepare students to successfully complete the GED examination through practice on materials specifically targeted to the actual examination. Students initially take the Official Predictor Test and an individual instructional plan is developed based on the test results. WORKFORCE ESSENTIAL SKILLS This is an Internet based home study program developed by PBS that addresses the essential skills needed for employment. A Stairway’s Education Dept staff member serves as the "Virtual Teacher" who communicates with students via e-mail. Supplemental video and workbook materials are available. COMPUTER CLASSES INTRO TO COMPUTERS This class is designed to provide clients with structured opportunities to develop a basic understanding of how to operate a computer. Successful completion of this course is a requirement for Word Processing enrollment or Application Lab computer use. The purpose of the class is to assure safe, enjoyable and efficient use of computer lab equipment. The client participates in activities that are designed to instruct them in all of the areas that will be needed for them to demonstrate proficiency in the skills listed on the program completion checklist. WORD PROCESSING I This class functions as both a computer and writing class. Students learn the fundamentals of MS Word software while at the same time developing writing and spelling skills. Emphasis is on spelling, punctuation and grammatical correctness. Students develop and revise documents that are edited by the instructor. At the end of the class the clients have a portfolio of their writing. TYPING TUTOR This is a self-study program built around commercial CD-ROM "typing tutor" software. It is designed to build speed and accuracy of keyboarding skills. The course offered in the classroom setting or in the computer lab. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN MONITORED COMPUTER LAB The instructional computer lab is designed to provide both group and individual computer related and academic refresher training. A selection of instructional CD-ROMs are available. Students work independently under the guidance of an assigned instructor on a designated training program until mastery of target skills/knowledge is achieved. Completion of the "Intro to Computers" course is a prerequisite for lab use.
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