Susan Norman joined the Golden Strip Learning Center team in July of 2012. She started out teaching lower level ESL classes, but soon found that math was more her niche. She taught an Algebra/Geometry class two days a week in the fall and asked for even more days for the winter session. She continued with the Algebra/Geometry class and took on two more days of classes, working in the GED Math Lab and starting a new Data Analysis class.  Susan’s classes are always the most well attended and the students love her. She even brought in a felt board to give visual examples of geometric concepts. We are so happy to have Susan as a tutor and hope she will continue for years to come.

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During the spring semester, prospective summer session students were encouraged to register and take a pre-test before being placed on the waiting list. This guaranteed them a place in the summer classes and resulted in a shorter waiting list of serious students. In July, we welcomed a new Greenville Tech intern who teaches math classes two evenings a week.

GSLC partnered with the Tribune Times to run an ad on the front page of their newspaper. Many Adult Basic Education  students signed up for Pre-GED classes due to the publicity and several potential tutors inquired about volunteering opportunities.  Staff also participated in the Upstate Volunteer Fair at the main library. The Simpsonville Sentinel, an independently owned newspaper, featured an article about the center written by a … (read more…)

The Golden Strip Learning Center has been busy testing students during this first quarter.  Out of the 39 ABE post-tests that were conducted, 29 students made level gains.  Six new tutors will be teaching next term, allowing the addition of nine new classes.  These classes include ESL reading and writing, Idioms, an additional GED writing, a new Pre-GED writing, and an Intermediate reading class.   These   additional classes bring the weekly class offerings to 46, expanding the curriculum to better meet the educational needs of its students. … (read more…)

Miriam came to the United States in July of 2011. She is from Brazil but has also lived in her husband’s native country, Slovenia.  Upon arrival to the United States, she began English classes at the Golden Strip Learning Center.  Having a knack for languages, Miriam made huge advances in the English as Second Language program.  In six short months, she has achieved 60 hours of instruction and has made two level gains, advancing from level 0 to level 3.  She reaches out to other students and helps them gain better understanding of the lessons.  Miriam attends class regularly and has chosen to take advanced classes.  We are proud of Miriam and the hard work and effort she has put in to achieve so much in such a short time. … (read more…)