Section 1 West Virginia Adult Basic Education: Programs and ...

WVABE Instructor Handbook 

WVABE Instructor Handbook 

2012-13 

Section 1 

West Virginia Adult Basic 

Education: Programs and 

Resources 

Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program 

Office of Adult Education and Workforce Development 

West Virginia Department of Education

The West Virginia Adult Basic Education (WVABE) Program is funded by the Adult 

Education and Family Literacy Act, enacted August 7, 1998 as Title II of the Workforce 

Investment Act of 1998. 

WVABE is administered through the West Virginia Department of Education, Office of 

Adult Education and Workforce Development, Building 6, Room 230, 1900 Kanawha 

Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0330. 

The WVABE Instructor Handbook is produced by the WVABE Professional Development 

Program, whose fiscal agent is the Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) 3, 501 

22nd Street, Dunbar, West Virginia 25064-1711. 

For questions or concerns related to the content of the WVABE Instructor 

Handbook, contact Cathy Shank at the WV Adult Education Hotline, 1-800-642-2670, 

or via e-mail at cshank@access.k12.wv.us. 

RESA 3 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, 

or any other characteristic protected by law in access to, employment in, or provision of any of 

RESA 3’s programs, benefits, or activities.

1 

West Virginia Adult Basic Education: Programs and Resources 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................... 1 

FEDERAL ROLE............................................................................................................................... 1 

STATE ROLE .................................................................................................................................. 2 

COUNTY/LOCAL ROLE ..................................................................................................................... 2 

WEST VIRGINIA ADULT BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAM............................................................ 3 

OUR VISION.................................................................................................................................. 3 

OUR MISSION ............................................................................................................................... 3 

OUR CORE VALUES......................................................................................................................... 4 

OUR GOALS .................................................................................................................................. 5 

COMPONENTS OF THE WEST VIRGINIA ADULT BASIC EDUCATION (WVABE) PROGRAM.......... 6 

WHAT IS ADULT BASIC EDUCATION (ABE)? ........................................................................................ 6 

WHAT ARE THE TARGET POPULATIONS SERVED BY WVABE? .................................................................. 6 

WHAT DOES THE WVABE PROGRAM INCLUDE?................................................................................... 6 

WHAT SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS ARE A PART OF WVABE? ...................................................................... 7 

WHERE ARE WVABE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES LOCATED?.................................................................... 9 

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ALL THESE ACRONYMS? ............................................................................... 9 

PARTNERS IN ADULT EDUCATION, LITERACY, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN WEST 

VIRGINIA ............................................................................................................................. 10 

THE OFFICE OF ADULT EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT .................................................... 10 

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES (DHHR) BUREAU FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES..... 10 

LITERACY WEST VIRGINIA .............................................................................................................. 11 

WEST VIRGINIA ADULT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (WVAEA), INC. ....................................................... 12 

WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (WVDE)...................................................................... 13 

WEST VIRGINIA DIVISION OF REHABILITATIVE SERVICES (DRS).............................................................. 15 

WEST VIRGINIA LIBRARY COMMISSION............................................................................................. 15 

WEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGES..................................................................... 16 

WORKFORCE WEST VIRGINIA CAREER CENTERS................................................................................. 16 

WVABE SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................. 18 

APPENDIX............................................................................................................................ 25 

COMMONLY USED ACRONYMS ................................................................................................. 27

ADULT BASIC EDUCATION STAFF ............................................................................................... 29 

REGIONAL ADULT EDUCATION COORDINATORS ............................................................................ 33 

RESOURCES FOR THE ADULT EDUCATOR........................................................................................... 35 

NATIONAL AND STATE SPECIAL NEEDS HOTLINE DIRECTORY ........................................................... 37 

COLLEGE RESOURCES .............................................................................................................. 38 

HEALTH SERVICES RESOURCES .................................................................................................. 39 

HEARING RESOURCES.............................................................................................................. 39 

LEGAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 40 

REGIONAL FAMILY RESOURCE NETWORKS................................................................................... 41 

VISION RESOURCES................................................................................................................. 41

PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) recognizes that today's workplace 

presents numerous opportunities and challenges for adults in West Virginia. Employers 

need workers with strong basic skills and an ability to adapt to change. Today's families 

are faced with multiple responsibilities as they address their children's educational 

needs, as well as their own. Special populations, such as the homeless and 

incarcerated, must deal with additional challenges in order to lead safe and productive 

lives. 

To effectively serve the foundational learning needs of these diverse groups, a learning 

system that is flexible and responsive is necessary. The West Virginia Adult Basic 

Education (WVABE) program has developed such a system for adult learners. 

WVABE programs build skills for success by providing adults with the opportunity to 

acquire and improve functional skills necessary to enhance the quality of their lives as 

workers, family members, and citizens. These programs play an important role in 

fostering productive employment, effective citizenship, personal and family growth, selfesteem, 

and dignity for adult learners. 

Educational services are available at no cost to adult learners and are designed to meet 

the educational needs of each individual. Certified adult education instructors provide 

instruction. 

Federal Role 

The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act is Title II of the Workforce Investment Act 

(WIA) of 1998. It provides the framework for the establishment of the Adult Basic 

Education (ABE) program. The federal Division of Adult Education and Literacy (DAEL) 

provides grants to states to fund adult education and literacy services, including 

workplace literacy services; family literacy services; English literacy programs and 

integrated English literacy-civics education programs. Participation in these programs is 

limited to adults and out-of-school youths age 16 and older who are not enrolled or 

required to be enrolled in secondary school under state law. 

The amount of funding each state receives is based on a formula established by 

Congress. States, in turn, distribute funds to local eligible entities to provide adult 

education and literacy services. In West Virginia, the West Virginia Department of 

Education (WVDE) distributes these federal funds to local programs. 

The National Reporting System (NRS) is the accountability system mandated by WIA. 

The NRS includes student measures to describe adult education students, program 

participation and assessment of the impact of adult education instruction, 

methodologies for collecting the measures, reporting forms and procedures, and 

training and technical assistance activities to assist states in collecting the measures. 

WVABE Instructor Handbook, Section 1, 2012-13 1

States are required to report data to the NRS, to meet performance standards for 

student outcome measures, and to assess local program effectiveness using these 

standards. 

State Role 

The West Virginia State Legislature also provides funding to support WVABE. Both 

federal and state WVABE funds are administered in accordance with an approved fiveyear 

state plan through the WVDE Office of Adult Education and Workforce 

Development. Funding is distributed to local programs through an annual competitive 

grant process. 

The WVABE state and regional staff based at WVDE and at Regional Education 

Service Agencies (RESAs) provide technical assistance to local programs in the areas 

of program administration; instructor training; student retention; delivery systems; 

assessment, curriculum; disabilities and other special learning needs; English as a 

Second Language (ESL); technology; GED ® testing; evaluation and monitoring; and 

other associated issues. 

County/Local Role 

Many WVABE local programs are operated through county boards of education that 

designate one employee to serve as County WVABE Director. This individual is 

responsible for determining the need for WVABE programs within the county, promoting 

these programs, recruiting students, coordinating the scheduling of WVABE classes, 

hiring instructors, and overseeing financial and attendance reports. In a few counties, 

the RESA performs these functions. 

Programs are also offered through volunteer literacy programs, community-based 

organizations, and institutional education programs with their own local program 

coordinators. 

For a list of adult basic education local program directors, check online at 

http://wvde.state.wv.us/abe/ABE%20County%20Directors.pdf. 


WEST VIRGINIA ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 

PROGRAM 

Our Vision 

We Build Skills for Success 

To be a highly valued provider of quality educational programs that offer every 

adult in West Virginia an opportunity to build skills for success. 

To realize this vision, we will: 

� Increase the foundational skills and literacy levels of adults in West Virginia. 

� Focus on customer needs. 

� Be recognized leaders in adult literacy and foundational skills development. 

� Value and support dedicated skilled staff and volunteers in their literacy efforts. 

� Be a key player in the state’s Workforce development system. 

� Enhance the design and delivery of flexible, affordable adult education programs 

and services. 

� Be a valued participant in the continuum of adult education opportunities. 

� Meet performance expectations through continuous improvement. 

Our Mission 

To enable adult learners to be literate, productive, and successful in the 

workplace, home, and community by delivering responsive adult education 

programs and services. 

To accomplish this, we will: 

� Recognize and accommodate the varied learning needs, levels, and goals of 

diverse adult learners. 

� Use resources effectively and efficiently to provide a network of quality, 

affordable programs and services at the local, regional, and state levels. 

� Collaborate with other organizations and initiatives with shared purposes. 

� Recognize and support the important role that parents play in the educational 

success of their children. 

� Position basic skill development as an integral part of economic development. 

� Provide flexible opportunities for adults to obtain high school credentials and 

workplace skills. 

� Foster a talented, dedicated staff by offering ongoing support and professional 

development opportunities. 

� Provide research-based content, methods, and materials in meeting the 

expectations of our customers. 

� Utilize technology to deliver and expand innovative programs and services. 

� Monitor and continually improve our performance. 


Our Core Values 

� Quality � Integrity � Lifelong Learning � Teamwork � Service 

The key words representing our core values spell out the word QUILTS. The design of 

WVABE’s QUILTS reminds us of our commitment to reach our vision and fulfill our 

mission through valued guiding principles. Our values help cultivate highly satisfied 

customers, pride of accomplishment among staff, and a positive reputation for our 

organization and its work. 

� We take responsibility for QUALITY… 

by being accountable for delivering effective and efficient programs, having a 

commitment to excellence, practicing continuous performance and process 

improvement, creating best practices, and individually pursuing professional growth. 

� We act with INTEGRITY in all we do… 

by always being respectful, honest, truthful, and accountable; being good stewards of 

resources; demonstrating ethical conduct; and building trust as individuals and as an 

organization. 

� We cherish LIFELONG LEARNING… 

by recognizing every adult’s inherent ability to learn, inspiring a quest for knowledge, 

ensuring access for all who desire to learn, fostering a positive learning environment, 

helping adults achieve their personal learning goals, acknowledging different learning 

styles, embracing diversity, and championing individual worth. 

� We embrace TEAMWORK … 

through effective collaboration with all partners, using participatory planning, open 

communication, and decision-making in pursuing common goals. 

� We are committed to SERVICE… 

that is historically rooted in strong customer service by listening, understanding, and 

meeting the needs of those we serve; exceeding all expectations; being responsive and 

innovative to emerging adult educational needs; and staying focused on changing 

customer requirements. 


Our Goals 

I. Sustain a high-performing, resource-balanced, flexible, and customer-focused 

organization by strengthening its structure and operations. 

II. Identify, design, and implement quality programs and services that address 

customer needs. 

III. Sustain organizational values and processes that develop, engage, and reward 

employees and cultivate a commitment to excellence. 

IV. Establish and sustain collaborative relationships with other organizations to 

strengthen and expand adult education programs and services. 

V. Use technology to improve communication, efficiency, delivery of instruction, and 

ease of access to programs and services. 

VI. Raise awareness of the organization and promote a positive image of its work. 

VII. Use an effective continuous improvement process that ensures accountability 

balanced to the needs of the customers and staff. 


COMPONENTS OF THE WEST VIRGINIA ADULT 

BASIC EDUCATION (WVABE) PROGRAM 

What is Adult Basic Education (ABE)? 

Adult Basic Education (ABE) is designed to satisfy the basic literacy needs of adults; to 

improve and/or upgrade information processing skills and computational skills leading to 

a high school equivalency diploma or entry into post-secondary education; to satisfy the 

continuing education demands of adults in the current labor market; to improve selfesteem 

of adults; and to empower adults to achieve their goals. 

What are the target populations served by WVABE? 

� Adults and out-of-school youth seeking a high school equivalency diploma 

through the GED ® test 

� Adults preparing for college entrance or for enrollment in other post-secondary 

education or training 

� Adults seeking to improve basic academic and computer skills for daily living 

� Unemployed or under-skilled workers seeking to obtain or retain a job or to get a 

promotion 

� Parents of young children 

� Teenage high school dropouts seeking to obtain or retain a driver’s license 

� Adults in correctional facilities and regional jails 

� Recipients of public assistance 

� Adults with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) seeking to improve English 

language skills or prepare for U.S. citizenship and naturalization 

� Residents of homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters 

� Home-based adult learners seeking online basic skills study opportunities 

What does the WVABE program include? 

� Basic Skills Instruction in reading, writing, math, listening, and speaking 

� GED ® Test Preparation in science, social studies, mathematics, language artsreading, 

language arts-writing, and calculator training 

� Official GED Practice Test (OPT) Administration for documenting readiness 

to take the GED ® test 

� English for Speakers of Other Languages in pre-literacy; reading; writing; 

listening; speaking; grammar; U.S. history and government; and cultural literacy 

� Preparation for Specialized Examinations such as the ACT, SAT, ASVAB, 

LPN Entrance, Civil Service, U.S. Citizenship exam, TOEFL, etc. 

� Thinking and Learning Skills Instruction in creative thinking; decision-making; 

problem-solving; and learning and reasoning 

� Work Foundations Instruction in organization and time management; wellness 

and safety; team-building; technology; and multi-cultural awareness 


� Job Readiness Skills Instruction in goal-setting; career planning; personal 

work attributes; employee rights and responsibilities; job search strategies; and 

unemployment survival 

� Life-Coping Skills Instruction in budgeting; nutrition; consumerism; and family 

relationships and parenting 

� Computer Literacy Skills in keyboarding, word processing and other 

introductory skills 

What specialized programs are a part of WVABE? 

� Computer Literacy 

Computer Literacy instruction is designed to introduce students to the computer 

and its most basic applications and to provide learners with a working knowledge 

of a computer's capabilities. Upon completing a “Computer Literacy Only” 

program, students who wish to acquire additional skills are encouraged to enroll 

in local community, vocational, or college courses for more detailed/advanced 

training. For more information, visit the following web page: 

http://wvde.state.wv.us/abe/file-cabinet/index.html#computerlit. 

Contact: Louise Miller, Phone: 1-800-766-7372 ext. 1122 or 1123 

Mobile: 304-890-2470; E-mail: louise@wvabe.org 

� Distance Education 

Distance education makes it possible for adult learners to study outside the 

traditional classroom setting. Classroom instructors may apply to become a 

certified distance education instructor. Once they have completed the required 

Certified Distance Education Instructor Home Study Module, certified distance 

education instructors will be able to get credit for hours their students are working 

on a state-approved curricula outside of the classroom. See Section 13 of this 

Handbook for more detailed information. 

Contact: Barry Kelly; Ellen Killion, Phone: 1-800-642-2670 

E-mail: bkelly@access.k12.wv.us; ekillion@access.k12.wv.us 

� English as a Second Language (ESL) 

ESL addresses the needs of Limited English Proficient (LEP) adults–including 

adult immigrants, residents, and citizens of the U.S. whose native language is not 

English. See Section 14 of this Handbook for more detailed information. 

Contact: Cathy Shank, Phone: 1-800-257-3723 ext. 112 

E-mail: cshank@access.k12.wv.us 

� Family Literacy 

Family Literacy classes are for adults and children. They include interactive 

literacy activities between the parent and child; training for parents to be effective 

primary teachers for their children; parent literacy training; and age-appropriate 

education for the children. For more information, visit the following web page: 

http://wvde.state.wv.us/abe/file-cabinet/index.html#family_lit. 


� GED ® Testing 

Testing facilities throughout the state offer the GED ® test to adults who want to 

receive the General Educational Development (GED ® ) test credential. The 

Official GED Practice Test (OPT) is offered in every WVABE classroom. See 

Section 12 of this Handbook for more detailed information. 

Contact: Debra Kimbler, Phone: 1-800-642-2670 or 304-558-6315 ext. 53529 

E-mail: dkimbler@access.k12.wv.us 

� Hit the Ground Running (HTGR) 

Hit the Ground Running is an intensive four-week, 120-hour job readiness course 

that integrates applied academics, computer literacy, and work process skills. 

Employers specified the content areas they felt were necessary to reflect the 

skills needed in the workplace and set the criteria for awarding Ready to Work 

certificates. These certificates require a Level 4 on three WorkKeys ® 

assessments, a minimum of 90% attendance, 100% punctuality, a minimum of 

80% on post-tests for training modules, and completion of a mock interview, job 

application, and résumé. See Section 16 of this Handbook for more detailed 

information. 

Contact: Dianna Flanagan, Phone: 304-485-6515 

E-mail: dflanaga@access.k12.wv.us 

� Institutional Education 

Correctional facilities and regional jails offer a full-range of basic education 

services. See Section 15 of this Handbook for more detailed information. 

Contact: Jacob Green, Phone: 304-558-8833 

E-mail: jgreen@access.k12.wv.us 

� SPOKES 

Strategic Planning in Occupational Knowledge for Employment and Success 

(SPOKES) is an academic and job preparation skills program under contract 

between the WVDE Office of Adult Education and the Department of Health and 

Human Resources (DHHR). This program provides classes with intense daily 

activities that address work-based academics; soft skills necessary for adults to 

pursue and retain gainful employment; and vocational training in customer 

service. DHHR and WV Works customers are referred to the program and 

receive services on any given Monday. The SPOKES class is a 10-week 

program consisting of assessment, job readiness, work process skills, computer 

skills, WorkKeys academics, and vocational training in customer service. See 

Section 16 of this Handbook for more detailed information. 

Contact: David Hollingsworth, Phone: 304-558-0280 ext. 53356 

E-mail: dbhollin@access.k12.wv.us 

� Workplace Education 

Workplace Education provides customized basic skill instruction for incumbent 

workers and/or potential workers. Training can be in applied basic skills (such as 

workplace English as a second language, pre-statistical process math, report 


writing) or in specified workplace essential skills (such as problem solving, 

communication, goal setting) depending on the expressed needs of the 

company/business. Additionally, the Workplace Education program can provide 

ACT WorkKeys ® Job Profiling. Most workplace education services are fee-based. 

Contact: Robin Asbury, Phone: 304-695-1182 

E-mail: resa7rb@alpha.wvnet.edu 

Where are WVABE programs and services located? 

In order to reach its target populations in the most convenient locations, West Virginia 

Adult Basic Education (WVABE) services are offered in numerous settings throughout 

the state. 

Full-time and part-time WVABE programs are usually located in: 

� Adult Learning Centers 

� Career and Technical Centers 

� Community Centers 

� Community and Technical Colleges 

� Correctional Facilities 

� Public Libraries 

� Public School Buildings 

� Workforce WV One-Stop Centers 

Other settings for WVABE programs include: 

� Churches 

� Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) 

� Department of Health and Human Resource (DHHR) Facilities 

� Homeless Shelters 

� Hospitals 

� Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) Facilities 

� School Board Offices 

� Senior Centers 

� Storefronts 

� Work Sites 

The online West Virginia Adult Basic Education Class Location Directory may be found 

at http://www.wvabe.org/class_directory/index.cfm. You may also contact the Toll-Free 

Adult Education Hotline at 1-800-642-2670 to be connected to local classes. 

What is the meaning of all these acronyms? 

As with any organization, there are many acronyms connected to the program. A list of 

Commonly Used Acronyms associated with the WVABE program is found in the Section 

1 Appendix. 


PARTNERS IN ADULT EDUCATION, LITERACY, AND 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN WEST VIRGINIA 

The WVABE program works collaboratively with numerous education, family services, 

literacy, and Workforce development partners to provide a network of services to adult 

learners. These partnerships also allow WVABE to establish, customize, and sustain 

appropriate specialized programs (general ABE, ESL, SPOKES, Family Literacy, etc.) in 

a variety of venues. Some of the partners include the following: 

The Office of Adult Education and Workforce Development 

http://wvde.state.wv.us/abe/ 

The Office of Adult Education and Workforce Development, under the West Virginia 

Department of Education (WVDE) administers the statewide WVABE program. Local 

WVABE programs receive funding, ongoing technical assistance, coordination, and 

support through the state WVABE staff, regional personnel located at Regional 

Education Service Agencies (RESAs), and county WVABE directors who administer the 

services. A listing of the statewide WVABE staff working with specific program 

components is found in Section 1 Appendix. The WVABE program’s web page 

(http://wvde.state.wv.us/abe/) includes information relevant to adult educators and 

learners including: state, regional, and local administrators, instructors, volunteers, and 

students. 

The Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) 

Bureau for Children and Families 

http://www.wvdhhr.org/bcf/family_assistance/wvworks.asp 

The Bureau for Children and Families is responsible for providing the WV WORKS 

program to TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) recipients. The goals of 

the WV WORKS program are to assist economically dependent and at-risk families to 

become self-supporting; to enhance the well-being of children; and to assist families 

near the poverty level to remain self-sufficient. This bureau provides several programs 

that could benefit the adult basic education learner. 

� Assessment Testing 

WVABE Assessment Specialists administer the Test of Adult Basic Education 

(TABE), WorkKeys, Emotional Health Inventory (EHI), and Learning Needs 

Screening to WV WORKS Assistance Group (AG) adults statewide. 

� SPOKES 

Strategic Planning in Occupational Knowledge for Employment and Success 

(SPOKES) is a program consisting of work-based academics, job preparation 

skills, and vocational training in the area of customer service under contract 


etween the WVDE Office of Adult Education and Workforce Development and 

the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) in collaboration with 

the WV Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs). 

� Other Services 

The Bureau for Children and Families offers a wide variety of other services 

which may benefit the adult basic education student. These services include, but 

are not limited to, the following: 

o Emergency Assistance – provides short-term financial assistance to 

families in crises when they are without available resources; 

o Food Stamps; 

o Medicaid – provides medical care to individuals who otherwise may not be 

able to afford care; 

o School Clothing Allowance; 

o Transportation Assistance – provides a means of transportation to certain 

low income elderly and handicapped individuals; and 

o Utility Assistance – assists eligible households with the cost of home 

heating. 

For more information, visit the Bureau for Children and Families – Family 

Assistance Directory web page at: http://www.wvdhhr.org/bcf/family_assistance/. 

Literacy West Virginia 

http://literacywv.org 

West Virginia's adult literacy organization, Literacy West Virginia, has a network of 

trained volunteers that provide confidential, individualized one-on-one and small group 

tutoring in literacy, basic skills, computer, and English as a Second Language (ESL). 

Tutors use a learner-centered approach that aligns with the National Reading Panel 

research on teaching reading and is modeled from the best practices of both Laubach 

Literacy Action and Literacy Volunteers of America. Tutoring sessions provide a multidisciplinary 

approach to meet the individual family, job-related, and personal needs of 

the learner. Individual tutoring sessions provide for flexible scheduling of time and 

location. For a list of local literacy tutoring programs, check online at 

http://literacywv.org/LiteracyProgran.aspx. 

The state organization provides program models, methods, and materials for reaching 

adults and teaching learners to read, write, speak, understand, and progress in 

their literacy development. It also offers technical assistance to local literacy providers 

through regional technical assistants. The organization is affiliated with ProLiteracy 

America. The state director and regional staff members are funded primarily through 

WVABE and corporate donations. The local programs are funded primarily through 

private donations, mini-grants, and local support. The names of the director and 

regional literacy contacts, as well as the counties they serve, are found online at 

http://literacywv.org/contactus.aspx. 


To find a list of tutoring programs in correctional centers and jails, check online at 

http://literacywv.org/CorrectionalFacilities.aspx. 

West Virginia Adult Education Association (WVAEA), Inc. 

http://wvaea.org 

The West Virginia Adult Education Association, Inc. (WVAEA, Inc.) is a professional 

organization comprised of individuals interested in the development of adult education 

in West Virginia. 

The association provides leadership activities; unifies individuals and groups concerned 

with adult education; improves the quality of education for adult students; serves as a 

legislative network; and promotes growth through workshops, meetings, and 

conferences. Membership is open to all institutions, businesses, organizations, 

students, and includes representatives from adult basic education, literacy, libraries, 

human service agencies, businesses, public education, and customers. 

WVAEA, Inc. provides special event grants up to $250 to adult basic education and 

literacy programs for special recruitment, retention, and/or recognition events; student 

support grants up to $250 to adult basic education and literacy students to provide 

assistance with child care, transportation, and other expenses incurred when attending 

class; a special tutoring grant for ABE literacy instructors or tutors who tutor students 

outside of their regular hours; two continuing education scholarships of $1,000 to 

qualified adult basic education and literacy students; and financial assistance for 

instructors and/or tutors for statewide and/or national conferences (through a 

professional development reimbursement grant). Also WVAEA, Inc., in collaboration 

with the WV Department of Education, provides partial funding for the annual statewide 

billboard campaign. 

In addition, WVAEA, Inc. sponsors the annual fall conference in collaboration with state 

agencies and businesses and presents annual awards to the Student of the Year, 

Educator of the Year, Program of the Year, Administrator of the Year, Service 

Personnel of the Year, Volunteer Tutor of the Year, and Collaborative Partner of the 

Year. 

The student affiliate, BOLT (Building Opportunities for Learning Together), which is a 

cadre of current and former students who represent adult education and literacy at the 

local, state, and national level, has formed a Student Speakers Bureau to help in public 

awareness of adult basic education and literacy. 

For more information, contact Kathy Hollingsworth, at kwinter@access.k12.wv.us or 

1-800-257-3723 ext. 201. 


West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) 

http://wvde.state.wv.us 

WVDE provides leadership and oversight for the entire West Virginia Adult Basic 

Education (WVABE) program. In addition, WVABE collaborates with many other WVDE 

programs and services. For a list of WVABE staff at WVDE, see Section 1 Appendix. 

� Career and Technical Education 

http://careertech.k12.wv.us/about.html 

The mission of WV Career and Technical Education is to better prepare students 

for the world of work and higher education through education programs and 

training offered at the career and technical education centers throughout the 

state. 

All full-time certificate programs require a high school diploma or GED ® test 

credential prior to completion of the course. Many adults take advantage of the 

convenience of WVABE classes within career and technical centers to prepare 

for the GED ® test while enrolled in a training program. 

For a list of career and technical centers, see 

http://careertech.k12.wv.us/documents/TechnicalandAdultEducationFacilities128 

10.pdf. 

Many CTC directors serve as local county program directors. For a list of these 

local county program directors, check online at 


� The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) 

http://cfwv.com 

CFWV provides free resources to help students and families plan, apply, and pay 

for education and training beyond high school. CFWV.com is a free website that 

features career and college exploration tools, information about all federal and 

state-level financial aid programs (including the PROMISE Scholarship and 

Higher Education Grant Programs), and details about the state’s colleges and 

universities. 

� County Boards of Education 

West Virginia has a statewide network of WVABE programs, most of which are 

operated through county boards of education. Most county boards of education 

designate an employee to serve as county adult basic education director. This 

individual is responsible for determining the need for WVABE programs within 

the county, promoting these programs, recruiting students, coordinating the 

scheduling of WVABE classes, hiring instructors, and overseeing financial and 

attendance reports. In a few counties, this role is served by the regional adult 

education coordinator. For a list of local program directors, check online at 



� Curriculum Technology Resource Center (CTRC) 

Valuable resources for adult educators, including the SPOKES curriculum and 

teacher guide, are housed at the Vocational Curriculum Laboratory at the WV 

Curriculum Technology Resource Center (CTRC) in Ripley. Items are mailed, 

free-of-charge to instructors. To order materials, contact Teresa Counts, 1-800- 

982-5627, tcounts@access.k12.wv.us. 

� GED ® Office 

http://wvde.state.wv.us/ged/ 

The GED Administrator oversees local GED ® testing centers and GED ® peer 

trainers. 

� Office of Adult Institutional Education 

http://wvde.state.wv.us/institutional/ 

The WVDE Office of Adult Institutional Education provides educational services 

to institutionalized adults in state correctional institutions, diagnostic centers, 

regional jails, and residential institutions for the seriously emotionally disturbed. 

Many of these locations offer WVABE programs and provide GED ® testing 

services. These programs offer incentives to inmates that make progress. Some 

institutions have trained inmates as volunteer literacy tutors to assist other 

inmates. For more information see Section 15. 

To find a list of tutoring programs in correctional centers and jails, check online at 

http://literacywv.org/CorrectionalFacilities.aspx. 

� Regional Education Service Areas (RESAs) 

http://wvde.state.wv.us/ed_directory/#resa 

Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs) serve educational needs in eight 

multi-county regions by providing technical assistance, targeted staff 

development, coordination of county board services, specialized programs for 

exceptional children, technology maintenance, and grant administration. 

Some statewide WVABE leadership activities are based in RESAs including 

coordination of distance education, professional development, public outreach, 

SPOKES and other DHHR contract programs, technology, and workplace 

education. For a list of WVABE staff based at RESAs, see Section 1 Appendix. 

In addition, WVABE has regional adult education coordinators (RAECs) based in 

RESAs that provide technical assistance to local instructors and administrators. 

For a list of regional adult education coordinators, see Section 1 Appendix. Some 

RESAs also house specialist that administer special assessments such as 

WorkKeys. For a list of assessment specialists, see Section 1 Appendix. 


West Virginia Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) 

http://www.wvdrs.org/ 

The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) helps people with 

disabilities prepare for, get, keep or advance in employment. To accomplish that goal, 

DRS provides a broad range of vocational rehabilitation services such as assessment, 

job training, rehabilitation therapy, and other support services to people with disabilities. 

Adults with disabilities can qualify for DRS services (including customized training 

programs), become aware of their disabilities, and receive appropriate accommodations 

in standardized assessment (e.g., extra time, audio versions, etc. for the GED ® test), in 

the workplace, and in other life settings. DRS also refers clients to adult education 

programs. 

WVABE has developed a cooperative relationship with state DRS personnel and a 

system of referral which meets DRS intake requirements. DRS is one resource through 

which adult learners seeking employment have been able to obtain assessment and 

documentation of disabilities at no cost. In addition, DRS and WVABE share the cost of 

classroom accommodations (sign language interpreters, Braille materials, etc.) for 

students in our programs that have hearing and/or vision disabilities. 

For a list of DRS offices, see 

http://www.wvdrs.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.displaystory&groupID=88&itemid=26. 

West Virginia Library Commission 

http://librarycommission.lib.wv.us 

The West Virginia Library Commission (WVLC) provides a package of statewide online 

resources free to all state residents accessed from one portal: http://wvinfodepot.org/. 

Among these are two very valuable resources for adult educators. 

� LearningExpress Library is an interactive site with over 150 practice academic 

and career tests, including the GED ® test, ACT, SAT, TOEFL. It also has learning 

activities to prepare for the tests; resume writing and computer skills tutorials; 

and basic math, reading and writing skills courses in English and Spanish. 

� Job and Career Accelerator is a comprehensive online job search system that 

integrates everything a job seeker needs to conduct a successful job search into 

one easy-to-use online application. From exploring suitable occupations, finding 

a job from over 5 million real time listings, to preparing resumes and cover 

letters, Job & Career Accelerator will organize, manage, and track the entire 

process of getting hired. 

WVLC actively promotes literacy and recognizes the month of September as the state's 

official Literacy Month, which includes a celebration and proclamation by the Governor. 


The literacy roles that libraries play may vary depending upon the community’s needs. 

Some libraries provide rooms for literacy tutoring and training or for WVABE classes, as 

well as videos and audio books, instructional materials, computer facilities, and special 

collections developed for new readers. Tutors are trained to use the whole library as a 

resource tool. When the local literacy council is not housed in the library’s facilities, 

librarians can refer students to an approved literacy program in the community. 

For more information contact Susan Hayden, Adult Services Consultant, at 304-558- 

3978 or susan.g.hayden@wv.gov. 

West Virginia Community and Technical Colleges 

http://www.wvctcs.org/ 

The mission of the West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS) 

is to deliver affordable, accessible high quality education training that dynamically 

advances the economic and social development of West Virginia. The WVCTCS 

consists of ten institutions offering an array of associate degrees and certificates for 

students. Many schools have more than one campus and are accessible to most areas 

of the state. 

The community and technical colleges offer programs of study in arts/humanities, 

business/marketing, engineering/technical, health, human services, science/natural 

science, and general education. To learn more about the community and technical 

colleges and their specific offerings, visit http://www.wvctcs.org/ (click on the Programs 

of Study tab). 

The WVCTCS website contains links to resources for instructors to use with students in 

preparing for careers and college, and also, for students and parents in planning for 

college and financial aid. Visit http://www.wvctcs.org/ to access instructional resources 

appropriate for use with adult learners (click on the Student Resources tab). 

For a list of West Virginia colleges and universities, see 

https://secure.cfwv.com/College_Planning/Explore_Schools/Search_for_Colleges/Searc 

h_for_Colleges.aspx. 

WorkForce West Virginia Career Centers 

http://www.workforcewv.org/shared/OfficeLocations.asp 

The WorkForce West Virginia system provides a single access point to a variety of state 

and local employment assistance organizations. Job seekers can get assistance in 

finding a job, career planning, labor market information, training information, résumé 

preparation, and more. Employers can get help finding new employees, posting jobs, 

accessing labor market information, and acquiring Equal Employment Opportunity 

(EEO) information and training resources. 


WorkForce West Virginia Career Centers are located throughout the state. The services 

offered include, but are not limited to: case management services; vocational guidance 

assistance; assessment; job development contracts; referrals to job openings; résumé 

preparation assistance; labor market information; job finding workshops; Veteran Tax 

Credit eligibility determination; Civil Service information; and referral to partners and 

other agencies. Some WVABE classes are located in WorkForce West Virginia Career 

Centers. To locate a WorkForce West Virginia Career Center near you see 

http://www.wvcommerce.org/business/workforcewv/locations/default.aspx. 


WVABE SUPPORT SERVICES 

The WV Adult Basic Education (WVABE) program offers a variety of resources and 

services to adult basic education and literacy instructors, volunteers, and students 

throughout the state of West Virginia. You may call the toll-free Adult Education Hotline, 

1-800-642-2670, for assistance in any of the areas below or contact the resource 

person listed. 

� AEMIS Technical Assistance 

The Adult Education Management Information System, better known as AEMIS, 

is a web-enabled management information system (MIS) developed to meet the 

individual needs of WVABE programs, while meeting the guidelines of the 

National Reporting System. To learn more about AEMIS, refer to the AEMIS 

User Guide at http://www.wvabe.org/UserGuide.htm. 

Contact: Louise Miller, louise@wvabe.org 

� DHHR Special Services 

The DHHR Special Services Coordinator is the liaison between the West Virginia 

Adult Basic Education (WVABE) program and the Department of Health and 

Human Resources (DHHR) and coordinates SPOKES classes; basic skills 

assessment; and learning needs and mental health screening for DHHR clients. 

The Instructional Support Coordinator assists SPOKES instructors and career 

development consultants in serving WV Works students enrolled in SPOKES 

classes. 

Contact: David Hollingsworth, dbhollin@access.k12.wv.us 

Tyann Douglas, tdouglas@access.k12.wv.us 

� Distance Education 

The Distance Education Specialist oversees the activities of West Virginia’s adult 

distance education program, Advantage GED ® . The distance education office 

personnel refer students who call the WV Adult Education Hotline to local 

programs for orientation to distance education. They are also responsible for the 

training of classroom instructors who wish to become distance education 

instructors; for developing and monitoring program procedures; for piloting online 

curricula; and for developing state and federal reports. 

Contact: Barry Kelly, bkelly@access.k12.wv.us 

Ellen Killion, ekillion@access.k12.wv.us 

� Listservs 

The WVABE program has two main listservs, WVABE-Updates and WVABE-L, 

as well as several other smaller, more specialized listservs. 

The WVABE-Updates listserv was created to reach all adult education personnel 

throughout the state. WVABE-Updates is an “announcements only” list. All new 

WVABE practitioners are automatically added to WVABE-Updates when they are 

added to the Adult Education Management Information System (AEMIS). 


Postings to this listserv are limited to messages considered essential information 

for all WVABE personnel. Members cannot reply or post to this listserv without 

going through the list manager. 

A different listserv, WVABE-L, was created to allow practitioners to exchange 

information and ideas with one another. Any member of the WVABE-L may post 

a message or a request, and all members will receive it. All replies to WVABE-L 

go to everyone on the listserv. WVABE-L is used to post training and graduate 

credit opportunities, teaching and learning resources, grant resources and 

opportunities, and for practitioners to ask and answer questions or concerns that 

arise. If you are a member of WVABE-L and would like to post a message to 

WVABE-L, use this address: WVABE-L@listserv.WVNET.EDU. You can also 

reply to any message you receive on the WVABE-L listserv—when it is 

appropriate. Remember, all replies go to everyone on the list—not just one 

person. 

Listserv members may request that their e-mail address be changed or removed 

at any time by contacting Cathy Shank at 1-800-257-3723 ext. 112 or 

cshank@access.k12.wv.us. It is not polite to reply to the whole listserv when you 

want to be removed. 

Finally, several other information exchange listservs have been established for 

special interest groups. These include: 

o ABEYOUTH-L (practitioners serving young adult populations) 

o FAMLIT-L (practitioners serving Family Literacy programs) 

o LIT-VOL (adult literacy providers) 

o WVABE-SPOKES-L (SPOKES instructors and CDCs) 

o WVABE-CTCS-L (WVABE and Community & Technical Colleges) 

Instructors can join any of these listservs at any time by following the procedures 

below. If you would like to join one of the listservs, send a message to the 

general listserv address: LISTSERV@LISTSERV.WVNET.EDU. 

Type this message: 

Subscribe Listservname Firstname Lastname 

For example, if Jane Doe was interested in young adult populations, she could 

join ABEYOUTH-L by typing this message: 

Subscribe ABEYOUTH-L Jane Doe 

If Jane wanted to join LIT-VOL, she would type: 

Subscribe LIT-VOL Jane Doe 

Be sure that if your computer puts a signature at the bottom of your messages 

that you delete that signature before sending the message. 


After you have joined a listserv, you will receive confirmation of your subscription 

and a welcome letter that explains how to send messages to the listserv and how 

to be removed if you do not want to be a member anymore. You should definitely 

save this for reference purposes. 

Remember, you can be active on any of the exchange listservs by posting 

information you discover, or by requesting help for issues that concern you. If you 

are a member of one of the exchange listservs and would like to post a message 

to that listserv, use the correct address: 

o WVABE-L (WVABE information exchange) 

WVABE-L@listserv.WVNET.EDU 

o ABEYOUTH-L (practitioners serving young adult populations): 

ABEYOUTHL@listserv.WVNET.EDU 

o FAMLIT-L (practitioners serving Family Literacy programs) 

FAMLIT-L@listserv.WVNET.EDU 

o LIT-VOL (adult literacy providers) 

LIT-VOL@listserv.WVNET.EDU 

o WVABE-CTCS-L (WVABE and Community & Technical Colleges): 

WVABE-CTCS-L@listserv.WVNET.EDU 

o WVABE-SPOKES-L (SPOKES instructors and CDCs) 

WVABE-SPOKES-L@listserv.WVNET.EDU 

You can also reply to any message you receive on any of these listservs by 

simply hitting reply. It is suggested that before replying to a listserv, you consider 

whether your reply is information that others will find important, or if you should 

be replying only to the individual who posted. 

Contact: Cathy Shank, cshank@access.k12.wv.us 

� Professional Development Services 

The Professional Development Coordinator oversees pre-service and in-service 

professional development opportunities for WVABE practitioners and tracks 

attendance at conference and training sessions using the AEMIS professional 

development database. For more information, see Section 2 of this Handbook. 


o WVABE Professional Development Wiki 

The WVABE Wiki provides personnel an online place to exchange 

information and ideas. A wiki (wick'-e) is a type of web site that allows 

anyone to add or edit content via a browser interface. The WVABE Wiki 

allows members to post files as well as add and comment on 

conversation threads. 

Anyone can visit and view the WVABE Wiki to see all the great resources 

found there. To participate in discussions and add content, go to the 

home page at http://wvabe.wetpaint.com and “Sign up” to become a 

member. 


� Publications 

o ConXtions 

The Office of Adult Education and Workforce Development and Regional 

Education Service Agency 3 (RESA 3) have collaborated to provide the 

fourth edition of ConXtions, the resource directory connecting adult 

education and literacy programs to community services. It is an 

information and referral resource that contains information selected and 

edited from many sources and compiled into one convenient directory. 

ConXtions contains the location and contact information for West Virginia 

Adult Basic Education (WVABE) and literacy programs, GED ® testing 

centers, public libraries, and information on financial assistance for 

continuing education. 

ConXtions also includes child care resources; domestic violence contacts 

and information; employment training and placement contacts; resources 

for family education and nutrition; food, clothing, shelter, and utility 

assistance information; free clinics and primary care center locations and 

contact information; prescription assistance information; WVCHIP 

information; mental health and substance abuse centers; legal assistance 

resources; transportation providers; providers of services to the youth 

population; senior services providers; plus physical disability and special 

learning needs resources. 

Updated in 2009, the fourth edition was redesigned to be more userfriendly. 

All the information is provided by county instead of by category. A 

PDF version of each county can be downloaded at the following web 

address: http://wvde.state.wv.us/abe/connections.htm. 

Contact: Kathy Hollingsworth, kwinter@access.k12.wv.us 

o Literacy Counts 

The Office of Adult Education and Workforce Development and Regional 

Education Service Agency 3 (RESA 3) collaborated to provide the second 

edition of Literacy Counts in 2007. Information from various resources was 

compiled into this easy-to-use reference manual which serves as a guide 

for educators, administrators, business leaders, and community agencies 

when planning and maintaining successful and effective programs for 

adults. The statistical information contained within Literacy Counts is used 

for determining: 

� the types of programs needed – adult basic education, literacy, 

family literacy, workplace programs. 

� the locations for these program – libraries, businesses, correctional 

facilities, institutions, shelters, nursing homes, within urban areas, 

or in rural areas. 

� resources available for promoting these programs – television, 

radio, newspaper. 


� specific target populations in which to direct outreach strategies – 

males, females, young, elderly, confined to institutions, ESL, or 

those most in need of education services. 


o NETWORKS Newsletter 

Networks, the West Virginia Adult Education and Literacy newsletter 

published in the spring and fall, is available to those involved in 

addressing the needs of adult learners. It is a collaborative publication 

created for, and produced by, individuals and organizations interested in 

adult education and literacy. The collaborative partners include the 

Department of Education, Office of Adult Education and Workforce 

Development; the West Virginia Adult Education Association, Inc. 

(WVAEA, Inc.); Literacy West Virginia; Department of Health and Human 

Services programs; and Public Service Training. 

A PDF version of Networks can be downloaded from the WVABE website 

at http://wvde.state.wv.us/abe/networks.htm. Hard copies are sent to 

those individuals and programs highlighted in each issue as well as to 

state board of education members, county directors of adult basic 

education, RESA directors, rehabilitation offices, state legislators, and 

state directors. Hard copies are also available on request by calling 1-800- 

642-2670. 


o WVABE Instructor Handbook 

The WVABE Instructor Handbook is revised and published annually. A 

paper version of the Handbook is given to new instructors, and a PDF 

version of each section of the Handbook can be downloaded from the 

WVABE website at http://wvde.state.wv.us/abe/teacherhandbook.htm. 


� Public Outreach Services 

The Public Outreach Coordinator works with various agencies and personnel to 

develop and implement a statewide outreach plan for WVABE. The coordinator is 

responsible for developing and implementing innovative and effective ideas for 

public outreach materials; designing and distributing print material for existing 

and new initiatives; designing, implementing, and updating publications (i.e., 

ConXtions, Literacy Counts, etc.); and serving as editor-in-chief of the statewide 

newsletter, Networks. 

The coordinator is also responsible for overseeing all activities regarding 

recruitment and retention of students. This includes providing GRASP (Guide for 

Retention and Student Persistence) and PlanET MARS (Plan to Empower 

Teachers/Tutors to Manage Recruitment Strategies) professional development 

workshops; providing recruitment and retention technical assistance to counties 


when required; and managing activities of the Student Speakers Bureau. 


o Recruitment and Retention 

Information is available in adapting a variety of materials and resources for 

recruiting new students, and/or assisting with student persistence. (Visit 

the following webpage: http://wvde.state.wv.us/abe/file-cabinet/index.html. 

Scroll down to the heading Recruitment and Retention Resources.) 

o Resources for the Adult Educator 

Section 1 Appendix contains a list of resources for the adult educator. This 

list includes links for the following resources: 

� National and state special needs hotlines 

� College resources 

� Health services resources 

� Hearing resources 

� Legal information 

� Regional Family Resource Networks 

� Vision resources 

o Toll-Free Adult Education Hotline, 1-800-642-2670 

Call the hotline to find out about appropriate programs and services in 

your local area. You may also call the hotline to connect with state level 

program personnel without incurring long distance charges. 

� Student Organizations 

West Virginia’s adult student organization, BOLT (Building Opportunities for 

Learning Together), is comprised of current and former students of adult 

education and literacy programs and their supporters; persons employed in adult 

education; volunteer literacy providers; members of organizations in fields related 

to adult education; and undergraduate or graduate students with an interest in 

adult education and literacy services. BOLT is affiliated with and complies with 

the rules of the West Virginia Adult Education Association, Inc. (WVAEA, Inc.), a 

private non-profit organization. A Student Speakers Bureau was formed in 2005. 

The Bureau, comprised of BOLT members, speaks to various organizations, 

businesses, schools, and communities about adult education and literacy. 

BOLT’s mission is to unite all learners in literacy and adult education and to 

expand the role of adult students as leaders who promote the success of adult 

education efforts throughout WV. It is a resource for adult students to heighten 

public awareness, advocate for effective policies and practices, and promote the 

understanding that all who want to improve their skills can do so. 


� Special Populations Services 

The Special Projects Coordinator provides information in the areas of literacy, 

disabilities and other special needs, and access to specialized assessment 


instruments, educational materials, and instructor training opportunities. 

Contact: Pam (Bryan) Young, pbryan@access.k12.wv.us 

o Disabilities and Other Special Learning Needs 

Assessment instruments and materials are available in Braille, large print, 

and audiocassette versions. See Resources for the Adult Educator in 

Section 1 Appendix for links to the following: 

� National and Special Needs Hotlines 

� Adult Vision Resources 

� Hearing Resources 

o Low Level Readers 

Literacy level assessment instruments and educational materials for low 

level readers are available for loan through the Special Populations 

Coordinator. Join the WV Literacy Providers Listserv to communicate with 

other adult literacy providers about issues related to low level readers. 

o Non-native English Speakers 

English as a Second Language (ESL) assessment instruments, texts, and 

other educational materials are available for loan. In addition, 

assessments and test preparation materials are available in Spanish and 

French. 

o Youth Populations 

Join the ABE-Youth Listserv to communicate with other adult literacy 

providers about issues related to serving young adult students in your 

programs. 

o Volunteer Literacy Services 

West Virginia's adult literacy organization, Literacy West Virginia, has a 

network of trained volunteers that provide confidential, individualized oneon-one 

and small group tutoring in literacy, basic skills, computer, and 

English as a Second Language (ESL). 


APPENDIX 

Section 1 

West Virginia Adult Basic 

Education: Programs and 

Resources 


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Commonly Used Acronyms 

ABE Adult Basic Education 

ACMC Assessment Case Management 

Center (job placement service) 

ADA Americans with Disabilities Act 

(federal legislation) 

ADD Attention Deficit Disorder 

ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity 

Disorder 

AE Adult Education 

AEC Adult Education Coordinator 

AEMIS Adult Education Management 

Information System 

BEP Bureau of Employment Programs 

BEST Basic English Skills Test (ESL 

standardized test) 

BEST Plus An adaptation of the Basic English 

Skills Test (standardized oral 

English proficiency test) 

BOLT Building Opportunities for 

Learning Together (WVAEA 

student affiliate) 

CAELA Center for Adult English Language 

Acquisition 

CAI Computer Assisted Instruction 

CASAS Comprehensive Adult Student 

Assessment System (ABE and 

ESL standardized tests) 

CBE Competency Based Education 

CBT Computer-Based Testing 

CCRS College and Career Readiness 

Standards 

CCSS Common Core State Standards 

CDC Career Development Consultant 

(job coach for SPOKES program) 

CBO Community Based Organization 

CFWV College Foundation of West 

Virginia 

CIMS Continuous Improvement 

Monitoring System 

COABE Commission on Adult Basic 

Education (national professional 

organization) 

CPS Class Profile Spreadsheet (AEMIS 

report of items from the 400 form) 

CTC Community and Technical College 

CTE Career and Technical Education 

CTRC Curriculum Technology Resource 

Center (provides educational 

materials to WV educators) 

CWEP Community Work Experience 

Program (for welfare recipients) 

DAEL Division of Adult Education and 

Literacy (federal agency at the US 

DOE) 

DE Distance Education 

DHHR Department of Health and Human 

Resources 

DOE Department of Education 

DOK Depth of Knowledge (scale for 

determining cognitive complexity) 

DMR Desktop Monitoring Report 

(AEMIS report) 

DRS Division of Rehabilitation Services 

(Voc Rehab) 

EAE Edited American English 

ECS Employability Competency 

System (CASAS test) 

EFF Equipped for the Future (national 

standards for adult education) 

EFL Educational Functioning Level 

(federal NRS level) 

EIP Employer Incentive Program (for 

welfare recipients) 

ELL English Language Learner 

ER Extended Response (test item 

type) 

ESL English as a Second Language 

ESOL English for Speakers of Other 

Languages 

FIB Fill-in-the-blank (test item type) 

FFL Federal Functioning Level (NRS 

educational level) 

FRN 

GED 

Family Resource Network 

® 

High school equivalency test 

GEDTS ® 

GED Testing Service ® 

GWID Governor's Workforce Investment 

Division 

HRDE Human Resource Development & 

Education 

HRDF Human Resource Development 

Foundation 

HTGR Hit the Ground Running (work 

readiness curriculum) 

IDEA Individuals with Disabilities 

Education Act (federal legislation) 

ITA Individual Training Account 

(voucher to attend training 

program) 

JOIN Joint Opportunities for 

Independence (for welfare 

recipients) 

KeyTrain WorkKeys preparation software 

L&W Life and Work (CASAS test) 

LEA Local Educational Agency 

LEO Local Elected Official (oversee 

Workforce Investment Board) 

LD Learning Disability 

LEA Local Educational Agency 


LINCS Literacy Information 

Communication System (national 

online resources) 

LINKS Lifelong Instruction in New 

Knowledge and Skills (workplace 

education in WV) 

Literacy WV State Volunteer Literacy 

Organization 

LNI Payne Learning Needs Inventory 

(screening instrument) 

LEP Limited English Proficient 

MC Multiple Choice (test item type) 

MIS Management Information Service 

(computerized system for tracking 

information) 

MS Multiple Select (test item type) 

NALS National Adult Literacy Survey 

NCAL National Center on Adult Literacy 

NCSALL National Center for the Study of 

Adult Learning and Literacy 

NRS National Reporting System 

NXGen Next Generation (WV content 

standards) 

OIC Opportunity Industrialization 

Center 

OPT Official GED Practice Test 

OVAE Office of Vocational and Adult 

Education (federal US DOE) 

PD Professional Development 

PLATO Online basic skills curriculum 

PRC Personal Responsibility Contract 

(for WV Works customers) 

ProLiteracy Non-profit International Literacy 

Organization 

RAEC Regional Adult Education 

Coordinator 

RESA Regional Education Service 

Agency 

SA Short Answer (test item type) 

SBAC Smarter Balance Assessment 

Claims (basis for test items) 

SCANS Secretary's Commission on 

Achieving Necessary Skills 

SEA State Educational Agency 

SPOKES Strategic Planning in Occupational 

Knowledge for Employment 

Success (program for welfare 

recipients) 

SLN Special Learning Needs 

TABE Test of Adult Basic Education 

(ABE standardized test) 

TANF Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families (welfare program) 

TE Technology-enhanced (test item 

type) 

TESOL Teachers of English for Speakers 

of Other Languages (professional 

organization) 

TIS Technology Integration Specialist 

TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign 

Language (ESL standardized test 

used for college entry) 

USALearns Online ESL curriculum 

USCIS U.S. Citizenship and Immigration 

Services 

Vo-Tech Vocational Technical (Career and 

Technical) School 

WAIS Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale 

(IQ test administered by 

psychologists) 

WBPL Work-based Project Learner 

WIA Workforce Investment Act of 1998 

(federal legislation) 

WIAT Wechsler Individual Achievement 

Test (used by psychologists) 

WIB Workforce Investment Board 

WIN Career readiness courseware 

WISC Wechsler Intelligence Scale for 

Children 

WorkForce West Virginia Career 

WV Centers 

WRAT Wide Range Achievement Test 

(used by psychologists) 

WtW Welfare to Work 

WVABE West Virginia Adult Basic 


WVAEA, Inc. West Virginia Adult Education 

Association (state professional 

organization) 

WVCTCS WV Community & Technical 

College System 

WVDE West Virginia Department of 


WorkKeys ® Standardized job skills 

assessment 

WVTESOL WV Teachers of English to 

Speakers of Other Languages 

(state professional organization) 

WV Works WV program name for TANF 


Adult Basic Education Staff 

Department of Education Staff Phone/Fax/E-mail Areas of Responsibility 

Fran Warsing, Supervising 

Principal of Adult Programs 

Office of Adult Education and 

Workforce Development 

WV Department of Education 

Building 6, Room 221 

1900 Kanawha Blvd., East 

Charleston, WV 25305-0330 

Dr. Debrah Varner, Executive 

Director 







Barry Kelly, Assistant Director 







Mendy Marshall, 

Lead Coordinator 







Deborah Conrad, Coordinator 







Edward Hicks, Coordinator 






Phone: 304-558-8833 ext. 53503 

Fax: 304-558-5042 

E-mail: fwarsing@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-558-0280 ext. 53540 

Fax: 304-558-3946 

E-mail: dvarner@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-558-0280 ext. 53456 

Fax: 304-558-3946 

E-mail: bkelly@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-558-0280 ext. 53501 

Fax: 304-558-3946 

E-mail: mamarsha@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-558-0280 ext. 53530 

Fax: 304-558-3946 

E-mail: dkconrad@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-558-0280 ext. 53509 

Fax: 304-558-3946 

E-mail: ehicks@access.k12.wv.us 

� Program Administration 

� Program Administration 

� Federal-State Legislation 

� Program Operations 

� State Plan 

� Federal Guidelines 

� Grants/Budget/Finance 

� AEMIS Data 

� NRS 

� Family Literacy 

� Budgets/Finance 

� GED ® Scholarships 

� Community-based 

Organizations 

� Workforce Investment Act 

� On-site Evaluations 

� Public Service Training 


David Hollingsworth, Coordinator 






Jacob Green, Adult Institutional 

Education Executive Director 

Office of Adult Institutional 






Debra Kimbler, GED 

Administrator 




Building 6, Room 730B 



Linda Berlin, GED ® Option 

Coordinator 




Building 6, Room 730B 



Phone: 304-558-0280 ext. 53356 

Fax: 304-558-3946 

E-mail: dbhollin@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-558-8833 ext. 53503 

Fax: 304-558-5042 

E-mail: jgreen@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-558-6315 ext. 53529 

Fax: 304-558-4874 

E-mail: dkimbler@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-558-6315 ext. 53531 

Fax: 304-558-4874 

E-mail: lberlin@access.k12.wv.us 

� TANF Assessment 

� SPOKES 

� WorkKeys Assessment 

� Adult Institutional 


� GED ® Testing Guidelines 

� Free GED ® Campaign 

� GED ® Diplomas/ 

Transcripts 

� Approval of 

Accommodations 

� GED Examiner 

Training 

� Waiver for 16-Year-Olds 

� Option Pathway 


RESA Staff Phone/Fax/E-mail Areas of Responsibility 

Dr. Robin Asbury, Director 

WV Workplace Education 

Marion County Adult & Comm. 

Education Center 

601 Locust Avenue 

Fairmont, WV 26556 

Tyann Douglas, Coordinator 

Instructional Support/DHHR 

Special Projects 

RESA 3 

501 22nd Street 

Dunbar, WV 25064 

Kathy Hollingsworth, Coordinator 

Public Outreach/Marketing 

RESA 3 



Louise Miller, Coordinator 

WVABE Technology 

RESA 1 

400 Neville Street 

Beckley, WV 25801 

Cathy Shank, Coordinator 

Professional Development 

RESA 3 



Pam (Bryan)Young, Coordinator 

WVABE Special Projects 

RESA 3 



Phone: 304-695-1182 (mobile) 

Fax: 304-366-2483 

E-mail: wvworkplace@gmail.com 

Phone: 304-766-7655 ext. 123 

800-257-3723 ext. 123 

Mobile: 304-539-1003 

Fax: 304-766-7915 

E-mail: tdouglas@access.k12.wv.us 

Secretary: Christina Harper 

Phone: 304-766-7655 ext. 115 

Phone: 304-766-7655 ext. 201 

800-642-2670 ext. 201 

Fax: 304-766-7915 

E-mail: kwinter@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-256-4712 ext. 1122 

800-766-7372 ext. 1122 

Mobile: 304-573-3093 

Fax: 304-256-4683 

E-mail: louise@wvabe.org 

Secretary: Debbie Walker, ext. 1123 

E-mail: debbie@wvabe.org 

Phone: 304-766-7655 ext. 112 

800-257-3723 ext. 112 

Fax: 304-766-7915 

E-mail: cshank@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-766-7655 ext. 212 

800-257-3723 ext. 212 

Fax: 304-766-7915 

E-mail: pbryan@access.k12.wv.us 


� WorkKeys Job Profiler 

� Hit the Ground Running 

� Curriculum & Instructional 

Support for SPOKES 

� Public Outreach 

� Student Recruitment and 

Retention 

� WVABE Publications 

� Networks Newsletter 

� Student Organizations 

� AEMIS Data 

� AEMIS Technical Support 

� Computer Literacy 

� AEMIS User’s Guide 

� NRS Training 

� Professional 

Development (PD) 

� Pre-service and 

In-service Training 

� Listservs 

� English as a Second 

Language (ESL) 

� BEST Assessments 

� Instructor Handbook 

� Learning Disabilities 

� Special Learning Needs 

� Americans with 

Disabilities Act (ADA) 

� Low-level Reading 

� Youth Populations 

� CASAS and TABE 

Assessment 


RESA Staff Phone/Fax/E-mail Areas of Responsibility 

Ellen Killion, Specialist 

Adult Basic Education 

RESA 3 



Tina White, Specialist 

Workplace Education 

Mercer Co. Workforce WV Ctr. 

195 Davis Street, Suite #112 

Princeton, WV 24740 

Phone: 304-766-7655 ext. 202 

800-257-3723 ext. 202 

Fax: 304-766-7915 

E-mail: ekillion@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-487-8870 

Fax: 304-487-3203 

E-mail: tnmwhite@access.k12.wv.us 

� PLATO Training 

� Enrollment and 

Placement of Distance 

Education Students 

� Instructor Handbook 


Assessment Specialists Phone/Fax/E-mail Counties Served 

Craig Bias 

RESA 3 



John Hull 

Randolph County Technical 

Center 

200 Kennedy Drive 

Elkins, WV 26241 

Rhea Peavler 

Berkeley SPOKES 

184 Lutz Avenue 

Martinsburg, WV 25404 

Samuel Smith 

RESA 1 



Phone: 304-766-7655 ext. 128 

800-257-3723 ext. 128 

Fax: 304-766-7915 

E-mail: cgabias@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-636-9195 ext. 110 

Fax: 304-636-9167 

E-mail: jhhull@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-267-3387 

Fax: 304-267-3389 

E-mail: thepeavlers@comcast.net 

Phone: 304-256-4712 ext. 1106 

Fax: 304-256-4683 

E-mail: sam.smith@access.k12.wv.us 

Brooke 

Cabell 

Calhoun 

Doddridge 

Gilmer 

Hancock 

Jackson 

Kanawha 

Lincoln 

Marshall 

Mason 

Barbour 

Braxton 

Grant 

Hardy 

Harrison 

Lewis 

Marion 

Monongalia 

Berkeley 

Hampshire 

Jefferson 

Boone 

Clay 

Fayette 

Greenbrier 

Logan 

McDowell 

Mercer 

Use the Adult Education Hotline, 1-800-642-2670, to connect 

with statewide staff members without incurring long distance charges. 

Ohio 

Pleasants 

Putnam 

Ritchie 

Roane 

Tyler 

Wayne 

Wetzel 

Wirt 

Wood 

Pendleton 

Pocahontas 

Preston 

Randolph 

Taylor 

Tucker 

Upshur 

Webster 

Mineral 

Morgan 

Mingo 

Monroe 

Nicholas 

Raleigh 

Summers 

Wyoming 


Regional Adult Education Coordinators 

Name/Address Phone/Fax/E-mail/Secretary Counties Served 

RESA 1 

Shawn Cook, Regional Adult 

Education Coordinator 

RESA 1, 



RESA 2 

Marie Bias-Jones, Regional 

Adult Education Coordinator 

RESA 3 

501 22 nd Street 


RESA 3 

Marie Bias-Jones, Regional 

Adult Education Coordinator 

RESA 3 

501 22 nd Street 


RESA 4 

Shawn Cook, Regional Adult 


RESA 1 



RESA 5 

Dianna Flanagan, Regional Adult 


RESA V 

2507 9th Avenue 

Parkersburg, WV 26101-4198 

RESA 6 

Kim McConnaughy, 

Regional Adult Education 

Coordinator 

RESA 6 

30 G. C. & P. Road 

Wheeling, WV 26003-6129 

Phone: 304-256-4712 ext. 1117 

800-766-7372 ext. 1117 

Fax: 304-256-4683 

E-mail: shcook@access.k12.wv.us 

Secretary: Nancy Shannon, ext. 1130 

E-mail: nshannon@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-766-7655 ext. 113 

800-257-3723 ext. 113 

Fax: 304-766-7915 

E-mail: mbjones@access.k12.wv.us 

Secretary: Vicki Moss, ext. 222 

E-mail: vmoss@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-766-7655 ext. 113 

800-257-3723 ext. 113 

Fax: 304-766-7915 

E-mail: mbjones@access.k12.wv.us 

Secretary: Vicki Moss, ext. 222 

E-mail: vmoss@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-256-4712 ext. 1117 

800-766-7372 ext. 1117 

Fax: 304-256-4683 

E-mail: shcook@access.k12.wv.us 

Secretary: Nancy Shannon, ext. 1130 

E-mail: nshannon@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-485-6513 ext. 1320 

(866) 232-7372 ext. 1320 

Fax: 304-485-6515 

E-mail: dflanaga@access.k12.wv.us 

Secretary: Janet Barrett, ext. 1321 

E-mail: jbarrettabe@aol.com 

Phone: 304-231-3819 

800-234-7372 

Fax: 304-243-0443 

E-mail: kmcconna@access.k12.wv.us 

Secretary: Patti Dei, ext. 3801 

E-mail: pdei@access.k12.wv.us 

McDowell 

Mercer 

Monroe 

Cabell 

Lincoln 

Logan 

Boone 

Clay 

Braxton 

Fayette 

Greenbrier 

Calhoun 

Jackson 

Pleasants 

Ritchie 

Brooke 

Hancock 

Marshall 

Raleigh 

Summers 

Wyoming 

Mason 

Mingo 

Wayne 

Kanawha 

Putnam 

Nicholas 

Pocahontas 

Webster 

Roane 

Tyler 

Wirt 

Wood 

Wetzel 

Ohio 


RESA 7 

Anne Johnson, Regional Adult 


RESA 7 

1201 N. 15th Street 

Clarksburg, WV 26301 

RESA 8 

Beverly Baccala, Regional Adult 


RESA 8 

109 S. College Street 

Martinsburg, WV 25401 

Phone: 304-624-6554 ext. 241 

800-427-3600 ext. 241 

Fax: 304-624-5223 

E-mail: anjohnso@access.k12.wv.us 

Secretary: Frank Hathaway ext. 261 

E-mail: dhathawa@access.k12.wv.us 

Phone: 304-267-3595 ext. 122 

800-367-3728 ext. 122 

Fax: 304-267-3599 

E-mail: bbaccala@access.k12.wv.us 

Secretary: Lori Smith ext. 127 

E-mail: lbsmith@access.k12.wv.us 

Barbour 

Doddridge 

Gilmer 

Harrison 

Lewis 

Marion 

Berkeley 

Grant 

Hampshire 

Hardy 

Jefferson 

Monongalia 

Preston 

Randolph 

Taylor 

Tucker 

Upshur 

Mineral 

Morgan 

Pendleton 


Resources for the 

Adult Educator 


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National and State Special Needs Hotline Directory 

The Beehive 

http://wv.thebeehive.org/ 

BeeLocal 

http://beelocal.thebeehive.org/ 

Center for Excellence in Disabilities 

http://wvats.cedwvu.org/hrsabrochure/index.p 

hp 

Disabilities Resources.org 

http://www.disabilityresources.org/WEST- 

VIRGINIA.html 

Internet Special Education Resources 

http://www.iser.com/index.shtml 

West Virginia Advocates Resources 

http://wvadvocates.org/index.php/resources/p 

ublications/brochures/employment-programs/ 

West Virginia Department of Health and 

Human Resources Hotlines 

http://www.wvdhhr.org/hotlinenumbers.asp 

West Virginia State Resources 

http://www.autism-pdd.net/links/wvirginia.html 

WV211.org 

http://www.wv211.org/ 

WV tools and information to help manage the 

challenges of everyday life. 

Search for information about: education, family services, 

financial help, food and clothing, health, job assistance, 

legal services, housing, transportation, etc. 

Works to enhance the quality of life of individuals of all 

ages with developmental and other disabilities. Includes 

news, resources, employment, etc. 

An extensive list of links to nonprofit organizations and 

government agencies serving people with disabilities in 

West Virginia. 

ISER is a directory of professionals, organizations, and 

schools that serve the learning disabilities and special 

education communities. They help parents find local 

special education professionals for learning disabilities 

and attention deficit disorder assessment, therapy, 

advocacy, critical teen issues, and other special needs. 

West Virginia Advocates (WVA) advocates for the legal 

and human rights of people with disabilities. This site 

contains a list of resources that are available to people 

with disabilities. It includes information on the American 

Disabilities Act (ADA), assistive technology, education, 

employment, etc. 

Federal and WV State governments operate a number 

of toll-free resource hotlines to provide information 

about various health and human services topics. This 

site lists these resources along with their toll-free 

numbers and website addresses. 

List of resources for people with specials needs. 

This site contains a searchable database of various 

health and human services agencies available in West 

Virginia. Topics include a wide range of services 

including legal, medical, support groups, employment, 

youth development, education, etc. 


College Resources 

The ACT ® 

http://actstudent.org/sampletest/index.html 

http://www.act.org/compass/sample/ 

http://actstudent.org/college/index.html 

AdultStudent.com 

http://www.adultstudent.com/student/slinks.ht 

ml#job 

College Foundation of West Virginia 

(CFWV) 

http://www.cfwv.com 

For a list of colleges and universities in West 

Virginia, visit the following CFWV page: 

https://secure.cfwv.com/College_Planning/Exp 

lore_Schools/Search_for_Colleges/Search_for 

_Colleges.aspx. 

College is Possible for Adults 

http://www.acenet.edu/bookstore/pdf/2003_cip 

_3fold.pdf 

The National College Transition Network - 

College for Adults 

http://www.collegeforadults.org 

Postsecondary Education Opportunity 

http://www.postsecondary.org/ 

Access free samples of test questions, tips for test 

taking, as well as descriptions of the ACT test. 

Samples of test questions for the COMPASS test. 

Get information on college planning such as applying for 

college, academic preparation, and choosing a college; 

includes a college planning checklist. 

Adult Student.com is an incredibly helpful web site for 

students and practitioners. The student side contains 

links to support services, useful web sites, and tools to 

improve study skills and to develop goals. The 

practitioner side contains links to articles to better 

understand adult learning and research. 

CFWV is a web-based career and educational planning 

system that is sponsored by the College Foundation of 

West Virginia (CFWV), a partnership between the 

Governor’s Job Cabinet, the Higher Education Policy 

Commission, the Community and Technical College 

Council, and a host of individual college access entities, 

such as GEAR UP, who have broad expertise in helping 

students prepare for college. CFWV provides students 

and their families with the resources needed to make 

informed choices regarding college attendance and the 

options available pertaining to preparation, college 

selection, and financial assistance. Under the financial 

aid planning link, students can learn more about 

financial aid resources available such as grants, loans, 

and scholarships as well as how to apply for them. 

This brochure is developed in conjunction with the 

American Council on Education is geared towards adult 

learners who want to go to college. It walks the student 

through each step necessary to prepare such as 

choosing the right program, getting credit for prior 

learning, and the myths and realities about going to 

college 

This website helps student with career planning, college 

selection, and the application process. There are also 

suggested ways at this site to pay for college as well as 

resources to help a person prepare for college-level 

work. 

Great web site for statistical information on 

postsecondary issues. Free downloads of 8½ x 11 

posters in full color for your classrooms. 


Test Prep Preview 

http://www.testprepreview.com/compass_prac 

tice.htm 

Health Services Resources 

Local Guides 

http://westvirginia.localguides.com/ypcyellow/s 

upport_groups.html?utm_source=google_stat 

e&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ypc 

MagicYellow Online Yellow Pages 

http://www.magicyellow.com/listings.cfm?curr 

entCatName=Health+Clubs&keywords=Healt 

h+Clubs&majorcity=&state=WV 

National Association of Community Health 

Centers 

http://www.nachc.org/findahealthcenter.cfm?g 

clid=CLTv1s-tsqYCFQJN4Aod7Qming 

SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental 

Health Services Administration 

http://store.samhsa.gov/mhlocator 

Hearing Resources 

Hearing Resources Links of Interest 

http://wvde.state.wv.us/osp/hearinglinks.html 

Lion’s Club International 

http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.php 

Quota International of Charleston 

www.unitedwaycwv.org 

Your source for free online practice tests including the 

ACT, SAT, Accuplacer, COMPASS, and many more. 

Provides a list of support groups that available in West 

Virginia. 

Lists health clubs that are available in West Virginia. 

Database is searchable by location. 

Community Health Centers—also known as Federally 

Qualified Health Centers, or FQHCs—provide care 

regardless of your insurance status or ability to 

pay. One can search the database by state/city/address 

in order to locate the nearest Community Health Center. 

This site includes a searchable database in which one 

can locate mental health service resources by state and 

location. 

Provides a list of links to resources for those who are 

deaf or hearing impaired. 

This organization may help with hearing aids or make 

referrals for those needing assistance with hearing aids. 

This program is for low-income clients and referrals are 

made through the Division of Rehabiliation Services 

Coordinator. She collects information and passes it on 

to the appropriate Lion’s Club group, which then sends 

out a written application to the client. 

The Club sponsors a hearing aid bank for individuals 

with hearing-impairment who are financially unable to 

purchase hearing aids. These hearing aids are behindthe-ear 

type aids which have been donated to the Club. 

Although they have been used, they have been checked 

for performance and if necessary have been repaired or 

reconditioned. These hearing aids are provided to 

qualified individuals at no charge. There are several 

participating certified audiologists, licensed to dispense 


WV Commission for the Deaf and Hard-of- 

Hearing 

www.wvdhhr.org/wvcdhh/ 

WV Division of Rehabilitation Services 

www.wvdrs.org 

Legal Information 

Legal Aid of West Virginia 

http://www.lawv.net/ 

NOLO Law for All 

http://www.nolo.com/legalencyclopedia/content/west-virginia-laws-and-legalinformation.html 

hearing aids, who will provide their services (fitting, 

evaluation, counseling) at no charge. The individual 

receiving the hearing aid is responsible for obtaining 

his/her hearing evaluation and for purchasing the 

earmold and batteries. 

Information and referral services are offered through this 

agency for persons who are deaf and hard-of-hearing 

directing them to available community resources. WV 

Commission for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing also 

keeps a registry of certified interpreters for the deaf 

throughout the state. This agency also has a loan 

program whereby qualified individuals can receive 

telephonic communication devices. Their website has 

the necessary forms that need to be filled out to qualify 

for this loan program. Information about laws relating 

discrimination and the Americans with Disabilities Act 

can also be accessed through this Commission. 

The agency offers special training for persons who are 

deaf and hard-of-hearing including: a life-skills program, 

independent living, developmental education and 

speech therapy. Audiologists and interpreters are 

available to assist students. Field counselors are also 

available, through this office, in local areas to assist with 

college tuition and entry to other training programs. In 

order for persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to 

access Rehabilitation Services, application must be 

made through a local field counselor. Local counselors 

can be identified by calling the numbers listed at the 

right. 

This organization provides free advocacy services 

for civil legal problems and offers long-term care 

ombudsman and behavioral health advocacy 

programs. On this site you will find information 

about the organization as well as locations for their 

offices. 

Provides information regarding West Virginia laws 

as well as legal information on various issues. 


Regional Family Resource Networks 

Barbour County 

http://www.barbourfrn.org/ 

Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan Counties 

http://familyresourcenetworkotp.org/resources. 

html 

Boone, Kanawha, Putnam Counties 

http://regionalfrn.org/resources.html 

Calhoun County 

http://www.calhounfrn.net/ 

Fayette County 

http://www.fayettefrn.com/ 

Grant, Hardy, Hampshire and Pendleton 

Counties 

http://www.erfrn.org/ 

Harrison County 

http://harrisoncountyfrn.com/about.cfm 

Vision Resources 

Blind/Visually Impaired Special Education 

Resources 

http://wvde.state.wv.us/osp/vi/resources.html 

Lions Club International 

(referrals are made through the Division of 

Rehabilitation Services) 

www.wvdrs.org 

Lewis County 

http://www.wvlewisfrn.com/ 

Marshall County 

http://www.marshallcountyfrn.com/ 

Monongalia County 

http://mcfrn.weebly.com/resources.html 

Raleigh County 

http://www.raleighcountyfrn.org/ 

Randolph County 

http://www.rcfrn.org/ 

Wayne County 

http://www.waynefrn.org/ 

Webster County 

http://www.wcfrn.com/ 

Provides a list of resources for blind/visually impaired 

persons and those who work with them. 

This organization may pay for eye exams; as well as 

glasses, for low-income clients. Referrals are made 

through the Division of Rehabilitation Services Vision 

coordinator. Information is collected and passed on to 

the appropriate Lion’s Club group, which then sends out 

a written application to the client. When making a 

referral, have the following information available: 

� Client’s Name, Address, Telephone Number, Age, 

Social Security #, Date of Birth, Marital Status, 

Spouse’s Name, Number of Dependent Children, 

Monthly Income, Source of Income 

� Does client wear glasses now? 

� Date of last eye exam and examiner’s name 


The National Eye Care Project 

Senior Eye Care 

www.eyecareamerica.org 

National Library Service for the Blind and 

Physically Handicapped 

WV Library Commission 

www.loc.gov/nls 

http://librarycommission.lib.wv.us 

Reading Ally (formerly RFBD: Recording 

for the Blind and Dyslexic) 

http://www.learningally.org/ 

American Optometric Association 

(formerly Vision U.S.A.) 

www.aoa.org 

This program provides medical and surgical eye care to 

disadvantaged elderly people. Qualified patients receive 

treatment at no cost (eye glasses, prescription drugs, 

hospital services and other medical services are not 

covered.) Doctors may be able to give prescriptions for 

eye glasses, but that is not the primary function or 

interest of this program. The program is primarily 

interested in assisting those with cataracts, glaucoma, 

diabetes, and macular degeneration (when you can’t 

see the center). To qualify, the applicant must be a 

U.S. Citizen or legal resident, 65 or older, and not 

have access to an ophthalmologist seen in the past. 

This organization loans, by postage-free mail, free-ofcharge: 

books, recordings, listening equipment, musical 

scores, instructional tests, talking books on disk and 

phonograph, talking books on audiocassette, specially 

designed audiocassette tape players, large print books, 

and Braille books. Call for an application for free library 

service. Qualifications are: blindness; visual or physical 

handicap which prevents reading standard text; learning 

disability which affects reading. Application must be 

signed by a medical doctor or osteopath 

This program has an extensive lending library of 

educational and professional books on audiocassette 

tape and on computer disk (requires special equipment). 

Books on audiocassette are loaned to people with print 

disabilities and must be played on specially designed 

tape recorders, which can be borrowed from the 

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically 

Handicapped listed below. A one-time registration fee of 

$50, plus an additional $25 per year is required. To 

qualify, one must experience blindness, low vision, 

physical or learning disabilities. 

This program provides comprehensive eye health 

examinations and, sometimes, even eyeglasses. In 

order to qualify, the applicant must: 

� be employed or living in a household with one 

working member of the family 

� not be covered by health insurance (including 

Medicaid or Medicare) 

� have a low income for the size of the household 

� have had no eye exam in the last two years 

� complete an application or be screened by 

telephone

Section 1 West Virginia Adult Basic Education: Programs and ...

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