Project RIRAL is a regional adult education program. It is funded primarily by the Rhode Island Department of Education to provide instruction in the areas of basic academic skills (Pre-GED), high school equivalency (GED), and English as a Second Language (ESL). RIRAL also conducts alternative learning activities like the GED on TV and the External Alternate Diploma Program. In addition, RIRAL receives direct and indirect funding to provide special programs in these subject areas through the Office of Refugee Resettlement, the JTPA, the services to various businesses in our region, as well ass to several community based organizations.
While RIRAL is an academic institution, it does not believe in education for the sake of education. We are aware that most of our students come to use to acquire skills and credentials that will enable them to progress to a greater goal. The goal for most students is securing employment, securing better employment, or simply maintaining employment status as their current jobs change in reflection of the changing business environment. The goal for others (as well as for many of those above) involves improving parenting skills Still others are seeking independence and self sufficiency.
RIRAL sees itself as an important step along the paths described above. Our curriculum and materials are structured so as to provide academic information in as many work related situations as possible. Understanding the barriers to learning our students encounter, we offer classes in as flexible a manner as possible regarding location and schedules. All of our classes are open entry - open exit. We offer many intergenerational learning environments for parents learn with their children. We do everything possible to make the next step for our students, whether that is employment, vocational training, apprenticeship, higher education, or coping with life as easy and successful as possible.
RIRAL is the adult education provider for eight school districts We offer our classes in the high schools, and in some elementary schools, in each of the eight municipalities. Other RIRAL classes meet in YMCA's, YWCA's, community health facilities, housing projects, vocational facilities, Head Start centers, and worksites.
RIRAL's school department classes are not called Project RIRAL. We refer to them by the school department names, so if you have heard of:
Woonsocket Adult Education
Central Falls Adult Education
East Providence Adult Education
Burrillville Adult Education
Lincoln Adult Education
North Smithfield Adult Education
Smithfield Adult Education
Foster- Glocester Adult Education
then you have heard of us.
All of these courses are free. However there are minimal expenses for textbooks (usually between $8.00 and $12.00) for those students who wish to purchase their own books and a one time $15.00 GED exam fee for GED candidates. These fees are waived for welfare and Pathways clients.
This program is broken into three separate categories: English grammar and composition, mathematics, and reading in the areas of social studies, science, and literature and arts. It is a program for students whose skills in these areas are below the ninth grade level.
This program covers the same subjects as the Pre-GED program, but the material is on the ninth to twelfth grade level.
English as a Second Language classes are for non-English or limited English speakers. Students are divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The curriculum covers English grammar and information that an adult would need to know to survive in Rhode Island (like government, banking, employment, shopping, doctor's visits). In ESL we develop the students, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
The GED on TV program has been broadcast for the past three years from the Woonsocket High School TV studio to homes through out Rhode Island that have a basic cable hookup. It provides students with the opportunity to prepare for the high school equivalency exam in the privacy of their own homes. The broadcasts are live and include an in studio instructor who teaches part of the lesson to a live studio class and a pre-recorded segment that was produced by Kentucky Educational TV. Students can call the teacher during the broad cast to ask questions and participate with class discussions.
Through the alternate diploma, a student can receive a school department diploma (as opposed to a GED) through a process of certifying and acquiring academic, survival, and vocational skills. This approach is radially different from the GED program. Learning is student directed and takes place only in part in a school setting. Students learn what they need for certification through life experiences, job experiences, and a variety of academic learning activities. Attendance in traditional adult education and vocational education classes is available for those students who wish to acquire related skills in this fashion as they work toward the diploma. The school departments of Woonsocket, Burrillville, Central Falls, and East Providence are participating in this project
Anyone who is 18 years or older is not currently enrolled in public school can attend RIRAL classes.
No we accept anyone and everyone, no matter where they come from or where they reside.
Although RIRAL is a twelve month program, most of its classes are conducted during the school year. A schedule of class offerings, locations, and dates is available at our learning center in Manville.