Talk about

Dedicated Students

By R. A. Zitterkopf,

Executive Director

I have never been to the United Nations Building in New York.  I would imagine it to be an overwhelming experience.  Walking down the halls, I would see many races of people from every corner of the globe.  And, I would hear many languages.  There would be some of the world’s leaders, aides, and journalists scurrying about.  As I’m attending a meeting of the general assembly, there would be a solemn atmosphere unless, of course, the speaker would be someone like the leader of Iran or Libya.  Then, I think I would observe a lot of politicking, conniving, insincerity, or worse. 

                I’m old enough to remember an infamous incident at the United Nations when the Russian leader Nikita Khruschev was so exasperated during a meeting that he pounded his shoe on his desk.   This is one way, I suppose, of showing displeasure when you don’t get your way. 

                At the Carver-Scott Educational Cooperative (CSEC), we have our own version of the United Nations.  It’s called the ABE (adult basic education)/ELL (English language learner) program.   The primary location for the ABE/ELL program is the Valley Green Workforce Center in Shakopee.  Other sites for the program are located in Chaska, Savage, Jordan, and Westonka.

                Walking into the site at Valley Green is an eye-opener.  Indeed, it is a type of United Nations – for common people – with enrolled students from over 50 different countries. Some of students hail from relatively well-known places such as Argentina, Bangladesh, China, Ecuador, India, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Russia, and Vietnam.  However, there are students’ homelands which may not be so well-known:  Eritrea, Estonia, Ghana, Kosrae, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldavia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.  

                The ages of the ABE/ELL students are very different from those in a regular K-12 system.  Only 2.5 percent of the enrollees are under the age of 18.  About 55 percent of the students are between the age of 25 and 44.  Almost 20 percent are between 44 and 59; and, 6 percent of the students are 60 or older.  Talk about lifelong learning!

                Students in the ELL program – and the staff members, too – are extremely focused.  The students recognize that the acquisition of English language skills is absolutely essential for improving their quality of life in Minnesota and in the United States.  The instruction is provided in a cordial and individualized manner.  Expectations are high and achievable because the students themselves establish them.  Is the scene at Valley Green one of drudgery?  Hardly!  The scene is lively, and there are plenty of smiles to go around.

                When conversing with the students in the ELL program, one also realizes how small the world has become; and, how much commonality there is between all citizens of the world.  Without question, one senses the connection these students have with their native homelands. Also evident is the pride the students display as they learn English and study the culture of their new homeland.

                Now. . .here comes the really good part.

                Phalla Nget, an adult CSEC student, has been named as the recipient of the Lucille Fischer Outstanding Student Award presented by the Minnesota Association for Continuing Education.  What follows is her nomination letter which was submitted by district staff members Penny Brown, Kathleen O’Neill, and Kathy Weisser.

“Phalla Nget is a tireless, dedicated adult learner who, in spite of adversity, is persevering in her studies.  As a woman in her sixties, Phalla came to the United States from Cambodia in 1992. She arrived as a college educated woman who had worked as an

elementary school teacher.  She suffered a great deal in war-torn Cambodia, particularly under the Khmer Rouge regime.  She lost her husband, friends and members of her family.
                “Phalla arrived in the United States and worked for many years in a local factory.  When the factory closed she enrolled in our adult education programs.   Phalla completed her ELL classes and entered ABE/GED preparation class. She is now in her second year of the ABE class.
                “We believe Phalla Nget is an outstanding student for many reasons. One, Phalla has demonstrated consistent attendance in both our day and evening classes. This has her in class up to six hours a day.  She usually arrives early and is among the last to leave. Two, Phalla holds herself to high standards. She demonstrates a strong work ethic and is not satisfied until she understands every item on the page.  She is tenacious when completing tasks and seldom becomes frustrated when presented with challenging material. Three, Phalla displays an enjoyable sense of humor often laughing at herself, like when a gust of wind distributed all her assignments across the parking lot.  Finally, Phalla sets an excellent example for other students and is willing to help others when asked.  She considers learning a life-long goal and encourages members of her family to continue their education as well. “

Adult education for English language learners, whether provided by CSEC or another agency, is a win-win endeavor for everybody concerned.  Schooling for the adult ELL learner is essential and beneficial with results that can be classified, without hyperbole, as miraculous.