GED in Spanish Can Inspire English Studies

Re an April 28 letter by Planaria Price: Project Avanzando, an educational effort providing GED instruction to migrant and seasonal workers, provides instruction in Spanish because available research and our own practice demonstrate that the higher thinking skills involved in studying and passing the exam are clearly transferable between languages.

As explained in “Program Helps Migrant Workers Earn a GED” (April 24), many of our adult students are able to prepare in about five months, through intense study and dedication. After graduation they improve their English skills at local community colleges, and many continue higher education and training pursuits, which open the door for more opportunities.

These remarkable results are possible because they feel motivated by obtaining their GED diploma in a relatively short period, which increases their self-esteem and appreciation as capable learners, a requirement for educational success at any level. We believe that programs such as this, as well as Price’s, provide valuable opportunities for individual and community improvement and that many more--not fewer--of these efforts are needed to serve our diverse communities.

Pablo Jasis

Director

ARC/Project Avanzando

Whittier