On Common Ground

Integrated English Literacy/Civics Education 
The purpose of this program is to provide integrated English literacy and civics education to immigrants and other limited English proficient populations to promote effective participation in education, work, and civic opportunities within this country.

As of September 2001, all high school students, including credit diploma students in an adult education program, are required to take one course in Civics. The On Common Ground curriculum provides the resources needed for all students in  the VRABE program to fulfill this requirement as they participate in an integrated English Literacy/Civics Education program.
    
The On Common Ground materials consist of a series of interrelated videos and workbooks with a flexible multi-level approach. The stories in the videos focus on real life experiences which encourage students to relate their own experiences and prior knowledge.  The videos revolve around the lives of a group of characters who provide the stories with ethnic, cultural, language, socio-economic, family situation, and employment diversity.

Each section of the printed materials provides three different levels of exercises based on reading/ability levels. While each student has the same input (videos and discussions), output will differ for individual students.

View Civics Sites of Interest