I-BEST programs are designed to provide educational access and support for Adult Basic Education (ABE)/English as a Second Language (ESL) students to progress further and faster along career pathways. I-BEST pairs ABE/ESL and professional-technical instructors in the classroom to concurrently advance student gains in basic and professional-technical skills. Classes are in programs that build toward degrees and/or certificates and prepare students for employment.
I-BEST is an alternative method of instruction that combines the teaching of content courses and skills training with basic skills education. Washington state currently has 128 different I-BEST programs offered at 34 colleges.
The instructional model requires two instructors in the classroom at least 50 percent of the time. Some obvious benefits to students are integrated instruction and additional assistance with homework, projects, and test preparation. The I-BEST model also seeks to create clear "pathways" for students that will help them to earn a livable wage and become employed in high-demand jobs. Some benefits to the college are the earning of enhanced FTE and better transition rates between basic skills and other programs on campus. I-BEST "Pathway" at CBC.
Cost
Tuition varies depending on the program.
The Opportunity Grant may provide additional funding options.
Class Schedule
I-BEST programs for winter quarter 2013:
- One-quarter Certified Nursing Assistant (NAC) program in the Health Sciences Pathway. The NAC application is available online.
- Two-quarter Phelobotomy program in the Health Sciences Pathway.
I-BEST programs for spring quarter 2013:
- One-quarter Certified Nursing Assistant (NAC) program in the Health Sciences Pathway. The NAC application is available online.
- Two-quarter Phelobotomy program in the Health Sciences Pathway.
- Two-quarter Child Development Associate (CDA) program in the Early Childhood Education Pathway.
Schedules vary depending on the quarter and program. Programs include instruction in professional-technical content classes, with a "Special Studies" support class that provides extra hours of instruction and lab time. Many programs include supervised employment or clinical components in the schedule. I-BEST programs at CBC have included basic skills partnering with professional-technical instruction from many different departments at CBC.