World of Opportunity: Difference between revisions
(New page: '''World of Opportunity''' ('''WOO''') is an independent non-profit adult education center providing literacy and vocational training and GED preparation classes free of charge. It was fou...) |
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In the Spring of [[2000]], Orel discovered a number of teenage enrollees coming to the program with withdrawal slips from city schools which listed "lack of interest" as the reason for dropping out. He and [[Birmingham Board of Education]] member [[Virginia Volker]] accused the system of forcing the low-performing students out in advance of standardized test sessions. Orel was immediately fired from the system, but quickly re-established the educational programs as an independent organization. In [[2001]] WOO became a chartered member of the National Adult Education Honor Society. | In the Spring of [[2000]], Orel discovered a number of teenage enrollees coming to the program with withdrawal slips from city schools which listed "lack of interest" as the reason for dropping out. He and [[Birmingham Board of Education]] member [[Virginia Volker]] accused the system of forcing the low-performing students out in advance of standardized test sessions. Orel was immediately fired from the system, but quickly re-established the educational programs as an independent organization. In [[2001]] WOO became a chartered member of the National Adult Education Honor Society. | ||
World of Opportunity was incorporated as a registered non-profit on [[December 3]], [[2002]]. When Orel died in [[2007]] his widow, [[Glenda Jo Orel]] succeeded him as executive director. The organization is currently allied with [[Grace Episcopal Church]] in [[Woodlawn]]. | World of Opportunity was incorporated as a registered non-profit on [[December 3]], [[2002]]. It was recognized in the [[2005]] KnowledgeWorks Foundation report ''Dollars & Sense II'' as one of the best, most cost-effective, community-based small schools in the country. When Orel died in [[2007]] his widow, [[Glenda Jo Orel]] succeeded him as executive director. The organization is currently allied with [[Grace Episcopal Church]] in [[Woodlawn]]. | ||
==References== | |||
* (2005) ''Dollars & Sense II: Lessons from Good, Cost-Effective Small Schools.'' KnowledgeWorks Foundation | |||
==External links== | |||
* [http://www.worldofopportunitywoo.com World of Opportunity] website | |||
[[Category:Nonprofits]] | [[Category:Nonprofits]] | ||
Revision as of 20:18, 17 January 2011
World of Opportunity (WOO) is an independent non-profit adult education center providing literacy and vocational training and GED preparation classes free of charge. It was founded in 1996 as Workplace Instructional Resources and Educational Development (WIRED), an outreach of Birmingham City Schools' adult education, with Steve Orel as director. Originally classes were held in space donated by the Miller Wire Works in Gate City.
In the Spring of 2000, Orel discovered a number of teenage enrollees coming to the program with withdrawal slips from city schools which listed "lack of interest" as the reason for dropping out. He and Birmingham Board of Education member Virginia Volker accused the system of forcing the low-performing students out in advance of standardized test sessions. Orel was immediately fired from the system, but quickly re-established the educational programs as an independent organization. In 2001 WOO became a chartered member of the National Adult Education Honor Society.
World of Opportunity was incorporated as a registered non-profit on December 3, 2002. It was recognized in the 2005 KnowledgeWorks Foundation report Dollars & Sense II as one of the best, most cost-effective, community-based small schools in the country. When Orel died in 2007 his widow, Glenda Jo Orel succeeded him as executive director. The organization is currently allied with Grace Episcopal Church in Woodlawn.
References
- (2005) Dollars & Sense II: Lessons from Good, Cost-Effective Small Schools. KnowledgeWorks Foundation
External links
- World of Opportunity website