Dorcas Place Adult and Family Learning

What it reported doing in 2011

Functional literacy - the overall goal of the education program at dorcas place is to increase the educational functioning levels of low-income adults in reading, writing, oral communication, english language, math, financial and computer literacy skills. The functional literacy program embeds civics education and workforce literacy throughout the curriculum in order to prepare students for their adult roles of worker, family member and citizen.during fy 2012, dorcas place offered three levels each of esol and abe, as well as a fast track ged class. Dorcas place offers classes during morning, afternoon and evening hours, and serves students ranging in ability from beginning readers to individuals pursuing their ged and/or transitioning to post-secondary education.comprehensive student assessments, casas (comprehensive adult student assessment system), are conducted during the admissions process to determine appropriate class placement and to assist students and staff in identifying realistic and achievable goals for each student's individualized education, career and family plan. These plans are monitored and updated as needed each trimester. Casas tests are also administered after the admissions process so that we can monitor and report student progress. Curriculum development this year concentrated on effective instructional strategies for increasing student achievement and persistence rates. The curriculum continues to emphasize integration of applied math, financial literacy, civics, writing and workforce skills competencies, including the core competencies identified by equipped for the future and national institute for literacy.during the year ending june 30, 2012, the organization's adult education and english language (esol) programs at the beginning, intermediate, and adult secondary levels together served over 1,000 individuals.dorcas place continues to serve adults at low literacy and language levels, with a significant number of students enrolling at or below the sixth grade reading level.the english language/civics education program integrates language development with civics education. The core curriculum focuses on language development and knowledge of workforce readiness competencies. Through a variety of projects and learning experiences, such as mock voter registrations and elections, and assemblies with national, state and local elected officials and other policymakers, students are encouraged to understand the role and workings of government and the importance of their citizen participation.students received english language class instruction, and civics education workshops were offered to the entire student body. Students participated in citizenship classes and passed their citizenship exam. Dorcas place provides these students case management support, and complete mock interviews with students prior to their interviews. The curriculum reviews 100 questions, and reviews u.s. History in preparation for the interview and test.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: Limited
• Program expense ratio: Limited
• Fundraising efficiency: Limited

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 59th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 65th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -4.8%; rating input score 20; 20th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.87; rating input score 41; 41st percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.14; rating input score 65; 65th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 6.3%; rating input score 35; 35th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: Limited
• Revenue growth: Limited
• Asset growth: Limited