Monterey Adult School Receives Statewide Recognition for Innovative Parent Education and ESL Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2025
Contact:
Marci McFadden, Chief of Communications and Engagement
831.706.6971 | [email protected]
Monterey Adult School Receives Statewide Recognition for Innovative Parent Education and ESL Program
Honored with 2024–2025 “Promising Practice Award” from California Department of Education and CASAS
Monterey, CA - Monterey Peninsula Unified School District’s Monterey Adult School has been recognized with the 2024–2025 Promising Practice Award by the California Department of Education and the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems for its program “Strengthening Families: Parent Education and Embedded English as a Second Language.” The award was presented this summer and celebrates innovation in adult education programming across California.
The Promising Practice Award honors exemplary, replicable strategies that improve outcomes for adult learners. Monterey Adult School’s Parent Education Program integrates English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction directly into parent education classes enabling participants to build English language skills while gaining the tools, knowledge, and confidence to support their children’s academic and social-emotional success.
“This recognition is a testament to the collaboration and dedication of our team,” said Beth Wodecki, Principal, Monterey Adult School. “Our staff works diligently behind-the-scenes testing and organizing to make these opportunities possible. This award reflects our shared commitment to strengthening families and our community.”
The award-winning program not only improves English proficiency, but also fosters stronger home-school connections, empowers parents to navigate the education system, and teaches parents the importance of play in supporting their child’s development. By equipping parents with these tools, the program strengthens the academic foundation for their children. As part of the honor, Monterey Adult School’s program will be showcased statewide for other adult schools to adapt and emulate.
“The Promising Practice Award affirms the power of innovative, student-centered programs to transform lives,” said PK Diffenbaugh, Superintendent, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. “Monterey Adult School is leading the way in family engagement and adult learning.”
The program is currently being offered August 6 - December 18, 2025, at the Monterery Adult School:
- Mondays - Thursdays from 8:30 - 11 a.m.
- Mondays and Wednesdays from 12 - 2 p.m.
Additionally, Monterey Adult School offers a program focused on children’s ages 7 - 12 beginning August 20 - October 1, 2025, on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
For more information about Monterey Adult School’s programs and enrollment, visit https://mas.mpusd.net/ or call 831.392.3565 to register for the free program today.
Finally, MPUSD offers similar parent education play programs at its Marina Child Development Center, Monterey Child Development Center and Seaside Child Development Center. NOTE: These programs don’t offer the ESL component. To access these Play and Learn locations, call 831.718.7729 or email [email protected].
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About Monterey Adult School
Monterey Adult School, part of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, offers English as a Second Language, High School Diploma, GED preparation, career technical education, and personal enrichment courses. The school is dedicated to empowering adult learners, strengthening families, and building community connections.
About the Promising Practice Award
The Promising Practice Award is presented annually by the California Department of Education and CASAS to recognize outstanding, innovative practices in adult education programs statewide. Awardees demonstrate exemplary strategies that can be replicated to improve student learning outcomes.
