DENTON ISD STUDENT ORIENTATION
Orientation is a required activity by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). It will address the
commitment of students to the program and the steps required for students to be successful.
Research indicates that students learn best when they have a purpose for learning. According to the
Malcolm Knowles adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction and
their experience provides the basis for their learning activities. Adults are also most interested in
subjects that have immediate relevance and impact to their job or personal life and adult learning is
problem-centered rather than content-oriented. Kearsley states a common reason students fail to
meet goals is the lack of a game plan or roadmap. The Adult Learner Persistence Study found that
students who are motivated by goals and who experience progress attend class more regularly.
Denton ISD - ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Overview of the Adult Education Program
All students who are in the program are there to improve their literacy skills or to improve their English
language skills. Students may enroll in ESL, GED, or Transitions classes.

Students commit to 12 hours or more of instruction and are held accountable for showing an
educational gain.

The teachers’ responsibilities are to help students set high expectations for their education,
provide instruction and the necessary skills for success.

A Baseline test is used to determine the student’s instructional level.

Goal-setting instruments and activities, such as self-assessments, learning style inventories,
and/or career interest inventories will be used to develop goals.

Students create SMART goals. A SMART goal is Specific, Measureable, Attainable,
Reasonable, and Time-specific.

A Student Learning Plan is developed. This is a roadmap for students to remain focused on
the goals and to ensure that instruction is meaningful and relevant to the student’s needs and
interests.

Accommodations will be made for students who are identified with a special learning need.

A Progress test is used to check the students’ mastery of skills and progress towards reaching
an educational gain.

Goals are reviewed after 40 or 60 hours of instruction. This coincides with progress testing.
Revisions to the goals are made as appropriate.
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Expectations and Procedures
Attendance
Students are expected to:
 Make a commitment to attend each week. The number of hours depends on how often the
class meets per week.

Attend at least 60 hours of instruction.

Sign in at the time they arrive and sign out at the time they leave.

Sign in at the exact time.

Notify (call, text, or email) the teacher when they are absent.
Dress Policy

All clothing must fit appropriately in size and length.

Clothing must be free from any holes, tears, cuts, offensive language, pictures, emblems, and
advertising for alcohol or tobacco.

Sagging pants, bare midriffs, visible undergarments, revealing clothing, sleepwear, house
shoes, bandanas, do-rags, or any headgear (exception for religious requirements) are NOT
allowed.
General Class Rules (answers for Ice Breaker)

Silence cell phones during class.

No texting on cell phone during class.

Bring your materials to class (pencil, pen, paper, books)

Children cannot ever be brought to class. (Grant requirement)

Smoking or drinking alcohol beverages at sites is not acceptable.

Selling or soliciting in class is not allowed.

Show consideration for the property by cleaning up after yourself.

Respect teacher, staff and classmates.

Walk out with classmates or teachers. Do not walk out alone.
Denton ISD - ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Name That Rule Ice Breaker
Name _____________________________ Date _____________________________
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Denton ISD Adult Education Program
815 Cross Timber St.
Denton, TX 76205
Phone: 940.369.0400
Fax: 940.383.1096
Adult GED / ESL / El-Civics Attendance Policy Form
PLEASE PRINT (use blue or black ink)
Student Name:____________________________________________________________________
Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY):____________________
ID#:_________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip:__________________________________________________________________
Telephone:_________________________________
(email):__________________________________________________________________
By signing below, I acknowledge that if I accumulate more than three unexcused absences in the GED / ESL course
in any defined class calendar period, I risk being suspended and/or removed from the program.
________________________________________________________________________________ (Signature)
________________________________________________________________________________
(Printed name)
Date: ________________________________________________________________________________
Serving the needs of Denton and Collin Counties
“Everyone teaches. Everyone Learns.”
Student Copy: Attendance Policy
Adult Policy, 09012015
Denton ISD - ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Student Contract
STUDENT __________________ TEACHER ______________ DATE ________
The Denton ISD Adult Education and Literacy is the provider for the
ABE/ASE/ELA class you are registering for and is funded through a grant from the United States
Government, the state of Texas and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The grant pays for
services such as materials, instructors and administration for the classes. By signing up for this
class, you are committing to come to this class as specified below. My goals for this year are
attached to this agreement.
STUDENT CONTRACT
I, __________________________, will attend class_______ each week unless I have a valid excuse.
My schedule is as follows:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
I will commit to at least 60 hours of instruction.
I will commit to being progress tested after 40 hours (ABE/ASE) or 60 hours (ELA).
I will notify my teacher and write a note to my teacher if I am absent.
I will notify my teacher if an emergency happens and I must leave the program so my success can be
recorded.
I will respect everyone in my class.
I will use the classroom materials appropriately.
I understand that there is to be NO USE OF ALCOHOL, ILLEGAL DRUGS, OR TOBACCO IN ANY
FORM in the classroom areas, library, halls, restrooms or the Student Center;
I understand that cell phones must be placed on vibrate or turned off. All emergency calls must be
answered outside the classroom. No text messaging is allowed.
I understand that children cannot be brought to class.
I will use appropriate conduct in and out of the classroom.
I understand that the failure to abide by the stated rules may result in immediate removal from the
class.
STUDENT STANDARDS FOR DRESS
All clothing must fit appropriately in size and length. Clothing must be free from any holes, tears,
cuts, offensive language, picture and emblems, and advertising for alcohol or tobacco.
NOT ALLOWED
Sagging pants, bare midriffs, visible undergarments, revealing clothing, sleepwear, house shoes,
bandanas, do-rags, or any headgear (exception for religious requirements) are not allowed.
Student Signature_______________________________
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Breaking Down Barriers
Problems that may keep me from completing this program:
☐ I don’t have reliable transportation.
☐ I don’t have reliable childcare.
☐ I don’t have reliable housing.
☐ I don’t have a strong support system encouraging me.
☐ Other_____________________________________
My back-up plans for these issues are:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
I may need:
☐ Help staying motivated.
☐ Study time at home.
☐ A quiet environment.
☐ Other __________________________________
I am committed to completing this program, so I will communicate with my teacher when I feel I need help.
*The next question is voluntary. If you choose to answer, the response will be kept confidential.
Were you ever in a special program or given extra help in school? ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Don’t know
Do you have records? ☐ Yes ☐ No
When I was in school:
☐ I was absent a lot.
☐ I had health problems.
☐ I didn’t like to study.
☐ I was not attentive.
☐ I had personal problems.
☐ I became a parent.
☐ I was suspended or expelled.
☐ I hated school.
☐ I was older than most of my classmates.
☐ I didn’t think school was important.
☐ I struggled in some of my classes.
☐ Other
☐ I am from another country.
Denton ISD - ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Learning Styles Survey (Basic)
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Learning Styles Survey (Basic)
Denton ISD - ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Learning Styles Survey (Advanced)
Name _____________________________
Enter one of the numbers for each question
Never Applies
Sometimes
Applies
Often Applies
1
2
3
1. ______I get lost or am late if someone tells me how to get to a new place and I didn’t write down the directions.
2. ______When trying to remember someone’s telephone number, it helps me if I get a picture of it in my head.
3. ______If I am taking a test, I can ‘see’ the textbook page and where the answer is.
4. ______I listen better when I LOOK at the person talking.
5. ______It’s hard for me to understand a joke when someone tells me.
6. ______It is better for me to get work done in a quiet place.
7. ______I enjoy doodling and my notes contain lots of pictures.
8. ______I remember something better if I write it down.
Total for Visual _________ (Minimum would be 8, maximum would be 24)
9. ______My written work doesn’t look neat to me. My papers have crossed-out words and erasures.
10. ______It helps to use my finger as a pointer when reading.
11. ______Papers with very small print or poor copies bother me.
12. ______I understand how to do something if someone tells me rather than having to read the directions.
13. ______I remember things I hear, rather than things I see.
14. ______Writing is tiring. I press down too hard with my pen.
15. ______It’s hard for me to read other people’s handwriting.
16. ______If I had the choice to learn new information via a lecture or a textbook, I would choose the lecture.
Total for Auditory _________ (Minimum would be 8, maximum would be 24)
17. ______I don’t like to read directions; I’d rather start doing.
18. ______I learn best when I’m shown how to do something and I have the opportunity to do it.
19. ______Studying at a desk is not for me.
20. ______I tend to solve problems through a trial and error approach, rather than from a step-by-step method.
21. ______Before I follow directions, it helps me to see someone else do it first.
22. ______I am not skilled in giving verbal explanations.
23. ______I think better when I have the freedom to move around.
24. ______When I can’t think of a specific word, I’ll use my hands a lot and call something a ‘what-cha-ma-call-it’.
Total for Kinesthetic _________ (Minimum would be 8, maximum would be 24)
VISUAL
AUDITORY
KINESTHETIC
number of points:
number of points:
number of points:
_______
_______
_______
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Self Inventory
Name: _________________________
Date: _________________
Step 1: Identify your interests, abilities, and life experiences.
1. List the various hobbies and leisure activities you do for enjoyment in your spare time.
2. List the activities you do around your home that you do well and/or enjoy.
3. List the classes in school that you enjoyed.
4. List any jobs or work experiences (paid or unpaid) you have had that you found interesting and or
enjoyable.
5. List special achievements or awards you have ever received.
Step 2: Identify your personal strengths and attributes.
1. Choose the words that describe the kind of person YOU think you are.
accurate
conscientious
friendly
logical
ambitious
courageous
good listener
original
analytical
creative
helpful
observant
artistic
decisive
independent
outgoing
assertive
dramatic
innovative
patient
cautious
empathetic
intellectual
persistent
compassionate
flexible
leader
persuasive
competitive
follower
precise
practical
responsible
scholarly
scientific
self-starter
social
thrifty
well-organized
2. Select and list five words that you think LEAST describes the person you are.
3. List additional personal strengths you think you have.
Denton ISD - ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Self-Study Survey
Name: _______________________________
Date: ____________________
When did you previously attend a Denton ISD Adult Education English Class? _____________
Have you attended any other ESL- English programs? _____________________________
Do you study English independently at home? ___________________________________
Who do you speak English with after class? ________________ How much time? _______
If yes, what kinds of things did you do? (check any that apply)
☐ Study by book
☐ Study online
☐Talk with Native English Speakers
Other ______________________________________________________________
How often do you study? ____________________________________________________
What kinds of things would you be interested in doing at home to study?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
How much time do you set aside to practice your English as homework? How much time will you set
aside to practice English after class?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Do you have a computer at home? _________ Do you have Internet access? _________
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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ELA Needs Assessment – Basic
Denton ISD - ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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ELA Needs Assessment – Basic
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Continue testing and
leveling until ready for
GED
GED Ready
Preassessment
GED
Baseline
Denton ISD - ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Road to GED
Registration
1. Students will receive directions and an orientation packet at the front table.
2. Adult students will go to the registration room to complete all required forms (records release, policies and
procedures).
3. Teen students (16 yr. old) will need school withdrawal forms and court order forms. 17 and 18 yr. olds will
need school withdrawal forms. All teens must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. They will go to
the registration room and complete all required forms (records release, policies/procedures, attendance, and
a parental consent form).
Baseline Testing
1. Students will then need to take the TABE Locator.
2. Students will take the TABE (10) survey for reading, mathematic computation, applied mathematics, and
language.
3. Students return to the front table for class placement.
Orientation
1. Each student needs at least 12 hours of orientation.
Student Status
1. Students should only be classified as a student after the 12 hours of orientation.
Progress Testing
1. Students should be progress tested after 40 hours of class work.
2. Students should be progressed test with TABE (9) survey.
3. If no progress, give student another progress test after 40 hours of class work using TABE (9) survey test
again.
GED Test Prep
1. When students level to High Adult Secondary Education, or when the teacher feels that they are ready, they
will need to prepare themselves to take the GED Test.
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Continue Testing
& Leveling Until
Ready for ABE
Denton ISD - ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
Ready for
ABE
17
Road to ELA
Registration
1. Students will receive directions and an orientation packet at the front table.
2. Students will go to the registration room to complete Best Plus Literacy Screening Tool and registration
form.
(A staff member will assess the screening tool to see if they filled it in completely. If they did, they will be
administered the literacy test and move on to take the oral test. If they did not pass the screening they will
only take an oral test.)
Best Plus Oral Test
1. Go to oral testing room.
a. Once the oral test is complete, the staff member will write down the student’s oral score on the postit and on the testing log.
b. The student will be taken to the front table for class placement.
2. Sign and date all appropriate forms. A staff member will take all of the student’s paperwork/testing
materials.
3. Mark on the questionnaire how they heard about the AEL program.
4. Be placed in class and receive paper with their class assignment and information.
Orientation
1. Each student needs at least 12 hours of orientation.
Student Status
1. Students should only be classified as a student after the 12 hours of orientation.
Progress Testing and moving to the next level
1. Students should be progress tested after 60 hours of class work.
2. Students should be progressed and leveled according to test scores.
3. Students should be tested after every 60 hours of class work.
Transition to ABE (Adult Basic Education)
1. When student’s levels reach Advanced ELA, teacher should initiate transition to ABE.
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Personal Goals Checklist
Name: ________________________________
WORKER GOALS:
CAN DO
PREPARING TO WORK:
Understand help wanted ads
Research career options
Enter a job training program
Pass a test for a job
Write a resume and cover letter
Learn to handle a formal job interview
IMPROVING SKILLS FOR THE JOB:
Learn to type
Demonstrate basic computer skills
Complete work forms
Read and understand manuals
Read and understand workplace signs,
notices, memos
Read and understand paycheck stub
Write memos/notes/messages at work
OTHER:
COMMUNITY GOALS:
CAN DO
FOR ACCESS:
Use library resources
Read the newspaper
Learn about candidates for public office
Understand political issues
FOR VOICE:
Register to vote
Vote
Write a letter to the editor
Get more involved in church
Join a civic group or committee
FOR INDEPENDENT ACTION:
Get a driver’s license
Read signs and maps
Read menus
Use the telephone book
Read transportation schedules (bus, train,
airplane
Volunteer in the community
Denton ISD - ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
Date: _____________________
CAN DO
WITH
HELP
CAN'T DO
WANT TO
DO
NO
INTEREST
CAN DO
WITH
HELP
CAN'T DO
WANT TO
DO
NO
INTEREST
19
Personal Goals Checklist
FAMILY GOALS:
CAN DO
WANT TO BE ABLE TO:
Make and follow a budget
Organize financial records
Understand how bank accounts work
Understand housing issues (tenant rights,
billing
Comparison shop and use coupons
Complete a tax form
Use recipes
Write for pleasure (letters, poetry, journal,
stories, other
WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT:
Educational activities for children
Disciplining children
Improving children’s self-esteem
Helping children in school
Good nutrition
Family counseling
Alcohol/drug abuse treatment resources
Health care resources (vision, dental,
medical)
Learning styles and personality styles
Handling stress
PARENTING GOALS:
Read to children regularly
Help children with homework
Volunteer in child’s school
Read and write notes for children
OTHER:
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
CAN DO
WITH
HELP
CAN'T DO
WANT TO
DO
NO
INTEREST
20
Setting SMART Goals
S
Specific
M
A
R
T
Measurable Attainable Reasonable TimeSpecific
When the
goal is
established
The goal
establishes with
a focus and parts
that can be
direction
measured
for the
and
learner.
identified
when it
has been
achieved.
Denton ISD - ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
The goal
The learner requires
the learner
is able to
achieve the to expand
goal at a set his/her
point in time. abilities but
does not
cause the
learner to
become
frustrated
or
discouraged.
The goal
sets a target
date(s)for
completion.
Establishing
a time line
is
recommended.
21
Setting SMART Goals
Examples:
This is a SMART Goal:
 The learner will progress test after 60 hours of instruction.
 The learner will complete and submit his federal financial aid application by
January 31.
This is a Not-so-SMART Goal:
 The learner will progress test.
 The learner will explore financial aid options.
Short Term Goals:
Short-term goals are goals that you expect to achieve in a short period of time, for
example, learning the days of the week or how to say hello in English. Below are
some more examples.
Examples:
 I will attend class two times per week.
 I will contact my teacher when I miss class.
 If I am absent, I will call my teacher before the class starts. (SMART goal)
Long Term Goals:
Long-term goals are goals that you expect to achieve in a longer period of time, for
example, getting your High School Equivalency or becoming a citizen. Below are
some more examples.
Examples:
 I want to get my driver’s license.
 I want to register to vote.
 I want to register to vote by October 2016. (SMART goal)
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Vocabulary for Goal Setting
Basic Student (Page 1)
My goal is to
I want to look
learn English.
for a job.
I will go to
I want to speak
school.
English on the
telephone.
I will tell my
I want to speak
teacher when I
English at work.
can’t come.
I will bring my
I want to speak
materials.
English at my
child’s school.
Denton ISD - ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Vocabulary for Goal Setting
Basic Student (Page 1)
I will study every I want to speak
day.
English at the
store.
I will watch TV in I want to speak
English.
English at the
doctor’s office.
I will help my
I want to get a
community.
better job.
I will speak
I want to help my
English every
child with his
day.
homework.
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Student Learning Plan (Basic)
Student Name
Teacher Name
What makes you happy?
What would you like to see happen in the following groups?
1. Family
2. Attendance Goal
Denton ISD - ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Student Learning Plan (Basic)
3. ESL School
4. Community
5. Job
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Student Learning Plan (Advanced)
Name: ________________________________
Date: ____________________
I’m in this program so that I can:
☐ Earn a High School Equivalency (GED)
☐ Enroll in college or job training
☐ Obtain a job
☐ Retain a job
Educational, career, and/or job goals, I plan to accomplish
this year. (Be as specific as possible.)
I plan to achieve this goal
by (month/year):
Write about how you plan to accomplish these goals.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Family, community, and/or life goals, I plan to accomplish this
year. (Be as specific as possible.)
I plan to achieve this goal
by (month/year):
Write about how you plan to accomplish these goals.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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Student Assignment Sheet
Student
Name:
Teacher
Name:
DATE
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Student Counseling Log
Student name: ________________________________________ ID#:____________________________
Special notes regarding learning styles and/or special student needs:
Date
Comments
Incremental progress checks / Student-Teacher meetings:
Date
Comments
Teacher notes and observations:
Date
Comments
Denton ISD Adult Education & Literacy Program
815 Cross Timber Street * Denton, TX 76205 * Phone: 940.369.0400
Denton ISD - ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Fry Word List – The First Hundred
Fry Words – The First Hundred
List 1
List 2
List 3
List 4
the
of
and
a
to
in
is
you
that
it
he
was
for
on
are
as
with
his
they
I
at
be
this
have
from
or
one
had
by
words
but
not
what
all
were
we
when
your
can
said
there
use
an
each
which
she
do
how
their
if
will
up
other
about
out
many
then
them
these
so
some
her
would
make
like
him
into
time
has
look
two
more
write
go
see
number
no
way
could
people
my
than
first
water
been
called
who
oil
sit
now
find
long
down
day
did
get
come
made
may
part
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Fry Word List – The Second Hundred
Fry Words – The Second Hundred
List 1
List 2
List 3
List 4
over
new
sound
take
only
little
work
know
place
years
live
me
back
give
most
very
after
things
our
just
name
good
sentence
man
think
say
great
where
help
through
much
before
line
right
too
means
old
any
same
tell
boy
follow
came
want
show
also
around
form
three
small
set
put
end
does
another
well
large
must
big
even
such
because
turn
here
why
ask
went
men
read
need
land
different
home
us
move
try
kind
hand
picture
again
change
off
play
spell
air
away
animal
house
point
page
letter
mother
answer
found
study
still
learn
should
America
world
Denton ISD - ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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Fry Word List – The Third Hundred
Fry Words – The Third Hundred
List 1
List 2
List 3
List 4
high
every
near
add
food
between
own
below
country
plant
last
school
father
keep
tree
never
start
city
earth
eyes
light
thought
head
under
story
saw
left
don’t
few
while
along
might
close
something
seem
next
hard
open
example
begin
life
always
those
both
paper
together
got
group
often
run
important
until
children
side
feet
car
mile
night
walk
white
sea
began
grow
took
river
four
carry
state
once
book
hear
stop
without
second
late
miss
idea
enough
eat
face
watch
far
Indian
real
almost
let
above
girl
sometimes
mountains
cut
young
talk
soon
list
song
being
leave
family
it’s
ABE/ASE/ELA Student Packet
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