Foundational  Skills


"More than 54% of U.S. adults struggle with reading, writing, and digital literacy skills"

“More people are affected by low literacy in the United States than are diagnosed with cancer or heart disease. And there are multigenerational, economic, and health consequences from the literacy crisis.”


(from The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy)


“More than 54% of U.S. adults struggle with reading, writing, and digital literacy skills. By working together to increase adult literacy, we have the opportunity to improve our collective economic mobility, public health, and quality of life, and promote greater equity for generations to come.” 


(from ALL IN: The Adult Literacy and Learning Impact Network) 

Reading Foundations

This course is designed for adults who read anywhere below the 9th grade level (We determine a student’s reading level using the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System). Course content depends on the student’s abilities entering the course, ranges from phonics to fluency to comprehension skills, and may include vocabulary building, spelling, and grammar. 


Students can attend in person or online and can work on online platforms (Reading Horizons Elevate or Aztec A Tutor for CASAS) on their own schedule, in and outside of class.


Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) pre- and post-testing is required of all students enrolled in this class.


Students must meet with a PSA counselor to enroll. This course has ongoing enrollment. Please call (530) 885-8585 and ask to speak with a counselor to schedule a time to meet. 


Math Foundations

This course is designed for adults who would like to improve their basic math skills (math below the 9th grade level). Students are assessed to determine their level. Course content depends on the student’s skill level entering the course.


Students can attend class in person or online and can work on an online platform (Aztec A Tutor for CASAS) on their own schedule, in and outside of class.


Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) pre- and post-testing is required of all students enrolled in this class.


Students must meet with a PSA counselor to enroll. This course has ongoing enrollment. Please call (530) 885-8585 and ask to speak with a counselor to schedule a time to meet.



This lab uses Northstar Digital Literacy’s online, self-guided classes, which teach the basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online. You can work on lessons and take assessments resulting in certificates that you can present to employers. You can choose to work on lessons in any of the following areas:

Essential Computer Skills - Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows OS, Mac OS

Essential Software Skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs

Using Technology in Daily Life - Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills, Accessing Telehealth Appointments, Supporting K-12 Distance Learning, Your Digital Footprint

Our credentialed instructor will help you get going and assist you as necessary. 

This lab is open to new students throughout the semester. 

WIOA Title II AEFLA programs are free.
These programs include English as a Second Language, High School Diploma, GED, Foundational Skills, and Inmate Education Programs.