GED/Adult Literacy

GED/Adult Literacy Mission Statement
The mission of the GED/Adult Literacy Program is to offer opportunities for adults and their families to participate in basic educational services including adult literacy, English as a second language, GED, pre-employment/computer literacy, parenting instruction and family literacy programs to enhance their skills.

GED/Adult Literacy Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

All GED/Adult Literacy Programs are:

• Available at no cost.

• Offered both days and evenings at various class locations.

• Paid for with state and federal funds raised thru taxes.

Classes Offered:

• Adult Basic Education classes help adults develop basic skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic.

• English as a Second Language classes provide an opportunity to learn English for the foreign born adult. Classes help students develop speaking, listening, reading, writing, and citizenship skills.

• General Education Development (GED) classes provide instruction in the five GED test areas and the Constitution. Some GED students will need more time than others to get ready for the test. He or she can enroll for another eight-week session if needed.

• Pre-Employment/ Computer Literacy Skills classes help prepare adults to succeed in finding and keeping a living wage job. Skills taught include resume writing, interviewing, life management, interpersonal, keyboarding, and word processing.

GED INFORMATION
What It Is | Getting Ready | Registration | Constitution Exam

What is a General Education Development (GED) Certificate?

• A GED Certificate is the legal equivalent of a High School Diploma.

• You can earn it by passing a series of tests that show you are at the same educational level as a High School Graduate

A GED Certificate meets the High School Diploma requirements for:

• city, state, and federal civil service

• job opportunities

• college admission

The GED Testing Program

• The GED Testing Program has offered millions of adults a second chance by enabling them to demonstrate that they have many of the skills they would have acquired had they been able to remain in high school.

• It should be clearly understood that the GED Tests can in no way take the place of a regular high school education. The tests are not means to an education, but are designed to appraise the educational development of applicants who have not completed their formal high school education.

• The GED Tests can give you the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency certificate...a credential recognized as a key to employment opportunities, advancement, further education, and financial rewards. This website answers many of the questions you may have about the GED Tests - the keys to your future.

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GETTING READY TO TAKE THE GED TEST

In a FREE GED class you can...

• Review material and skills needed to pass the GED test in the company of other adults.

• Start at your level and progress at your own pace.

• Take practice tests.

• Receive individual help in study areas.

• Enjoy classes that are informal and fun.

• Have a teacher who will help you to decide when you are ready to take the test.

• Take the Constitution Examination if needed.

You will study...

• English and Writing Skills

  • Vocabulary

  • Sentence Structure

  • Punctuation

  • Spelling

  • General Language Usage

  • Essay Writing

• Math

  • Basic Arithmetic

  • Main Concepts of Algebra and Geometry

  • Special Math Topics such as Graphs

• Social Studies, Science, Reading

  • Basic Ideas and Background Information

  • Relevant Vocabulary

  • Problem Solving Skills

• U.S. & Illinois Constitutions

  • Discussion

  • Quizzes

  • Exercises

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GED REGISTRATION INFORMATION

GED Review Class Registration

• In order to determine the correct class in which to enroll a new student, the student must attend a placement assessment.

• An appointment needs to be scheduled for an assessment by calling the GED/Adult Literacy Office at (309) 888-9884.

• The assessment will take from 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

• Students will be registered for the appropriate class at the assessment.

• All students should bring their social security number with them.

• Students who have taken the GED test before and scored lower than 2250 should bring their test scores with them.

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CONSTITUTION EXAM
In addition to the five GED Tests, Illinois residents are required to satisfactorily pass a Constitution Examination. The examination covers principles of government including:

• American Declaration of Independence

• Constitution of the United States of America

• Constitution of the State of Illinois

• Proper use and display of the American Flag

Qualified Illinois residents may take the Constitution examination through the GED/Adult Literacy Program. There is no fee for this test. An individual, who took and passed the Constitution test as part of their high school curriculum, can contact their high school to provide proof that this requirement has been fulfilled.

The Constitution will be covered and Constitution testing will be included as a part of the GED preparation classes. A copy of Study Guide: Constitution of the United States and the State of Illinois is available for loan through the Regional Office of Education.

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LEARN TO READ
Adult Basic Education (ABE) is for any person who can not do one of the following:

• Read this website, the newspaper, or a magazine

• Write a letter to a friend.

• Complete a job application form.

• Read the directions on a medicine bottle.

• Enter a vocation, technical, or GED program until he or she improves his or her ability to read, write, and do basic arithmetic.

ABE Teachers

• work with each student individually.

• provide reading materials especially designed for adult students.

ABE Students

• can join class ANYTIME during the semester.

• work at their own level and pace.

Volunteer tutors help provide one-to-one learning. If you would like to volunteer, call 309-888-9884.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE / ESL CLASSES
ESL Classes are for adults who are learning English as their second language. Classes are designed to help students:

• Handle everyday situations

• Learn to speak, read, and write English

• Study American History, American Government, and Current Events

Volunteer tutors help with small group activities and one-to-one learning. If you would like to volunteer, call 309-888-9884.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SKILLS / COMPUTER LITERACY CLASSES
Pre-Employment Skills/Computer Literacy are for adults who are currently seeking a job. Classes are designed to help adults build a variety of important skills:

• Basic Computer Skills

• Keyboarding

• Resume Writing

• Writing Cover Letters

• Job Interviewing Skills

• Career Planning
  

CITIZENSHIP CLASSES
Prepare for the citizenship test to gain U.S. citizenship.

• Learn about the application process
• Study American History, American Govenment and information needed to pass the citizenship and Immigration service examinations.