ADULT EDUCATION

DESCRIPTION

Each school district is mandated to provide, or make arrangements to provide, specific classes free of charge to qualifying adults. Instructional programs include basic literacy skills, English language acquistion, citizenship and secondary school completion including preparation for the high school equivalency exam (GED). Any adult who is 16 years of age or older and no longer in school may qualify for these programs.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

In addition, most local towns offer a variety of general interest, vocational and recreational courses, which are available to residents, usually with a course fee attached. Many programs waive course fees or reduce them for older adults. Information can be obtained by contacting the Connecticut State Department of Education or your local Board of Education.

CITIZENSHIP PREPARATION

Instruction is designed for adults who wish to become United States citizens. Persons completing this program are prepared to pursue citizenship through the prescribed Immigration and Naturalization Service process.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)

Instruction is designed for adults who have limited proficiency in the English language or whose native language is not English.

ADULT HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT DIPLOMA PROGRAM

The Adult High School Credit Diploma Program requires adults to earn a minimum of 20 credits in academic and elective areas through a prescribed plan. Credits for work or military experience, independent study projects and self-paced curriculum packets are additional ways to obtain credit.

ADULT BASIC EDUCATION

Adult Basic Education (ABE) teaches basic reading, writing, and math skills to adults who do not meet the minimum requirements for GED classes. Instruction may be individualized or offered in a classroom or learning lab. ABE classes are often offered through a town's adult education or continuing education department.

GED (GENERAL EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)

The GED Testing Program provides a second opportunity for people to obtain their high school diploma.

The GED Tests measure knowledge in five different areas:

• Language Arts - Writing Skills
  • Part 1 - Multiple Choice Section
  • Part 2 - Writing an Essay
• Social Studies
• Science
• Language Arts - Reading
• Mathematics

For more information and to request a copy of an official GED transcript issued in Connecticut go to: http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view.asp?a=2620&Q=320688&sdePNavCtr=|#45490

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by service names:

• Adult Basic Education
• Citizenship Preparation
• Continuing Education
• English as a Second Language
• Graduation Requirements Programs

----------------------------------------------

SOURCE: Conn. State Dept. of Education
PREPARED BY: 211/lb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: June2011