Adult Education Overview

 

ADMISSION

Admission is open to applicants 18 years of age or older. When registering, all applicants must have proof of address (i.e., driver's license, state issued identification card, Medical Card, voter registration card, or utility bill). Applicants who are 16 and 17 years of age and have been officially released from their high school may also be admitted.

 

COST

Adult Education courses are tuition-free.

 

ABE/GED/ESL PLACEMENT

Students enrolling in General Educational Development (GED) or Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes are given an orientation and the Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) which will determine reading/Math placement. The Placement Test will take approximately 2 ½ hours. Once the examinations are completed, students are placed in course(s) based upon their reading and Math levels. Students enrolling in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are given the Basic English Skills Test (BEST) or the Comprehensive English Language Skill Assessment (CELSA) to assess their English language skills. Test results and oral interviews determine course placement.

 

PLACEMENT TEST SCHEDULE FOR REGISTRATION

Main Campus (ABE/GED &ESL) 10001 South Woodlawn Avenue 773.291.6690 Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. Building 6, Room 602 Friday, 9:00 a.m. (Only) Building 6, Room 602

South Chicago Campus 3055 East 92nd Street 773.291.6770 Monday & Wednesday(ABE/GED) 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday (ESL) 1:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ADULT BASIC EDUCATION (ABE)
The Adult Basic Education courses provide basic education for academic content generally covered in the first through eighth grades of traditional school. The ABE program includes Beginning Literacy, and Beginning and Intermediate ABE. Literacy level courses, designed for limited or non-readers, concentrate on basic reading and writing, numeracy, functional and workplace skills. Intermediate level courses include Pre-GED Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science, as well as, functional and workplace skills.

GENERAL EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (GED)
General Educational Development (GED) courses (offered in both English and Spanish) have two levels: low advanced and high advanced. The objective of both is to prepare students to take the GED Examination and transition to Associate of Arts degree programs and careers. GED courses provide instruction in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and the Constitution. Test-taking, functional and workplace skills and study skills are included.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
English as a Second Language (ESL) courses provide instruction for non-native students who are not proficient in English. Beginning ESL provides courses for students who may not be familiar with the Roman alphabet and/or who do not have basic English or Math skills. Beginning ESL students also practice functional and workplace skills, English that is necessary to communicate immediate needs and desires often referred to as "English survival skills." Intermediate ESL courses assist students who want to expand and improve their conversational skills, as well as, functional and workplace skills. Advanced ESL courses include building reading speed and comprehension as well as vocabulary development, discussion and functional and workplace skills.

CITIZENSHIP
Citizenship courses are offered to adults who wish to take the U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Examination. Citizenship courses cover vocabulary and concepts that are associated with U.S. History, the Constitution, federal, state and local government and the naturalization process.

WORKFORCE BRIDGE

Workforce Bridge provides students with healthcare, job readiness and career exploration skills. The job readiness aspect includes resume writing, interviewing techniques, time management and other workforce behaviors.  The career exploration course focuses on techniques that will assist students in determining the jobs that match their skills and interests.  Customized Healthcare and Transportation Bridge courses are also available.

 

Supplementary Vocational and laboratory courses may also be available.

 

For registration information regarding Neighborhood Sites, contact the Adult Education offices: 773.291.6690 or 773.291.6770.