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ABE (Adult Basic Education) classes are designed for
students who need to improve or brush-up on their basic
skills. Depending on each student's needs, the
class work will emphasize academic skills, life skills
or job skills.
Many ABE students have high school diplomas or GEDs,
but they want to improve skills for ASSET testing,
employment tests and even ASVAB (military) testing.
Other students desire to go into a college program and
need to improve math, writing or reading skills to
succeed in their programs.
GED (General Educational Development) is a specific
set of tests that measure skills to determine if a
student has academic skill somewhat equal to those of a
high school graduate.
Since the skills necessary for the GED are usually
the same skills ABE students are seeking, they often
study the same subjects but from a different angle.
The students will hear the same lecture, but the teacher
will keep each student's individual needs in mind and
tailor the assignments accordingly.
If you have some sort of form or diploma (even in
your own language) that states you have completed high
school, you do not need a GED. Those who cannot contact
their former schools for a variety of reasons or who
can't get written proof of their diplomas may decide to
take the GED test.
Please be aware that the GED does require a fairly
high level of reading and writing, so successful
completion of ESL level 5 indicates you have enough
skills to start studying for the GED. It still may
take several quarters to complete, though. Spanish
speakers may take it in their native language. They
can't take the Spanish test at Shoreline - probably need
to make it clear that they would need to test elsewhere.
If you just want to sign up just for testing and not
the class, information about testing schedules and test
registration can be obtained at Shoreline's
Testing Center.
If you want to take a test preparation (GED) class,
you may contact the Essential Skills Department at
206-546-5827.
There are two or three starting dates each quarter.
You may call the office at (206) 546-5827 to ask for the
next start date.
Yes. The class is divided into two segments.
One part of the class focuses on math skills and reading
skills for math. Another part is devoted to
writing and reading.
When students first enter the class, their math,
writing and reading skills are assessed. While
there is daily lecture for the entire class, time is
also devoted to individualized study. That way
students can focus on their specific skill needs and
make progress at their own pace.
When you are assessed at the beginning of the class,
it will be determined if your skills are ABE level or
GED level. As you continue your work during the
quarter, it is possible that you will move into the GED
level of work. Students who initially test into
ABE level sometimes finish their GED during that
quarter. Others sometimes need to take an extra
quarter or two to complete their GED.
You may repeat it as many times as needed if you show
progress every quarter. You and your teacher will
decide what defines progress for you.
Yes. The ABE math class moves more slowly and
is more individualized than math 060. You may also
repeat ABE math several times as long as you are making
progress with your math skills. Math 060 is
suitable for students who just need a math brush-up
and/or respond best to a formalized lecture/homework
method of the teaching math. ABE math
includes lecture and homework, but it is designed to
meet a student's individual needs and students may not
complete the whole spectrum of 060 math skills within
one quarter.
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