ADULT EDUCATIONThe Basics

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WHAT IS GED?

GED stands for General Educational Development. This is a nationally recognized high school equivalency program. Adult learning providers offer classes for students who want to take the GED test.

People take the GED test for many reasons. Some people want to enroll in college, while others want to enter a training or technical program; some take it for work-related or personal goals.

Whatever the reason, you can find information on classes in your area and see if you are eligible to take the GED through the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) in the Resources page under the Training menu.

WHAT IS TABE?

The TABE (Test for Adult Basic Education) test is used to find your strengths. The information collected will be used to set up a program of study to help you progress. Your skills may help you complete a program that was set up by a Workforce Professional. The TABE has three major areas: reading, language, and math. These tests use multiple-choice questions. There are no short answers. There are no writing questions. You cannot fail the TABE.

WHAT ARE BRIDGE PROGRAMS? Bridge programs prepare adults with limited

academic or limited English skills to enter and succeed in credit-bearing postsecondary education and training leading to career-path employment in high-demand, middle- and high-skilled occupations.

Goal - to sequentially bridge the gap between the initial skills of individuals and what they need to enter and succeed in postsecondary education and career-path employment.

Program Examples: Health Science, Manufacturing, and Transportation, Distribution and Logistics.

BRIDGE PROGRAMS - CONTINUED Programs Include:

Contextualized Instruction - integrates basic reading, math, and language skills and industry/occupation knowledge.

Career Development – includes career explorations, career planning, and understanding the big picture.

Transition Services – includes (as needed and when available) academic advising, tutoring, study skills, coaching, and referrals to support services.

WHAT IS ESL?

ESL stands for English as a Second Language. ESL classes are for students who want to improve their English language skills. Classes include Basic English skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Classes may also include family literacy, citizenship, and civics.

WHAT IS EL/CIVICS?

These classes integrate English literacy with civics education to assist immigrants with acclimating to the American culture and gain the skills and knowledge necessary for productive citizenship.

WHAT IS FAMILY LITERACY?

The state’s family literacy programs are bringing parents and children together in their pursuit of educational excellence and reversing the cycle of illiteracy by teaching the families of today in order to impact the generations of tomorrow.

WHAT IS CORRECTIONAL EDUCATION?

To assist in reducing recidivism, Adult Education is equipping incarcerated individuals with the basic and life skills needed to sustain meaningful employment upon their release.

WHAT IS STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IN READING (STAR)? Through the use of new evidence-based

reading strategies, many adult education learners are being able to finally experience the joy of reading for the first time in their lives.

WHAT IS WORKPLACE EDUCATION?

Through onsite workplace education programs, the skills of the current workforce are being upgraded to respond to changes in the global marketplace.

WHAT IS TRANSITIONS? These specialized courses and services are

assisting dislocated workers and other adult education learners with gaining both the academic and college readiness skills needed to transition successfully to postsecondary education.

This presentation includes information from Creating Pathways for Adult Learners by the Illinois Community College Board.