Preparing Adult Learners for the Changing Landscape of High School Equivalency
HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY PROGRAM
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Transcript of HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY PROGRAM
HIGH SCHOOLEQUIVALENCY PROGRAM
PLANTING A SEED OF OPPORTUNITYTOWARDS A REWARDING HARVEST!
The University of Texas-Pan American
The High School Equivalency Program (HEP) is a federally-funded program with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Migrant Education.HEP began providing GED instruction in 1967 in an effort
to assist agricultural workers with attaining their General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
In 1972, HEP opened its doors in Edinburg, Texas at then Pan American University.
Having since served thousands of students, The University of Texas-Pan American continues the tradition of preparing students to pursue higher education and/or enter the workforce.
The program is currently funded to serve 125 students per academic year.
Our History
GED instruction, tutoring, and testingHuman development classes
Address personal issues, life skills, job search and career preparation skills, post-secondary studies preparation, etc.
Counseling servicesAcademic, career, and personal issues
Referrals to community servicesPost-secondary, employment, and social service
Cultural and educational field tripsOn a limited basis
Bus ticketsDorm housing
Graduation ceremony and receptionLunch, stipends, and more
Free Benefits and Services
Not be enrolled in school or have a high school diplomaBe at least 17-years old (16 with court order)Applicant or eligible family member must submit MSFW
verification of having within the past 24 months: Spent a minimum of 75 days conducting eligible migrant or seasonal
farm work; or Participated or been eligible to participate in Title 1– Migrant
Education Program (under 34 CFR part 200, Subpart C); or Participated or been eligible to participate in Employment and Training
Administration, Department of Labor--Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Programs (under 20 CFR part 633)
Satisfactory scores on academic assessment Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) scores must be at an eighth
grade-level minimum GED scores (evaluated on a case-by-case basis)
Key Eligibility Criteria
SelfImmediate family members
Spouse;Parent, step-parent, adoptive parent, foster parent, or
anyone with guardianship;Any person who claims the individual as a dependent
on a Federal income tax return for either of the previous two years;
Any person who resides in the same household as the individual, supports that individual financially, and is a relative of that individual
Eligible Persons for Farmworker Status
Farmwork definition Refers to any agricultural activity, performed for either wages or
personal subsistence, on a farm, ranch, or similar establishment Such activities are those directly related to:
The production of crops, dairy products, poultry, or livestock; The cultivation or harvesting of trees; or Working on fish farms.
Documentation Work verification
Work affidavit form Paycheck stubs Income tax forms (W-2)
34 CFR part 200, Subpart C (Title I --Migrant Education Program) Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
20 CFR part 633 (Employment & Training Administration, Department of Labor--MSFW Programs) Referral letter or document from program
Farmworker Status
Work
The assessment administered is the Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE)Used by many adult education programs to
determine academic levelConsists of 100 questions in three main
categoriesReadingMathematicsLanguage
Time limit of two hoursNeed a minimum score of an 8.0 (8th
grade level equivalency)A study packet is available upon request
The Entrance Assessment
All minors (16 and 17 year-olds) must submitParental/guardian approval signatures on Application
for Admission or a marriage certificateWithdrawal form from school district“TEA GED Test Administration Withdrawal Form”
All 16 year-olds must also submitReferral letter from probation department; orCourt order/referral
Documentation for Minors
Participate in program overviewSubmit completed Application for AdmissionSubmit two forms of official identification (i.e., social
security card, driver‘s license, etc.)Submit verification of MSFW statusAttain or submit satisfactory assessment scoresAll minors
Provide parent/guardian signatures of approval on application
Submit school and testing withdrawal formsSubmit court order or court referral for 16-year olds
Admission Process-Eligibility
Submit formsAuthorization for Release of PhotographsRequest and Authorization for Release of InformationRelease and Indemnification Agreement
Additional minor requirementsParent/Guardian Consent to Take Tests of GED formMedical Release formFamily meeting with academic staff
Parent/Guardian/Spouse, applicant and academic staffDiscuss participation and success issues
Admission Process-Administrative
The program is designed to graduate students in three months or lessAdditional time to complete the program, if needed, will be
determined largely on available space, time of year, student’s participation and conduct
Students should maximize their time with the programPossess willingness to dedicate their time and effort towards the successful
completion of the program and passing the GED examsClasses are held Monday through Friday from 8:10 am to 3:30 pm
Students should plan to attend the entire day and weekSchedules may be readjusted as GED exams are taken and
eliminatedAll classes are conducted in English and students should be
proficient enough in the language to participate in classroom activities
Other Factors to Consider
Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are encouragedTo ensure that a HEP staff is available, applicants are
encouraged to at least call before visitingParking on campus
A parking permit is required whenever parking on campus—even for visitors
Metered parking spaces are also available for a small fee but a time limit is imposed
Stop by the campus Information Booth for a temporary parking permit and directions on where to park
Permanent parking permits will be provided to students upon attending student orientation
Campus Visit
Program PathwayApplication
ProcessHEP
OrientationProgram
Participation
Take GED
Exam(s)
Better OpportunitiesPost-Secondary Studies
and/or Work
Inel
igib
leAccepted
Referred To OtherProgram or
Reassessed IfStatus Changes
Receive GED& Attend
GraduationPASS FAIL
Evaluate
Needs
Stat
us C
hang
e
Located off of University Drive in the center of campus in front of Visitor’s Center and bronze bronco statue
Ask about parking near HEP office
Information Booth
HEP Office Emilia SR Hall 2nd floor, Rm. 2.207 Phone: (956) 665-2521
HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY PROGRAM
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN1201 W. University Drive • ESRH Room 2.207
Edinburg, Texas 78539-2999Phone: (956) 665-2521 • Fax: (956) 665-7108
Email: [email protected] • Online: www.utpa.edu/hep
Jaime Daniel GarzaOutreach & Recruitment Specialist
Email: [email protected]
Appointments preferred but walk-ins always welcome!