Column: Adult Basic Education announces GED change

• District 518

District 518

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WORTHINGTON — One part of Community Education is Adult Basic Education. which offers adults who are 16 or older and not enrolled in school a variety of opportunities to build the skills necessary to become successful, contributing members of society. Last year, more than 775 adults enrolled in Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes in the Worthington area.

ABE offers English classes for adults who want to learn to speak, read and write English. Citizenship classes are available for those who desire to become U.S. citizens. Students who have dropped out of high school can attend classes to study for the GED (General Education Diploma), and those who want to attend college but are lacking in some basic skills can attend our reading, math and writing for college classes.

Classes are available both during the day and in the evening to accommodate a variety of schedules. Additionally, ABE offers distance learning options for those who want to improve their skills for future success, but would like the option of working at home through computerized instruction.

The big news this year is that the current version of the GED test will expire at the end of 2013. The current version, known as the 2002 Series GED test, will be replaced with the new 2014 GED test on Jan. 2, 2014. Those who have taken the 2002 Series GED, but have not passed all five parts, have until the end of 2013 to pass or they will need to start over in 2014 with the new GED test in order to receive their credential.

The GED test opens doors to college, better jobs and the satisfaction of earning a high school credential. The ABE staff wants to be sure that everyone is aware of the deadline. GED test-takers must act now to finish and pass before the current test expires. When the current test expires at the end of December 2013, all tests that were taken toward an uncompleted 2002 GED series will also expire.

Support is available here in Worthington at the West Learning Center, 117 11th Ave.. There is still time to begin and complete the GED. The ABE staff can help adult learners who have started their GED testing to get prepared to take the parts of the GED test that they still need to pass. Classes are available on Tuesday and Friday mornings, and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

The GED test has opened doors to better jobs and college programs for more than 18 million graduates since 1942. Last year 5,775 people earned GEDs in Minnesota. A GED diploma is accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and employers.

Start on the path to your future today. Call Community Education at 376-6105 to schedule an orientation.

Marty Olsen is Adult Basic Education Manager in District 518.

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