The Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) program offers free day and evening classes for adult learners at many different locations throughout the city. These classes help adults upgrade their academic skills in the following areas:
GED (General Educational Development) offers adults a second chance to complete their high school education. The GED can open doors to many other opportunities such as employment, technical school and college.
The official GED exam consists of five sub-tests. Coursework to prepare for the GED includes math, writing, social studies, science and literature. Computer-based academic instruction is available at most sites.
The Official GED Practice Test is offered to determine readiness to take an Official GED Test. Adults who pass the Official Practice GED test are eligible for a fee waiver to waive the cost of the GED test.
This component is for adults who plan to take a college, technical school, apprenticeship or other training entrance exam. The individual also may be seeking employment or career advancement. Instruction is available to all adults regardless of their educational background (may already have a diploma or GED).
An individual learning plan is developed to help meet the specific needs and goals of each student. Instruction focuses on developing critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, setting and achieving goals, and acquiring successful workplace and interpersonal skills. Computer-based academic instruction is available at most sites.
ESOL is designed for adults who do not speak English as their native language. Interactive, small-group, large-group, and computer-based instructional activities are offered to emphasize skills in reading, writing and conversational English.
Students also will learn about American culture and traditions. Citizenship preparation is provided as needed.
Parents with young children can come to school together. While the children are in the early childhood classroom, parents work on improving academic skills in the adult classroom.
Parents also participate in the parent education component that provides instruction on how children grow, develop, and learn. The program also addresses issues critical to family well-being, connects parents with community resources, and provides opportunities for parents to network and develop mutual support systems.