Free English Language Classes for Adults

Listening, speaking, reading, writing along with the other skills of pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling, play a role in effective communication and are integrated with the basic English skills being taught in this free class.  Call 763.262.2523 for more information.

Listening, speaking, reading, writing along with the other skills of pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling, play a role in effective communication and are integrated with the basic English skills being taught in this free class.  Call 763.262.2523 for more information.

Th, Sept. 16-Dec. 16; 6:30-9:00 pm

(No class Oct. 21, Nov. 25)Independence Elem. Room 138

Please call to register for free sibling care:  763.262.2523    

Instr:  Pam Dane

 

Big Lake G.E.D. and Basic Skills Class Schedule

Mondays
Sept. 13-Dec. 20
6:30-9:00 pm

Instr:  James Schwan

Meet the instructor, get registered, and be on your way to earning your
G.E.D. Diploma!

Independence Elementary
School Room 138
(Enter Community Education door J)

Please call for free childcare
provided for G.E.D. participants.  763.262.2523

Reading • Math • Writing

If you are interested in improving your skills in any of these areas, come to class on Monday nights!

 

GED PREPARATION

What is the G.E.D?
The General Educational Development (G.E.D.) is a high school equivalency diploma.

Why get a G.E.D. if I don’t have  a high school diploma?
More than 95% of U.S. employers consider G.E.D. graduates the same as traditional high school graduates in regards to hiring, salary, and opportunity for advancement.

How can I get my G.E.D?
To earn your G.E.D. Diploma you must take a battery of five tests.  The tests measure the major academic skills and concepts associated with four years of regular high school instruction.

The G.E.D. tests measure competency in five subjects:
Language Arts-Writing, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts-Reading, Mathematics.

Who can take the G.E.D. tests?
• Minnesota residents
• Adults age 19 or older
• Persons not enrolled in high school
• Persons 16-19 years old with an approved age waiver

How much do the G.E.D. tests cost?
The cost is $90 for all five tests.  If you fail to get an average of 450 on each of the five tests, you may retake any part of the exam.  If you fail to get at least a 410 on a test, you must retake that test and proof of preparation may be required.  The cost of each retake is $20.

How can I take the test?
Call 952.988.5340 to make an appointment. Sessions are alternating with writing skills and math in one session and social studies, science, and reading in the other.  Test results take three to four weeks.

What if I don’t feel prepared to take the official G.E.D. test?
Ask the instructor to take a free official G.E.D. practice test battery to identify any area that needs to be studied.

GED-i

It is now possible to study for the GED using the Internet – and it is a free service offered through WEST ABE and your local Community Education Department.  Qualified individuals will be tested and assigned to an on-line GED-i instructor.  Space is limited.  For further information and/or to be considered, send an e-mail to: adminged.i@gmail.com.

Volunteer Opportunities: 
Adult Literacy Tutors Make a Difference!
Many people in our communities struggle with the basic skills we take for granted:  reading a menu, picking out a birthday card for a loved one, filling out a job application, making a doctor’s appointment, communicating with children’s teachers verbally or in writing, and even being understood by clerks.  Some are lifelong citizens, others new immigrants struggling with our language, but all are trying to make a good life for themselves and their families.  They need help in mastering these skills.  That could come from you!
Qualifications:
A desire to help others.  A belief in life-long learning.  A commitment to making a difference in your community.  Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Background: 
No previous experience necessary! This is not limited to those who speak another language or are licensed teachers.  Some of our current tutors are, or have retired from jobs as lawyers, secretaries, classroom paras, computer technicians, reading specialists, bookkeepers, teachers, managers, homemakers, childcare workers, and college students.Job Description: 
Varied opportunities include one-on-one, small group, and classroom assisting as the needs arise.  Student levels and needs are as varied as the students.  Support is always available for tutors.
Volunteer Training:
Free Training

Training is FREE for volunteers willing to work in our program. (Those seeking only CEU’s will be charged $30.00 to cover expenses.)  Contact Terrisa Fisher at
763.682.8688 or Cheryl Lubinski at 763.745.6034 for more information or to register for the following sessions:

join us for a Volunteer Tutor Orientation...

This orientation will give you the information you need to make a decision if tutoring is something you would like to do.  You’ll learn about training, responsibilities, support, each kind of tutoring situation, the adult learner, tutoring basics and how assignments are made.  There will be plenty of time for questions.
Buffalo Discovery Center:  Monday,  Sept. 20 • 7:00-9:00 pm

...THEN ATTEND THE FULL COMBINATION ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE & BASIC LITERACY TRAINING.

Learn the basics to literacy and English tutoring.  Receive tools, ideas, and participate in group activities to maximize your training experience.
Buffalo Discovery Center: 
Sat., Sept. 25; 9:00 am-4:00 pm and Monday, Sept. 27; 7:00-10:00 pm