Free English Language Classes for Adults

Basic ESL

Basic English Skills

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.

Advanced English Skills

This free class is open to adult learners who have advanced ESL speaking and reading skills and who want to continue their education. The class will focus on adult basic education skills, GED preparation, work skills, computer skills, and critical thinking skills necessary for advanced studies. Class content will be teacher supported with an emphasis on individual needs.  Call Pam at 612.978.6468 for more information.

W  ongoing  IE  Room 138  1:00-3:00 pm
Sibling Care   IE   Room 103* 
Pam Dane    Class/Sib Care FREE

* For Advanced ABE/ESL classes, children may be dropped off at 12:45 pm before class starts.

Big Lake G.E.D. Schedule

Mondays
Jan. 3-May 16
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!

3 easy steps to become a tutor with adults
Give a few hours of your time each week and experience the rewards of tutoring individuals whose first language is not English or help adults with basic reading, writing, or math skills. Training is required but FREE for those who will volunteer within the WEST ABE Consortium. You may take the three classes for continuing education credit for a fee of $30 if you do not intend to volunteer with our program.  Call Terrisa at 763-682-8688 for more information and to register.
1   Learn about our Adult Basic Education and Volunteer Programs to help you decide if tutoring is for you.  Attend the Tutor Orientation in Buffalo
Mon   Jan   24     7-9 pm         Discovery Center Conf Room     301 2nd Ave. NE   Buffalo
2   Attend training to learn the basics of literacy tutoring.  Receive tools, ideas, and support from a Minnesota Literacy Council expert.
Sat    Jan     29     9 am-4 pm  Discovery Center Conf Room   301 2nd Ave. NE   Buffalo
3   Attend the final training session.  
Mon   Jan 31   6:30-9:30 pm    Discovery Center Conf Room   301 2nd Ave. NE   Buffalo