GED Preparation and Adult Literacy Center

Adult Education Study Programs

FAQs

What is the GED? 

GED stands for the General Educational Development Program.  The GED test offers people who did not finish high school the opportunity to earn high school credentials.

If your scores on the GED test are satisfactory, you will be awarded an official High School Equivalency Diploma by the State of Alabama.  This credential is considered equivalency to a high school diploma and is recognized as such by employers, the military and colleges.

How do I know if I should take the GED test now--or enroll in a class first?

Remember that the GED diploma is equivalent to a high school diploma.  If you do not yet have the skills and knowledge equivalent to a high school senior, you should enroll in a study program (see the page 7 of this booklet for classes available).  As you advance in your work, trained teachers will be able to accurately gauge your readiness for the test.  When you are ready, the teacher can administer a free GED practice test.  This does two things: provides you practice for the real GED test and accurately predicts your readiness to achieve passing scores.

Are Adult Education study programs like the classes I attendant in school?

Adult Education classes operate differently than a traditional classroom.  Because we have students of different ages and different stages of study, our class structure must be flexible enough to meet the needs of each individual within the classroom.

Will the teacher be standing in front of the class lecturing and calling on students to answer questions?

No.  Each student is given a written individualized plan of instruction.  Each student works independently on that plan, making progress at his/her own rate.  The teacher is available at all times to help you, but you must learn to ask for help.  The teacher is always circulating throughout the class, helping all students as they work on different subjects, at different levels.

What about books?

We provide all books, and many other instructional materials including access to computers.  Our instruction books cannot leave the classroom, nor can they be written in.  However, we do have exercise sheets that you may take home and write in so that you can practice the skills you learn in class.

What is the cost for the study programs that you offer?

There is no charge for my class or for the study materials we provide in these classes.  We do ask that you bring own paper and pencils if possible, but we always have a free supply available.

When can I enroll in an adult education class?

Our classes are on-going, all year round.  They do not have beginning and ending dates, so you may start at any time.

How do I get started?

First, you should let someone know you an interested.  You can start by looking at the class schedule at the end of this packet and identifying the location that is best for you.  Then you can call the contact number provided for the site.

Each site has a little different policy for getting started.  You may be able to start that very day, or you may have to wit for a scheduled orientation for new students.  They will let you know.  The most important thing is to take that first step – tell someone you are interested and get information on the class that best meets you needs.

How long can I expect to be in the class before I am ready to take the GED test?

It varies greatly depending on the individual.  You might ask yourself, what was the last grade I completed?  How were my grades?  How long have I been out of school?  Have I had access to learning experiences - a job, reading the daily newspaper, travel, etc.?  Can I attend class four hours a week or twenty hours a week?  Do I tend to learn quickly or does it take me longer than others?  All these variables will determine if it will take you weeks, months, or years to finish.

Remember, you cannot make it in today’s world without a high school diploma or an equivalent diploma.  Therefore, you should focus on achieving this goal, no matter how long it takes.