Adult Education Programs
The Adult Education programs offer support and instruction for anyone who does not have a high school credential or needs assistance in improving reading, writing, math, or English skills. Staff members are always available to talk with anyone who is interested in enrolling in any program. The first step in the enrollment process is to contact the Adult Education department, obtain an enrollment packet, and set up an appointment with an advisor. Advising and assessment sessions are regularly scheduled at the Adult Education Center located in G Building on the Caldwell Campus and at the Watauga Adult Education Center (W-250). Minor applicants, 16-17 years old, must bring a completed Minor Permission Form. Potential students may call the Adult Education office to request a packet or to make an appointment to talk with an advisor about educational opportunities and entering any of the following programs.
ABE – Adult Basic Education classes are offered for people who would like help learning basic speaking, reading, writing, and math skills. These classes are also available for high school graduates who are not prepared for college level classes and would like to update their skills. Instruction is provided in science and social studies as well. Time and resources are also included for career exploration during the time students are working on readiness skills. Books and materials especially prepared for adult learners are available and students can work at an individual pace and/or enroll in classes that address specific topics. Instructors in direct instruction classes or lab settings are available to assist students in this pre-high school program. Tutoring can often be arranged either with volunteers or through the Academic Support Center.
HSE - High School Equivalency – The HSE program is designed to give adults who have less than a 12th-grade education an opportunity to earn a high school equivalency diploma and to get started on a career pathway of their choice. Classes are offered on the Caldwell and Watauga campuses, and in the community. Individualized and group instruction is provided. Individuals may prepare for the 2014 GED® test series or the HiSET test series. The GED® test is administered via computer and has four sections: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. The HiSET is a paper/pencil 5 test battery: Writing, Reading, Social Studies, Science, and Math. Potential students wanting to earn a high school equivalency may enroll and complete the program at any time during the semester. Initial advising and placement testing for new students is offered weekly. HSE completers participate in graduation ceremonies each spring.
Adult Education Online – The Online Adult Education program is for anyone who would like to participate in Adult Education programming, but enjoys the flexibility of an online setting. Prospective students must have completed Adult Education advising and assessment on campus and have met with the online instructor prior to enrolling in the online program. Eligibility requirements must be met.
Adult High School Diploma – The Adult High School Program is for anyone who wants to earn a high school diploma. Adult High School classes are offered at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Caldwell County and Watauga County. There are no tuition fees for classes. Textbooks are provided free of charge for use in the classroom.
Adult High School classes operate on an 8-week schedule, five sessions per year. One unit of credit is earned for each class completed. A graduation ceremony is held at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir every May for students who have completed all credit requirements during the previous year.
Adult High School Graduation Requirements
A total of 22 units must be completed for graduation. Applicants may receive transfer credits for courses previously completed in public, private, or home school. If there are no credits to transfer, a student may earn all 22 units in the Adult High School Diploma Program. The graduation requirements are:
| A minimum score of 9.0 on the Reading, Language Skills, and Math Placement tests |
| English |
4 units |
| Mathematics |
4 units (to include Math I, II, and III) |
| Science |
3 units (to include Biology, Earth and Environmental, and Physical Science) |
| Social Studies |
4 units (to include American History Pt 1 and Pt 2, Government/Economics, World History) |
| Health or PE |
1 unit |
| Electives |
6 units |
| |
22 units |
ELA – English Language Acquisition (formerly known as English as a Second Language) classes are designed for non-native students who need to learn to speak, read, or write English. Classes are held on campus, in the community, and sometimes in the workplace. Students in these classes can also prepare for the United States Citizenship exam.
Family Literacy – Adults in need of instruction may attend class with their children ages three years to five years. These classes provide comprehensive and intensive services to families. Components of the program include Adult Basic Education/High School Equivalency/English Language Acquisition, Parent Education, Parent/Child Together Time, and Early Childhood Education. Classes meet in community sites in Caldwell and Watauga counties.
Special Populations – The College Compass and Workforce Ready programs are designed for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities or traumatic brain injury. The programs' goal is to assist people to become literate in reading, language, math, and technology. These programs will also help people obtain the knowledge and skills to explore and prepare for a career. In addition, students can further their education in order to obtain a certificate in a Workforce Ready Program career area. Classes meet in community sites and on campus.