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 for an Orientation and Assessment session. These sessions are regularly scheduled at the Adult Education Center located in G Building on the Caldwell Campus and at the Watauga Campus (W-460). 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. Also, career exploration is included during the time students are working on readiness skills. Books and materials specially 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.
CAFE - Career Assistance For Everyone – Students wishing to enter the workforce can also enroll in the Caldwell CAFE program (Career Assistance For Everyone). This program offers students who have barriers to employment, including learning differences or challenges, the opportunity to gain the education and skills needed for successful employment. Hands-on work experiences, job related academics, as well as life and soft skills instruction are offered. Upon successful completion of this two-year program, students will receive a certification of completion, a professional resume, a letter of recommendation, and job search assistance. Students must meet programmatic criteria.
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 transition to employment or postsecondary education. 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 and/or computer-based 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. Orientation and assessment sessions are offered monthly for new students. 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 Diploma Program is for any student who wants to complete their high school diploma. Offered in affiliation with Caldwell and Watauga County Boards of Education, the diploma earned in this program bears the official seal of the college and the county school system.
Adult High School is best suited for those students who have less than 10 credits to complete and can commit at least 10 hours per week to school. A total of 22 credits must be completed for graduation. Applicants may receive transfer credits for courses previously completed in public, private or home school.
Adult High School offers a flexibly paced schedule on either the Caldwell or Watauga campuses that uses a blended instruction format. Students can attend classes on campus or online or a combination of both to complete their assignments and earn their needed courses. There are no tuition fees for classes.
A graduation ceremony is held each spring for students who have completed all credit requirements during the previous year.
Adult High School Graduation Requirements:
|
| 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 1 and 2, Civics and Economics and 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 may be held on campus, in the community, and in the workplace. Students in these classes can also prepare for the United States Citizenship exam, and participate in Integrated Education and Training programs, which will allow them to continue ELA classes while taking workplace training classes at the same time.
Family Literacy – Adults in need of instruction may attend class with their children ages 6 weeks to 5 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.