GED, Adult Basic Education, Literacy
The phone number for signing up to take the GED exam is 847.328.9795.
Description of classes: The General Educational Development
(GED) Program offers preparation for the GED (high school equivalency)
examination in English or Spanish. The Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Program provides courses to adults who test below the GED level
and
need to improve basic reading and math skills before they qualify
to move into the GED level. In addition, literacy classes are offered
at Truman College for adults who need to learn to read and write.
The length of time necessary to prepare for the GED exam depends on a combination of factors including the student's initial reading and math scores, previous years of education, length of time out of school, level of motivation, and amount of time available for study and homework.
Who can take classes: In general, students must be at least 18 years old in order to enroll in Adult Education classes. However, 16- and 17-year-olds may register with an official release letter certifying that they are no longer attending high school. (Recent arrivals to Chicago age 16 or 17 must have a parent or guardian fill out a form verifying that they have never attended a Chicago-area public school.)
Adult Education classes are intended for people who live in or near Chicago. They are not appropriate for I-20 students (those in the U.S. with F1 student visas), nor are they appropriate for short-term visitors to the U.S.
How to register: There are five registration periods throughout the year. In order to serve new students better, registration (including placement testing) is done by appointment. New students should call 773.907.4350 to hear information about placement testing and when they can pick up an appointment ticket for the next registration. Children should not be brought to the placement test, which takes about two hours.
Prospective GED students are encouraged to take the placement test before registration day to make the process easier. Students can stop by Room 2424 approximately one month before each registration to sign up for an advance testing date. For information about our next registration please visit our announcements.
Supplemental classes: A limited number of supplemental classes are available in Basic Writing, Career Development, and Basic Math. These courses are held on Friday mornings, as well as other times in the morning, early afternoon, and evening. Students must be enrolled in a regular Adult Education class in order to qualify for supplemental classes. Teachers will provide students with more details including registration information.
Graduation Ceremony: Each June, a graduation ceremony is held for all students who passed the GED test since the previous June. This is a wonderful opportunity for families, friends, teachers, and the College administration to honor our successful students. Because the Adult Education Program wants to be certain to invite every graduate to the ceremony, students are asked to inform their teachers or the Adult Education office when they pass the GED test, so that an invitation can be sent.
Credit-in-Escrow Program: Outstanding students currently enrolled in the GED level, and who will still be taking GED the following semester, are invited to participate in the Credit-in-Escrow Program. This program allows students to take one college credit course tuition-free. (Fees still apply.) The credits earned will be held in escrow until the student demonstrates proof of having earned a GED certificate. In addition to performing well in their GED classes, participating students are required have a minimum reading level score of 9.0 and must have enough free time to devote to the credit course as well as to the five GED subject areas. Interested students should speak to their teacher as well as to a college advisor in Room 1112.
