Fall 2009 Program Guide

Learning is lifelong. In Chesterfield County, the school system’s Adult Continuing Education program helps residents 18 and older build exciting, successful futures. Each year, thousands of adults learn through Adult Continuing Education, exemplifying the School Board’s vision of thriving, dynamic and inspiring educational environments that produce self-directed learners and stimulate citizens of all ages to trust in, invest in and benefit from public education.

Adult Continuing Education offers GED® classes and tests, English for Speakers of Other Languages classes, workforce training and enrichment classes:

General Educational Development, also known as GED
A GED certificate is equivalent to a high school diploma. Adults who want to earn a GED undergo an assessment, participate in preparation classes, then take tests in reading, writing, social studies, science and mathematics. Fourteen teachers, day and night classes at seven sites and access to computer labs help adults achieve their GED. Preparation classes cost $50, and tests cost $45. GED students whose children are in Head Start may qualify for free tuition.

English for Speakers of Other Languages, also known as ESOL
Adults learn English in a comfortable environment with friends and family as they improve their reading, writing, listening and speaking. ESOL classes cost $50.

Workforce training
Workforce training benefits everyone: employees, future employees, employers, families, the greater community. At the Chesterfield Technical Center, Adult Continuing Education offers workforce certification classes in building trades, cosmetology theory, dental assisting, medical assisting, legal systems administration, nail technology, nursing assisting, phlebotomy and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. At Bird High School in partnership with Associated Builders and Contractors, apprenticeship classes are offered in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, electricity and plumbing.

Enrichment classes
Just-for-fun classes are offered throughout the county in eight high schools. Areas of study (and specific examples) are business essentials (grant writing, workplace manners), computers and technology (web page design, digital photography), financial planning (retirement, debt management), languages (Spanish, sign language), home improvement (interior design, maintenance), arts and crafts (drawing, floral design) and special interest (party decorating, golf). Dozens of other classes are also offered.

Super Senior Passport
Super Senior Passports allow Chesterfield County residents who are 60 and older to take some Adult Continuing Education courses for a discounted fee. Details are included in every Adult Continuing Education program guide. The passport also provides free admission to many school events and games. Call 748-1405 or click here to get a Super Senior Passport.

Part-time teachers wanted
The GED and ESOL programs need part-time teachers who are available to teach 6:30-8:30 p.m. twice a week. A bachelor’s degree is required; teaching certification or adult education certification is preferred. The pay is $22.29 per hour.

Also, adults who would like to share their expertise, skills or talents with other adults are encouraged to apply to teach workforce or enrichment classes.

Employment application

More information
A program guide of all Adult Continuing Education classes is published and updated online in August and December. Printed copies are available in all Chesterfield libraries, the School Administration Building and the County Administration Building.

Adult Continuing Education brochure
Adult Continuing Education Application
Course Proposal

The Adult Continuing Education office is located in Room 215 of the Chesterfield Technical Center, 10101 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. The office is open for registration 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Adult Continuing Education Office
10101 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
(804) 768-6140
fax (804) 768-1658
AdultEd@ccpsnet.net

Adult Continuing Education Contacts

Debbie Hinton, Administrator
768-6140, ext. 1917
Deborah_Hinton@ccpsnet.net

Dawn Wells, Chief Examiner - GED Testing, GED Classes
768-6140, ext. 1920
Dawn_Wells@ccpsnet.net

Windell Roquemore
Coordinator, ESL Classes
768-6140, ext. 1914
Windell_Roquemore@ccpsnet.net

General Education Development (GED) Prep Classes

Course Overview
Many adults choose to complete the GED, a high school equivalency. Adults complete an initial assessment to determine their readiness to study for the GED. Subjects that students study to complete the GED are Language Arts-Writing,which includes an Essay, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts-Reading, and Mathematics.

Classes are designed more informally giving adults multiple choices in the learning process. Students control their learning by setting goals and developing plans to execute them. Textbooks and a variety of workbooks are available for students. Success results from working through the exercises, asking the instructor questions, or using basic educational programs available on the computer. Various workshops or small group activities may be available based upon student need.

Completion of a GED preparation class is not required for taking the GED, however it is strongly encouraged.

At the completion of the class:
· The student applies concepts and principles to the five areas of the GED test.
· The student recognizes unstated assumptions.
· Students analyze the organizational structure of a variety of writing.
· The student distinguishes between fact and inferences.

GED Testing

GED Registration and Testing Schedule

GED Test Resources
For information about the GED test, visit the GED Testing Service or print an overview of the test GED Test for 2002 and Beyond. (Requires Acrobat)

To view videos and download studying tips, visit the following web sites:

http://www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/ged/etp/2002_resource.htm

http://www.vaged.vcu.edu/study.shtml

Pre-GED Classes

Course Overview

Chesterfield County offers opportunities for adults to improve their basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. An initial assessment is provided to all adults interested in classes to determine the student's level and needs. Efforts are made to group students based upon similar strengths and abilities. Classes are designed more informally giving adults multiple choices in the learning process. Students control their learning by setting goals and developing plans to execute them. Textbooks and a variety of workbooks are available for students. Adults work through exercises, ask the instructor questions, or begin using basic educational programs available on the computer. Various workshops or small group activities may be available based on student need. Students are encouraged to make the most of learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Many of the adults that start in a Pre-GED class move on to study for the GED.

At the completion of the class:
· The student demonstrates an understanding of facts and principles regarding reading, writing, and mathematics.
· The student interprets charts, graphs, verbal, and other written materials.

GED Registration and Testing Schedule

Please email questions or comments: adult_education@ccpsnet.net

Adult Education Volunteers

The Adult Continuing Education Officeseeks adult volunteers who possess a variety of experience in various specialty areas. Our classes provide fun and flexible learning environments, affordability, convenience, and most importantly an opportunity for life-long learning. Maybe you would like to volunteer with one of our many different classes.

If you would like to become part of a special team, download and complete the appropriate application below. A resume may be submitted but will not subsitute for an application.

You will need Adobe Acrobat to download and print the application. Additional information about the Adult Education program is provided below.

Volunteer Application

Frequently asked questions

What volunteer opportunities are available through the Adult Education Program?

The Adult Continuing Education program provides instruction to adults in the tri-city area. We seek volunteers in the following areas:

Adult Basic Education and Literacy (ABE)
Adult Education GED Preparation (GED)
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Translator Language Ability
Vocational Content Areas
Special Needs Students

Why become involved in the Adult Continuing Education Program?
Active role in shaping and improving the community
Professional development and personal growth
Opportunity for year-round income

When are the classes offered?
Classes meet primarily in the evenings from either 6:30 until 8:30 PM or from 7-9 PM, Monday through Thursday. The Adult Continuing Education office works with the instructor’s schedule to offer classes.

Where are the classes offered?
The local middle schools and high schools as well as some churches and businesses serve as class sites.

What is the average class enrollment? How long do classes last?
Class enrollment ranges from 10–25 students depending on the class.

Class duration may be from 2 hours to fifteen weeks.