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A program of courses specifically designed to address the basic education needs of adults is offered through the Adult Education Department. These courses provide instruction in three areas: adult basic education (ABE) for students with reading skills below the ninth-grade level, adult secondary education (ASE) for students with ninth-grade and above reading levels who are preparing for the Illinois High School Diploma (IHSD) Certificate, and English as a Second Language (ESL) for limited English proficient students who want to improve their English language skills. Bridge and transitional career pathway courses are offered to assist learners in the process of choosing a career, changing a career, and building foundational skills.
ABE, ASE, and ESL courses provide instruction to meet the educational needs of the adult learner. Thus, instruction may be provided through individualized, group, or online formats. Instructional materials and methods are chosen based on educational abilities, strengths and weaknesses, and giving learners an opportunity to determine the content of their learning experience. Instruction with the use of technology and current materials are important components of instruction. Regular testing and assessment of student abilities and progress are provided to determine the accomplishments and needs of the learner.
Student-centered instruction adapts the basic curriculum to address student needs and learning styles. This approach allows students to set their own objectives and progress at the pace needed to make them successful.
To residents of the Kishwaukee College district, ABE, ASE, Bridge, and ESL classes are provided at no cost depending on federal and state funding. Textbooks are provided at no cost for classroom use.
Classes are offered on campus and at community locations throughout the district. Day and evening classes are available.
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Courses offered under this area cover instruction appropriate for adults with first through eighth-grade equivalency reading levels. The curriculum includes instruction in reasoning through language arts, mathematical reasoning, social studies, science, and the U.S. Constitution at the pre-high school level. In addition, courses in adult basic education also include subjects in the following life skills areas: interpersonal communication, career/job preparation, occupational knowledge, job search, computer literacy, community resources, consumer education, government and law, health and safety, family, and civics.
Click on Adult Basic Education (ABE) to view all the Adult Basic Education courses in the catalog.
Adult Secondary Education(ASE)
Courses offered in this area will prepare adults for completion of the requirements for the Illinois High School Diploma (IHSD). Adults study the following GEDR test areas: reasoning through language arts, mathematical reasoning, social studies, science, and the U.S. Constitution. In addition, courses in adult secondary education subjects in the following life skills areas: interpersonal communication, career/job preparation, occupational knowledge, job search, computer literacy, community resources, consumer education, government and law, health and safety, family, and civics. Students receive counseling and career guidance to transition to college programs.
Click on Adult Secondary Education (ASE) to view all the Adult Secondary Education (ASE) courses in the catalog.
Courses offered in Spanish provide instruction for Illinois High School Diploma (IHSD) preparation. Spanish IHSD classes prepare students for the Spanish GEDR tests. Students lacking English language skills are also encouraged to attend ESL classes.
Illinois High School Diploma (IHSD) Testing
GEDR tests are administered through Testing Services at Kishwaukee College. Examinees may take the tests in English or Spanish. Tests are also available to accommodate a documented disability. More information is available on the College’s website www.kish.edu or at the Testing Services department.
For those whose first language is not English, an English language program is offered that addresses the language needs of adults with limited English proficiency. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses give adults lacking adequate English language skills the necessary instruction to meet their daily communication needs at home, in the community, and at work. ESL courses cover language training in listening comprehension, oral communication, reading, writing, critical thinking, pronunciation, and computer literacy. Cultural awareness assists newcomers in their adjustment to the United States. ESL instruction is provided for beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. A variety of textbooks, instructional aids and teaching methods address the varying language needs of multicultural, and multi-level classes.
Click on English as a Second Language (ESL) to view all the English as a Second Language courses in the catalog.
Advanced ESL and Academic ESL classes are offered to help students improve language skills for employment and academic needs. Students in Advanced and Academic ESL classes develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation, study skills and learning strategies.
Bridge and Transitional Career Pathway courses will assist adult learners in the process of choosing a career, changing careers, or selecting a post-secondary pathway. The purpose is to help explore careers and make decisions about training and education necessary for specific careers. Bridge programming provides foundational skills, workforce preparation, and career development, as well as transition services to job training or post-secondary education.
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