Calloway/Livingston Co. Adult Education

1. Calloway/Livingston Co. Adult Education Welcome! We are so glad you’re here! If you have any questions during this orientation, feel free to ask!

2. Before we get started… Write these down on a piece of paper…. • Why are you coming to the learning center? • What 3 questions do you want answered today?

3. Who do we serve? We serve anyone who • is 16 and up and is officially withdrawn from school – if you are 16, 17, or 18 you must get your official withdrawal form from the last school you attended. The form must have your withdrawal date on it or proof that you are not currently enrolled in the school district in which you reside with your name, birthdate, and social security number on school letterhead. • does not have a high school diploma or GED • scores 11.9 or lower on any section of the TABE test (if there is a HS diploma or GED)

4. Program Offerings • Reading, Math, and Language instruction • GED/ACT/Compass test prep • English as a Second Language • WIA preparation • Praxis preparation • WorkKeys testing (to qualify for the National Readiness Certificate)

5. How much does it cost? Everything we do here at the learning center is FREE!! The GED test costs $60. If you need to retake a section, the fee is $30 for the Language Arts Writing, $30 for the Math, and $30 combined for Science, Social Studies, and Reading. The fee will not exceed the cost of the original $60. If you cannot afford the test fee, please discuss options with Anica.

6. Calloway Co. Adult Education Staff Cathy Elias June Vander Molen Anica Smith Debbie Royal Kathy Walls

7. Livingston Co. Adult Education Staff

8. What can you expect? We think it is only fair that you know what you can expect from us. A dedicated staff that will… …keep your best interest in mind. …be knowledgeable of adult education materials and options. …maintain regular contact. …be knowledgeable of outside services. …be prepared for class. …offer professional, courteous service.

9. Basic Rules • Sign in and out on the computer • Food and Drinks are allowed in the center – just be careful and clean up your messes • Cell phones should be on silent or vibrate – they are very distracting to you and your fellow students – if you have to take a call, please go to the front or outside – remember everyone around you can hear your conversations • No tobacco products inside the building • You must attend regularly in order to achieve your goals

10. Let’s Set Some Goals When you learn anything new, it is a good idea to set a goal for yourself. Why are you here? Goals need to be specific, realistic, and positive. EX: “I will earn my GED within one year.” “I will solve math story problems within 2 months of attending adult education.” “I will write a passing essay by the time I take my Official Practice Test.” “ I will refresh the fractions I have forgotten within one week.” “First say to yourself what you would be, and then do what you have to do.” Epictetus, Greek philosopher (50-120 AD)

11. Ponder this. Here are some questions to help you define your goals. Take out a sheet of paper and answer each question. Turn it in to your instructor for your folder. • What is your long-term personal goal for this class? • How much time are you willing to commit to achieving this goal? • What are some things that you need to learn more about in order to reach your long-term goals? • What employment goals do you have and what do you need to do to achieve them? • Can you identify any things that are getting in your way of you achieving your goals? (Examples: lack of time, little family support, fear)

12. Goal Webbing How will your goals effect the other areas of your life? Work Family My Goals Yourself Community

13. Lists to Think About List reasons why you want to work on your education. List your strengths and skills that will help improve your education List ways you think having a GED will change your life. List people or relationships that will help you earn your GED.

14. Now your goals are concrete! Dreams are simply wishes floating around in clouds. Any goal you do not write down is just a dream. Goals that are written require action. They must be done. Commit to your goals and you can achieve them!

15. Famous GED Graduates Bill Cosby (Comedian/Actor) Dave Thomas (Founder of Wendy’s) Michael J. Fox (Actor/Parkinson’s Advocate) Waylon Jennings (Country Singer) John Michael Montgomery (Country Singer) Mary Lou Retton (Olympic Gold Medalist/Gymnastics) Ruth Ann Minner (Delaware Lt. Governor) Ben Nighthorse Campbell (US Senator) Wally Amos (Famous Amos Cookies) Chris Rock (Comedian/Actor) Peter Jennings (News Anchor) Nicholas Cage (Actor) Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead) David Bowie (Singer) Danica Patrick (Indy Race Car Driver) Mark Wahlberg (Actor) Richard Carmona (US Surgeon General) Who surprises you? Look at their jobs – you can do anything you set your mind to!

16. Programs to help • Work and Learn – If you are receiving KTAP and are volunteering at an agency, you qualify for this paid experience. It is designed to help you get your education and receive some pay. Contact Jennifer Etherton at 270-534-3257 • WIA – After you get your GED, this program can help you pay for 2 years of college study in an in demand field. You must meet eligibility requirements. Calloway Co. contact 270-761-3903 and ask for Mary. Livingston Co. contact 270-886-9484 and ask for Julie. • Audobon – If you are receiving KTAP and you are studying for your GED, you may qualify for subsidized or free childcare. Ask your KTAP case worker about this.

17. What is the process? • Talk to one of the instructors – tell them what you need. • Take the TABE test to find out where you are in Reading, Math, and Language • Consult with an instructor to set up a schedule • Come to class and/or study – your instructors will not hold you back • Improve on your enrollment tests by retesting on the TABE • Once you’ve improved significantly, take the Official Practice Test • Register to take the GED test on the computer and sign several pieces of paper. At this time we will discuss GED test fee payment ($60). • Go take the test – Remember to Breathe and Relax – one question at a time! • Come back to study for the college entrance exam (Compass or ACT)

18. Adult Education is not like regular school. We do not give grades! We help you master skills that you need to be successful to reach your personal learning goals. You will not be issued a text book. You will move through lessons and classes at your pace. Your teachers plan for you, personally. There is more than one way to reach your educational goals. Call if you cannot make your scheduled appointment!

19. TABE? What is it? Why do I have to take it? The TABE is the Test of Adult Basic Education. It comes in 5 different levels and tests reading, math, and language skills. Almost everyone in Adult Education will take the TABE test because it is recognized at the state and national levels as an approved assessment of basic skills. We use the results to determine where you need to begin your studies, so you won’t have to study what you already know. T A B E

20. Math Anxiety? Here are some tips. Jimmy Chang – Math Expert – Suggests…. 1. Keep an open mind – don’t sell yourself short! • Ask questions – your teachers are there to help • Make the commitment – don’t just rely on what you do in class – practice at home. • Don’t rely on memorization – Use logic to figure things out. • Accept credit or responsibility – if you do well, great! You did it, if not, why not? Check out Jimmy Chang on YouTube – Math Basics: How to Deal with Math Anxiety! Homework tip: If you are doing homework and get frustrated, walk away for a little while, and then come back. If you still don’t understand, mark your work and put it away until you come back and get help. If you do not finish your homework, come back for your next appointment anyway!

21. Schedules We do have schedules of when things are offered. The schedule not only helps to keep us organized, but it also helps you to commit specific time in your life to accomplish your educational goals. Talk to any of the staff to find out when things are happening as they may change due to student interest and availability.

22. Several Options for Learning Small class instruction – You can work with several other students in a class setting. Individualized instruction – You can work with an instructor one-on-one. Distance learning – You can come in, work with an instructor, and then take homework home. When you finish your work, you can come back in, get your questions answered and get more work. Online learning – If you have access to high speed internet, you can use our online program called ITTS. KET-GED Connections – You can pay your GED test fee of $60 and send it in to KET. You will receive 3 workbooks to work through while watching KET GED on TV. Combination of everything.

23. What are the benefits of earning a GED? According to GED Testing Service Passing the GED exam indicates that you possess a high school level education. 98% of US colleges and universities accept GED credentialing 96% of US employers accept GED credentialing Sense of accomplishment Check out their YouTube Video –What are the benefits of earing a GED?

24. Let’s talk about the GED The Tests of General Educational Development (GED) are standardized tests designed to measure learning outcomes that are generally acquired through the completion of high school. Here is a summary of the five sections of the GED:

25. Scoring The GED test standard scores range from 200 to 800. A passing score is a minimum of 410 on each section with a minimum of a 450 average or a total of 2250 points. However; the better the score is, the more likely you are to earn scholarships for college. 200 450 800 You CAN do this!

26. So, what if I do not pass the tests? If you pass some sections and not others, you only have to retake the sections you do not pass! You will need to come back to the center, brush up, and retake the Official Practice Test in the sections you are retaking. We will help you sign up with a test site and each section you retake will cost $30 for Math, $30 for Writing and $30 for Science, Social Studies, and Reading combined.

27. Where do you go to take the GED test? We work with 3 GED test sites in our area. • West KY Community and Technical College in Paducah • Hopkinsville Community College in Hopkinsville • Caldwell Co. School Board Office in Princeton

28. How long will this take me? There is no easy answer. It depends on the following questions: What are your goals? What are your skills? How motivated are you? How much time can you devote to this? How do you learn? The only answer we can give you is that it is different for each person.

29. Life after the GED • The GED qualifies you for more job opportunities. Go and fill out all those applications! • If you want to go to college, fill out the FAFSA online http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ • Look up the school you want to attend and find out enrollment procedures, deadlines, and fees. • Check out the book Adults Returning to School to see what advice the KHEAA gives you. (It’s available here.) • Fill out a career interest survey. A good one is available at www.livecareer.com • Begin studying for your college entrance exams, either the COMPASS or the ACT. Sign up for the test! www.act.org

30. Can I get into college with the GED? YES!!!! The GED certificate is accepted by about 98% of U.S. colleges and universities. GED graduates are also eligible for most federal financial aid programs provided they meet other criteria. It is VERY important that GED graduates take the ACT test right after earning the GED.

31. Show Respect • Value yourself. Be honest and ethical, and practice strong moral values. • Treat all members of the learning center and all visitors with politeness and respect. • Honor the ideas and opinions of others. • Offer to help. • Be responsible with property and belongings.

32. Negative Influences • If you have taken drugs or have drunk heavily in the past, it will impact your learning! It will take time to rebuild your brain for learning, but you can do it. • We do not allow drugs or alcohol on site – we don’t want it or need it! • Smoking and tobacco products must be used outside. Please use the ash tray outside for your used cigarettes – we have to pick them up with our fingers and we don’t like to do that (yuck!) Thank you!

33. This is your time! • VERY Important! If something is not working for you, please let us know. We do not want you leaving here frustrated or let down. Talk to us if you have a problem here or at home. We might be able to help. • Call if you can’t make your scheduled appointment. That way we know what is going on and we won’t worry. • Scheduled appointments work best. We plan for your session, so if you just drop in, we might not be able to help you.

34. Contact Information Calloway County Adult Education Anica Smith, Coordinator Calloway Phone: 270-759-5525 Fax: 270-759-9985 Email: alsmith@murray-ky.net Livingston Phone: 270-928-3337 Fax: 2070-928 4808 Email: livingstonadulted@gmail.com Supervisor Susan Jackson Director WKEC Adult Ed. Consortium 809-6872 Susan.jackson@wkec.org