The J. F. Drake State Technical College Adult Education Program offers FREE Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary, High School Exit Exam Classes and Workplace Education instruction focused on assisting our students in obtaining the knowledge and skills required for self-sufficiency and employment. Classes are designed to be open entry open exit. Orientation is required before entering adult education classes.

 Areas of Instruction:

• Basic Skills Instruction

• GED Preparation - traditional and online

• Workforce Development

EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE AND
PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
REQUIREMENTS

Alabama’s adult education program will provide quality adult education and literacy services to Alabamians at no cost to them. Adult education classes provide a second opportunity for adult learners committed to improving their academic and life skills which will:

• Allow all adults to obtain basic skills necessary to function in society and to have a positive effect on the literacy of their children.

• Enable adult learners who so desire to continue their education to at least the level of completion of secondary schools.

• Make available to adult learners the means to obtain training that will allow them to become more employable, productive and responsible citizens.

To achieve this purpose, J.F. Drake State Technical College developed the Adult Education program to provide a connection to state, regional and local government programs and community based volunteer programs.
 

BASIC SKILLS and GED PREPARATION

Our classes are designed to assess our learner’s basic skills. ABS Classes are designed for students who do not have a high school diploma and need to review and improve basic reading, math, and language skills. Anyone who needs to upgrade reading and math skills can benefit from this service. A pre-test will help you assess your current skills and will identify specific areas where you can improve those skills to make you more employable. Because the program is individualized, the length of preparation depends on each student’s abilities and starting level, attendance, and motivation.
 

GED PREPARATION WITH ONLINE LESSONS

If you're seriously considering your career options and ways to increase them, you may have thought about how they would improve were you to get a GED. About one in seven high school diplomas issued in the United States each year is based on passing the GED Test. Those with a high school diploma are able to go right into the workplace, or continue with their education at the college, university or skilled trade level. The increasing competitiveness of the modern job market has made it more and more important for all adults seeking employment to have at least a high school diploma. GED online lessons is the first continuing adult education website dedicated to helping you prepare online for the GED High School Equivalency Diploma Test. If you're seriously considering your career options and ways to increase them, you may have thought about how they would improve were you to get a GED. Participants who commit themselves and complete the course successfully can be confident in the attempt to pass the GED test. The Adult Education program at Drake State is stretching the boundaries of learning into the 21st century for those seeking a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) by offering this online component. The state of Alabama was the first to offer GED preparation classes in an online program and our students will see the benefits. You can continue your high school adult education by working at your own pace. This unique feature we've integrated in the classroom increases the probability of more students successfully passing and removes the limits of achieving a high school diploma.
 

CLASS LOCATIONS

Oscar Mason Community Center
149 Mason Court, NW
Huntsville, Alabama 35805
 

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
REQUIREMENTS:

In accordance with The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (Title II, Workforce Investment Act of 1998, P.L. 105-220), to be eligible to enroll in an adult education program individuals:

Must be 16 years of age or older (those who are 16 or 17 years of age are required to provide written proof of withdrawal from school)

Not be enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under Alabama law

Lack sufficient mastery of basic educational skills to enable them to function effectively in society

Have not earned a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent and have not achieved an equivalent level of education

And/or are unable to speak, read, or write the English language

TUITION FREE
COLLEGE COURSE
 

J. F. Drake State Technical College and the Department of Postsecondary Education, will offer students who successfully complete the GED exam one tuition FREE college level class for credit. “Students who have completed the GED may want to continue the learning process. Our goal is to give them the experience of college and hopefully they will want to continue and earn an Associate degree or a training certificate.”
 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

READY TO WORK

Employers seek skilled employees that possess a strong work ethic. Ready to Work is a FREE Workforce Development course designed to prepare a student to be the best qualified applicant and to assist employers in filling their jobs with top candidates. This is a credential awarded to students who have successfully passed designated assessments. A student who has earned a Ready to Work Credential will be considered equipped with skills needed to enter the workforce. The Ready to Work curriculum includes Workplace Ethics, Manufacturing, Problem Solving/Conflict Resolution, Computer Training and Job Acquisition. Participants prepare for the Alabama Certified Worker credential which ensures employers that they have met the requirements of today’s workplace.
 

WORKKEYS/CAREER READINESS CERTIFICATE

Many employers find WorkKeys scores helpful in determining applicants that demonstrate specific job skills. WorkKeys assists employers in identifying on-the-job skills their workers need to accomplish essential duties amid frequently changing business conditions—thereby empowering each employee to contribute their best effort to the organization. As a national system to measure job skills, WorkKeys establishes links between work skills, training, and testing for educational providers and employers. In addition, the program offers employers insights for complying with mandates of federal regulatory programs as well as legislation. Additionally, WorkKeys supports economic and workforce development, providing a foundation for workplace readiness training.
 

JOBS READINESS
INSTRUCTION

The JOBS training program is a part of Welfare Reform that prepares recipients for training and employment that to move them from welfare dependence into the ranks of productive, self- sufficient citizens. The State Department of Education and Department of Human Resources have entered into a statewide contract in which adult education provides an intensive, short-term component, consisting of formal classroom training designed to prepare the student to successfully seek and maintain employment. Activities may include application completion, preparing resumes, interview techniques, ways to locate job openings, general workplace expectations, and the behaviors and attitudes necessary to compete successfully in the labor market. Addressing students’ personal priorities, self-esteem issues, and time/money management concepts may be included in training.
 

Adult Education Instructor
Gail Fisch
gail.fisch@drakestate.edu
.

For information about class meetings, registration and
orientation contact:

Ryan E. Smith
Director of Adult Education
3421 Meridian Street North
Huntsville, AL 35811
PH: 256.551.5211
Fax: 256.551.5217
ryan.smith@drakestate.edu
www.drakestate.edu

Register for GED classes every Friday at 8:00 a.m.
We ask that you arrive before 8:00 a.m. in Building F Room 1