LEARNING AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT
Basic Skills
Improve your reading, math, vocabulary, English skills, or complete your GED. You can also learn to help your child with homework, or learn some skills to help you get a better job. Learn at your own pace in a classroom atmosphere in either Alexander or Catawba county.
All Basic Skills programs are designed for ADULTS and are FREE!
Learn more about our programs below!GED (General Education Development - high school diploma equivalency)
Study to successfully pass the series of 5 GED tests. The series includes: Literature and the Arts - understanding what you read; Social Studies; Science; Writing Skills - including an essay; and Math - from basic computation, fractions, decimals & percents, measurements, to algebra and geometry. After attending a New Beginnings GED Orientation, students can attend class any of the open lab hours.
Classes are offered:
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. & 4:30 - 8 p.m.
Fridays 8 a.m. - noon; Saturdays 9 a.m. - noon
Want to study for the GED on the Internet?
Contact Mary Tucker at 828-327-7000, ext. 4208, or email mtucker@cvcc.edu.
GED® FAQs
What is the current cost to take the GED® test?
· Beginning January 1, 2013, the GED® testing fee for paper-based tests is $35 per student for a complete battery of tests including any re-testing.
· This one-time fee shall be charged to all students who have not taken at least one paper-based test within the GED battery prior to January 1, 2013.
· Students who began the GED test at the $7.50 or $25 rate prior to January 1, 2013, are not required to pay any additional fees.
· This $35 charge will be in effect for the duration of NC Community Colleges offering paper-based testing.
I've already begun taking the 2002 series of GED® tests. Will I be able to continue taking these tests in 2013?
· The 2002 series of GED® tests is currently offered via North Carolina's community colleges. This series of tests will be available until December 31, 2013.
What's the difference between the 2002 series of GED® tests and the new tests offered in 2014?
· The 2002 GED® test series is comprised of five content areas: social studies, science, mathematics, reading and writing.
· GED® Testing Service announced that a new, computer-based assessment would be aligned with state common core standards.
· The 2014 GED® test series is comprised of four content areas: literacy, mathematics, science and social studies.
· This new battery of tests will be launched January, 2014, replacing the 2002 battery of tests.
· Scores from the 2002 series of GED® tests are not transferable to the 2014 assessment.
I've heard all GED® tests will soon be delivered via computer. What does this mean?
· At this time, North Carolina testing locations do not offer computer-based testing. The $35 total fee noted above remains in place for paper-based testing.
· In 2010 it was announced that, through a collaboration with Pearson Vue, GED® tests would begin a transition to computer-based testing, with all assessments being delivered via computer by January 2014.
· System Office staff are working with GED® Chief Examiners at the colleges to implement the transition from paper to computer-based testing, beginning in summer 2013 with full implementation expected by 2014.
My testing location plans to offer computer-based tests in summer 2013. Does this mean I can no longer take the paper-based test?
· Test-takers will continue to have the option to take the paper-based, 2002 battery of tests through December 2013.
Will computer-based tests cost more than paper-based tests?
· GED® Testing Service currently charges a fee of $24 per test for computer-based assessments, with an additional $24 charged for any re-tests.
· Through December 2013, any computer-based testing will be offered on a self-supporting basis, meaning students taking computer-based GED® tests would be charged the $24 per test fee.
· At this time, the North Carolina Community College System has not yet identified the GED® testing fee for 2014. Any changes to GED® testing fees would require action by the State Board of Community Colleges.
We hold a cap & gown GED Graduation Ceremony every year. |
ABE (Adult Basic Education)
Learn to read, improve your vocabulary, and read messages at home or work. Teachers work with you one-on-one to help you read and understand better.
Classes are offered:
Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 1 pm
Friday, 8 AM to Noon
Tuesday and Thursday, 5 to 8 PM
Drop by the CVCC East Campus, or call 828-327-7000, ext. 4353.
ESL (English as a Second Language)
Adults with limited English skills will learn information that can be put to use on the job and at home. You'll learn survival language, grammar, health and safety information, cultural differences, and occupational language. Emphasis is placed on conversational skills. After registering and taking a placement test, students can attend class any of the open lab hours.
Classes are offered:
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. & 5 - 8:30 p.m.
Fridays 8 a.m. - noon; Saturdays 9 a.m. - noon
Registration is held the first week of every month. Call 828-327-7000, ext. 4353 for specific times and location.
Preparation for Citizenship
Designed to assist students acquire the necessary skills to be successful in the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) naturalization interview, and prepare for the U.S. history and government and English literacy tests required for naturalization.
For additional information or to register, please call Judy Barkley at 828-327-7000, ext. 4366.
Classroom instruction focuses on student's individual goals and includes functional reading and writing literacy skills for personal, social and economic purposes. Students use computer technology to improve skills in self-determination, self advocacy, problem solving and citizenship. Curriculum conforms to the domains from the N.C. Community College Program of Study.
The Next Step Program is a day program for adults with developmental disabilities who have completed high school. Documentation of disability is required.
Transition Class is for students that have graduated from a high school occupational course of study or meet specific criteria.
Students work at their own pace and on the appropriate level determined by placement testing. Studies include basic life and social skills as well as pre-vocational tasks.
For additional information please call Darlene Hudson at 828-327-7000, ext. 4268.
Math Sense is a free 8-week skill-building course for students who have not placed into the developmental math series. Topics covered include: whole number operations, fractions, decimals, percents, and introductory data analysis and geometry.
Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am - 10:30am and from 1:00pm - 2:30pm. Two sessions are offered per semester at the CVCC main campus. For registration information, contact Tina Fredell at 828-327-7000, ext. 4353.
What's In It For Employers?
Are the READING, WRITING, & CALCULATION SKILLS of employees causing problems in your organization? Problems like scrap, rework, misunderstood instructions, equipment repair, injuries, or not being able to take advantage of new equipment because it is too complex to use.
As an employer, you have the ability to help your employees and applicants improve their skills. In the long run, it helps your company survive and thrive in this time of fast change, high growth, and tight labor markets. Many area companies are already referring persons who do not meet their employment standards to CVCC for training. Many times these persons will then successfully re-apply for employment. Let us show you how to tap into CVCC's workforce development services for your company.
Open enrollment classes are continually offered at many locations in both Alexander and Catawba counties. Additional sections may be established at local employers' sites.
A resource program designed for on-site industry classes to assist employees gain or improve skills for and to adapt to the ever-changing marketplace of today's world. CVCC's Adult Basic Skills staff work with management to determine what skills are needed. This program can also assist employees who have been out of the classroom for a period of time refresh their skills and be able to move to college classes or training. Areas of study include: English as a Second Language, communication, measurement, job-specific vocabulary, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
For additional information or to arrange for an on-site class, please call Debbie Saine at 828-327-7000, ext. 4357.
