Carry forward what we’ve learned into 2021

It’s been a challenging year for adult educators and students in which we have faced difficult circumstances and risen to the challenges they presented; however, 2020 is almost over! Innovations in adult education have been brought to life during this year of change and uncertainty, and those innovations are sure to improve teaching and learning in the future. The most important thing is to set the stage and carry forward what we’ve learned into 2021.

Southwest Regional Adult Education (SRAE) continues to provide quality adult education programs for adults in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell Counties. SRAE provides adults with or without a high school-level credential a pathway to college and careers. Adults can enter the program to improve basic skills, earn a GED® certificate, earn industry recognized certifications, or earn a National Career Readiness Certificate. SRAE’s goal is to ensure that our programs are there for communities and students.

With the continued uncertainty of what 2021 will hold, SRAE is prepared to move forward with an intensified focus on distance learning options. Whether we meet in face-to-face classes or virtually, classes remain tuition-free, and free GED® testing is available for those who qualify.

Adult education programs impact the lives of citizens, encourage parents to be full partners in the education of their children, and invest in the future of our communities. SRAE provides instructional activities in several different areas.

Adult Basic Education and Literacy (ABE) consists of instructional programs that provide basic skills training for adults who are performing below the ninth-grade level in reading, writing, mathematics, and other basic skills. Many of these activities include pre-GED® preparatory components.

Adult Secondary Education (ASE) and General Education Development (GED®) Test Preparation serve learners performing at the ninth-grade level or above. GED® preparatory programs assess an adult’s knowledge in core subject areas (math, language arts, social studies, and science) and prescribe instruction to prepare for success on the battery of GED® tests.

Integrated education and training (IET) programs provide adults with a contextualized program integrated with technical workplace skills training as a means to prepare for entry-level jobs in targeted industries.

A paraprofessional curriculum is offered to adults who want to prepare to take the Praxis ParaPro Exam. Participants will have access to instruction by a highly qualified adult education teacher, an overview of the Praxis test, study topics, workbooks, practice tests, test-taking tips and strategies, and on-line software programs that can be accessed 24/7.

The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is based on an individual’s performance on three WorkKeys® skills assessments: Applied Mathematics, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. Scores on these assessments determine the certificate level an individual can earn.

As more and more adults need to advance or retool their skills, adult education and career training programs are increasingly important. To enroll in an adult education class in your community in the coming year, contact SRAE at 866-581-9935.

GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education. Used under license.