Did life get in the way of getting a high school diploma?

Southwest Regional Adult Education (SRAE) serves adult learners age 18 or older by offering tuition-free classes in the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell. Subjects taught in SRAE classes include mathematics, language arts (reading comprehension, language, and writing), science, and social studies in preparation for the GED® tests; basic computer skills; basic skills reinforcement in reading and math; National Career Readiness Certificate curriculum; Paraprofessional (ParaPro) Certification curriculum; and Northstar Digital Literacy curriculum.

What does an adult education class look like? Let’s find out from Daniel Lester, the instructor of our class at the VA Career Works-Appalachian One-Stop Center in Richlands which meets Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What methods of study are utilized in your classroom? Mr. Lester: Students may use different online tools and lessons and a variety of book instruction.

How do you keep adult students engaged in learning? Mr. Lester: I try to keep students from getting discouraged if they do poorly on a test or assignment, or I keep in touch with them if they suddenly stop coming to class.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, how are you providing a safe learning environment for your students? Mr. Lester: Upon arrival to class, students’ temperatures are taken at the door. We are limiting the number of students in the room to allow for social distancing. Face masks must be worn at all times in the classroom, and sanitizers and disinfectants are readily available for use.

What are the benefits to an adult learner of attending your class? Mr. Lester: Classes are free! The GED® Ready practice tests are free! GED® testing is free after passing a practice test! Students can attend class at any time for as long a time as they have available. They are able to attend the classes scheduled around their job or family obligations.

How is attending your class different from the traditional K-12 setting? Mr. Lester: Rather than being graded on all the work you do and receiving a report card every six weeks, the classes are designed for the goal of passing the test. If a student doesn’t do well on an assignment, it isn’t viewed as “failing the assignment” but rather as a learning opportunity to focus on the area that student needs to improve on.

As an instructor, what do you enjoy most about teaching adult learners? Mr. Lester: I enjoy seeing students get to a place where they believe in themselves and believe they can be successful. Here is an example of one of my “feel good” stories. I had a student who graduated right around the time the public schools were having their graduations, and his daughter was so happy and proud that she was graduating 2nd grade at the same time he was graduating from the GED® class.

What is key to student success in your classroom? Mr. Lester: The key to success is determination, perseverance, and attendance. The person who has a good drive to complete this goal, who doesn’t get discouraged when it seems too difficult, and who attends class regularly is much more likely to advance quickly and complete the requirements for earning the GED® credential.

Mr. Lester continues, “Did life get in the way of getting a high school diploma? Come get your GED® for FREE! My class meets at the VA Career Works-Appalachian One-Stop Center in Richlands on Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.”

For more information about tuition-free classes, contact SRAE toll-free at 866-581-9935.

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