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Spring 2012 GED Class Schedule
Adult Basic Education / GED
- Overview
- What are the benefits for you?
- General Class and Testing Information
- Testing Information
- GED Testing Policies
Overview
The GED test is for people just like you! Every year thousands of people get their GED (General Educational Development) Diplomas. In Illinois over 60,000 people attend an Adult Education class every year. Maybe you had to leave high school to help take of your family. Maybe you just didn’t like school, or didn’t think a high school diploma would mean anything and now you know what it means to have it. It’s not too late to make your dreams come true. The ABE/GED program at John A. Logan College provides an opportunity to earn your GED regardless of how long you have been out of school.
The GED testing program gives adults of all ages a way to demonstrate competency equivalent to a high school education. The GED tests are designed to measure major academic skills and knowledge. The GED test includes five subject areas tests: language arts reading, language arts writing, social studies, science, and math. The state of Illinois also requires a completion of the U.S. and State Constitution tests. Illinois residents who successfully pass the GED receive a certificate of high school equivalency.
What are the benefits for you?
Get a Better Job
The overwhelming majority of jobs in this country require a high school diploma. A GED is accepted by employers just like a high school diploma. Incomes also increase with your level of education. A better jobs usually means better pay.
Continue Your Education
A GED is accepted at most colleges and universities across the country as proof that you have completed your high school education. John A. Logan College even has a special scholarship for GED graduates.
Feel Better About Yourself
By earning their GED many GED graduates experience a remarkable improvement in how they feel about themselves and their lives. It makes a difference!
Invest in the Future
Educated parents have better educated children. Earning a GED isn’t only an investment in yourself; it is also an investment in the future of your children.
General Class and Testing Information
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take me to get my GED? It depends on the back ground knowledge you are bringing with you. Some students need a brief review (3-4 weeks) while others take longer to get ready to test.
How will I know when I am ready to test? The adult education program has the Official Practice Test. It is half the number of questions and half the time limit. If you follow the guidelines it is a very good indicator of how you will do on the real test. This, along with instructor input, will give you a very good idea when you are ready to test.
How are the classes set up? The classes are set up to where you will work in large groups, pairs, and individually. You will work on the information upon which you need to focus to prepare for the test.
Do I have to attend the entire semester? No. When you are ready to test, your instructor will be encouraging you to go test.
Do I have to take the classes before I go test? No. You may test without take GED preparation classes. Many people find it helpful to take GED preparation classes prior to taking the GED test. If you choose to take the test without attending classes, remember if you do not pass the entire test you are welcome to attend classes to study for the subjects you did not pass.
Is it too late to start classes? No. Classes are open entry, and you may start at any time throughout the semester.
How old do I have to be to enroll in GED classes? You must be sixteen years of age or older and no longer attending high school. If a sixteen or seventeen year old wants to enroll in class they will be required to bring a separation letter from their high school before we will enroll them in class. If a sixteen or seventeen year old does not have the separation letter he/she will be given a copy of the verification form we use and have the student obtain the required signatures. Once a sixteen or seventeen year old has this verification they may then be registered.
How to sign up for classes
Signing up for classes is very easy. There is a registration schedule for each site. Be there on that day at the beginning of class (sharp), plan to register and stay for the class.
GED Class
Classes are taught by enthusiastic and experience instructors. Classes are usually 20 people or less. We try to keep classes small so you get individualized attention. Classes will include working in groups and working individually on specifically what you need to work on to pass the GED test. You are encouraged to work at your own pace to ensure success. This may include working on math, science, social studies, writing, or reading. If you only need to study a specific subject, you can do that too. Classes are FREE of charge, and the books are also provided to students free of charge. If you have not completed your Constitution test, that is also something that will be studied during class.
English as a Second Language Classes (ESL) (Currently Not offering ESL Classes)
ESL classes are designed for students whose second language is English. Students work on improving their conversational and written English during these classes. Students also learn about American customs.
Work Readiness Classes
Designed for students who need to improve their job seeking and job keeping abilities. Skills covered include: interviewing techniques, resume writing, and letters of application. Also included are soft skills needed in the workplace such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, and decision making.
Testing Information
Registering to take the test
Plan to register for the exam at least two weeks in advance. Sometimes the testing sessions fill up quickly. When you register you will need to take:
- A photo identification (Driver's license preferred-if driver's license does not list your current address then you need to bring a piece of mail with your current address.)
- Registration fee of $50.00. Must be cash or money orders. No personal checks.
- A verification letter from your high school if you have passed the U.S. and Illinois Constitution test at the high school level or a constitution certificate from your GED class.
Testing Requirements
You must be 17 years of age or old, maintained residence in the state of Illinois, and are not a high school graduate.
- Initial Testing: $50
- Retesting Fees:
- Writing: $15.00
- Social Studies: $10.00
- Science: $10.00
- Language Arts: $10.00
- Math: $10.00
How to Sign up for the Test
In order to take the test, you must register in person at the County Superintendent of Schools Office in the county of which you reside. Their offices are in the following places:
Franklin CountyFranklin/Williamson County Superintendent’s Office
202 West Main
Benton, IL
618-439-4493 Jackson County
Jackson County Superintendent’s office
Jackson County Court House 1001 Walnut
Murphysboro, IL
618-687-7290 Perry County
Perry/Jackson County Superintendent’s office
3764 State Perry County Building Route 13/127
Pinckneyville, IL
618-357-2828 Williamson County
Williamson County Superintendent’s Office
Williamson County Court House
200 West Jefferson Street
Marion, IL
618-998-1283
Testing Dates and Locations
| Franklin County | Williamson County | Perry/Jackson County |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, January 18 | Wednesday, January 25 | Saturday, January 21 |
| Wednesday, February 8 | Wednesday, February 22 | Saturday, February 4 |
| Wednesday, March 7 | Wednesday, March 21 | Saturday, March 3 |
| Wednesday, April 11 | Wednesday, April 18 | Saturday, April 7 |
| Wednesday, May 9 | Wednesday, May 16 | Saturday, May 5 |
| Wednesday, June 6 | Wednesday, June 13 | Saturday June 2 & 23 |
| Wednesday, July 11 | Wednesday, July 18 | Saturday, July 21 |
| Wednesday, August 8 | Wednesday, August 15 | Saturday August 4 |
| Wednesday, September 5 | Wednesday, September 12 | Saturday, September 1 |
| Wednesday, October 10 | Wednesday, October 17 | Saturday, October 6 |
| Wednesday, November 7 | Wednesday, November 14 | Saturday, November 3 |
| Tuesday, December 4 | Wednesday, December 12 | Saturday, December 1 |
GED Testing Policies
If you need to re–schedule your test date, please notify the Regional Office of Education in the county where you registered within 24 hours before the test date. You will be assigned another testing date. If you do not call and you do not appear at your scheduled test site all fees will be forfeited.
Arrive at your scheduled test site by 7:45 am. Have a government issued ID (photo ID–drivers license) with you when you arrive at the test site. If you are not sure where your test site is located, give yourself ample time to find it. If you are late you will be considered a “no show” and will not be allowed to test and all fees will be forfeited.
Do not bring any materials to the test site. The testing center will provide pencils, ball–point pens, calculators, and scratch paper.
Special Accommodations
Students who have current documentation may receive accommodations on the GED test. These accommodations most often include extended time on the test. If you have current documentation, the registration for accommodations can be done through the regional superintendent of schools where you register for the test.
Test Taking Tips
- Prepare physically: Eat a well-balanced meal before taking the test. That way you will have energy to think clearly. Last minute cramming does not help as much as having a well-fed mind.
- Prepare mentally: Get plenty of sleep the night before the test. One advantage you can give yourself is to be calm and well rested.
- Arrive early: Be at the testing center 15 to 20 minutes before the starting time. Keep in mind that many testing centers refuse to admit latecomers.
- Think positively: Tell yourself you will do well. If you have studied and prepared, you should succeed.
- Practice test taking: Use practice tests to understand your test-taking strengths and weaknesses. Try using different strategies for studying, such as skimming questions.
- Dress comfortable: Be prepared for a room that is too hot or too cold. Bring a jacket or sweater.
- Wear a watch: Bring a watch in case the clock is not visible in the testing room. Do not bring a calculator watch, as the proctor might take it from you during testing.
- Know your time limits: If you know how much time you will have on each section, you should be able to pace yourself.
- Bring snack money: You may want to bring money for vending machines or snacks if you think you will get hungry. You get a 15-minute break between each test and a 30-minute break for lunch.
- Have a strategy: Read the questions carefully; reread it if you have trouble understanding what is asked.
- Relax: Take half a minute or so several times during the test to stretch and breathe deeply, especially if you are feeling anxious.
- Read Carefully: Be sure you understand the test instructions. If you have questions about filling in the form, ask before testing begins.
- Mark you answers clearly: Duplicate or unclear answers are marked wrong by graders. Erase stray marks on your answer sheet.
- Skip difficult questions: Answer the easier questions first. If you have time, go back and answer the rest. If you skip a question, be sure to skip the same number on your answer sheet.
- Answer every question: When you finish answering the questions you know, go back and review the ones you didn't. If you are not sure, try eliminating some possibilities and choose from the remaining choices.
- Lightly mark answer sheet Mark lightly next to the questions you don't know. That way you will know which ones to come back to later. Make sure to erase these marks to avoid confusion when your test is graded.
GED Online Classes (Currently Not offering Online Classes)
GED-i is an online program that was designed by the Center for the Application of Information Technologies in the College of Education and Human Services at Western Illinois University and was funded by the Illinois Community College Board to help students prepare for the GED test. This online learning initiative allows you the opportunity to prepare for your GED exam through the Internet with the help of local Adult Education providers. You are required to complete an on site registration and meet specific guidelines to qualify for the online program. The GED-i Online program offers resources online to assist students who could not normally attend the traditional classroom to work toward taking their GED test. The online instruction includes virtual support from their GED-i online instructor, flexible study time, no travel to and from class each day, and will learn from fun and interactive activities online.
People who qualify for the program include people who have difficulty attending traditional classes, are 16 years of age or older, are working at a high school level, have Internet access and can devote at least six hours a week to study. Students can find out if the program is right for them by calling Karla at 1-800-851-4720 ext. 8539.
Contact Information
For more college contact information click here
- Karla Tabing, Director of Adult Basic Education
- (618)985-3741 ext. 8539
- karlatabing@jalc.edu
- Stachia Cullers, ABE/GED Counselor
- (618) 985-3741 ext. 8266
- stachiacullers@jalc.edu
- Francie Morhet, ABE/GED Counselor
- 618-985-3741 ext. 8901
- franciemorhet@jalc.edu
