Adult Basic Education

As part of its mission, admission to Adult Education Programs is open to adult learners 17 and over wishing to improve their basic skills, learn English as a second language, prepare for the GED, improve their job readiness skills, or develop skills to continue their education at Austin Community College.

Austin Community College serves as the primary sponsor for the Adult Education Program of the Travis County Consortium. This consortium, comprised of participating independent school districts and other service providers, develops programs responsive to community needs as well as state and federal guidelines. A major focus of Adult Education is to prepare individuals for success in the workplace.

Adult Education offers year-round programs open to all eligible persons who are at least 17 years old and not in public school. Students who are only 17 must show proof (transcript or official letter of withdrawal) that they are no longer attending public school. Most classes are offered free of charge throughout the Capital Area. For information on orientation and registration for classes, call the Adult Education office at 512/223-5123 or 512/223-7528.

The Adult Educational Program includes the following components:

1.  Adult Basic Education (ABE) assists individuals who need to improve their basic reading, writing, and math skills for personal improvement, for employment purposes, or to prepare for the next level of education. These classes, which consist of both self-paced and group instruction, are also part of the entry component for adult secondary or GED preparation.

2.  Adult Secondary Education (ASE) classes are designed to help students prepare for the GED test. These classes, which also help students develop life and job-readiness skills, can provide a successful transition into the world of work or into other educational and job training programs.

     General Educational Development (GED) is a national examination developed by the GED Testing Service of the American Council of Education. The GED test consists of five examinations: Literature and Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Writing Skills. There is a fee to take the test. (See next page.) Upon successful completion of all five tests, students receive a credential that is widely recognized by colleges, training schools, and employers as equivalent to a high school diploma.

3.  English as a Second Language ESL) classes are for adults who want to read, speak and write practical, everyday English. (Students who are not U.S. citizens must be permanent, registered legal aliens.)

4.  Programs for special populations.

     Classes in Correctional Institutions: Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, and GED

preparation classes are offered to the incarcerated through special project funding from the Texas Education Agency at the Del Valle/Travis County Correctional Center, and the Travis County Community Justice Center.

     Family Literacy: ACC’s Adult Education Program in partnership with local school districts and Communities in Schools - Central Texas, Inc. provides instruction in basic skills, ESL, and GED preparation within an environment that promotes and nurtures parenting and child development issues. ACC’s Adult Education Program continues to provide instructional support and training, as well as specific curriculum for these projects.

GED Testing

The Austin Community College GED Testing Center is currently located on the Eastridge Campus, Room 214, 4100 Ed Bluestein Blvd. In January 1999, it will move to the Eastview Campus. For other sites and information call 512-223-5126 or fax 512 223-5128. Tests are given Monday through Thursday at 12:15 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., and Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Examinees do not need an appointment to test. One or two tests may be taken at one session. Examinees will be admitted at test times only.

GED Exams     Test Length

Writing Skills     2 hours

     Part I (multiple choice)     1 hour 15 minutes

     Part II (200 word essay)     45 minutes

Social Studies     1 hour 25 minutes

Science     1 hour 35 minutes

Interpreting Literature and
     the Arts (Reading)     1 hour 5 minutes

Mathematics     1 hour 30 minutes

Testing Requirements

Identification: A photo identification (such as a Texas driver’s license, Texas Department of Public Safety ID, Military ID or a notarized statement bearing the examinees name, date of birth, recent photograph and signature) and a social security card or proof of number. (i.e. pay stub). If you do not understand the above ID requirements call the GED Testing Center for information at 512-223-5126.

Fees: $55 (or proper billing papers from sponsoring agency) for the following services: $10 TEA processing fee, $6 GEDTS processing fee, $39 test fee. Fees are good for one year from the date paid. After that year, the fee is $8 per exam. Retest fees are $10 for Writing Skills and $8 for all other GED retests. Fees are subject to change by the ACC Board of Trustees at any time without notice.

Age: Persons 18 years of age or older and not enrolled in school are fully eligible for GED exams. Persons 17 years of age who bring a permission letter from their parent or legal guardian may take the GED tests. Persons 16 years of age who are recommended in writing by a public agency which has custody of that person under a court order may take the GED tests.