HANDBOOK
Calhoun County Adult Education Center
2006-2007
DRAFT
PENDING SCHOOL BOARD APPROVAL
17283 NW Charlie Johns Street
Blountstown, FL 32424
(850) 674-8661 (phone) (850) 237-2355(fax)
E-mail: pitts_w@firn.edu
Willy Pitts, Principal
To the Student and Parents;
We are pleased to have you as a student in the Calhoun County Adult Education Program. We comment you for your willingness and desires to return to school and continue your education. The fact that you have returned to school indicates to us your interest in becoming a better citizen, having a better job, and enjoying a more enriched life style. We believe through out programs you will be able to accomplish these desires.
It is our desire to provide the kind of training best suited to each individual’s needs, interests, and abilities. Please feel free to discuss your plans and needs with your instructor at any convenient time. An early understanding of your objectives by your instructor may be of great help in connecting with your studies.
The purpose of this booklet is to acquaint you with some of the policies and procedures of the Calhoun County Adult Education Program. It is prepared with the desire to help you understand what the Adult Center has to offer so that you may receive full benefits from your studies here. You are requested to read this booklet and ask questions.
Willy Pitts
Calhoun County Adult School
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Graduation Requirements for Adult Students
High School & Co-enrolled Grading
Our democratic way of life is our most important heritage and will be maintained and improved through the continuing education of our citizens.
It is the right of every citizen in our society to be afforded the opportunities for optimum development of his/her potentialities through education.
We, therefore, dedicate our efforts to the intellectual growth of our students in the hope and confident belief that it is by this means that we shall develop individuals who are more fully aware of their rights and responsibility to the benefit of themselves, their communities, and our society.
Calhoun County Adult School will provide students with a rigorous and relevant alternative education designed to give them the opportunity to acquire, apply, and practice the knowledge, skills and behaviors needed to fulfill their adult roles and responsibilities as a productive citizen and life-long learners.
The Calhoun County Adult Education Program offers day and evening classes for students Adult Basic Education, GED prep and high school diploma programs. The day program is offered for students who must attend school full-time and for adults ages 18 or older. The evening programs are for students ages 18 or older only. Attendance requirements are flexible and accommodate the student’s work schedule and goals. (Afternoon co-enrolled students from the area high schools are the exception.)
All Program Entrance Requirements
An applicant will be considered for admission to the Calhoun County Adult Education Program under the following conditions:
1. State Board of Education Regulations defines and adult student as one who is beyond the compulsory age of (16) and who has left the elementary and secondary school.
2. An applicant, if approved by the Director of the Calhoun County Adult Education Program for admission to the Adult Program, must furnish evidence of good standing from the school last attended. Until such evidence is received, the applicant cannot be officially enrolled.
3. Evidence of good standing may be secured in the following way;
a. A signed statement by the principal for the last school attended to the fact that the applicant is leaving in good standing and has no outstanding obligations to the school.
b. A transcript of the applicant’s work must be sent to the Calhoun County Adult Education Program from the school last attended.
As excerpted from the Calhoun County School’s 05-06 Progression Plan:
“X. ADULT SCHOOL PROMOTION AND PLACEMENT
A. Grade Classification of Students
1. Students will not be classified by grade level.
2. The open entry/open exit program allows credits to be earned by completing with 70% accuracy all work prescribed for each course.
3. Students are placed on an appropriate instructional level based on performance on diagnostic tests.
B. Mastery of Student Performance Standards: Assignments of Credits
1. The teacher and the director of the adult school shall certify documentation of mastery of the state student performance standards for the assignment of credit.
2. The director of the adult school shall develop the procedures for certifying mastery of the student performance standards and for assigning credits.
C. Required Instruction
1. Required course of study for adult students will specify the required courses of study at each level.
2. Pursuant to FS 1003.42, Required Instruction, students shall receive instruction in the history of the Holocaust (1933-1945) and in the history of the African-Americans to include, but not be limited to
a. History of the Holocaust (1933-1945), the systematic, planned annihilation of European Jews and other groups by Nazi Germany, a watershed event in the history of humanity, to be taught in a manner that leads to an investigation of human behavior, an understanding of the ramifications of prejudice, racism, and stereotyping, and an examination of what it means to be a responsible and respectful person, for the purposes of encouraging tolerance of diversity in a pluralistic society and for nurturing and protecting democratic values and institutions;
b. History of African-Americans including the history of African peoples before the political conflicts that led to the development of slavery, the passage to America, the enslavement experience, abolition, and the contributions of African-Americans to society.
c. Students must receive instruction in the contributions of Hispanics and Women to the United States (FS 1003.42).
d. FS 1003.42 is amended to require instruction, to provide that, in order to encourage patriotism, public schools teach the sacrifices that veterans have made in serving the country and protecting democratic values worldwide. Such instruction must occur on or before Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day. Instructional staff is encouraged to use the assistance of local veterans when practicable. This statute also requires that Flag Education be taught.
e. FS 1003.44, Declaration of Independence --- Require that in the last full week of classes in September all schools celebrate “Freedom Week”. During this week a least three hours of in-depth instruction on the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence must be included in each social studies class. In addition, at the beginning of each school day or in homeroom during this week, principals and teachers must conduct an oral recitation by students of the following portion of the Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that
among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure
these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just
powers from the consent of the governed.”
3. FS 1003.42 The curriculum for American government shall include the study of Florida government, including the Florida constitution, the three branches of state government, and municipal and county government.
4. FS 1003.43 - (Marriage Preparation Act) adds a requirement to the high school life management curriculum that “marriage and relationship skill - based education” be included in the course.
5. One of the three mathematics credits required for graduation must be Algebra I, a series of courses equivalent to Algebra I, or a higher level mathematics course.
6. A student may not enroll in Level I courses unless assessment of the student indicates that a more rigorous course of study would be inappropriate, in which case a written assessment of the need must be included in the student's individual educational plan or in a student performance plan, signed by the principal, the guidance counselor, and the parent or guardian (or the student if he/she is 18 years old or older).”
Information below was copied from http://www.aceofflorida.org/ged/ The State of Florida’s Official GED website. Last updated 6/20/05
1. What are the GED Tests?
The Tests
of General Educational Development (GED Tests) are developed by the American
Council on Education to enable individuals who have not graduated from high
school to demonstrate the attainment of developed abilities normally
acquired through completion of a high school program of study. The first
GED tests were developed in 1942 to allow military personnel returning from
World War II to more easily pursue their educational, vocational and
personal goals. More than 800,000 adults take the GED Tests each year.
The latest series of tests
were updated in 2002 with new format and content.
2. What subjects are included?
The GED Tests measure competency in five subject areas: Language Arts - Reading, Language Arts -Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
Language Arts - Reading
(40 items)
The passages on the new 2002 Series GED Language
Arts, Reading Test continue to reflect diversity in perspective (for
example, gender, ethnicity, age, and region). The passages continue to range
from 300 to 400 words. There is one poem (8 to 25 lines) and one piece of
drama on every test form.
Language Arts - Writing includes two parts (50 items + essay)
Part I:
Multiple choice items covering organization, sentence structure, usage and
mechanics
Part II: Examinees write an essay about a
suggested topic. The essay represents about 40% of the Writing Skills Test
score. Examinees who write off topic receive a 00 for their score and must
retake both parts of the Writing Skills Test.
Mathematics (56 items)
Measurement, Algebra, Geometry, Number Relations, and Data Analysis continue to be tested on the 2002 Series GED Mathematics Tests. Beginning in 2002, the GED Mathematics Test is presented in two booklets: Part I permits the use of a calculator, Part II does not. Each part of the test is equally weighted. Therefore, a candidate must complete both parts of the test to receive a score. If a candidate doesn’t successfully complete both parts of the test, he or she will have to take both parts again. A scientific calculator is provided to the candidate for use on Part 1.
Science (50 items)
The 2002 Series GED Science Test contains an increased focus in environmental and health topics (for example, recycling, heredity, prevention of disease, pollution, and climate), and an increased emphasis on science relevant to everyday life.
Half (50 percent) of the new GED Science Test are conceptual understanding questions; the remaining 50 percent are problem-solving questions. Test questions with graphic content have increased from 30 percent to 50 percent. Includes questions about Life Science and Physical Science
Social Studies (50 items)
The test source material continues to consist of primary and secondary sources:
Prose-only (articles,
speeches, textbooks, letters, laws, and so forth)
Visual-only (maps, graphs, charts, tables, diagrams, cartoons), or
Combined (source materials containing both prose and graphics).
3. How long is the test?
The Official GED Tests take approximately seven hours to complete. Most test centers give the test over a period of 3 mornings or evenings. Some locations do provide the test in 2 days.
Language Arts - Reading
-- 1 hour, 5 minutes
Language
Arts- Writing
-- 2 hours - (75
minutes for multiple choice, 45 minutes for the essay)
Mathematics --
1 hour, 30 minutes
Science -- 1 hour, 20 minutes
Social Studies
-- 1 hour, 10 minutes
4. Who can take the GED Tests?
The GED Tests may be given to:
5. How old must I be to take the test?
GED examinees must be at least 18 years of age or older unless they have been granted a GED age waiver by the local educational agency.
6. What are the score requirements?
The total passing score is 2250. Candidates need a minimum standard score of 410 with an overall average standard score of 450. Each correct answer is worth one point. For each individual GED test, these points are totaled and then converted to a standard score, which ranges from 200 to 800.
7. What kind of diploma will I receive?
GED
examinees passing the Official GED Tests will receive a State of Florida
High School Diploma issued by the Florida Department of Education. In
addition, each examinee receives a transcript of his/her scores.
8. Can the GED Tests scores be used for college admission or to enter the military?
Nearly all United States colleges and universities accept the State of Florida High School Diploma as a high school equivalency credential. GED Tests can not be used as a substitute for placement or admissions tests. GED candidates may apply for the military. Check with your local recruiter for more information.
The Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials recommends that postsecondary institution officials, employers, training program officials, licensing boards and all branches of the armed services accept the high school credential awarded on the basis on the results of the GED Tests in the same manner as they accept regular high school diplomas.
Grade point averages cannot be determined from GED Test Scores. However, GED percentile ranks can be viewed as approximately “class rank;” GED percentile rankings represent the GED graduate's performance related to the performance on the GED Tests of a representative group of graduating high school seniors.
9. Where can I find information on applicants with disabilities?
Adults
with special needs may apply for special accommodations for the GED Tests.
Documentation of the disabling condition must be submitted with the required
forms. Candidates with learning or physical disabilities may request
modifications of standard testing conditions. All special accommodations
requests must be submitted to the Florida GED Chief Examiner. Special
accommodations may include extended testing time, assistance from a scribe,
use of a calculator, testing in a private room and/or frequent breaks.
Special editions of the tests are also available in audiocassette, Braille
and large print formats.
For more information,
review the
Disabilities - Accommodations section of this website. (http://www.aceofflorida.org/ged/accommodate.html)
10. Can I take the test in Spanish or French?
The Official GED Test is provided only in English and Spanish in the State of Florida. GED Preparation classes are available in Spanish in some locations.
11. I need an additional transcript of my scores, how can I get a copy?
Additional transcripts or copies of diplomas may be obtained by writing to
the
Florida Department of Education
GED Testing Office
325 West Gaines Street, Room 634
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400
850/245-0449
For more information, visit the Florida Department of Education GED office at:
http://www.firn.edu/doe/workforce/ged_dipl.htm
12. Can I take classes to prepare for the test?
GED Preparation classes are available at the Adult Center. There is 12 hour required instructional Pre-GED testing and preparation time. This must be scheduled prior to registering to take the GED test in Calhoun County. This time is flexible and can be received during the daytime hours or during the evening program. The required time can be completed in two (2) daytime days or 12 evening program hours which will take at least 3 evening meeting nights or more based on the time you will be available to attend.
13. How do I register for the test?
Adults wishing to
register for the GED Tests must do so in person at a
location Calhoun County School Board office at 20859 Central Avenue East,
located in the basement of the courthouse.
Candidates must provide
either a State of Florida Driver License or State of Florida Identification
Card. Candidates should bring their Social Security Cards for further
verification of identity.
Candidates pay for the test at the time of registration.
A GED Demographic Booklet
Form will also need to be completed with the instructors prior to testing.
14. How much does it cost?
Calhoun County GED testing costs cover the cost of the tests. Currently the cost of the test is $35.00.
15. Where can I practice
online?
There are several websites that offer free online practice. The following are only a few. Try typing, "Free GED Online" in a search box to receive more examples.
4Tests.Com - Free GED Practice Tests: http://www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid=38
GED Quick Guide for the Classroom: http://www.nwlincs.org/NWLINCSWEB/gedclass.htm
16. Is it possible to take the GED test online?
No. The GED Testing
Service does not have a system in place to allow a candidate to take the GED
Test online. The following are a few reasons that underlie this decision:
· Security. The GED Testing Service has not developed a reliable method of
determining if the person registered to take the test is the actual person
who takes the test.
· Online capability. Online capability invites hackers to tap into the tests
and sell for a price.
(reference: http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/family/1577.html)
17. How will I know if I've passed or failed the test?
To pass the GED Test in Florida, examinees must:
Receive a standard score of at least 410 on each of the five GED subtests, AND
Earn an average
standard score of 450 or higher.
If an examinee does not meet both these criteria for passing, the test is
failed. The examinee may retake all or part of the test to attain passing
scores. Testing centers may require examinees who fail the test to take
preparation classes or wait a pre-determined amount of time before
attempting to re-test. Examinees may test a maximum of three times on a
given test in a single year.
Examinees who pass the test should receive the Florida High School Equivalency Certificate and an Official Report of test Results from the State GED Office within 6 to 8 weeks of when the scoring center submits scores to the State GED Office.
(reference: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/gedresults.asp)
18. How can I get
prepared?
There are several websites
that contain strategies and tips for preparing for the GED series of tests.
A few are listed below. For more information, type "GED study tips" into
your favorite search engine.
http://www.passged.com/newsletter.php
http://adulted.about.com/cs/ged/tp/GED.htm
The ABE and GED programs are non-graded. Instructors check work, give feedback, and help students make corrections to enhance their learning experience. Instructors informally monitor progress daily and give the TABE test at least ever 12 weeks to formally assess growth.
For students coming straight from the high school or middle school setting, a non-graded system may make you think that it is not necessary to try or work since you will not have a “grade” to show. While it may take a little getting used to, you will realize that it is of utmost importance to do your best on everything that is asked of you, as the more focus and effort you place on the tasks, the quicker you will be able to move on to the next phase of your life. Your putting forth the effort will allow the instructors to pinpoint the areas that need the most work, and allow us to focus on your areas of need. No longer is it about the grade, it is about learning…and that is why you are here and what this facility is all about! Our goal and focus is primarily to prepare students to take and pass the GED test.
The following information was copied from http://www.firn.edu/doe/curriculum/ccd2/gradreq.pdf
Graduation requirements for students in adult education programs who are earning standard diplomas are identical to the requirements for traditional 24-credit high school diploma for students in grades 9-12 with the following exceptions:
1. The one credit in physical education is not required for graduation and shall be substituted with elective credit to keep the total number of credits needed for graduation consistent.
2. School boards may waive the laboratory component of the science requirement when facilities are inaccessible or do not exist.
3. The one-half credit in performing fine arts shall be satisfied by enrollment in and satisfactory completion of any course in 9th grade or above listed in the music, dance, theatre, speech, debate, and visual art areas of Section 3 of the Directory.
Secondary courses for both adults and regular high school students are the same.
For Students Who Enter Ninth Grade in the 2004-2005 School Year and Thereafter:
The 2004 Florida Legislature passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 364, amending several laws related to high school graduation. Under this new law, graduation requirements for the two accelerated graduation programs are:
1. Passing scores on the grade 10 FCA T
2. Grade Point Average-Section 1003.429, F.S., requires students selecting one of the accelerated graduation programs to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required by the student's chosen accelerated three-year high school graduation program; requires a weighted or unweighted grade that earns at least 3.0, or its equivalent, to earn course credit toward the 18 credits required for the college preparatory program; requires a weighted or un-weighted grade that earns at least 2.0, or its equivalent to earn course credit toward the 18 credits required for career preparatory programs
3. Earn credits in the required number and distribution. Districts may not add to the required number of credits for either of the accelerated graduation programs
a. Three-year college preparatory program-18 credits that must satisfy state university system admission requirements and must include 6 of the 18 credits in advanced courses, in the following distribution:
(1) 4 credits in English, with a major concentration in composition and literature
(2) 3 credits in mathematics, all of which must be at the Algebra I level and above
(3) 3 credits in natural sciences, two of which must have a lab component
(4) 3 credits in social sciences (must include 1 credit in American history, 1 credit in World history, .5 credits in American government, and .5 credits in economics)
(5) 2 credits in the same second language, unless the student is a native speaker of a language other than English or can otherwise demonstrate proficiency
(6) 3 elective credits
b. Three-year career preparatory program-18 credits in the following distribution:
(1) 4 credits in English, with a major concentration in composition and literature
(2) 3 credits in mathematics, one of which must be Algebra I
(3) 3 credits in natural sciences, two of which must have a lab component
(4) 3 credits in social sciences (must include 1 credit in American history, 1 credit in World history, .5 credits in American government, and .5 credits in economics)
(5) 3 credits in a single vocational or career education program, 3 credits in career and technical certificate dual enrollment, or 5 credits in vocational or career technical courses
(6) 2 elective credits unless 5 credits are earned as referenced above
Students over the age of 18 do not have defined attendance policy. Adult students work, have jobs, and families to care for and we will accommodate to the best of our ability. Students ages 16 and 17 do have to follow an attendance policy that is discussed on page
The following is an excerpt from the 2005-2006 Calhoun County Student Progression Plan.
“M. Adult School Credit
1. A student needing 8 credits for graduation may attend adult school, upon the approval of the principal and guidance counselor. The student may enroll in the Adult School program, beyond the regular school day, and earn 1 credit that will apply toward graduation requirements for the current academic year. Additionally, any senior who, at the end of the first semester, needs 1/2 credit to meet the requirement for graduation, may attend adult school and make up the needed 1/2 credit, if approved by the principal and guidance counselor.
2. At the discretion of the principal and guidance counselor, out-of-district transfer students may be allowed to earn additional credits due to incompatibility of scheduled curriculum offerings.”
Grade
Determination
Calhoun County Adult High School grades from both Co-enrolled and Adult High School courses are determined at the end of each semester. Most courses are divided into unit-based curriculum and facilitated by the instructor. Each unit contains daily assignments, unit/chapter tests. Often there will be project work, special assignments, reports, etc. for the unit. The daily grades will be 1/3 of the unit grade with tests and project work creating 2/3 of the unit grade.* Subsequently, the unit grades will be averaged with an exam grade to determine the course average. Grades from a High School or Co-Enrolled student transferring into the Adult School with transferable grades will be averaged into the Adult School grades if available.
* A more detailed definition of daily and test grades can be found in the current Calhoun County School’s Pupil Progression Plan.
Ages 18 & above
There are no attendance requirements for Adult School students ages 18 and older if they choose to attend the night program or the day program as long as there is no interference in the 16-17 year old academic instruction. Our day program primarily serves the younger 16-17 year old students but we can also accommodate adult students whose work or family schedule demands day-time attendance.
Ages 16-18 Day Program
It is very important that full-time day program students maintain a high attendance record. Regular attendance is required of all students pursuing a regular high school diploma or GED. Excessive absences will result in loss of credit and being dropped from enrollment. All students enrolled in the day program are considered full-time students, unless approved by the Director of Adult Education. To be in accordance with the State requirements for holding a valid driver’s license, the rule is to be in attendance in a full-time school program, which translates into 25 hours per week of instruction.
Any full-time student missing 10 consecutive days will be dropped from enrollment and may not attend again until beginning of the following semester. Full-time students that have 15 absences in a semester will be dropped from enrollment. (3 tardies = 1 absence. 5 minutes after the designated time for class constitutes a tardy.) The student may re-enroll the following semester with the approval of the Director of Adult Education.
All students should understand that regular attendance means attending all class sessions during the week for which classes are scheduled, and for the length of time for which each class is scheduled to meet. The Director of Adult Education must approve any deviation from this policy.
In order for a student to receive confirmation for financial assistance benefits the student must be in attendance 10 CONSECUTIVE DAYS.
Calhoun County Adult Education Center follows the Calhoun County School Board approved calendar.
Co-Enrolled
There are two important components in successfully completing a course such as the ones your child is enrolled in: academics and attendance. Academically, a student will NOT be allowed to fail if they put forth the effort! We will retake tests, re-do work, and find a way for your child to learn the subject matter. The second component is attendance or “seat time.” “Seat time” is time that the student is present in class. By law, students can only attend two hours and thirty minutes more a day if they have been in attendance a full day of regular school. All co-enrolled students are required to have 67.5 hours of “seat time” for a half credit, and 135 hours of “seat time” for a full credit. This translates to 27 days for half credit completion and 54 days for a full credit.
Effective February 13th, 2006, if students know they are going to be absent, or there is an emergency of some sort, the intructor expects a phone call or visit, preferably from the parent. If a student has missed five of their afternoon sessions without previous arrangements, doctor’s excuse, or contact from a parent, the attendance required will not be possible, and the “seat time” requirement will not be met. This will result in withdrawal from the course. If this occurs the first semester, the student and parent must get approval from the Director of Adult Education in order to re-enroll in the course the second semester. If withdrawal occurs the second semester due to absence, the student will be unable to take the course at the Adult School that year, but would be eligible to do so the following year with approval.
The consequences for not following policies 2-5 will be as follows:
1st infraction will result in the student being sent home for the remainder of the day and a conference with the principal must occur prior to return to class.
2nd infraction will result in at least a 3-day suspension, but may result in dismissal based on the severity of the infraction.
3rd infraction will result in automatic dismissal for at least the remainder of the semester. Return enrollment will be left to the discretion of the Director of Adult Education.
Internet use policy is included in the Code of Conduct for district students. Day program students must sign and follow this policy.
It includes:
Students found not to adhere to the policy will first be given a warning, and if found not to adhere to this policy after the warning they will be banned from all computer use.
Students in Adult Education must wear the proper attire so they will not offend or distract other students. Use common sense.
Keep backs, tummies, and the top third of your legs covered.
The necklines of shirts and blouses should not show cleavage.
Piercing from other than the ears must be covered, unnoticeable, or removed.
No head coverings may be worn in the building.
T-shirts alluding to drug use (this includes alcohol inference), racial prejudices,
Vulgar language, etc. should not be worn to school.
Anyone coming to school in attire not appropriate will be asked to leave.
Adult School Contact Information
Calhoun County Adult School Director:
Mr. Willy Pitts
(850) 674-8661
Teachers:
Ms. Rachel McCoy
Mr. Sonny Nobles
Ms. Jana Hill
(850) 674-6490
Fax: 850-237-2355