Mounds View Public Schools

Adult Education

Adult Basic Education
Mounds View Public Schools
Pike Lake Education Center
2101 14th St. NW
New Brighton, MN 55112
651-639-6039

What is ABE?

Adult Basic Education is an umbrella phrase and refers to the following areas of academic learning:

Adult Diploma
GED Preparation
English as a Second Language
Family Literacy
Basic Skills Training
Brush Up
Workplace Literacy

Adult Diploma

One may enroll in the competency based diploma program if:

his/her high school class has graduated
his/her high school graduating class is the current year and the learner is not enrolled in high school or an ALC

Learners completing high school credits proceed through a required course on an individual basis at their own pace and are well aware of the learner outcomes, learner activities and assessment techniques to be used. When a learner demonstrates competence in an academic area, credit is granted.

It is our belief that significant high school level learning can take place outside of the traditional classroom. In the elective credit area, a teacher assists the learner in identifying and documenting experiential learning and preparing for the assessment of that learning. Some of the categories of life experience include: employment, training, military service, family health care and education, volunteer service, proficiency in another language or practical arts. Documentation, oral interview, observation, written test, presentation, product assessment and on-site assessment are some of the ways competency is measured. Those with few life experiences have the opportunity to participate in service learning, independent study, career-related courses, computer class or additional course work in an academic area.

GED Preparation
One may enroll in the GED program if he/she is at least 16 yrs. of age and officially dropped from high school. GED stands for General Education Development and is a way for adults to earn an equivalency diploma. The five GED tests are in the areas of math, social studies, reading, science and writing. They are a valid and reliable assessment tool and measure whether adults can demonstrate the skills and knowledge associated with a four year high school program of study in the core academic disciplines. Individualized instruction, practice tests, and test taking strategies are included in GED test preparation.

GED Testing
Pike Lake Education Center is open for tests every Wednesday at 12:00 noon, 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Those 19 year of age and older are eligible to take the GED tests after going through registration. Under certain conditions, 17 and 18 year olds are able to apply for an age waiver in order to test. Attendance at registration session is required prior to testing. Upon successful completion of the tests, a General Education Development diploma is awarded. Call 651-639-6039 to make an appointment for a registration session.

General Education Development (GED) testing is held weekly at Pike Lake Education Center, 2101 14th St., New Brighton. A GED diploma is awarded upon successful completion of the five tests: writing, reading, math, science and social studies. In 2003, 245 individuals successfully completed their testing.

Individuals interested in testing MUST:

attend a one hour registration

be a resident of Minnesota

be 19 years of age or have an age waiver

show a government Issued picture ID with name, address, date of birth, photograph and signature

not be enrolled in high school

pay $75.00 fee before testing

Special editions of the GED tests and special accommodations for those with documented physical and learning disabilities are available when requested in advance.

Appointments are required for registration and testing! Call 651-639-6039 to make an appointment.

English as a Second Language
English classes at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels are held for immigrants and refugees who are permanent residents of the United States. Classroom activities are designed to help adults adapt to a new culture and improve their English skills in the areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Citizenship class is open to immigrants and refugees who can read, write and speak basic English. Adults focus on American History, government and common test questions to prepare for the Immigration and Naturalization Service Citizenship Test.

Family Literacy
This program helps parents who would like to earn their high school diploma or GED and have a child 6 weeks through seven. Families attend the Mounds View Family Learning Program at Pike Lake Education Center three days a week. The program provides:

opportunities for MFIP work plans
education and support for parents
family activities, child care or preschool
free transportation, lunch and snacks
career counseling
instruction for high school diploma or GED

Call 651-639-6024 for more information.

Basic Skills Training
Adults develop reading, writing, or math skills for the workplace, a job search, to help children with homework, to work toward a diploma or for personal growth.

Brush Up
Basic skills classes are offered to adults who have a diploma or GED but need refresher courses at or below the secondary level to qualify for further education or job retraining.

Workplace Literacy
The curriculum for workplace literacy classes is developed in partnership with learners, the employer and labor unions. The classes are often held at the work site and offer basic skills training and job specific literacy needed by employees.

Are there additional services for enrolled students?

Computer Classes
Introduction to the computer and basic word processing classes are offered throughout the year.

Career Counseling
Small group / individual activities provided by the career counselor include career search, applications, interviewing, resume writing, job seeking and keeping, success at work, self development and tours of local colleges. It is our goal to provide learners with the development of skills necessary for employment and the opportunities to learn on work sites.

Individual Tutoring
Dedicated volunteers provide classroom support, individual tutoring and clerical assistance essential to the success of our programs. Volunteers tutor adults in reading, writing, spelling or math, and help foreign born adults learn to communicate in English. They help others complete requirements for a high school diploma or prepare for the GED tests.

Learning Disabilities
Eligible learners in the Adult Basic Education Program receive services provided by the Learning Disabilities Association. Teachers are able to recommend a learner for assessment, be a part of the consultation and follow through with appropriate accommodations for the learner.

Where are the classes held?
Classes are held at Pike Lake Education Center, 2101 14th St. NW, New Brighton.

How can someone enroll or get more information about the programs offered by the Adult Basic Education Program of Mounds View Public Schools?
Call the Adult Basic Education Office 651-639-6039 for more information or to enroll. New students enter weekly.

Back to Adult Programs