STILLWATER. – Meridian Technology Center is now offering free adult General Educational Development (GED) and English as a second language (ESL) classes.
Adult Education Instructor/Coordinator Jennifer Tressler recently joined Meridian’s staff when the Adult Basic Education and Literacy Program transitioned from the Oklahoma Department of Education to the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. Tressler has nearly 20 years of experience in education, with the last eight years spent working in adult education.
“I am excited to bring adult education to Meridian’s campus,” Tressler said. “I think the transition of these services to the technology center will be beneficial for individuals who are preparing to take their GED. My goal is once students have passed their GED test they consider enrolling in a career training program at Meridian. I really hope that having the GED classes here on campus may inspire them to continue with their education.”
Changes in test prep location aren’t the only change to the GED exam according to Tressler.
“The GED is designed to reflect the graduation requirements of high school. The updated GED test is aligned with what today’s high school students are expected to know upon graduation,” she said.
One of the most significant changes is that the GED process is entirely computer based. Applicants will register and take the exam online, so they need to be computer proficient. The test still covers language arts, math reasoning, science and social studies, but the new test examines critical thinking skills in addition to subject matter comprehension.
To prepare students to take the test, Tressler gives each student a pre-test to evaluate their current academic level. She then works with the individual to create an individual plan to help advance their grade level equivalency. Students will attend classes that cover each of the testing areas where they need assistance. After a minimum of 40 hours of instruction, students will take a post-test to evaluate their success.
“Through the years I have worked with students who have been able to come in, take the pre-test and then take and pass the GED test. I have also worked with students who have needed several prep classes,” she said. “In both situations the goal is the same – I want to help these individuals get their GED so they can have more opportunities available to them to better their life and their community.”
The GED is broken into four tests and is $34 per test, or $136 for all four tests. Students must pass each area. Tests can be taken all at once or one at a time. There is no financial aid available for these classes. The GED preparation classes at Meridian are offered in the morning, afternoon and evening. Free transportation to Meridian from a Meridian district high school is available for all afternoon classes. For more information or to enroll in the GED or ESL classes contact Jennifer Tressler at (405) 377.333 ext 327.
MTC is a career and technology training center located in Stillwater, Okla. The center has more than 70 career majors and offers a wide variety of evening short-term courses and certifications for many diverse career fields. Meridian also offers services to businesses in need of training and development. Each year approximately 11,000 students come to Meridian from all areas of business and industry.
Free GED preparation and ESL classes are located throughout the Meridian district.
Meridian
Mondays and Thursdays 8:30 – 11:30 am
Mondays and Thursdays 12:45 – 3:30 pm
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Basic skills: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12:45 – 3:30 pm
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