The Adult Learning Center offers a full slate of classes. All classes and materials are provided at no cost to the student and are appropriate for both GED students as well as those students seeking “brush up” skills before entering college. All classes start at the beginning of the month and change on a monthly basis; due to this arrangement, students are scheduled to start classes at the beginning of each month. If you start attending the Adult Learning Center after the beginning of the month, the staff will assist you in your studies until the next month’s classes begin. All classes meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Class offerings include:
Reading: We have two reading classes to choose from, either 9:30 – 10:30 AM or 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM. While each class uses different materials, both focus on critical reading skills such as reading for information, interpreting graphics such as political cartoons and graphs, and identifying relationships such as cause and effect, making inferences, and identifying the main idea of a writing sample.
English: We offer a grammar class that focuses on capitalization, punctuation, and identifying the different parts of speech. Grammar is offered from 10:30 – 11:30 AM. We also offer a writing class that focuses on writing essays. Learning to write a quality essay is important for both the GED as well as for entrance into college. This class is offered from 12:30 – 1:30 PM.
Math: We also offer a variety of math classes, regardless of students’ skill levels. We offer a Basic Math Lab that covers foundational math skills such as multiplication and division, prime factorization, place value, rounding, and other basic skills students should know before entering other math classes. Additionally, we offer classes in decimals, fractions, percents, integers and order of operations, basic probability and statistics, geometry and algebra. Math classes are rotated from month to month, so it is best to check the class calendar to find out which classes will be offered each month.
College Transitions: For those students who are planning on entering college and are waiting for registration, we also offer a special transition class. The class covers topics such as basic computer skills like Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Blackboard, the online platform many of HCC’s classes utilize. Other topics covered include learning styles, study skills, and time management. This class will also meet with both college professors and current college students in question-and-answer sessions geared toward making incoming students feel less anxious about starting college.
Basic Math Lab: Focuses on foundational math skills needed to progress into regular math classes. Topics covered include multiplication, division, prime factorization, place values, rounding numbers, and absolute value.
Decimals: Students will review place values and rounding numbers and will also learn to add, subtract, multiply and divide decimal numbers.
Fractions: Students will learn the difference between proper and improper fractions as well as mixed numbers. Students will also learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide both fractions and mixed numbers.
Percents: Students will learn to convert numbers from decimals and fractions to percents and will also learn to calculate various percent problems.
Integers and Order of Operations: Students will learn to add, subtract, multiply and divide positive and negative numbers as well as to make calculations using the standard order of operations rules needed for Algebra. Probability and Statistics: Students will learn to calculate the probability of a certain event taking place in both fraction and percent form. Students will also learn to calculate the mathematical mean, median, mode range of a set of numbers.
Geometry: Students will learn basic geometrical rules such as complementary and supplementary angles, as well as, vertical angles. Students will also learn the Pythagorean Theorem and how to calculate the perimeter, area, and volume of various shapes.
Pre-Algebra: Students will learn advanced integer and fraction principles such as working with complex fractions, integer operations, Order of Operations, Laws of Exponents, absolute value, square roots, and basic algebraic concepts.
Algebra: Students will learn basic algebraic principles such as working with word problems as well as one- and two-step linear equations, working with polynomials, exponents and square roots, and commutative, associative, and distributive properties. Students will also learn basic graphing techniques, including how to calculate the slope of a line.
Grammar: Students will review basic capitalization and punctuation rules, the various parts of speech, and basic sentence and paragraph construction.
Reading: : Designed to improve reading comprehension skills and vocabulary with narrative and expository materials and to develop an appreciation of narrative writing through individualized and /or group instruction and practice reading.
Essays: Students will learn the parts of an essay and will practice writing essays in preparation for either the GED or for entering college.
College Transitions: Students will learn basic computer skills like Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Blackboard, the online platform many of HCC’s classes utilize. Other topics covered include learning styles, study skills, and time management. This class will also meet with both college professors and current college students in question-and-answer sessions geared toward making incoming students feel less anxious about starting college.