Academic Program:
Basic Skills, GED Preparation,
and High School Diploma

Welcome - Getting Started
New, returning, or concurrently enrolled high school students are welcomed to attend ABC Adult School for credit recovery, earn a high school diploma or GED certificate, or to improve basic skills. Students should come to the Cuesta Main Office with picture identification to register and begin their journey of “learning for life.” School personnel will help you determine which path is best for you. Your first step is receiving Academic Advisement at:
Adult Education Center - Cuesta Campus, Main Office
12254 Cuesta Drive, Cerritos, CA 90703; (562) 926-6734, ext. 25023

Counseling Hours
Monday & Tuesday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesday & Thursday: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

GED Test and Certification

The General Educational Development exam is a national test designed to measure the skills and concepts usually learned during four years of high school. Most employers consider it the equivalent of a high school diploma. Community colleges accept this in lieu of a diploma. If you pass the GED and still desire a high school diploma, ABC Adult School will waive 45 elective credits. The GED exam is made up of five separate tests: Language Arts/Writing, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts/Reading and Mathematics. The five tests are taken in one week. To pass, you must receive a standard score of at least 410 on each of the five tests and an average standard score of 450 or higher. Those taking the GED must pre-register at the Adult School Main Office on Cuesta Drive. The registration fee is $150 for all five tests. Cash, or credit card. The fee includes the GED certificate. The fee to re-take a previously failed test is $25 per test if registered through ABC Adult School. Students needing to make up tests taken at another school must pay $25 per test. Examinees must be at least 18 years of age. Photo identification is required. Spanish GED test is available (but not Spanish GED Preparation). Click here to download the GED Transcript Request Form.

The GED testing program has been used for over 65 years to measure and evaluate the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue higher education, obtain specific jobs, gain promotions, and achieve personal goals. A GED credential is recognized throughout North America and is considered the equivalent of a high school diploma by 97% of employers and colleges.
If you are considering joining the armed forces, contact a recruiter first to determine whether a GED will be acceptable.
The GED exam is not an easy test; it is comprised of five sections taken over three evening sessions. In studies, only 58% of graduating high school seniors are able to pass the GED exam. A total score of 2250, an average test score of 450, and individual minimum scores of 410 are required in order to pass.
It often takes years to make up required course credits and months more to pass the required State CAHSEE exams for a high school diploma. In most cases, one can pass the GED exam and complete an Associate’s degree at a community college in the same amount of time or less. Studies indicate that on average, GED recipients earn 42% more per year than those with no diploma.
Preparation for the English language version of the GED is offered in the ABC Adult School Learning Center Monday-Thursday in room E-4 on the Cuesta campus as well as through Independent Study (using books or Online). The fee to enroll in preparation studies is $35. Students are evaluated in reading, math, and writing to determine readiness and then assigned a course of study based on identified needs.
The Learning Center also offers the official GED Practice Test in English to determine readiness and predict scores for the actual GED exam.

GED Preparation
• $35 per Semester - Cash or Credit Card.
Need a little brush up before taking the GED test? Students who register to take the GED should complete a minimum of 12 hours of instruction in the Learning Center Lab or through Independent Study before taking the GED. Call or come in to learn more about GED preparation courses. Call (562) 926-6734, Ext. 25023.

GED Testing Schedule
• Costs: $150 - Cash or Credit Card.
Pre-register anytime before the registration deadline in the Main Office at the Cuesta Campus at any time.
All tests begin at scheduled time below in Room H-12/13. Please report to the room directly - You must register before the test date. Must be 18 years old.

WRITING 5:00 - 8:00 pm 2-hour test	SOCIAL STUDIES 5:00 - 7:00 pm 80-min. test	READING 7:00 - 9:00 pm 65-min. test	MATH 5:00 - 7:00 pm 90-min. test	SCIENCE 7:00 - 9:00 pm 80-min. test
February 6	February 7	February 7	February 8	February 8
March 5	March 6	March 6	March 7	March 7
April 23	April 24	April 24	April 25	April 25
May 14	May 15	May 15	May 16	May 16

High School Diploma

ABC Adult School offers coursework toward a WASC Accredited high school diploma. Students can earn credit with online Internet-based coursework, through learning center lab classes, and via textbook-based Independent Study.

High School Diploma Requirements:

	Part 1: Complete 180 Semester Units	Semester Unit Credits
	Arts Appreciation/Foreign Language Civics (Government) Economics Electives English Health/First Aid Mathematics Algebra Social Studies Science (Physical) Science (Biological) Technology U.S. History A U.S. History B	10 5 5 44 40 5 20 10 10 10 10 1 5 5
	TOTAL	180

Part 2: Pass California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)

California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)

Students are required to pass the CAHSEE as a condition of graduation. The test is comprised of two parts: English-Language Arts and Mathematics. The test is free if currently enrolled in Academics. The Academic Department offers study and preparation materials in the Lab.

CAHSEE Test Dates:
English Language Arts (Tuesdays): March 13, 2012 and May 8, 2012
Mathematics (Wednesdays): March 14, 2012 and May 9, 2012
CAHSEE will be held in Room H-12/13, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Course Requirement Policy
All course requirements must be completed in order to receive high school credit. State law prohibits the repetition of a class in which a student has met course objectives.

ONLINE COURSES (GED Preparation, High School Diploma)

ABC Adult School Odyssey Online Program
Available at home with personal computer access and internet
• $35 per semester - Cash or Credit Card
• $40 cash deposit for books taken home
ABC Adult School Odyssey Online Program meets local, state, and federal mandates. It allows students to create individual learning paths of achievement that ensure success for each student.
Adult School Odyssey Online Program uses rigorous, research-driven design, interactive, integrated, ease-of-use online content which will inspire high levels of thinking and allow students to deepen their knowledge in particular disciplines.
We invite students to learn more about this exceptional new program to earn their high school diploma. For more information, please call (562) 926-6734 Ext. 25023.
Odyssey Online Program Advisement/Help - Cuesta Campus, Front Office Assessment Center, Appointments Encouraged!
Monday & Wednesday: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday: Closed

• For a video tour of our online courses click here.
• For sample activities on our online courses click here.
• To view and download our PDF Quick Start Guide for Students click here.

Courses Available Online:
• Algebra
• Economics
• English
• Geometry
• Government
• Health
• Integrated Math
• Life Science
• Math Review for GED
• Physical Science
• U.S. History
• World Geography
• World History

Learning Center Lab
Prepare for the GED, earn high school diploma credit, or improve basic skills.

Enroll anytime during the semester. $35 per semester (fee waived for concurrent students) - Cash or Credit Card. Learn and progress at your own pace, complete coursework and earn credits when all assignments are finished. Complete the required courses for a high school diploma, study for the GED exam, or review basic reading, math, and writing skills. Courses match each student’s skill level. All work is completed in the classroom. No homework is assigned. Computer and video assignments often supplement the textbooks and written assignments. Credentialed teachers and para-educators are available to provide individualized help and monitor progress. ABCUSD high school students are welcome but must meet State requirements. Adult students attend as their schedule permits.

Learning Center Lab Hours - Cuesta Campus, Room E-4 Monday & Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (closed for lunch from 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm) Wednesday & Thursday: 11:30 am - 8:00 pm Friday: Closed

Independent Study (Textbook-based home study)

$35 per semester (fee waived for concurrent students) - Cash or Credit Card. $40 cash deposit for books taken home. Students who want a high school diploma can complete most of their coursework at home through Independent Study. The student meets weekly with the IS teacher for approximately 30 minutes to submit completed work, discuss questions with the teacher, review progress, and receive new assignments. On average, the homework takes 15-25 hours per week to complete. Students may be required to take a test, view a video, or complete computer modules at their weekly appointment. A minimum of 9th grade reading level is required for Independent Study. Distance Learning GED - Lesson packets and DVDs to take home. Student comes once a week to review tests (all subjects available).

Independent Study Hours - Cuesta Campus, Room E-4. Appointments Encouraged! Monday & Thursday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm (closed for lunch from 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm) Wednesday & Thursday: 11:30 am - 3:30 pm Friday: Closed

High School Diploma Teacher-Directed Course
• $35 per semester (fee waived for concurrent students)
Class meets at the Cuesta Campus from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Students MUST enroll no later than the third meeting. All students study the same material. Homework is assigned. All courses satisfy high school graduation requirements. Sorry, no online registration.
• Register in the Main Office at the Cuesta Campus.
• Photo identification is required to register.
• Concurrent students must bring their enrollment form from their
   current high school counselor and their current class schedule.

Algebra Made Easy (Part I & II)
Learn Algebra in a practical step-by-step, non-threatening approach. A placement test given in class determines if you are in Part I or II of this multi-level class.
MW - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Room K - 2/15/2012 - 6/6/2012

Graduation Ceremony • Friday, June 1, 2012 at 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm In June, the Adult School celebrates commencement at the District Office. Adult students who have completed the district requirements for a high school diploma or passed the GED examination are encouraged to participate. Graduates wear the traditional cap and gown and receive their diplomas or certificates in the presence of family and friends.