HCDE enrolls students for fall classes, expects rising number of students

Adult learners planning to take GED and ESL classes during the 2012-13 school year are encouraged to take tests prior to new assessments tests are adopted in January 2014.

The Harris County Department of Education adult education division provides GED preparation and English as a second language classes to about 10,000 students each year at 65 locations throughout the county. Classes are free of charge and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

"September is the busiest month for registration," said Eduardo Honold, HCDE Adult Education director in a press release. "We expect to see registration climb as more and more students realize the test is changing in 2014."

The new test will reflect updated national and state standards with a goal of assuring colleges, universities and prospective employers that adults passing the test are prepared to compete and succeed in a global economy, according to an American Council on Education statement in the press release.

While current GED tests administered by testing center are paper tests, the test beginning in 2014 will be computer-based to allow for increased numbers of test takers. Paper tests will only be administered in special cases. Cost for the current paper test in the Houston area is $75 to $100 depending on the testing center. That price will be increased to $120 when the new computer-based test is launched.

Those taking the paper-based test will need to pass all five content areas before the new test is released in 2014. Test scores of individuals who have not passed all content areas will expire during the transition period and test takers will be required to retest.

"All our classes are led by highly qualified teachers who give students the extra academic support they need, as well as encouragement," said Honold. "Many times our adult students find support, encouragement and camaraderie through fellow students as well."

Classes are available in inner-city locations and suburbs including Katy, Alief, Baytown, Crosby, Deer Park, Galena Park, Huffman and Pasadena.

Classes offered by HCDE include GED, ESL, adult basic education, adult secondary education, English literacy and workplace literacy. Career counseling is also offered for enrolled students.

For more information about testing visit hcde-texas.org or call 713-692-6216.