The NTCC Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Program is a grant-based program funded by the Texas Workforce Commission. Services are free to the community and include the following instructional programs/classes:
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ABE classes are designed to upgrade basic skills in reading, writing, and math for participants who place at or below 8th grade level. Participants are screened to determine if individual and self-paced instruction is needed. ABE participants 17 and 18 years old must provide an official withdrawal from the last high school attended and parental consent to join the program. Individual tutoring is also available upon request. Registration/orientation and assessment are required before beginning services. For information about ABE classes or to make an appointment to register, please call 903-434-8341 or e-mail us at adulted@ntcc.edu.
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GED Preparation (High School Equivalency)
GED preparation classes provide participants with the opportunity to prepare and upgrade their skills in the four instructional components of the GED exam: Language Arts and Reasoning, Math, Social Studies, and Science. With degreed instructors to assist in studies, participants feel secure and confident as they prepare for the GED exam. GED classes are held at various locations throughout the college service delivery area. Remote and distance learning classes are also available. GED participants 17 and 18 years old must provide an official withdrawal from the last high school attended and parental consent to join the program. Registration/orientation and assessment are required before beginning services. For information about GED classes or to make an appointment to register, please call 903-434-8341 or e-mail us at adulted@ntcc.edu.
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English as a Second Language (ESL) and Civics
ESL instruction is provided to persons who speak little or no English. Participants are taught listening comprehension and speaking skills as well as reading comprehension and writing. These skills are taught in conjunction with life skills and civic components to help participants fully function in the community. ESL classes also contain a component of American History and U.S. Government for individuals who want to prepare for American Citizenship. Remote and/or distance learning classes are also available. ESL participants 17 and 18 years old must provide an official withdrawal from the last high school attended or an affidavit and parental consent to join the program. Registration/orientation and assessment are required before beginning services. For information about ESL classes or to make an appointment to register, please call 903-434-8341 or e-mail us at adulted@ntcc.edu.
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The Citizenship course is held once or twice a year, depending on participant need and/or interest. This class helps prepare participants for the US citizenship test by focusing on US History and Government. Components of the Citizenship test, such as the 100 questions, are studied and practiced. Participants receive instructions on completing the citizenship paperwork as well as resources for any translation services needed. Participants 17 and 18 years old must provide an official withdrawal from the last high school attended or affidavit and parental consent to participate in the course. Registration/orientation and assessment are required before beginning services. For more information about Citizenship classes, please call 903-434-8341 or e-mail us at adulted@ntcc.edu.
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The basic computer literacy class is held once or twice a year, depending on participant need and/or interest. Participants learn basic computer skills and vocabulary needed to help advance in their education and employment. The class focuses on the basics of using Microsoft Word and Excel computer programs, composing letters/resumes, navigating the internet, identifying basic parts of the computer, and learning basics of remote programs such as Zoom, WhatsApp, etc. Registration/orientation and assessment are required before beginning services. For more information about Basic Computer Literacy classes, please call 903-434-8341 or e-mail us at adulted@ntcc.edu.
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Transition/College Preparation
Transition and college preparation activities are integrated within other course programs such as GED, ESL, and Career Pathway services. Participants receive information on the college enrollment process, degree/certificate programs available, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, etc. College advisors are invited to give class presentations and a tour of the college campus is scheduled when available to become familiar with college life and culture. For more information about Transition/College Preparation activities, please call 903-434-8341 or e-mail us at adulted@ntcc.edu.
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The NTCC AEL program offers online instruction for GED and ESL preparation for participants who require a more flexible schedule to that of a traditional face-to-face setting. Participants must meet the following eligibility requirements for online services:
- Participant must have basic computer skills and access to internet service.
- Participant must complete registration/orientation and pre-testing prior to beginning online classes
- Participant must obtain a minimum of 12 direct classroom hours with an AEL instructor prior to beginning online classes
- Participant must complete post-testing after completing required program hours.
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Career Pathways/Intensive Services
NTCC AEL offers career pathways and intensive services to support participants in obtaining the skills and postsecondary and training credentials that are of value to local businesses. Career Pathways allows participants to be concurrently enrolled in a GED, ESL or academic support class while pursuing training for a workforce certification. Participants who have already earned a high school diploma or GED are also eligible. Career Pathways models include the following:
Integrated Education and Training (IET)
IET classes are offered to participants who are concurrently enrolled in GED or ESL classes with the goal of career development and advancement. IET classes are contextualized with workforce preparation activities and workforce training for specific occupations identified as existing and emerging in in-demand or targeted occupations or occupational clusters for the purpose of educational and career advancement. Classes are held once or twice a year and participants are screened for eligibility prior to enrolling in classes.
Integrated English Literacy and Civics (Integrated EL Civics) Education
Integrated EL Civics classes are offered to adult English Language participants, including professionals with degrees and credentials in their native countries, and enables them to achieve competency in English and acquire the basic and more advanced skills necessary to function effectively as parents, workers, and citizens in the United States. Classes are held once or twice a year and participants are screened for eligibility purposes prior to enrolling in classes.
Intensive services
Intensive service model includes three components:
Workplace AEL Activities
Upon request, workplace AEL classes are provided in collaboration with a local employer or employee organization at a workplace or an off-site location and are designed to improve participants' productivity of the workforce. AEL staff and workplace work together to screen eligible participants for services.
Services for Internationally-trained English Language Learner Professionals
Services for Internationally-trained ELL Professionals include, but are not limited to, skills preparation for professional credentialing exams, specialized career advising, ESL services contextualized for targeted occupations with enough intensity to allow for rapid progress with the use of proper English language assessment to determine whether a participant's academic or professional English is sufficient enough to pursue academic coursework, credentialing exams, or professional opportunities. Participants are screened for eligibility purposes prior to enrolling in class.
Re-entry and Post-Release Services
Re-entry services are provided to formerly incarcerated individuals upon or shortly after release from a correctional institution. These services are designed to promote successful adjustment to the community and prevent recidivism. Examples include education, employment services, substance abuse treatment, housing support, mental and physical health care, and family reunification services. Referrals are made by the local parole and probation offices for and/or participants are screened at program entry for re-entry eligibility.
For information about Career Pathways/Intensive Services, please call 903-434-8340 or e-mail us at adulted@ntcc.edu.
Participants 17-18 years old must have an official withdrawal from school and parental consent to be eligible for program services. Classes are held at various locations in the service delivery area of Titus, Morris, Franklin, Camp, and Wood counties. Remote and/or distance learning classes are also available. The central NTCC AEL office is located in downtown Mt. Pleasant at 105 N. Riddle Street. Offices hours are Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. – 12 noon. Registration/orientation and assessment are required before beginning services. For information about AEL classes and services or to make an appointment to register, please call 903-434-8341 or e-mail us at adulted@ntcc.edu.
