GED enrollment available Jan. 27

By Kathy Thomson

Open registration for the next series of General Education Development (GED) classes in Albany is taking place this month, according to local instructor Kenzie Fairchild.

“Open enrollment will be available on Monday nights in January only,” said Fairchild. 

The Albany GED class meets at the county library on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. throughout the school year, following the AISD holiday schedule. 

Because AISD is closed on Monday, Jan. 20 for Martin Luther King Day, the only remaining enrollment option for GED classes this semester will be on Monday, Jan. 27. 

“Participants should be at least 17 years of age (with parent’s consent) or older, and must have an ID to register,” said Fairchild. 

Several types of identification forms, all of which must include the student’s name and birthday, are acceptable for registration purposes, according to director of the Abilene Adult Education program Mignon Lawson. However, the student will eventually need to have a photo ID.

“Students must have a current photo ID to take the tests,” said Lawson. “There is no way around that! If they do not have one when they start classes, we try to get them started on obtaining one of those right away.”

Participants must commit to regular attendance and accumulate at least 40 hours of class time, according to Fairchild. 

In addition, parents need to realize that childcare is not available. 

For additional information, call Fairchild at 325-721-5233.

Abilene Adult Education oversees the adult education classes in 19 area counties, including Shackelford. 

A grant from Texas Workforce Commission funds the class, and although the TWC does not pay for the four exams required for students to receive their GED, Fairchild has obtained funding which will cover those expenses.

“There are no fees for Albany students; everything is covered,” she said.  

Those under 16 years old can not take the GED classes, and those who are 16 can only take the course if they have been directed to do so by a court order and their parent or legal guardian signs the enrollment form. They must also have a high school withdrawal form.