GED enrollment to start next Monday

By Donnie A. Lucas

Enrollment for local GED classes has been set for Monday, Sept. 11 at the Shackelford County Library starting at 5:30 p.m., according to instructor Kenzie Fairchild.

Anyone interested in enrolling in the free classes must bring a photo identification and Social Security card in order to sign up.

Students will be able to register for the class, as well as take locator exams for language arts and math to determine where their skills are.

“I have to know where each student needs to begin and gear lessons specifically for them,” Fairchild said.

The classes are open to students age 17 years or older, but 17-year-old students must have parental consent to register.

Classes will meet on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. throughout the school year.

The GED sessions will follow the Albany ISD school calendar as far as holidays are concerned.

Fairchild, who teaches at Nancy Smith Elementary, said that some instructional nights may change during the school year depending on her schedule.

Classes will not be taught during school breaks.

There is no registration fee, but child care is not provided, and students must make some other arrangement if child care is needed

Students must accumulate at least 40 hours of class time before attempting a GED test.

The program is overseen by Abilene Adult Education, which coordinates programs in 19 Big Country counties. A Texas Workforce Commission grant funds the cost of classes.

To obtain a GED, students must pass tests for math, language arts, social studies and science. Each test costs $36.25, but Fairchild feels the expense will again be covered by funding from the Albany Chest as in the past.

For more information, contact Fairchild at 325-762-5233.