GED – General Education Development
The Division of Adult and Family Services The Division of Adult and Family Services provides a Doorway to a Brighter Future for Adults and Families The Joliet Junior College Division of Adult and Family Services can open the doors to a brighter future for you and your family with programs designed to meet your needs.
For more information on the programs and services in the Division of Adult and Family Services: Call us at (815) 729-9020 ext 1333 Fax us at (815) 727-1529 or  E-mail us at tirby@jjc.edu

GED prepares for the GED (General Education Development) testing, the nationally accepted equivalent of a high school diploma.  A GED class prepares you to take the GED test.  Internet, and computer-assisted instruction are available. Out of school youth and adults 16 and over who have not finished high school may take advantage of this program.

The GED Preparation program is for adults who lack a high school diploma, have good reading skills and need to prepare to take the GED Test o earn a high school equivalency certificate.  Instruction is offered in the five areas covered on the GED Test:  social studies, science, interpreting literature and the arts, mathematics, and writing skills.  Instruction is also offered on the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions, and a test covering these areas must be passed if it was not passed in high school.

Adult Basic Education (ABE)
It is never too late to learn the basics.  Joliet Junior College’s Division of Adult and Basic Education helps out of school youth and adults 16 and over whose skill elves are below the either grade level.

Pre-GED Skills
The Pre-GED program is for adults who do not have a high school diploma and who need to refine their skills in reading, spelling, English grammar, writing math or problem solving.  Many adults begin their GED preparation in the Pre-GED program.  Courses are offered in a traditional classroom or multimedia center setting.  Classes meet from four to twelve hours per week.  Most students repeat their ABE/Pre-GED course three times to achieve the course objectives and prepare for the GED Preparation exam.

Reading Achievement Program
Adults 16 or older who need extra help with their reading, writing, or English skills may benefit from trained volunteer tutors.  The Reading Achievement Program also trains volunteers to conduct tutoring in one-to-one, small group, or classroom situations.

Refresh & Review Basic Skills & Adult Education
Basic Skill and Adult Basic Education classes (small classes, computer assisted instruction and one-to-one tutorials), are designed for students identified as having problems in reading, math, writing, problem solving, and/or students with special learning needs, including Limited English students. Students are prepared to transition into GED classes, college credit and/or non-credit classes and short-term job training programs and courses. Specific learning strategies are to improve reading decoding skills, reinforce reading comprehension skills while building vocabulary, spelling and fluency in verbal and written communication. Students are individually assessed from basic literacy level through grade level 8. Each student is monitored for progress with tutors assigned for one-on-one or small group instruction as needed. Diagnostics assessments are by appointments or walk in at NO CHARGE to the student.

GED Review Course
Be prepared for the test — This workshop is designed for adults who have completed the math and English courses, or the GED Test Preparation course, and who have registered for the GED Test. Each area of the test will be reviewed and specific test-taking strategies discussed. Tips for overcoming test anxiety are also included. You’ve done the course work, now be “Test Ready”. Classes are offered in two-week intervals.

GED Constitution Review
Prepare to pass the Illinois and U.S. Constitution test requirement for the GED. Recommended for adults who have registered for the GED Test, and those who have previously attempted but not passed the Constitution Test.

Spanish GED
Need your high school diploma?  Do you speak Spanish?  This program can help. The Spanish GED program provides a review of all parts of the GED tests, practice tests, and individualized assistance. The course is taught by a bilingual instructor.  Receive preparation to help pass the official GED exam given by the Regional Superintendent’s Office.

High School Diploma for Out-of-School Youth and Adults 16 and over   
High school level Adult Secondary Education (ASE) classes are offered through independent study at Joliet Junior College City Center Campus for persons wishing to earn credits toward completion of a traditional high school diploma.  Credit is granted by the student’s high school district.  Interested persons should contact their hometown high school principal or counselor to ensure that their high school will grant the high school diploma.  Joliet Township High School currently grants the high school diploma for students who reside within the Joliet Township High School District 204 District.

Adults 16 and older who are within 5 credit hours of completing their high school diploma may enroll in the adult high school credit program.  After a transcript analysis is completed, students will receive an individualized program of study based on their home high school requirements.  Classes may include specialized high school credit, home study, and college (dual credit) classes.

GED Illinois Online  

GED Illinois Online provides students with a convenient alternative to studying in the classroom with 24-hour access to instruction.  Students must register with Joliet Junior College Division of Adult and Family Literacy to be able to access online instruction.  For registration information, contact JJC DAFS at (815) 729-9020 ext 1333.

College Transition / Alternate Entry Services
Students who qualify are assisted in making the transition from adult education to college-level courses and programs.  Academic and career assessment and advising, education/training plans, assistance in obtaining financial aid, orientation and case management services, and “bridging” services to college services and departments combine to ensure a smooth transition and student success.  Up to 12 credit hours in vocational courses of college-level course tuition, fees, and textbooks are provided.

Building Bridges Pre-Apprenticeship Project
A cooperative pre-apprenticeship program with the Chicago Interfaith Committee on Worker Issues, St. John M.B. Church and Joliet Junior College Division of Adult and Family Services provides a comprehensive basic skills review with a focus on math, field trips, on site visits and mentors are provided. Assistance is provided and participation in gaining acceptance into their desired apprenticeship program.

Compass Placement Testing
Be prepared to enter Joliet Junior College.  Joliet Junior College requires all full-time students (with 12 credit hours or more) and students who intend to enroll in mathematics or English  courses to take the COMPASS placement test. The COMPASS test measures math, reading and writing abilities of students who wish to attend Joliet Junior College. The COMPASS test is designed to place students into classes based on their abilities. Call (815) 729-9020 ext 1333 for more information.

How do I register and what is the cost? 

While registration and testing are convenient and occur throughout the semester, student enrollment into classes may not be immediate due to the high demand for classes, as a result, it may be necessary to place new students who have registered and tested on a waiting list.  Then as openings occur, students will be contacted to being class.

There is no cost for classes or textbooks for students qualifying for enrollment.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
APPLICANTS MUST ATTEND A REGISTRATION SESSION BEFORE REGISTERING FOR CLASSES

Attendance at a registration session is by appointment only. Call (815) 729 9020 ext 1333 to reserve a seat.

• The session last about 2 hours.
• The required identification must be brought to the session.

What EVERY applicant MUST have at the registration session:

• Identity and age must be verified using photographic identification. Drivers' licenses, passports, military, school, or government identification cards, and comparable forms of identification such as those provided by motor vehicle departments to nondrivers which show name, address, birth date, signature, and photo are all acceptable forms of identification.

• Residence verification if not included on photo identification includes a signed lease, imprinted checks, and letters with canceled postage.

What an applicant SHOULD have if:

• CONSTITUTION REQUIREMENT COMPLETED: Transcript or letter from his/her high school or an adult basic education agency stating that the applicant took the required Constitution test and passed.
• APPLICANT IS ELIGIBLE WITH PERMISSION: All required letters of permission from the Regional Superintendent.