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College and Career Readiness

   Welcome to the College and Career Readiness / Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program at TCCC.

 

Your success is our goal!

We are excited that you have chosen us to help you with your goals and your future.  This is why we offer a variety of classes, learning labs, and instructional options.  All of which are designed to help you improve your academic and employment skills. The Tri-County Community College, College and Career Readiness Program provides educational opportunities for those students in the service area of Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties who did not complete their high school education or have not received their High School Equivalency Diploma or who need to improve their reading, languages or math skills.  College and Career Readiness also focuses on providing employability skills, job-specific occupational and technical skills, and developmental education instruction. The College and Career Readiness Program is based on the philosophy that every student, regardless of educational level, is capable of self-improvement, and should have the opportunity to participate in furthering their education and employment goals. Any adult 18 years of age or older who did not graduate from high school is eligible to participate in the program as is any high school graduate who wishes to increase their skills. If you are under the age of 18, please read the information under Minor Student Information.

Please call (828) 835-4208 or (828) 835-4256 for more information.
College and Career Readiness can assist you with
  • Improving reading, writing, or math skills
  • Improving computer and technology skills
  • Earning a high school equivalency credential
  • Improving employability skills
  • Improving job-specific skills
  • Improve life skills
  • Learn to speak English
  • Prepare for becoming a US Citizen
  • Preparing for college and/or workforce entry

New Student Orientation is offered weekly and there is at least one ABE / ABE-Advanced class in each county to ensure students have access to the resources available.   Classes meet during the day, evening, and at a distance and are offered on campus or at different locations in Cherokee, Clay, and Graham Counties. All orientation and instructional classes are:

  • offered FREE and materials are provided
  • designed to allow for individual differences and learning styles
  • Structured while allowing for individually learning styles and differences - your motivation, ability, time available, work habits and class commitment is what drives your goal achievement.

Whether you have been out of the public school system or workforce for six months or over thirty years, you have a place in the College and Career Readiness Program.  If you would like more information on any of our programs we encourage you to, contact:

Dotie Stafford-Ortega Director of Academic Success and Student Engagement dstafford@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4208.

 Angela Jaco Program Coordinator ajaco@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4256.

You may also stop by either of our campus locations; we will be glad to help you.

Minor Student Information
Any adult ages 16 or 17 not currently enrolled in public school may participate by obtaining permission from the school superintendent and the principal of the school district where they live.  You must complete a Minor Permission Form before being allowed to enroll in any class.  Minor Permission Forms can either be picked up the in person at the College and Career Readiness Department or call (828) 835-4256 to have the form mailed.  You may also print a form by selecting the following link, Download the GED Minor Applicant Form Instructions for completing the form are included on it, but if you have any questions, please call: 

 Dotie Stafford-Ortega Director of Academic Success and Student Engagement dstafford@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4208.

 Angela Jaco Program Coordinator ajaco@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4256.
You may also stop by either of our campus locations; we will be glad to help you.

New & Returning Student Orientation
 New and Returning Student Orientation is offered twice monthly on Monday’s and Tuesday’s. During the two day orientation class you will complete an assessment of your Education Level / High School Equivalency  Readiness Level  in reading, math, and language using the TABE assessment. You will also be given instruction on calculator use and computer skills necessary for completing the 2014 GED® test on computer.  Information will be provided regarding how to register for the 2014 GED® computer based test and, based on the results of your assessment and your academic and career goals, you will be referred to the appropriate classes.   Orientation also includes the enrollment in and completion of two HRD courses, Money Smart (HRD 3008) and Career Planning and Assessment (HED 3003). This addition will allow students to better understand their personal goals, likes/dislikes, and interests, therefore allowing the orientation experience to be uniquely focused on the individual student while continuing to create a connection to their orientation group.  The HRD components will help you in planning your pathway to your future and success.   

2018

Schedule   

Spring 2018 Classes - January 8 - May 14

New & Returning Student Orientation Sessions

Attendance on both days is required.
Location: TCCC Main Campus

Month

Date

Day Session 

Room 108

Crisp Bldg.

Evening Session

Room 109           

Crisp Bldg.

January

 8 and 9or22 and 23 9am-3pm – Both Days  By Appointment

February

 5 and 6and19 and 20 9am-3pm – Both Days  By Appointment

March

 5 and 6or19 and 20 9am-3pm – Both Days  By Appointment

April

 9 and 10or23 and 24 9am-3pm – Both Days  By Appointment

May

 7 and 8 9am-3pm – Both Days  By Appointment

June

 No Scheduled Orientation  9am-3pm – Both Days  By Appointment

July

 9 and 10or23 and 24 9am-3pm – Both Days By Appointment

August

 6  and 17or20 and 21 9am-3pm – Both Days By Appointment

September

 10 and 11or17 and 18 9am-3pm – Both Days By Appointment

October

 1 and 2or15 and 16 9am-3pm – Both Days By Appointment

November

 5 and 6or12 and 13 9am-3pm – Both Days By Appointment

December

 No Scheduled Orientation By Appointment

New Student Orientation and ALL classes are FREE of charge.  We encourage you to pre-register for New Student Orientation class by contacting either:

 Dotie Stafford-Ortega Director of Academic Success and Student Engagement dstafford@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4208.

 Angela Jaco Program Coordinator ajaco@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4256.

You may also stop by either of our campus locations; we will be glad to help you.

College and Career Readiness Program Education Offerings: Beginning to Advanced
Adult Basic Education (ABE) coursework is designed for adults who need to improve their reading, writing, speaking, problem-solving, or mathematic skills necessary to function effectively in society, on a job, or in the family. The program stresses literacy development from beginning reading, writing, and math, to high school equivalency  study, to college and career entry. Adult Basic Education (ABE) coursework also includes components to improve the employability of the state’s workforce through instruction in mathematics, reading, language, and workforce readiness skills. It is designed to provide adults with sufficient basic education to enable them to benefit from job training and retraining programs and obtain and retain productive employment so that they might have a fuller enjoy of the benefits and responsibilities of being citizens. Basic literacy instruction emphasizes a general competency in basic word identification, reading comprehension, and vocabulary skills and basic knowledge in the social studies and science area. ABE provides functional literacy instruction while simultaneously providing instruction in math, English, social studies, and science areas. Our instructional methods and materials are selected and designed to be appropriate for adults and promote meaningful learning experiences. The Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult Basic Education – intermediate (ABE-I) and Adult Basic Education-Advanced (ABE-A) programs provide a student with a foundation to enter high school equivalency classes and/or to take the High School Equivalency Diploma Exam (2014 GED® exam). Following completion of New Student Orientation and the Student Study Plan; students are given class attendance options, based on their assessment scores. Classes meet during the day and are offered on campus or at different locations in Cherokee, Clay, and Graham Counties.  There are also specialized classes that meet at various locations in the service area. ABE also includes Adult Basic Education – Beginning (ABE-B), formerly Compensatory Education (CED).  ABE-B is an academic program designed to compensate adults with intellectual disabilities.  The focus of the ABE-B program is on helping individuals become as independent as possible primarily by improving academic, social, survival, vocational, and independent-living skills.  If you would like more information on the ABE-B program we encourage you to contact Angie Jaco at 835-4256.  In the ABE program you will find:

  • there is no fee for registration
  • there is no fee for instructional materials
  • varied class locations and times
  • class coursework is designed to improve your educational, technological, and employability skills
  • the program is designed to provide adults with basic beginning, intermediate and high level education instruction prior to high school equivalency credential testing, college enrollment and/or employment
  • program components designed to assist with college entry requirements
  • instructors who want to help you succeed
  • computer based programs to assist with learning

2018

Schedule of Classes   

Spring 2018 Classes - January 8 - May 14

You will begin class the week of your New Student Orientation. You do not need to wait for the beginning of a new semester at TCCC.

Learning Lab Hours:

Main Campus Learning Lab – Crisp Building Room 109

Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Graham County Center Learning Lab – Shope Building Room 4

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Schedule of Classes – Main Campus:

Focus = English/Language Arts – Crisp Building Room 109

Monday/Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Focus = Math – Crisp Building Room 109

Tuesday/Wednesday 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Focus = Science - Crisp Building Room 109

Tuesday/Wednesday 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Focus = Social Studies - Crisp Building Room 109

Monday/Thursday 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Computer Based / Self Paced Instruction – Crisp Building Room 110

Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Individual / Group  Remediation Lab and Tutoring - Crisp Building Room 109

Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Community Class Schedule:

Moss Library – 29 Andrews Street, Hayesville

TBA

 Dotie Stafford-Ortega Director of Academic Success and Student Engagement dstafford@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4208.

 Angela Jaco Program Coordinator ajaco@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4256.

You may also stop by either of our campus locations; we will be glad to help you.

Distance Learning
 Dotie Stafford-Ortega Director of Academic Success and Student Engagement dstafford@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4208.

 Angela Jaco Program Coordinator ajaco@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4256.

You may also stop by either of our campus locations; we will be glad to help you.

High School Equivalency Diploma / 2014 GED

The High School Equivalency Diploma / 2014 GED program is designed to prepare adult students to take the 2014 GED® tests and, with passing scores, the student earns a High School Equivalency Diploma which is awarded by the North Carolina Community College System. This certificate is generally accepted on an equal basis with a traditional diploma for employment, promotion, or further education. Classes meet during the day and evening and are offered on campus or at different locations in Cherokee, Clay, and Graham Counties. Instruction is offered in the four subject areas in preparation for taking the high school equivalency diploma exam (2014 GED® test).

Tri-County Community College is an Official GED Testing site for Computer Based 2014 GED® testing. 

The General Educational Development (2014 GED®) tests covers four content areas:

  • Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) (150 minutes) – Section 1 (35 minutes*) – Section 2 (45 minutes) – Student Break (10 minutes) – Section 3 (60 minutes*) *The time allotted for sections 1 and 3 may vary slightly, but the total test time will always be 150 minutes.
  • Mathematical Reasoning (90 minutes) – Part 1 – calculators not allowed – Part 2 – calculators allowed
  • Science (90 minutes)
  • Social Studies (75 minutes)

Is available in English and Spanish

Students have 3 opportunities to test per year, per content area

The test includes seven different item types: Delivered on computer (not online)

  • Extended response
  • Drag-and-drop
  • Drop-down
  • Fill-in-the-blank
  • Hot spot
  • Multiple choice
  • Short answer

Paper testing is only available as an accommodation 

To be eligible for 2014 GED® testing, a student must:

  • be at least 18 years old (16- and 17-year-olds may test with special permission / Minor Applicant Form on file)
  • provide a current government issued picture ID

To pass the 2014 GED® Test one must earn a minimum standard score of 580 on all 4 tests and a minimum standard score of 145 on each content area test.

Please attend New and Returning Student Orientation and let us assist you with the process.

 Dotie Stafford-Ortega Director of Academic Success and Student Engagement dstafford@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4208.

 Angela Jaco Program Coordinator ajaco@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4256.

You may also stop by either of our campus locations; we will be glad to help you.

NC-DAP Test Preparation and Remediation – Pre-DMA and Pre-DRE

TBA

 Please Check Back for Dates and Times

NC-DAP Math and Language Preparation classes (Pre-DMA and Pre-DRE) are designed to increase scores for entry into the DMA and DRE sequence and beyond. This 8 day session includes an intensive review of material via lecture and computer based instruction that is related to the test subject matter.  Following the completion of this session students should be better prepared to take their initial placement or re-take their test with a higher score.

Students assigned to NC-DAP Basic Math Preparation and Basic Language Preparation classes by their Academic Advisor or the Accuplacer Testing Center Staff do not have to attended the College and Career Readiness / ABE New Student Orientation.

For more information please contact:

 Dotie Stafford-Ortega Director of Academic Success and Student Engagement dstafford@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4208.

 Angela Jaco Program Coordinator ajaco@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4256.

You may also stop by either of our campus locations; we will be glad to help you.

English Language Acquisition (ELA) – formerly ESL

English as a Second Language Class (ESL) is now…

English Language Acquisition (ELA) Class

for

English Language Learners (ELL)

        

You must attend class orientation prior to beginning classes. During EACH Class Orientation you will complete a registration form and listen to a brief overview of the orientation process, classes offered and additional services available. You will then take an assessment test to determine your current skills level. After you complete the assessment, you will receive your results and what courses are available to you based on your scores.  You will also create a personalized plan for success and to meet your personal goals

English Language Acquisition (ELA) is a program of instruction designed for adults who are limited English proficient and whose primary language is not English. The ESL program is for students who need to improve their speaking, reading, writing, and understanding of the English language to enable them to further their education or obtain employment.

Classes are designed for adults who are not native English speakers. Because individual needs vary considerably, instruction in reading, writing, speaking, and listening is tailored to meet individual needs.

2018

Schedule

ELA Orientation Schedule

  

Monday, January 22 - 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Monday, February 12 - 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Monday, March 12 - 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Monday, April 9 - 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

May, June, & July - No Scheduled Orientation for New Students

Monday, August 13 - 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Monday, September 10 - 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Monday, October 8 - 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Monday, November 12 - 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

      • Please arrive on time and plan appropriately as Orientation requires 3 hours to complete.
      • There is no fee – the orientation is FREE.   
      • Please, No children

 

2018

Spring 2018 Classes - January 8 - May 14

Schedule of Classes

ESA Class Sessions:  Monday and Tuesday  5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Crisp Building Room 108

                                        Wednesday and Thursday  5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Andrews Library

¡Clases de inglé – gratis! Favor de llamar

EL Civics/Citizenship Sessions:

Classes are offered in Hayesville, Robbinsville, and Andrews call for class days and times.

If you have questions or would like to attend class please contact:

 Dotie Stafford-Ortega Director of Academic Success and Student Engagement dstafford@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4208.

 Angela Jaco Program Coordinator ajaco@tricountycc.edu (828)835-4256.

You may also stop by either of our campus locations; we will be glad to help you.

College and Career Readiness Forms

Download the GED Minor Applicant Form

Do you need a copy of your North Carolina GED transcript? Please click here:  GED Official Transcript Request