An Open Door
Tohono O’odham Community College (TOCC) offers Adult Basic Education
(ABE) and General Equivalency Diploma (GED) classes to help
individuals upgrade their skills to qualify for better jobs or for a
college degree program. Classes are offered free of cost at
this time.
ABE and GED classes cover the subjects needed as a foundation for
career and educational advancement: language arts, reading, science,
social studies, and mathematics. The General Equivalency Diploma is
awarded to students who pass the GED test. This credential is
accepted across the United States as the equivalent of a high school
diploma.
Admission to ABE and
GED
ABE and GED classes are offered on a continuous basis, and they are
open entry/open exit. An individual may apply and enroll in the
classes any time during the year when the College is open. A student
will be allowed to take GED exams when he or she and the instructor
agree that the student is prepared. Many students who attend GED
classes and study regularly can be ready to take the GED test within
six months of starting the program. Anyone 18 years of age or older
may apply to enter the ABE or GED classes. To enroll, applicants
must:
- Submit a completed ABE/GED application to TOCC’s Department
of Occupational Programs at the West Campus.
- With the application, submit a copy of one’s birth
certificate, Social Security card, and Tribal Enrollment card or
driver’s license.
- Attend a new student orientation. The orientations include
an overview of the ABE/GED classes and expectations. Monthly
orientations are provided by Occupational Education staff at
TOCC’s West Campus. Students who attend the ABE/GED program at
another location should talk with the instructor about
orientation.
- Complete relevant parts of the Test of Adult Basic Education
(the TABE Test) for placement in ABE or GED. Instructors will
provide this test to new students.
Fees for GED/ABE
Classes
There are no fees to enroll in GED/ABE classes at this time. The GED/ABE
courses are offered as a service to Tohono O’odham Nation members to
assist them in earning a GED diploma. Receiving a GED diploma can
lead to opportunities for employment and for continued educational
and training opportunities. However, students will need to be
prepared to:
- Provide their own basic school supplies; and
- Pay for GED testing (see below)
Program Schedule
ABE and GED classes are offered year round at various
locations. Schedules may change, so call 383-0013 to confirm the
times.
- TOCC’s West Campus in Sells, on Monday through Thursday.
Instructor’s office hours 8:00-9:00 a.m., Class 9:00 a.m. to
12:00 p.m., and Tutoring 12:00-3:30 p.m. Students are
recommended to attend the course 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. so that
they have time to talk with the instructor during office hours
and receive individual and small group tutoring in the
afternoon. (This West Campus Section 1 is designed for GED
preparation.)
- TOCC’s West Campus in Sells on Tuesdays and Wednesdays,
12:30 to 2:30 p.m. (This West Campus Section 2 is designed for
Adult Basic Education);
- Pisinemo Recreation Center on Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00
p.m.;
- Santa Rosa Boarding School on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4:30
to 7:30 p.m.;
- San Xavier Education Center on Mondays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. and/or 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and
- Hickiwan Recreation Center, on Thursdays, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00
p.m.
GED Testing
The Official GED test consists of five exams: language arts,
reading, science, social studies, and mathematics. The Occupational
Education Department at TOCC maintains an official test list, and a
student’s name must be on the list in order for her or him to take
the test. Students’ names are added to the list after they submit
registration cards to their instructors.
The GED test is administered monthly at TOCC’s West Campus. Pima
Community College is the test administrator. The GED test examiner
visits Sells once a month, on a Monday. Specific dates and times are
posted throughout the community on a regular basis. Students are
required to fill out a registration card prior to taking the GED
test.
If you are ready to take the GED test, here are the steps to
take:
- 1. Talk to your instructor to confirm that you are ready.
- Select a test date.
- At least a week before the test date, fill out a
registration card and submit it to your instructor.
- Purchase a money order (see below for details) and obtain
your picture i.d. to bring on the day of testing.
- Pay the separate $25 processing fee at the Finance Office on
TOCC’s Main Campus.
- Show up at the testing time with money order, picture i.d.,
and receipt from the $25 processing fee.
For more information, call Occupational Education at (520)
383-8401 ext. 64.
Fees for GED Testing
There are two fees for taking the GED test: a $25 processing fee to
TOCC and the main testing fee.
The processing fee is to be paid before the day of the test at
TOCC’s Main Campus. The $25 can be paid by cash, check, or money
order. Please keep your receipt and bring it on the day of testing.
The cost to take all five sections of the test is $90. This fee is
to be paid in person on the day of testing, in the form of a money
order. You may leave the payee line on the money order to be filled
out on the day of the test.
Retaking the Test
Each of the five sections of the test may be re-taken at $15 per
section. Payment for the retake must be paid in the form of a money
order. Follow the steps above for registering for the test. (There
is no processing fee to TOCC for the re-takes.) |
