Adult Education a Priority in U.S. Congress and Pickens County
by Kat Alikhan
Congress has declared September 13—17 National Adult Education and Family
Literacy Week. Adult education and family literacy programs serve adult learners
working to improve their basic literacy, increase employment opportunities and/or
achieve their GEDs (high school general equivalency diploma or General Educational
Development test).
According to the latest national survey, more than 93 million American adults
have below basic literacy skills that limit their ability to get jobs or advance at work, help
their children with school work, interact with their health care professionals and
participate fully in their communities.
The U.S. Department of Education estimates that 17% of Georgians are lacking
basic literacy skills. In Pickens County the estimate is 12%. More than 4,500 adults in
Pickens County have not graduated high school. The Chattahoochee Technical
College/Appalachian Campus is working hard to improve these statistics.
“The adult education program at Chattachoochee Tech’s adult learning center in
Jasper currently has 120 people enrolled in its GED program,” said Amy Denney,
instructor of adult education at Chattachoochee Tech. “We have a group of extremely
dedicated students who- despite many barriers-attend classes during the day and at
night.”
Obtaining a GED requires that students pass tests in five areas of study: math,
science, social studies, reading and writing. The amount of time required to obtain a GED
varies by individual, but each participant receives outstanding instruction from college
staff and volunteers. Pickens County residents attend GED classes at no charge. Even the
$95 GED examination fee is paid by the Certified Literate Community Program (CLCP),
the county’s adult literacy non-profit support organization.
Individual’s who choose not to work toward their GEDs may still work with
Chattahoochee Tech to obtain a Work Ready certificate. “The certificate enables clients
to show potential employers that they are trainable for jobs,” said Ms. Denney. “The test
for the certificate includes workplace reading, such as a business memo; applied math,
like figuring the amount of concrete that goes into a truck; and locating information in an
electrical schematic.” GED students may take the Work Ready certificate test at the adult
learning center. Non-GED students may take the test through the Economic Development
office of Chattachoochee Tech.
In 2008, 54-year-old Pickens County resident Marlene Vermett found out about
Chattahoochee Tech’s GED program through her daughter and enrolled immediately. “I
didn’t have to think about it at all,” she said. Ms. Vermett’s goal is to obtain her GED by
the end of 2011. She’s already passed the social studies exam and she has her Work
Ready certificate. “I want to show myself that I can do it and to show everybody else that
it can be done. I know that getting my GED will help me find employment.”
Ms. Vermett has experienced much support and encouragement at Chattahoochee
Tech. “Everyone is willing to help you,” she said. “There is never a question unanswered.
There is not one person in the school who doesn’t treat me with respect.”
“There is a strong need for adult education in Pickens County,” said Ms. Denney.
“Everybody should be willing to learn!” added Ms. Vermett.
For more information about Chattahoochee Tech’s GED program or Work Ready
certification call 706-253-4517 or email Holly Holt at hholt@ChattahoocheeTech.edu.