Adult Basic Skills, GED, and EDP
Noncredit Continuing Education Courses for the Current Term

Registration for NEW STUDENTS is a two-day process. On the first day, new students are required to attend a mandatory orientation session that will take no longer than 2 hours. Following the orientation session, new students will make arrangements with a counselor to return on a second day for pretesting, counseling, class placement and registration.  Pretesting, counseling, class placement and registration will take approximately 2 1/2 hours.  Payment for classes is due at this time. See dates and times below for orientation and registration sessions.

RETURNING students are those who have attended a Basic Skills class in the past year. Returning students are required to come to one of the registration sessions listed below. Payment for classes is due at this time.

Registration for NEW STUDENTS is a two-day process. On the first day, new students are required to attend a mandatory orientation session that will take no longer than 2 hours. Following the orientation session, new students will make arrangements with a counselor to return on a second day for pretesting, counseling, class placement and registration.  Pretesting, counseling, class placement and registration will take approximately 2 1/2 hours.  Payment for classes is due at this time. See dates and times below for orientation and registration sessions.

RETURNING students are those who have attended a Basic Skills class in the past year. Returning students are required to come to one of the registration sessions listed below. Payment for classes is due at this time.

Our Adult Basic Skills courses are funded in part by a grant from Maryland Literacy Works and the U.S. Department of Education.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Please note:  YOU WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNTIL PAYMENT IS RECEIVED FOR MATERIALS OR TUITION.

Howard Community College will be closed Winter Break December 24, 2009 through January 1, 2010 and for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 18, 2010.  For more information on Adult Basic Skills, call 410-772-4919 or 410-772-4709.

(Class size in the last section is limited; openings are first come, first served.)

Basic Skills for Employability

Do you need to improve your basic skills?  This program provides reading, writing, and math instruction for adults.  A placement test at the Hickory Ridge Building is required.  See registration dates and times.  Free Tuition; $40 materials fee* required at registration.

Enhancing Basic Skills from Home (Distance Learning Option)
If you are busy, have an unusual schedule, or just want to read, write, or improve math skills... this is the class for you!  You will borrow a video and instructional materials to study reading, math, writing, and parenting at home at your own pace.  Each week you will return during your scheduled class time for a one-hour, one-on-one session with an instructor to review your homework; check your reading, math, and writing skills; and receive your next assignment.  This program is for motivated intermediate-level students who are parents.   A placement test is required.  See registration times.  Additional hours and times can be individually arranged.  Call Cheryl at 410-772-4991 ext. 7143  Free tuition ($40 materials fee* required at registration)

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA PROGRAMS

GED Exam Preparation
This review course prepares you for the GED test so that you can earn a Maryland high school diploma.  Specific scores must be achieved on a placement test  given at the Hickory Ridge Building to qualify for this course.  See registration dates and times.  $180 tuition required at registration (includes $40 materials fee*)

GED Fast Track

This 6-week course is designed for highly motivated students who need a quick skills review to prepare for the GED test.  Specific scores must be achieved on a placement test given at the Hickory Ridge builing to qualify for this course.  See registration dates and times.  $130 tuition required at registration (includes $40 materials fee*)

GED Exam Review

This is the administration of the Official GED Practice Test.  The test is half the length of the actual GED and provides a score that indicates your readiness.  The test is scored on site the day it is given.  Given by appointment (call Meredith at 410-772-4841) or mail or fax in your registration for the session listed below.  Visit www.howardcc.edu/coned , click on "Registration and Payment" then on "Registration Form" to download and print a registration form.  $20
On Saturday you must be at the test site by 8:30 a.m.  No one is permitted to enter the classroom after 8:45 a.m.

National External Diploma Program (NEDP)
Come to a registration session to take a placement test for NEDP, an alternative program for adults 18 years old or over who have a job or who can demonstrate a job skill (such as homecare skills or home maintenance) and want to earn a Maryland high school diploma.  If you meet the eligibility requirements and test into the program, there is a $180 program fee.* (See Placement testing and registration information for times.)  For more information abour the National External Diploma Program, please call 410-772-4747.

Ready for Work? Get Set, Go…

Refine your job readiness skills. Write a resume, practice interviewing, and learn about career development. You will also learn how to dress for success. Additional topics include keyboarding, time management, and communication skills. A placement test at the Hickory Ridge Building is required. See registration dates and times. Free tuition; $40 materials fee* required at registration. Priority is given to individuals without a high school diploma

*Fees are non refundable.

MATH COURSES

Basic Math
If you are working toward a GED or External Diploma (NEDP) need to improve your math skills, or want to assist your children with their homework, this course will provide a review of math operations.   Topics include a review of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.  Additional topics may include fractions, decimals, and percents.  A placement test at the Hickory Ridge Building is required.  See registration times.  Free tuition ($20 materials fee* required at registration)

Intermediate Math
If you are working toward a GED or External Diploma (EDP), need to improve your math skills, or want to assist your children with their homework, this course will provide a review of math operations.  Topics include a review of fractions, decimals, percents, order of operations, integers, and word problems.  A placement test at the Hickory Ridge Building is required.  See registration dates and times. Free tuition ($20 materials fee* required at registration)

Individualized Math Program
Would you like to improve your math skills?  This 12-week course will provide individualized instruction using the computer.  An instructor will evaluate your skill needs in relation to your goal and plan lessons specific to your needs.  An instructor will be in the lab at all times.  Topics include whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and basic algebra and geometry.  A placement test at the Hickory Ridge Building is required.  See registration dates and times. ($20 computer lab/materials fee* required at registration)

Individualized Math Program Online *NEW Online Option*
Would you like to brush up on your math skills?  This 12-week course offers individualized instruction using the computer.  An instructor will evaluate your skill needs in relation to your goal and plan lessons specific to your needs.  You will come to a required in-person registration to do an initial assessment and placement testing.  Program objectives will be presented at registration and you will sign a contract with requirements for successful completion.  Course materials are available online at a designated website and the instructor will communicate with students via e-mail or phone.  Course topics include whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and basic algebra and geometry. ($20 computer fees* required at registration).

Preparation for the Math Placement Test
This 15-hour course is a partnership between Howard Community College's Division of Continuing Education and the HCC Credit Math Department.  This course is recommended for those who wish to improve their chances of being placed into a higher level credit math course.  Topics include arithmetic, basic math functions, elementary algebra, geometry, and college math.  Mail or fax your registration.  Visit www.howardcc.edu/coned, click on "Registration and Payment," then on "Registration Form" to download and print a registration form.  $130 (includes $20 materials fee and $30 computer fee*)

Preparation for the Math Placement Test Online *New Online Option*
This 3-week online course prepares students to take the math placement test at Howard Community College.  the course can also help those who have taken the placement test try to raise their score.  Students who take this course must have completed an algebra class.  Course materials will be available online at a dedicated course website and the instructor will communicate with students via e-mail.  This course has a required on-campus orientation to receive web access and materials.  Topics include arithmetic, basic math functions, elementary algebra, geometry, and college math. Mail or fax your registration.  Visit www.howardcc.edu/coned, click on "Registration and Payment," then on "Registration Form" to download and print a registration form. $130 (includes $30 computer fee*)

WRITING COURSES

Grammar For Your Job
Does grammar confuse or intimidate you?  Do you feel that poor grammar is holding you back in your job or career?  This 10-week course reviews and reinforces common principles of English usage and improves your ability to communicate effectively.  Includes a great up-to-date desk reference.  This course is also offered for college credit.  Mail or fax your registration.  Visit www.howardcc.edu/coned, click on "Registration and Payment," then on "Registration Form" to download and print a registration form.  $195 (includes $90 materials fee)

Basic Writing for the Workplace and Personal Use

If you are working toward a GED or National External Diploma (NEDP) or need to improve writing skills for the workplace or personal use, this course will provide a review of topics such as grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and paragraph and letter writing.  A placement test at the Hickory Ridge Building is required.  See registration dates and times.  Free tuition; $20 materials fee*  required at registration               

English Skills Review
Do you need to improve your basic reading and writing skills?  This skills review class is intended for those students working towards the GED or EDP and will provide individualized instruction using the computer.  An instructor will evaluate your skill needs in relation to your goal and plan lessons specific to those needs.  An instructor will be in the computer lab at all times.  Depending upon your goal and your skill level, topics may include reading comprehension, grammar skills, and paragraph and essay writing.   A placement test at the Hickory Ridge Building is required.  See registration dates and times.  Free tuition ($20 computer lab/materials fee* required at registration)

Intermediate Writing Online *Distantce Learning/Hybrid Option*

This combination online and on-site course will assist you with the grammar and paragraph writing skills necessary to pass the writing section of the GED or the writing assessment for the National External Diploma Program (NEDP).  Additionally, if you are interested in improving your writing for pos-secondary education, this course may also be for you.  You must attend 5 in-person class sessions in addition to completing the online course work.  You will sign a contract at registration with requirements for successful completion.  You will have 8 weeks to complete this course.  Free tuition; $20 materials fee* required at registration.

Required on-campus classes will meet at the Hickory Ridge Building from 4:30-5:30pm on the following dates:  Mon Jan 25, Mon Feb 1, Mon Feb 15, Mon Mar 1, and Mon Mar 15.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

The following courses are designed for individuals with developmental disabilities.  SSI waivers are not eligible.   A registration fee* of $30 applies to every course.  Call Meredith Lowman at 410-772-4841 for more details.

CORE (Community Opportunities in Recreation and Enrichment)

CORE is a partnership between Howard Community College and the Arc of Howard County, is a 5-day per week program which meets at HCC Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Students participate in Introduction to Computers, Reading Using the Newspaper, Introduction to Spanish Language and Culture, Food and Nutrition, as well as other classes.  Students use the pool at HCC once a week and participate in enrichment and life skill activities twice a week.  Cost: $300 per month.  For more information, contact Meredith at 410-772-4841 or e-mail mlowman@howardcc.edu.  This program is partially funded through a grant from the Horizon Foundation.

Life Skills Literacy

This course is designed for adults with developmental disabilities to reinforce basic life skills in the area of reading and mathematics,  Topics include: basic whole numbers, money handling, banking, current events, and leusure reading.  Students will reinforce mathematics with and without the use of a calculator and participate in solving real life mathematic situations such as using coupons, calculating the cost of a meal for a menu, making purchases and receiving change, and basic banking.  Students will reinforce reading skills by reading a newspaper, discussing articles, current events, and reading a book outside of class.  If you are interested in registering, call Meredith at 410-772-4841 or email mlowman@howardcc.edu.  $275 (includes $40 materials fee)*

Computers, Cameras, Civility

Using the book Choosing Civility:  The 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct by Johns Hopkins University Professor Dr. P.M.  Forni as a guide, students will use a digital camera, clip art and the Internet to locate examples of "civility" being addressed.  In addition, students will learn the basics of sentence writing and will create PowerPoint presentations and/or Word documents expounding on those pictures and civility principles.  If you are interested in registering, call Meredith at 410-772-4841 or email mlowman@howardcc.edu.

Personal CaregiverThis class with help to provide career pathways to individuals with developmental disabilities.  This course will teach you how to perform safe transfers of a client from bed to wheelchair, assist with bed baths, assist with dressing, ambulation, and feeding.  You will learn how to effectively communicate with people.  Practice taking temperatures and other skills in a lab setting.  You will learn medical terminology and medical abbreviations, professionalism and work ethics, adult CPR, making occupied beds, assisting with personal hygiene among many other skills.  Please note that taking this course will train you to be a care taker in a health care setting but does not in any way qualify you to become a Maryland Board of Nursing approved Certified Nursing Assistant.

CAREER PREPARATION

Career Advancement and Advanced Computer Training Program
Increase your marketablility!  This is a unique program that helps individuals find a job or move up in their current position, make more money, and develop a career path.    This course will teach you how to assess your skills, interview with success, develop a marketable resume, and use Microsoft Word and Excel so you can get a better job.  FREE tuition for low ti moderate income residents of Howard Countyl $25 registration fee.  Call Cindy Nicodemus at 410-772-4185 to register or for more information.  Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

New Jobs New Lives Employment Program

This is a career training program that assists immigrants and refugees to navigate the American job market and culture successfully obtain employment.  To register, call Lori Hsu at 410-799-1097

 *Fees are non-refundable.