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

A placement test is required for most classes when registering at the Hickory Ridge Building.  You do not have to be a registered student to take the placement test.  Testing and registration happen at the same time and will take approximately 2 1/2  to 3 hours , so feel free to drop in at one of the times listed here.   Our HCC staff will evaluate your ability and help you register for the class that is right for you.

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 is closed for Memorial Day and no classes will be held on May 26, 2008.  For more information on Adult Basic Skills, call 410-772-4919 or 410-772-4709.

Adult Basic Education
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).

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

Adult Basic Education - Reading & Writing Skills

If you are working toward a GED or External Diploma (EDP), or want to improve your skills for the workplace or personal use, this 6-week course will provide a review of reading comprehension, grammar skills and paragraph writing.  A placement test at the Hickory Ridge Building is required.  See registration dates and times.  Free tuition; $20 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)

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)

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 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.

External Diploma Program (EDP)
Come to a registration session to take a placement test for EDP, an alternative program for adults 18 years old or over who have a job or job skill (such as home care 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.)

*Fees are non refundable.

MATH COURSES

Basic 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 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

Basic Writing for the Workplace and Personal Use
If you are working toward a GED or External Diploma (EDP) 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)

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)

Preparation for the SAT
Recommended for high school students who will be taking the SAT this academic year and are currently taking or have taken geometry.  For a  brochure and class schedule , please call 410-772-4919 or  e-mail aaugoustatos@howardcc.edu.

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.

Computer Skills
This course will assist individuals with developmental disabilities in learning necessary computer skills for the workplace and home.  Topics include introduction to the computer, introduction to Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and use of the Internet.  The course will be individualized to meet the needs of those students who have previously taken the introductory computer course.  Maximum total class capacity is 6.  If you are interested in registering , call Meredith at 410-772-4841.  $275 (includes $40 materials fee and $100 computer fee*)

Food and Nutrition
This course will assist individuals with developmental disabilities in identifying healthy food choices.  Discover benefits of a healthy lifestyle and learn how to prepare healthy foods and snacks!  If you are interested in registering, call Meredith at 410-772-4841.   $275 (includes $40 materials fee*) This course is partially funded through a grant from the Horizon Foundation.

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 8 week 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 to low- to moderate-income residents of Howard County.  Call Pinnacle Career Resources at 410-799-1097 to register or to get more information.  Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. 

*Fees are non-refundable.