Adult Education & Literacy
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WELCOME TO DENTON ADULT EDUCATION & LITERACY!
Intake
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During intake, you will need to complete required paperwork for the program. This is typically the first step in our registration process. Please bring a state-issued ID or driver’s license and your Social Security card, if available, for verification. If you do not have a state ID, you may bring an alternative form of identification—click here to see acceptable options. Note: Students will not be denied entry based on the absence of these documents.
The following forms will need to be completed or provided:
- Enrollment Form
- Parent/Guardian Consent Form (for ages 16-18)
- School Withdrawal Form (for ages 16-18)
- Court Order Form (for age 16, if applicable)
- TANF Eligibility Verification
- Screening Tool (for ESL students only)
- Self-Attestation (if applicable)
After intake, testing may begin the same day, the next day, or at a scheduled time based on availability.
Testing
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If you are an ESL student you will be doing two types of tests:
- BEST Oral Test - This consists of having a conversation with the proctor. Based on the conversation, the program will run algorithms to determine English language proficiency.
- BEST LIT Test - This test is timed and you are only allotted 1 hour. In this test you will be asked questions based on American life and the reading and writing portion of the test which will determine your English reading and writing level.
If you are an HSE student you will be taking the TABE test. The TABE test is one of the state standard assessments that tests you on Math, Reading, and Language. For each section, you will also be taking an auto locator test which determines what level of test you will take. Please keep in mind that if you get an O/R on a test you will be required to retake that section over at a lower level.
If you are a CPW student, you will be taking the Reading TABE test.
***All tests are to measure your current level and are NOT pass or fail tests***
Orientation
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Orientation takes place after you have successfully finished both intake and testing. During orientation, you will be given the ins and outs of the program as well as other information that will help you to be successful in our program. You will also be expected to go over goals, expectations, and other required information. We will also go over our curriculum which is Burlington English for ESL and Essential Education for HSE.
In addition, you will be explained what progress testing is as well as what are our expectations are for testing. This process is usually done in 3 days and you can start classes the following week.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I just go to classes whenever I want?
No, as part of our program, you are required to gain your first 12 hours in the first month. If you have more than 3 unexcused absences, we will have to drop you from the class. As long as you are communicating with your instructor on which days you won’t be in class, you will still be on the roster.
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Can I test and take classes remotely on a mobile device?
No, if you only have a mobile device we highly recommend that you take the test in person and attend classes face-to-face until you have a laptop or computer.
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Do I have to take a test to start class?
Yes, but don’t worry this test is a baseline test for your instructor as well as for the program. The test is not a pass or fail test but is more of a guide so we know what level of proficiency you are at when entering our program.
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Do you administer the High School Equivalency tests?
No, we do not. We are only a preparation school that helps you improve your skills so that way you can pass the test. Which means it is up to you to want to improve and work with your instructor(s) to ensure your success!
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Do you offer classes online?
Yes we offer classes online. We use Canvas as our learning management software and Microsoft Teams as our conference tool.
To be successful in online classes with us we recommend good WiFi and a working laptop / computer.
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How can I contact NTAEL?
Call us at: 940-369-0400
Email us at: aelcontact@dentonisd.org
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How can I start classes with North Texas Adult Education & Literacy?
You may schedule an appointment to register here: Schedule an Appointment
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How much do services cost?
The classes are free and no cost to you.
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What am I being tested on in the test?
There are two different assessments for our program, the ESL Best assessment or the HSE TABE tests. If you are taking ESL classes, then you are required to take up to a 1 hour reading and writing test as well as an oral test which consist of having a conversation with the proctor. These tests are not a pass or fail test.
If you are taking HSE classes you are required to take the state standard assessment TABE. Within TABE you will be taking an auto locator, reading, language and math subject tests. Keep in mind that the average time spent on this test is about 2 ½ - 3 hours. If you get an Out of Range in a test section that means you will have to retake that portion at a lower level. This means that you either did good on the auto locator and it placed you in a test level that was too hard for you, or you did not take the test seriously. That is why it is always important to take your time and take the test seriously so we can get you into classes ASAP.
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What can I expect in the classroom?
It may be a little overwhelming at first adjusting to class and we understand that you may have been out of class for years or may have low expectations. We want you to be successful so that is why we provide in person and online instruction that consist of structured lesson plans provided by the instructor. The instructor understands that he/she’s students have different focus areas and will adjust lessons according to student needs.
Each student enters the class at any given moment and the duration of the class vary depending on the type of class. Each class is either 2 days a week or 4 days a week. We also offer a curriculum for students to use at home called Essential Education or Burlington English. This provides an additional level of support you can use at home so you can get to your end goal faster. Understand that these classes are at a go at your own pace format and requires the efforts of the student and instructor(s) working together to push forward.
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What if I don't live in the area you serve? I live in Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, etc...
We might not be able to serve you, however, similar programs are offered across the state of Texas. To find a program near you, go to: tinyurl.com/txael
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What is HSE and what is ESL?
HSE stands for High School Equivalency which is the standard name for preparing eligible candidates to pass the high school equivalency exams instead of a high school diploma.
ESL stands for English as a Second Language and are classes to teach you how to learn English so you can become more self-sufficient.
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When can I start classes?
Classes run all year and you go at your own pace with students entering class throughout the year. You can start classes as fast as 1-2 week after you have gone through the intake and orientation process. You must be registered, tested and attend orientation before going to classes.
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Where are the classes you offer?
We have online and in-person classes. We have classes in different locations around Denton County, TX. We have some classes in libraries, schools, and recreation centers. Classes are twice a week for 2 hours. We have morning and evening sessions. Class placement will depend on availability and test scores.
Preguntas Frecuentes
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¿Dónde están las clases que ofrecen?
Tenemos clases en línea y en persona. Tenemos clases en diferentes lugares alrededor del condado de Denton. Tenemos algunas clases en bibliotecas, escuelas y centros de recreación. Las clases son dos veces por semana durante 2 horas. Tenemos sesiones matutinas y vespertinas.
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¿Cuánto dura la clase?
Las clases son dos veces por semana. La duración de la clase es de 2 horas.
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¿Cuándo tengo que registrarme?
Las clases son durante todo el año y puedes registrarte en cualquier momento.
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¿Dónde está ubicada su oficina?/ ¿Dónde puedo registrarme?
Estamos ubicados en 1504 Long Rd. Denton, TX 76207. Estamos en los portátiles frente a LaGrone Academy. La ingesta será en portátil 18.
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¿Cuánto tiempo me va a llevar terminar el programa?
Es a su propio ritmo. No hay un marco de tiempo establecido. Depende de ti y de tu progreso.
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¿Qué necesito llevar al registro?
ESL - Identificación con foto y Seguro Social si corresponde (se aceptan pasaportes y certificados de nacimiento)
HSE - Identificación con foto y Seguro Social si corresponde o 16 años de edad: orden judicial, documentación de retiro y padre o tutor. o 17 y 18 años - Documentación de retiro y padre o tutor
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¿Ofrecen clases en lÃnea?
Sí, ofrecemos clases en línea. Utilizamos Canvas como nuestro software de gestión de aprendizaje y Microsoft Teams como nuestra herramienta de conferencia. Para tener éxito en las clases en línea con nosotros, recomendamos un buen WiFi y una computadora portátil / computadora que funcione.
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¿Puedo probar y tomar clases de forma remota en un dispositivo móvil?
No, si solo tienes un dispositivo móvil, debes realizar la prueba de forma presencial y asistir a clases presenciales hasta que tengas un portátil u ordenador.
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¿Cuándo puedo empezar las clases?
Las clases se imparten todo el año y vas a tu propio ritmo con los estudiantes que ingresan a clase durante todo el año. Puede comenzar las clases tan rápido como 1-2 semanas después de haber pasado por el proceso de admisión y orientación. Debe estar registrado, evaluado y asistir a la orientación antes de ir a clases.
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¿Tengo que tomar un examen para comenzar la clase?
Sí, pero no se preocupe, esta prueba es una prueba de referencia para su instructor, así como para el programa. La prueba no es una prueba de aprobación o reprobación, sino que es más una guía, por lo que sabemos en qué nivel de competencia se encuentra al ingresar a nuestro programa.
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¿Qué pasa si no vivo en el área a la que sirven? Vivo en Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, etc...
Es posible que no podamos servirle, sin embargo, se ofrecen programas similares en todo el estado de Texas. Para encontrar un programa cerca de usted, vaya a: tinyurl.com/txael
Progress Testing
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Once you have finished the registration process you will be enrolled and will be going to classes weekly based on your class schedule. During that time, you will be accumulating hours gained from in class instruction as well as from our curriculum as "proxy hours". After you have baselined in testing during the registration process, you will be given a proficiency level based on the assessment algorithm. We will then test you again after a certain number of hours that is required by our program, which is called Progress Testing.For ESL students you will be tested at 60 hours on both English oral and literacy. This means that if you did not take the Best Plus LIT the first time, you will be required to take them both at this time to show progress. For HSE students you will be required to progress test with the TABE assessment at 40 hours. You will only be taking the tests based on your baseline level proficiency and you will no longer be taking the locator and practice tests. You will be required to progress and we will reach out to schedule you to come progress test in person or virtually.
We will progress test you every 40/60 hours so that you can make gains for our required goals, as well as for your personal goals. We will continue to progress test until you exit from the program or have exited testing level.
