Basic Skills Education
The Basic Skills Program includes the areas of Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult High School Diploma (AHS), Compensatory Education (CED), English as a Second Language (ESL), General Educational Development (GED), Human Resources Development (HRD), Workforce Preparedness Center, and Basic Skills Student Services. Except for HRD classes, most classes are open-entry/open-exit and offer a self-paced curriculum. All classes are offered free-of-charge. Students enrolled in AHS classes may purchase their books. There is a nominal charge for the official GED test, and for the AHS and GED graduation.
- For more information:
- By email:
heffneyc@faytechcc.edu
By phone: (910) 678-8465/8481/8483
Basic Skills Program
- Adult Basic Education (ABE)
- Adult High School Diploma (AHS)
- ABE & GED Correspondence
- Basic Skills Resource Center
- Basic Skills Student Services
- Compensatory Education (CED)
- Cumberland County Jail Basic Education Program
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Family Literacy (FLP) Program
- General Education Development (GED)
- Basic Skills for the Homeless
- Human Resource Development (HRD)
- Workforce Preparedness Center
- Workforce Basic Skills
Adult Basic Education
The Adult Basic Education Program at FTCC is the cornerstone upon which the overall Basic Skills Program is built. ABE is a dynamic outreach program specifically targeting non-readers and other undereducated adults. A variety of traditional and non-traditional, innovative curricula have been implemented to upgrade the academic skills of this population. Special programs are offered through formal partnerships with other agencies that have promoted program accessibility.
Adult High School Diploma Program (AHS)
The Adult High School Diploma is a competency-based course of studies in 14 core and 6 elective subjects. This program is designed to give eligible adults in Cumberland County an opportunity to earn a high school diploma. A student must be 18 years of age or older to enter the program. A student less than 18 years of age must be screened through Basic Skills Student Services to determine eligibility.
Each of the subjects listed below offers a concentrated study of approximately sixty (60) hours. Following assessment and evaluation of student academic transcripts, students are informed as to the number of courses needed to complete requirements for their adult high school diploma. These requirements include each student passing all parts of the N.C. Competency Test. These requirements must be met regardless of any program interruptions (class cancellations, etc.). The diploma is issued by Fayetteville Technical Community College in cooperation with the Cumberland County Board of Education.
Each course is taught by a qualified instructor who possesses at least a four-year degree. The instructor uses modern classroom techniques, which include current textbooks, audiovisual aids, community resources, computer-assisted learning and a variety of other teaching methods.
Core Courses
1. Grammar | 8. Biology |
2. World Literature | 9. Earth Science |
3. American Literature | 10. Physical Science |
4. British Literature | 11. Economics, Law and Politics |
5. Algebra I | 12. World History |
6. Geometry or General Math III | 13. U.S. History |
7. Algebra II or Consumer Math | 14. Health |
Elective Courses
1. Parenting | 9. Study Skills |
2. Spanish I & II | 10. Writing Skills |
3. Psychology | 11. Parenting |
4. Banking and Finance | 12. Keyboarding |
5. Workplace Readiness | 13. Food and Nutrition |
6. Speech & Drama | 14. Journalism |
7. Marketing | 15. Pre-Algebra |
8. Health Occupations I & II | 16. Computer Skills |
Text and resource books may be purchased at the main campus bookstore, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., telephone 678-8392.
Graduation ceremony will be held once each year at a date to be determined based on the end of the spring term and the availability of the Cumberland County Auditorium. Candidates for diplomas will be eligible to participate in a commencement program sponsored by Fayetteville Technical Community College. A graduation fee of $25.00 will be charged.
ABE & GED Correspondence
ABE & GED Correspondence provides an additional opportunity for adults who are unable to attend regular classes. Completion of each lesson helps prepare the participant for further educational opportunities which may include earning the High School Diploma Equivalency (GED). A graduation ceremony is held each year on the third Thursday in June at the Cumberland County Auditorium. A fee of $25.00 will be charged participants.
Basic Skills Student Services
Basic Skills Student Services provides assessment, orientation, placement and counseling services to students enrolled in any of the programs of Basic Skills Education. Literacy Education Information System (LEIS)/PRIME data management and student records and registration for Basic Skills are coordinated through Student Services, as are marketing programs and recruiting new students.
Basic Skills Resource Center
The Basic Skills Resource Center offers individualized instruction and study opportunities, including employment readiness and advancement training, in all areas of Basic Skills Education. Computer-assisted instruction, along with a variety of other materials, allows students to learn at their own pace and enables them to reach their goals.
Cumberland County Jail Basic Skills
In partnership with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department, FTCC operates Basic Skills classes for inmates in the Cumberland County Law Enforcement Center(LEC). Eighty hours of classes are offered each week. Lessons are offered at the ABE I, ABE II and GED levels. Forty hours of class are offered in the classroom and twenty hours of class are offered in each of the female and juvenile (16 &17 years olds) cellblocks. ABE and GED Correspondence course are available to inmates who are not allowed to leave heir cell blocks.
Compensatory Education (CED)
Compensatory Education (CED) is designed to provide remedial academics to adults who have been diagnosed as being delayed learners and who can provide documentation of mental retardation. The program includes task-analyzed lessons in language arts, math, social sciences, consumer education, health and community living skills.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are designed for adults who are not native English speakers. Because individual needs vary considerably, instruction in reading, writing, speaking and listening is tailored to meet individual needs. Three distinct levels are offered to help students acquire functional English competence: Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced.
Family Literacy (FLP) Program
Family Literacy is designed to break the discouraging cycle of under-education, poverty and dependence of parents whose educational level is below that of a high school graduate. The goal of Family Literacy is to provide, in one location, a positive educational setting that will allow a parent the chance to enhance his/her skill level or to earn a GED Diploma while providing their young children with constructive preschool or elementary school activities.
General Education Development (GED)
General Educational Development (GED) courses are designed for adults who have not received a high school diploma. Courses prepare students for the five official GED tests: writing, social studies, science, literature and the arts, and mathematics. The GED diploma certifies that the graduate has achieved a level of general educational development equivalent to that of high school diploma recipients.
Homeless Classes
FTCC extends a helping hand by providing Cumberland County's adult homeless population a chance at a new beginning. Education, survival needs and a unique 12-step curriculum are offered at sites which include halfway houses, shelters and a short-term detox facility.
Human Resource Development (HRD)
Human Resources Development provides short-term pre-vocational education to help unemployed and underemployed adults successfully enter the work force or further training. The curriculum focuses on training which helps students learn how to find and keep a job or prepare to continue their education successfully. This includes teaching students how to assess their assets and limitations, develop their problem-solving and communication skills, develop a positive self-image, improve academic skills, and understand the dynamics of interpersonal relationships.
Workforce
Workforce Basic Skills classes are the result of partnerships between FTCC and local businesses and industries in Cumberland County. Basic Skills, as well as specific job-related employability skills, are taught to employees on the job site or at a FTCC site. Whether working toward a high school equivalency diploma or improvement in specific work skills, the result of the program is a more capable, confident and efficient employee. The focus of this program is improving skills that will lead to enhanced competitiveness for business and industry. English as a second language is a growing supplement to this program.
Workforce Preparedness Center
The Workforce Preparedness Center, located in the Center for Continuing Education, is designated to serve adults who plan to reenter the workforce, who want to prepare for and pass employment tests, or who want to improve their basic work skills. Students may work to improve their reading, business writing, mathematics, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as learn to work as part of a team. Free, self-paced computer-assisted instruction is available to students enrolled in the Workforce Preparedness Center.