Adult Basic Education (ABE)
2305 S.E. 82nd Ave., MSH 106, Portland, OR, 97216, 503-788-6255
The Adult Basic Education Department serves a diverse population of learners both on campus and in the community. Our mission is to teach basic skills and assist learners in acquiring the knowledge to function effectively as a family member, citizen, worker, and lifelong learner in a changing world.
Program Description and Eligibility
ABE is a non-credit program. Classes are open to anyone 16 or older who desires to improve basic reading, writing, and math skills from non-literate to pre-college level.
Development of reading, writing, and math skills are emphasized, as well as life skills, employability, and technology.
Students without a high school diploma also have the opportunity to prepare for the GED exams in the five subject areas: writing, social studies, science, literature, and math.
Daytime and evening classes are offered at all PCC campuses and workforce training centers. Large groups, small groups, and individualized instruction are provided. Students may purchase books but are not required to do so.
Students who are 16 or 17 must obtain an official release from high school and submit it to the college’s admission office before registering for classes.
Getting Started
To enroll, students must attend a two-part Orientation and Placement session at the campus where they plan to take classes. During an Orientation and Placement session, students will be given an overview of the program as well as PCC policies, fees, and support services. Students will also have their reading, writing, and math abilities assessed. The results of their assessments will help instructors to develop individual programs of study for students and to guide them toward their personal academic goals.
For more information and schedule of upcoming orientation and placement sessions see Steps to Enroll below.
- Steps to Enroll
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Students needing special assistance such as an interpreter, a reader, or a writer to participate in the Orientation and Intake sessions must contact the Office for Students with Disabilities (503-977-4341) at least two weeks before the session is held.
- The GED Certificate
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The GED test provides the opportunity for adults who have not graduated from high school to get a High School Equivalency Certificate. Reading, mathematics, science, social studies, writing skills (grammar and a written essay) are covered in ABE classes. Early in the GED preparation process, the student is tested in reading, writing and mathematics skills and a customized program is developed to prepare the student for the GED test. Official GED practice tests are used to predict the student’s scores on the actual GED test.
A GED Certificate may be earned by those who have not completed high school and who are at least 16 years old. The GED Certificate is accepted as a substitute for a high school diploma by many employers, apprenticeship programs, community colleges and universities. It is used all over the United States and Canada, although passing scores may vary from state to state.
In Oregon, the certificate is awarded by the Oregon Department of Education. When a student completes the five GED tests with a score of 410 or more on each test and at least an average of 450, he/she qualifies for the certificate. Because some colleges and training programs require a score higher than 450 for admission, the student should discuss plans with his/her instructor.