GED Preparation - "Give Yourself the Edge"

NOTE:  Students are not required to take the GED test if they are enrolled in “Give Yourself the Edge” classes for the purpose of increasing their basic skills.  NNLC does not administer the official GED Test battery – students wanting to take the official GED test must make arrangements at a local GED Test Center.  NNLC will provide Test Center location and Test fee information to students.

NNLC offers four levels of “Give Yourself the Edge” instruction for students who are functioning at some level of proficiency equal to high school proficiency and want to obtain their GED credential or increase their basic skills to function more effectively in the workplace or society.  Instruction in these classes utilizes a GED preparatory text and transitions the students into a higher level of academic achievement.  Students are placed in the appropriate levels based on their assessment scores and are also administered the GED practice test to determine their academic strengths so teachers can more effectively guide instruction. 

When students achieve the required assessment score in their current level of “Give Yourself the Edge” instruction, they are eligible to advance to the next level of instruction.  When they achieve the required assessment score in the fourth level of “Give Yourself the Edge” instruction, they are eligible and have the choice of entering NNLC’s “Plug Into Choices” program of instruction.

“Give Yourself the Edge” classes include:

• Math – decimals, fractions, ratio and proportion, percentages, converting measurements, data analysis, basic geometry, basic algebra, and advanced topics in algebra and geometry
• Reading – comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, nonfiction prose, prose fiction, poetry, and drama
• Writing – sentence basics and combining sentences, using verbs, organization, correct language, mechanics, test-taking strategies, and essay writing
• Communication and Critical Thinking – advanced written and verbal communications, identifying strategic solutions, research strategies, career exploration

Math classes:

In these classes, students increase their computation skills • operations with whole numbers • organizing thoughts about word problems • understanding decimals, fractions and percentages • comparisons using ratios and proportions • two main systems of measurement • data analysis, statistics, and probability • common geometric shapes, similarity and congruence, and Pythagorean relationships • basics of algebra, writing algebraic expressions and using algebra to solve problems • and advanced topics in Algebra and Geometry.

Reading classes:

In these classes, students increase their reading skills, including their ability to comprehend what is written by identifying the main idea, summarizing and restating information, recognizing supporting details, and understanding a term in context • applying/transferring understanding of a concept to a different situation • making inferences and drawing conclusions • interpreting figurative language • developing synthesis skills • analyzing nonfiction prose and prose fiction • understanding the language of poetry • and comparing drama and prose.

Writing classes:

In these classes, students increase their writing skills by developing an understanding of the parts of a sentence and types of sentences • using various verb tenses • organizing sentences into effective paragraphs • using parts of speech correctly • learning the mechanics of writing • developing an essay.

Communication and Critical Thinking classes:

In these classes, students increase their understanding of themselves – how their thought processes, self-talk, and personality characteristics impact their actions and their communication with others.  They develop an understanding of their value in the workplace and how their communication style can enhance their ability to advance.  Career exploration, goal setting, and life-long learning strategies are also addressed in these classes.  Students develop an in-depth understanding of the impact of negative versus positive communications on their ability to succeed.