Vita Education Services offers free Adult Basic Education (ABE) /Adult Secondary Education (ASE) programs for adults who wish to improve their reading, writing and math skills as well as obtain their GED. Students are focused on the core goals of improving their literacy skills, obtaining their GED and transitioning to a Training Program or Post-Secondary Institution.
Climbing the Stairs to Success
We want our students to be successful in reaching their goals. Students’ successes are measured by the completion of core goals or advancements from one educational level to the next. Vita’s literacy programs are designed to help individuals move sequentially through Vita’s step system of educational levels. There are six educational levels for native speakers. Programming is based on these levels, which are shown below. Students’ educational levels are determined in the beginning and at the end of each semester.
LITERACY PROGRAMS FOR NATIVE SPEAKERS STAIRS TO SUCCESS
| High Adult Secondary – class instruction, independent learning | |||||
| Low Adult Secondary – class instruction, independent learning | |||||
| High Intermediate ABE – class instruction, independent learning | |||||
| Low Intermediate ABE – small group instruction | |||||
| Beginning ABE – small group instruction | |||||
| Beginning Literacy – One-on-One tutoring and computer assisted instruction | |||||
How do students qualify?
Students who test into the levels below can be served through our small groups, classes or computer-assisted instruction.
Low Intermediate ABE:Our Low Intermediate ABE students are offered programs which helps them to improve reading, writing and mathematics skills, as well as prepare them for transition into our High School Programs. Students at this level benefit from small group sessions focused on Pre-GED preparation.
High Intermediate ABE, Low Adult Secondary Education, High Adult Secondary Education:
Students at these three levels are offered programs which prepare them to successfully pass the GED exam. Students at this level are focused on completing their program and then enrolling in either a Training/Certification Program or Post-Secondary Education Program, such as a Community College or Technical School.
How do students get started?
Students must first attend an Orientation and Registration session at one of our various locations. At the Orientation Session, you will receive more information regarding our programs, requirements, schedules and locations. Qualified students who are still interested can stay to register. In order to be registered, you must take a Test of Adult Basic Education. This assessment allows us to place you in the right program depending upon your level and core goals.
What programs does Vita offer?
GED Preparation Classes
The GED credential, the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma, is given by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to those who take and pass the GED (General Educational Development) Tests. GED preparation classes cover the subjects of the 5 GED Tests: Writing, Reading, Social Studies, Science and Mathematics. Students who qualify for GED classes must make the commitment to attend class for five hours a week. In addition, students are expected to work independently outside of class. Practice GED tests are part of the curriculum.
Distance Learning
Students who qualify and are interested in working toward their GED credential may choose the Distance Learning option. Distance Learning refers to instruction delivered in non-classroom settings. Students can communicate with an instructor via e-mail and complete assignments on their own time. Students can also receive material in the mail and talk to an instructor by telephone.
Students who are self-starters have good organizational and study skills and who can work independently are good candidates for Distance Learning. Students need to be at a high school level in reading and math to be successful. After the Vita Coordinator interviews, evaluates, and orients the student to Distance Learning, students are assigned a teacher by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education. He or she has been specially trained in Distance Learning. The teacher contacts the student either through email or phone consultation. The student and teacher will agree on a schedule to submit assignments.
