AUBURN — For many years, the State of Maine has used the General Educational Development test to administer and issue the state equivalency diploma, which we widely recognize as the “GED. Last year, when the GED Testing Service announced that the test would be changing in 2014 to computer based testing with projected increases in cost, the state opened up a competitive bidding process for a new test.
Through this process, the state selected ETS (Educational Testing Service) to offer its High School Equivalency Test, or HiSET, beginning in January 2014. The new test will still allow for a rigorous process to document a person’s academic skill level, but it will also ensure responsible spending of taxpayers’ dollars.
For someone who has started the GED or needs to earn a diploma, there is no time better than the present to get going. There will be a limited window of opportunity to complete or transition current GED progress to the new HiSET.
Auburn Adult and Community Education is in full swing, offering academic preparation for both the GED and HiSET. Call 333-6661 to register.
For those who have a diploma and want opportunities for Lifelong Learning, visit www.auburn.maineadulted.org to view their flexible offerings, which include academic, workforce and enrichment programs.
Enrichment opportunities coming up include the following.
Budgeting And Money Management: Learn Young, Retain For Life: Whether you’ve ever developed a personal/household budget or not, you will learn to apply a time-tested process to develop and manage a realistic, practical and flexible budget, avoid late fees, pay down credit card debt and gain control over finances. Bring to the course: a calculator and the checkbook used to pay bills. No personal information will be shared with others. Starts Oct. 17 and meets Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for three weeks. $50.
Conscientious Housekeeping: Learn to keep house in an economic, ecological and efficient manner. Understanding cleaning chemistry and ergonomic techniques enables you to more easily provide a healthy, safe and comfortable home. Class will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16. $20.
How Money Works: Learn why the rich are getting richer. Discover the concepts they use. A book on how money works will be given to every student. The book covers the concepts discussed. This course will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16. $5.
Introduction To Crystals: Come to this fun and interactive workshop where you will learn how to effectively use stones and crystals to help with both everyday life as well as your meditation practices. We will talk about how to align stones and crystals to your chakras, and learn through a guided mediation what your stones have to say to you. This course will meet from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20. $25.
Android Tablet 101: Want to learn how to use your Android tablet for more than games? Learn how a tablet can be used to improve productivity, organization and even replace a desktop or laptop computer. If time allows, we will also learn how to utilize your tablet as a photography and video production tool, creating photo slideshows or videos to share. Participants must have their own personal tablet in order to install required free apps. This course meets Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for five weeks starting Oct. 22. $40.
Walk-in registration is available from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, at Edward Little High School, 77 Harris St. For more information call 207-333-6661.
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