Adult Education

Whether you are interested in attending college or obtaining employment, we can help you meet your goals! Kaskaskia College will provide 24 credit hours of tuition-free college courses for students who successfully complete the GED® test.

FREE State of Illinois High School Diploma courses are offered throughout Marion, Clinton, Washington, Bond, and Fayette counties, as well as an online-only section. All students must attend a mandatory orientation before beginning classes. During this orientation, students will complete intake paperwork and do the required placement testing. For more information on how to register for an orientation, please click the link below: 

When you are ready to commit to pursuing the next step in your education, our Adult Education program will help you achieve your goal of completing the State of Illinois High School Diploma classes. We also offer basic skill instruction in Reading, Writing, and Math. The U.S. and Illinois Constitution test materials are provided, and the constitution test is given at no cost.

What to Know About Illinois High School Diploma courses & ABE

Adult Ed Program

The ABE/ASE (Adult Basic Education/Adult Secondary Education) program can help you improve your reading, writing, and math skills. We serve all levels of skills based on reading scores from the TABE (The Test of Adult Basic Education). We have classes in the day and the evening at various locations throughout Marion, Clinton, Bond, Fayette, and Washington Counties. Testing is offered at the Kaskaskia College main campus.

Can you tell me more about the Illinois High School Diploma classes?

ABE/ASE classes start several times throughout the year and meet twice weekly for 3 hours per class. Day and evening classes are offered in several locations throughout the district where classes take place.

Who are our students?

Our students represent a diverse population. Classes are only for those 17 years or older and who are NOT enrolled in high school.

How much do the classes cost?

Classes are FREE for residents of the Kaskaskia College district.

How do I enroll in classes?

Please call (618) 545-3115 to learn more about how to enroll.

ENROLL NOW!

The Reading Link Program provides free literacy and pre-GED tutorial services to adult learners who want to improve their reading skills. Our tutors are trained volunteers who will assist you with the tools necessary to build pathways that can lead to education, employment, and career goals.

The Reading Link has provided one-on-one and group tutoring services to eligible adult learners since 1985. Services are designed to assist adult learners at least 17 years of age and not enrolled in school to increase their reading, writing, math, and/or English skills.

Adult literacy programs assist adults:

• To become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency.
• Who are parents/guardians to obtain the educational skills necessary to become full partners in the educational development of their children.
• To obtain a secondary school credential.

The staff at Kaskaskia College wants to see you succeed. We understand that sometimes life gets in the way, and you may need additional assistance to help get through, so we have put together some resources you may find helpful during times of need.

• WIOA Grant
• Perkins Grant

Volunteer tutors work with adults, learning and developing the English language skills necessary for living and working in our community. Tutors work one-on-one with individuals who desire to acquire English language skills or to prepare for the Citizenship Test.

Qualifications

• Strong desire to improve the English language skills of students.
• Fluent in English and sensitive to cultural differences.
• Patience, understanding, flexibility, and an unceasingly positive attitude.
• Ability to serve as a tutor/conversation partner for 1-3 hours a week for three months.

Responsibilities

• Complete tutor training.
• Commit to serving as a tutor/conversation partner for 1-3 hours a week for three months.
• Tutor students on a regular basis.
• Be punctual and notify the Literacy Coordinator directly if you cannot be present.
• Provide regular feedback to the Literacy Coordinator on progress with your student.

ABE includes instruction in reading, mathematics, oral and written communication, and computer skills for students reading below the ninth-grade level or within the National Reporting System's Level 1-4.

ASE includes instruction for students reading at/above the ninth-grade level or within the National Reporting System's Levels 5 and 6. Academic performance is measured by the number of Tests of HSE - High School Equivalency attained.

ESOL includes instruction in listening, reading, oral and written communication, computer skills, and life skills for individuals with limited English proficiency.

Literacy Volunteer Tutors
Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutor

The purpose of the Adult Volunteer Literacy tutors is to help adults 16 years of age or older improve basic reading, math, and language skills, review student workbooks and provide feedback for skills levels grade K-12th level. Tutoring sessions are scheduled at Kaskaskia College Education Centers, public libraries, churches, schools, and other public sites throughout Kaskaskia College’s district.

Volunteer Tutors encourage and support adult learners by:

• Reviewing work assigned by an instructor and providing feedback.
• Validating the student’s decision to embrace education as a life strategy.
• Partnering with students in decisions relative to educational and career opportunities.
• Meeting with students on a regular basis.

Volunteer Hours:

Twice weekly for 1 hour each meeting; OR
Once weekly for 2 hours each meeting

Length of Commitment

Preferred initial commitment of 90 days; adaptive and flexible schedule developed to support the needs of the student(s) and volunteer.

Training

A flexible training program is designed for each volunteer; evaluations monitor proficiency, and on-going training support is provided as needed. Online training materials supplement most training needs.

Volunteer Qualifications

• Age 18 or older.
• Respectful of student confidence.
• Complete online/classroom volunteer training program.
• Have good listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Benefits

• Build skills to enhance your resume.
• Build problem-solving skills.
• Give back to the community.
• Gain the respect and appreciation of the students and staff.
• Build a network among other committed members of your community.
• Gain empathy and understanding.
• Increased understanding and appreciation of different values, cultures, and lifestyles.
• Sense of belonging to a group focused on a common goal.
• Sense of accomplishment.
• Increase understanding and perception of different values, cultures, and lifestyles.
• Enhance creative problem-solving skills.
• Change a life.
• Pass on a love of learning.
• Help others help themselves.