Adult Diploma:  Program for adults over 21 leading to a high school diploma from a sponsoring school district.

Alternative High School:  Educational programs for learners who want to complete high school in a nontraditional setting designed to meet their individual needs.

Basic Reading Classes:  Classroom or small-group instruction focusing on reading and writing skills.

Basic Reading Tutoring:  One-to-one tutoring focusing on reading and writing skills.

Brush Up:  Review of basic skills for students who have their diploma or GED.

Citizenship:  English and civics preparation in order to pass the naturalization interview and examination.

Computer Training:

• Open Computer Lab:  Self-directed drop-in computer work.
• Application-Specific:  Instruction in specific computer applications, such as MS Word, Excel, etc.
• As an Instructional Tool:  Computer instruction used as part of a class or tutoring session.

GED Classes:  Classes to prepare for the General Educational Development certificate, national high school equivalency program.  Set of 5 tests:  Math, Reading, Writing, Social Studies, and Science.

GED Tutoring:  One-to-one tutoring to prepare for the General Educational Development certificate, national high school equivalency program.  Set of 5 tests:  Math, Reading, Writing, Social Studies, and Science.

GED Test Site:  Testing location for the General Educational Development certificate, national high school equivalency program.  Set of 5 tests:  Math, Reading, Writing, Social Studies, and Science.

Distance Learning:  Takes place when a teacher and learner are separated by physical distance.  Technology (e.g., voice, video, data or print) often combined with face-to-face instruction is used to bridge the instructional gap.

ESL Classes:  Classes in English as a Second Language.  For learners whose native language is not English.  Levels include:

• Pre-literate:  For students who do not read or write in their native language.
• Beginning:  For students with literacy skills in their native language and/or basic English language literacy skills.
• Intermediate:  For students with some oral and written English competence in basic survival and social needs.
• Advanced:  For students who can understand general conversations in English, participate effectively in familiar situations, and satisfy routine survival and social needs both orally and in writing.

ESL Tutoring:  One-to-one tutoring in English as a Second Language.  For learners whose native language is not English.

Family Literacy:  Program for adults and children ages 2 1/2 - 5.  Features instruction for adults in literacy and parenting as well as educational/developmental services for children.

In-Home Services:  Services provided in the student's home, such as tutoring by a volunteer at the learner's home.

Learning Disabilities (LD):  For purposes of the Hotline Web site, this refers to a special program for learning disabled adults.  This service is listed if a program at the site is specially designed for LD students, or if teachers at the site have LD training.  If a program does not list this service, it does not mean that they have no programing for LD students, but rather that they will try to accommodate them in the best way possible.

Math Instruction:  Assist with academic math (generally through algebra) as well as "real life" math.

Other Language Literacy (e.g. Spanish):  Basic literacy classes or instruction in a language other than English.

Work Readiness:  Many of these classes/programs are intensive, offering up to 20 hours per week of instruction.  Often they are designed for MFIP participants moving from welfare to work.

• Functional Work English (ESL):  Program for those whose first language is not English.
• General (ABE):  For individuals with advanced spoken English and literacy skills.
• Minimal:  Some work readiness preparation as part of a class or curriculum.

Workforce Education:  A program designed to improve the literacy skills needed to perform a job and at least partly under the auspices of an employer.

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MFIP:  Minnesota Family Investment Program—formerly known as Minnesota's welfare program.

PEP:  Personal Education Plan—usually developed by a learner in collaboration with his/her Adult Basic Education program.

Registration:

• Fixed:  This means a learner can only register for classes on certain dates.  After registration is over, you are not able to join such a program until the next scheduled registration period.
• Open Entry:  Students may join this type of program at any time.  Registration is not restricted to specific dates.

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