The North Iowa Area Community College service area encompasses all of Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Mitchell, Winnebago, and Worth counties and parts of Butler, Wright, Kossuth, and Chickasaw counties.

Adult Literacy helps eligible adults change their lives, learn to better read and communicate, complete secondary school education, improve their reading, writing, math and problem-solving skills, and learn the basic skills needed to be productive workers, family members, and citizens

Adult Literacy students need to be at least 17 years of age or older. Students should want to improve their basic skills, have a desire to improve their English language skills, take the first steps to being more successful in the lives, and strive to gain or keep meaningful employment.

Adult Literacy

Adult Literacy provides basic skills instruction to adults, age 17 and older, who are not otherwise enrolled in school.  NIACC Adult Literacy Program offers classes in English as a Second Language (ESL), General Education Development (GED), and General Education Development - Internet (i-Pathways).

English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and materials are student centered and communication based. Oral communication for life situations is the foremost goal followed by correct grammar, spelling, and pronunciation. Curriculum is designed to be flexible based on individual needs. Teachers provide opportunities not only to learn from an instructor, but also for students to work together and find strength in each other and their experiences. Students work interactively in pairs, small groups, and independently. We all have something of value to share! 

General Education Development

General Education Diploma (GED) is for those adults who are seeking a high school education.  GED graduation is not an impossible dream, but a realistic goal.   This can be achieved by attending classes at your local GED site or taking GED classes over the internet (i-pathways).  A GED certificate of completion is the first step to a better paying job, higher education, and more opportunities! 

Persons seeking to meet the Iowa High School Equivalency Diploma requirements should be aware of companies that claim to offer the Test of General Educational development (GED) over the internet or through correspondence courses.  The American Council of Education does not recognize these. The only way to receive an Iowa High School Equivalency Diploma is to successfully pass the Official GED Test Battery. To be successful, the student must achieve a minimum standard score of 410 on each of the five official GED test battery subtests and an overall standard score of 450. 

Students should be aware that the GED test is changing.  The current GED series expires on December 31, 2014.

iPathway

i-Pathway is a blended approach where students work with both the GED and i-Pathways instructor to complete their GED.  Students take assessments and tests with the GED instructor at their local GED site while instruction is on-line with the i-pathways instructor.

For additional information on any of these programs, you can go to http://www.niacc.edu/learningsupport/adult_literacy.html.

or contact:

Mary R. Schultz
Adult Literacy Coordinator
North Iowa Area Community College
www.niacc.edu/learningsupport/adult_literacy.html
641.422.4176  Office
641.422.4131  Fax