21st Century Community    Learning Centers Administrative Services Adult Education & Literacy,    GED Services,    Displaced Homemakers,    ELCivics Child Nutrition & Food Distribution Credentialing/Paraprofessional Early Childhood Education English Language     Learner Programs Management Information Systems Native American Education Safe & Healthy Schools School Counselor Programs School Finance & Organization Section 504 Special Education Standards & Achievement Supplemental Programs Teacher and Sch Effectiveness Testing & Assessment Title 1 Programs ND Vision Services/     Sch for the Blind ND Sch for the Deaf/Resource     Center for Deaf and     Hard of Hearing ND State Library	Adult Education & Family Literacy GED Services Displaced Homemaker Program ELCivics (English Language Acquisition and Adult Citizenship) Valerie Fischer - State Director Jolli Marcellais - Administrative Staff Officer Phone: 701/328-2393 Fax: 701/328-4770 The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, Adult Education and Family Literacy Unit, promotes and supports free programs that help adults over the age of 16 obtain basic academic and educational skills to be productive workers, family members, and citizens.  Adult education classes provide a second opportunity for adult learners committed to improving their academic and career skills. Adult Education programs may serve adults who are at least 16 years of age; are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in a secondary school under State Law; and who lack sufficient mastery of basic educational skills to enable the individuals to function effectively in society; do not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and have not achieved an equivalent level of education; or are unable to speak, read, or write the English language. Services available in each North Dakota Adult Learning Center include: reading, writing, science, social studies, math, computer literacy and other basic academic skills, English Language acquisition for adults who are unable to read, speak or write English, workplace and career planning and readiness, and GED test preparation. The most recent census data estimates more than 70,000 North Dakota citizens over the age of 16 are without a high school diploma.  Approximately 800 additional individuals are added to this category every year as a result of high school dropouts.  The GED – General Educational Development - was originally developed in 1942 to help WWII veterans who were often pulled from high school to serve their country. After serving four, sometimes six years, it was not practical to return to a traditional high school environment. Passing the GED gave returning soldiers and sailors the academic credentials they needed to get civilian jobs and gain access to post-secondary education or training. Additionally, there were many immigrants that came to the United States at that time. The first alternative environment were the service groups (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines), then the process consolidated to the Dept of Labor / Job Services and finally the adult learning centers in the mid 1960s. Each move included additional audiences – including those who left high school early due to a lack of interest, the inability to pass required courses, the need to work, personal problems, etc. According to the US Census, individuals who receive a GED will earn almost $10,000 more annually than those who do not.  This in turn, improves an individual’s economic status, spending patterns and tax contributions.  National statistics show that the United States has the strongest economy in the world because of adult education programs.  North Dakota needs every able body in the workforce – Adult Learning Centers can provide a trained worker in a reasonable time that meets the needs of employers. If students don’t receive at least a high school diploma or GED, North Dakota will have to deal with: Fewer qualified employees who can fill open positions in the workplace; Fewer students who enroll in post secondary programs; Fewer enlistees for military service; and/or More individuals who will need public assistance and utilize state programs Should you not find what you need on this website, please contact the Adult Education Office at (701) 328-2393.  Our office is located on the 9th floor of the State Capitol Building; office hours are 8:00 – 4:30 Monday through Friday.
	Adult Education and Family Literacy (WIA Title II)
	North Dakota Adult Learning Centers North Dakota Association for Lifelong Learners (NDALL) The North Dakota Association for Lifelong Learning (NDALL) was first created in 1993 for the purpose of promoting and encouraging lifelong learning for all ND citizens.  Over time, this Association has evolved into a strong membership of job alike colleagues who network, participate in professional development activities and conferences to improve strategies for teaching the adult learner.  NDALL membership manual/bylaws ND Assessment Policy Adult Education is funded under Title II of the Workforce Investment Act and under the authority of the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE). A program requirement is the development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive assessment policy.  This link will take the reader to the most current ND Assessment Policy.
	GED Services
	IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT Currently, the GED® is operating under the 2002 series.  A new GED® test series will begin January 1, 2014.  If you have not taken and passed all five exams, you will have to start over and retake all exams after January 1, 2014.  If you have taken one or more of the current exam tests, please be advised you should study for and take the remaining exams NOW prior to January 1, 2014.  The new GED® Series will be aligned with the Common Core State Standards and will only be available via computer and is designed to focus on college and career readiness. The GED® Tests are only given at official GED® Testing Center approved by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.  There is no online or computer-based GED® testing available at the present time.  ND GED Policies and Guidelines ND GED Testing Centers ND GED Frequently Asked Questions How to request a duplicate of a ND GED Diploma and/or Transcript GED Accommodation Forms GED Accommodation Information (External Link) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (External Link) Instructions for Intellectual Disabilities Accommodations Request Form (External Link) Intellectual Disabilities (External Link) Learning and Other Cognitive Disabilities (LCD)  (External Link) Physical Disorders and Chronic Health Conditions (PCH)  (External Link) Psychological and Psychiatric Disorders (EPP)  (External Link) Request for Extension (Of a previously approved accommodation)  (External Link) Appeal  (External Link)
	Don’t be fooled by online GED programs – they are not nationally recognized!
	The GED is a difficult exam; national reliability studies indicate nearly 40% of high school seniors do not pass the GED on their first attempt.  Once acquired, the GED is an accomplishment to be proud of!
	GED® Test now available via computer
	Computer-based GED testing is now available in many GED test sites and Adult Learning Centers. It is important that students understand that GED testing on computer doesn’t mean the GED test is online. The GED test – whether on paper or computer – must be taken in-person at an official GED testing center.
	Displaced Homemakers Program
	Displaced Homemaker Overview Homemakers Brochure
	ELCivics (ESL services for Adults)
	Funds are provided from the Office of Vocational and Adult Education to specifically deliver English language acquisition and citizenship skills at the Adult Learning Centers.  Instruction is designed for adults who have limited proficiency in the English language or whose native language is not English. Instructional emphasis is on listening and speaking as well as reading and writing.  Instruction is also designed for foreign-born adults who wish to become United States citizens. Persons completing this program are prepared to pursue citizenship through the prescribed Immigration and Naturalization Service process.
	Resources
	2013 Adult Education Grant Application Application Cover Page Assessment Policy Part A - Face Page Part B - Narrative Section Part C1 - Ad Ed Proposed Budget Part C1 - Corrections Program Proposed Budget Part C1 - Displaced Homemakers Proposed Budget Part C1 - EL Civicsw Proposed Budget Part C1 - Satellite Site Proposed Budget Part C1 - Summer Proposed Budget Part D - Assurances Part E - Calendar Sheet 2013-14 Forms Request for Funds (SFN 14660) Microsoft Word Format (SFN 14660) Adult Education Grants Management LACES
	The North Dakota Adult Education and Family Literacy Program functions under the authority of ND Century Code, Section 15-21-04.2 as well as the Adult Education and Literacy Act of 1991 (Public Law 10-297 was signed into law on April 28, 1988. Title II, Part B of Public Law 100-297 revises the Adult Education Act (the Act), which continues to be set forth in 20 U.S.C. 1201. The primary effect of the Act is the continuance of the Adult Education State Administered Basic Grant programs U.S. Department of Education regulations; 34 CRR, Parts 425, 426, 432, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, and 441. RIN 1830-AA06.)

Home    |    Programs & Services    |    Resources    |    Grants    |    State Standards    |    Education Legislation

Administrative Rules    |    Links    |    Frequently Asked Questions    |    Site Map

This site is best viewed with Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher

Visit the Adobe website for PDF accessibility tools.

Send mail to dpi@nd.gov if you have any questions or comments.

North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler, State Superintendent 600 E. Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 201 Bismarck, North Dakota 58505-0440 701/328-2260 Disclaimer Statement