Adult Basic Education
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about GED and ABE Classes.
Following are course descriptions. Check the Annual Schedule to plan your schedule.
Check out the Class Schedule for Adult Basic Education classes
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 001ABE Registration and Enrollment (2)
Students complete assessments and paperwork for placement into ABE classes in the upcoming quarter. Students identify educational goals, potential barriers, and college pathways. Additionally, students build skills with communication, tools, and procedures relevant to the college environment. Prerequisite: To enroll in this course contact Transitional Studies at abe@shoreline.edu. Mandatory P/NC grading.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 012
Reading and Writing 1 (10)
Students will read with understanding by locating the topic, main idea, and key details of texts and use strategies to find the meaning of unknown words. Students will use a writing process to drft and edit connected paragraphs with guidance from the instructor. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement according to the Shoreline ABE placement tests. Mandatory P/NC grading.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 013
ABE Math Skills for College and Career 1 (10)
This course is clustered in the ABE Math Foundations class. Students in this course will learn about whole numbers with an emphasis on word problems. This is the first course in the ABE Math Foundations class cluster. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement according to the Shoreline Community College ABE competency assessments. Mandatory P/NC grading.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 022
Reading and Writing 2 (10)
Students explore different topics through reading and writing. Students read and write using complete reading and writing process. Students write single and multiple-paragraph essays and increase fluency with technology. HS+ credit eligible. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement according to the Shoreline ABE placement tests. Mandatory P/NC grading.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 023
ABE Math Skills for College and Career 2 (10)
This course is clustered in the ABE Math Foundations class. Students in this course will have demonstrated competency with whole number skills. Students will learn about decimals with an emphasis on geometry. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement according to Shoreline Community College ABE competency assessments. Mandatory P/NC grading.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 032
Reading and Writing 3 (10)
Students explore different topics through reading and writing. Students read with understanding by locating the main idea and key details and identifying the author's purpose. Students write and edit persuasive and expository essays, increase fluency with technology, and acquire academic success strategies. HS+ credit eligible. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement according to the Shoreline ABE placement tests. Mandatory P/NC grading.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 033
ABE Math for College and Career 3 (10)
This course is clustered in the ABE Math Foundations class. Students in this course will have demonstrated competency with decimals. Students will learn about fractions with an emphasis on word problems. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement according to Shoreline Community College ABE competency assessments. Mandatory P/NC grading.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 037
U.S. History: High School Completion (5)
Survey of U.S. History that focuses primarily on twentieth-century social, political, economic, and cultural developments, while also including the founding of the nation as a democratic republic. Dual listed with HIST 037. Prerequisite: Completion of EAP 090 or ENGL 090 with Pass/2.0 or above, or placement into EAP 099 or ENGL 099. Student option grading.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 042
Reading and Writing 4 (10)
Students develop reading comprehension skills by using a reading process and thinking strategies to understand and evaluate texts. Students will use a writing process to develop clear and coherent 1 to 2 page evidence-based essays. Students may earn HS+ credit. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement according to the Shoreline ABE placement tests. Mandatory P/NC grading.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 043
ABE Math Skills for College and Career 4 (10)
This course is clustered in the ABE Math Foundations class. Students in this course will have demonstrated competency with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Students will learn about ratios, proportions, and percents with an emphasis on word problems. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement according to the Shoreline Community College ABE competency assessments. Mandatory P/NC grading.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 046
ESL Math Overview (5)
ESL Math Overview introduces students to basic math terminology. Students also learn (or review) basic math skills within the context of improving life skills. Students improve their English skills as they work through basic number and word problems. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 3 or placement into ESL Level 4 or above or by instructor permission. Mandatory P/NC grading.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 052
Reading and Writing 5 (10)
Students learn reading and writing processes to transition to college. Students demonstrate understanding of the rhetorical situation of texts, analyze and evaluate arguments, and write 2-3 page argumentative, evidence-based essays. Students may earn HS+ credit. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement according to the Shoreline ABE placement tests. Mandatory P/NC grading.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 053
ABE Math Skills for College and Career 5 (10)
This course is clustered in the ABE Math Foundations class and the ABE Math Transitions class. Students will have demonstrated competency with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and proportions. Students will learn about integers, variables, and simplifying expressions. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement according to Shoreline Community College ABE competency assessments. Mandatory P/NC grading.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 063
ABE Math Skills for College and Career 6 (10)
This course is clustered in the ABE MATH Transitions class. Students in this course will have demonstrated competency with pre-algebra skills. Students will learn to solve equations and inequalities with an emphasis on word problems. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement according to Shoreline Community College ABE competency assessments. Mandatory P/NC grading.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 073
ABE Math Skills for College and Career 7 (10)
This course is clustered in the ABE Math Transitions class. Students in this course will have demonstrated competency with pre-algebra skills. Students will learn to solve graph linear equations, solve systems of equations, and interpret functions. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement according to Shoreline Community College ABE competency assessments. Mandatory P/NC grading.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 081
Special Topics in Adult Basic Education (1)
Classes focus on specific issues and/or topics of interest in ABE.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 082
Special Topics in Adult Basic Education (2)
Classes focus on specific issues and/or topics of interest in ABE.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 083
Special Topics in Adult Basic Education (3)
Classes focus on specific issues and/or topics of interest in ABE.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 084
Special Topics in Adult Basic Education (4)
Classes focus on specific issues and/or topics of interest in ABE.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 085
Special Topics in Adult Basic Education L1 (5)
Classes focus on specific issues and/or topics of interest in ABE-L1.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION 097
Individual Projects in ABE (1)
Individual project in a specific area of ABE. By arrangement with instructor. Prerequisite: Instructor permission, based on evaluation of students' educational and work experience. Mandatory decimal grading.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GED AND ABE CLASSES
What is the difference between ABE and GED classes?
- ABE (Adult Basic Education) classes are designed for students who need to improve or brush-up on their basic skills. Depending on each student's needs, the class work will emphasize academic skills, life skills or job skills.
- Many ABE students have high school diplomas or GEDs, but they want to improve skills for ASSET testing, employment tests and even ASVAB (military) testing. Other students desire to go into a college program and need to improve math, writing or reading skills to succeed in their programs.
- GED (General Educational Development) is a specific set of tests that measure skills to determine if a student has academic skill somewhat equal to those of a high school graduate.
- Since the skills necessary for the GED are usually the same skills ABE students are seeking, they often study the same subjects but from a different angle. The students will hear the same lecture, but the teacher will keep each student's individual needs in mind and tailor the assignments accordingly.
I completed a high school diploma in my country, but I do not have one from here. Do I need to take the GED?
- If you have some sort of form or diploma (even in your own language) that states you have completed high school, you do not need a GED. Those who cannot contact their former schools for a variety of reasons or who can't get written proof of their diplomas may decide to take the GED test.
- Please be aware that the GED does require a fairly high level of reading and writing, so successful completion of ESL level 5 indicates you have enough skills to start studying for the GED. It still may take several quarters to complete, though. Spanish speakers may take it in their native language.
How do I sign up for the GED?
- If you just want to sign up just for testing and not the class, then you must call the Advising and Counseling Center at 206-546-6964.
- If you want to take a test preparation (GED) class, you may contact the Essential Skills Department at 206-546-5827.
Can I sign up for ABE classes anytime?
- Yes, the classes have open enrollment until very late in the quarter. It has been observed, however, that students who enroll late in the quarter must work harder to improve their skills, especially if they have a deadline for completion. Therefore, it is advantageous to start the class as soon as possible.
Can I take math only in ABE classes?
- Yes. The class is divided into two segments. One part of the class focuses on math skills and reading skills for math. Another part is devoted to writing and reading.
- When students first enter the class, their math, writing and reading skills are assessed. While there is daily lecture for the entire class, time is also devoted to individualized study. That way students can focus on their specific skill needs and make progress at their own pace.
Do I need to take ABE classes first and then take GED classes?
- When you are assessed at the beginning of the class, it will be determined if your skills are ABE level or GED level. As you continue your work during the quarter, it is possible that you will move into the GED level of work. Students who initially test into ABE level sometimes finish their GED during that quarter. Others sometimes need to take an extra quarter or two to complete their GED.
How many times can I repeat a GED class?
- You may repeat it as many times as needed if you show progress every quarter. You and your teacher will decide what defines progress for you.
I took the ASSET test and tested into math 060. Can I take the ABE math class?
- Yes. The ABE math class moves more slowly and is more individualized than math 060. You may also repeat ABE math several times as long as you are making progress with your math skills. Math 060 is suitable for students who just need a math brush-up and/or respond best to a formalized lecture/homework method of the teaching math. ABE math includes lecture and homework, but it is designed to meet a student's individual needs and students may not complete the whole spectrum of 060 math skills within one quarter.