Utah Skills Center North AREA OF BASIC EDUCATION Susanne Walters, Supervisor The Adult Basic Education Division of Skills Center North has a four-fold purpose: (1) to provide basic communication (reading, writing, speaking, listening) and mathematic skills; (2) to provide credits needed for an adult high school diploma; (3) to provide background information needed to pass the GED (high school equivalency) test battery; and (4) to provide a general review for students who wish to enter a college program. The General Education Program is primarily designed to give Skills Center students pre-vocational preparation. Classes in reading, vocabulary/spelling, basic mathematics, and language arts provide this basic education background. In cooperation with Weber Adult High School, the Skills Center High School Completion Program offers credits toward a high school diploma. These classes meet the minimum requirements for high school completion established by the Utah State Board of Education and the Weber County School District. For every 100 hours of class attendance, students receive one credit toward graduation. The GED Program is designed to help students pass the General Educational Development test battery. After passing the five sections of the GED (social science, English, mathematics, natural science, and literature), the student is awarded a certificate of educational development by the State Board of Education. This provides an evaluation of educational maturity and competence and is in lieu of a high school diploma. COURSES OF INSTRUCTION English BE010. English Essentials—A thorough review of basic language skills with particular stress on grammar, punctuation, spelling. (1-9) BE012. Language Arts—Organized to guide and assist students who have difficulty in any of the communication skills— especially in reading, spelling, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking. BE014. GED English—Designed to aid the student in passing the English portion of the GED test. The course covers: Utah Skills Center North spelling, word choice, sentence structure, style and clarity, punctuation, capitalization, grammar usage, and pronunciation. (1-9) BE016. GED Literature—Designed to increase the student's ability to read, understand, and interpret selections from American and English literature portions of the GED. (1-9) Reading BE020. Basic Reading—Guides and assists students who have difficulty in reading and listening. Basic reading and study skills are covered. (1-9) BE022. Developmental Reading—Emphasis on improving reading speed, comprehension, and vocabulary. Reading techniques and study skills appropriate to academic materials are developed. Course work may be supplemented with reading laboratory experiences depending upon the individual's needs. (1-9) BE024. Spelling/Vocabulary — Spelling skills developed through pronunciation exercises and pattern drills. Basic techniques for enlarging and improving the student's vocabulary are included. Social Sciences BE030. American History—From the Colonial Period to the present, including American government as interpreted in the light of constitutional and other influences. (1-9) BE034. GED History—Prepares the student for the social studies portion of the GED examination. The course includes: World History; U. S. Constitution and Government; the reading of charts, graphs and maps. (1-9) BE036. Psychology—A study of human behavior including personality, emotions, mental health, body language, intelligence, and learning. Intended to help a person better understand his own attitudes and the actions of others. (1-9) BE038. Sociology—A survey of common social needs and problems including personal finance, income tax, health insurance, auto insurance, race and prejudices, poverty, vocational planning, and job hunting. The course is to help a person better cope with and understand the society in which he lives. (1-9) 416 417