Q: What classes does Sutter County Adult Education offer?
A: Sutter County Adult Education offers classes for Adult Basic Education (ABE), Computer Applications, Adult High School Diploma, Citizenship, English as a Second Language (ESL), Vocational ESL (VESL) and General Equivalency Diploma (GED).  ABE is for those with a need to upgrade their skill level in reading, writing, basic English, or basic math either for job performance, or entry level into other classes.

Q:Where are the classes held at?
 A: Most of our classes are at the main campus at Sutter County One Stop located at 256 Wilbur Avenue in Yuba City, but we also have classes in E. Nicolaus, Live Oak, and Robbins.  We have day classes and evening classes, and serve the Adult Education needs in E. Nicolaus, Live Oak, Sutter and Yuba City.

Q: What is the difference between a high school diploma and a GED?
A: An adult high school diploma is based on earning the required credits for a diploma.  Sutter County requires 200 credits for a diploma.  If you desire to enroll in the Adult Ed High School Diploma class you will need an official transcript from the last school you attended.  To be official the transcript must be in a sealed envelope.

The GED is earned by passing all five areas on the GED test (math, including algebra, Language Arts – Reading, Language Arts – Writing, including an essay, Social Studies, and Science).  If a student is short more than 100 credits towards the high school diploma, this is the preferred class for them.

For those interested in working towards the GED, we give a practice test in each of the five areas.  We work with students in any area that falls below the required test level.  When students are ready, we refer them to one of the testing centers in our area.

Q: Who should take the Computer Application class?
A: Our Computer Applications class is for those desiring to learn computer skills for the job market, or upgrade their computer skills for home, or the workforce.  Microsoft Specialist Certification is also offered through this class. It is also the class for the adult high school diploma student who needs to earn the required 10 credits for their diploma.  And it’s for those who have a new computer and just don’t know what to do with it.   

Q: What are the requirements for Citizenship?
A: • Must be 18 years of age.
• Must have been a permanent resident for the past 5 years, with no special circumstances, or 3 years if married to a US citizen.
• Must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including an ability to read, write and speak simple words and phrases in ordinary usage in the English language.
• A knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States.

In other words, this means that to be eligible for naturalization, a student must be able to read, write, and speak basic English.  They must also have a basic knowledge of U.S. History and Government (also known as “civics”).

Q: How much do the classes cost?
A: There are no fees for any Adult Education classes.  They are open to the public.  It is not necessary to purchase any books; we have classroom copies.  Some books are available for purchase, if desired, especially the GED books.  Students are expected to bring #2 pencils, blue or black pens, and writing paper to class.

Q: What levels of ESL do you teach?
A: Our ESL classes go from Beginning to Advanced, depending upon the ability to read, write, and speak English. Students are placed in class according to their assessment test scores.

Q: What are competency based classes?
A: Adult Ed classes are competency based classes.  That means that when a student can demonstrate competency in a subject by completing the assignments, and passing the tests, they will be awarded the credits.  So, the length of time in class is based on how fast one can do the work.  We don’t work on semester schedules.

Q: What is Independent Study?
A: Independent Study Classes (ISP) are for Adult High School students only – and is only for the students that have barriers preventing them from attending a regular day/night class.  These classes are not for everyone.  A student is required to produce at least 15 hours of homework a week – as assigned by their teacher.  They must also keep a weekly appointment with their instructor.  They are only allowed two misses of either producing homework, or failing to keep their appointments before they will be dropped from the class – and cannot re-enroll that semester.

Q: What is Distance Learning?
A: Distance Learning (DL) is new to Sutter County Adult Education.  This class is for students that may have barriers preventing them from attending a regular day/night class, but it is also for the students who would like to have extra work, to supplement their regular class material, in order to enhance their learning or to accelerate the completion of their studies.  This can be for Basic Skills, ESL, or GED.  High School students may not take a DL class.  A student is required to produce the number of hours of homework, as assigned by their teacher weekly.  They must also keep the appointments made with their instructor.  They are only allowed two misses of either producing homework, or failing to keep their appointments before they may be dropped from the class and cannot re-enroll that semester.

            To view that classroom schedules click here
            http://www.sutteronestop.com/Calendars/AdultEd.htm