This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

MIDDLETOWN ADULT EDUCATION OFFERS INNOVATIVE HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION PROGRAM

  The Middletown Adult Education Program is launching a new and innovative program for area adults this year.  The National External Diploma Program(NEDP) is a high school diploma program for adults and assesses their skills in reading, writing, mathematics and workforce readiness.

  The new NEDP is a program developed and coordinated by CASAS, a nonprofit educational agency that focuses on assessment and curriculum development of basic skills for youth and adults.  CASAS programs are used throughout the nation by federal and state government agencies, business and industry, education and training providers and others.  Its NEDP program is being launched this year in 76 agencies within 7 states.  In Connecticut, CASAS works closely with the Connecticut Department of Education, the Connecticut Department of Labor and local Boards of Education.

 The newly launched NEDP is the result of more than 2 years of work in developing and field testing content.  It is an evolution of a program that began in Syracuse, New York in 1975.  Today the NEDP includes 70 competencies in 10 content areas.  Besides evaluating their reading, writing, mathematics, oral communication and critical thinking skills, NEDP candidates will demonstrate competency in Financial Literacy, Health Literacy, Civic Literacy, Geography, History, Science and Twenty-First Century Workplace Skills.  These skills address the Common Core and Career Readiness standards.

Find out what's happening in East Hampton-Portlandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 NEDP candidates can complete assignments at home, set their own pace, and work with highly trained certified teachers at the Middletown Adult Education sites in Middletown and Old Saybrook.  Through a series of take-home projects and proctored In-office checks, the NEDP will give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the academic and life skills included in the program.  Candidates can also enhance their  computer and  technology skills at the Middletown and Old Saybrook Learning Labs.

  Finally, the program is free of charge and is offered to residents through their local Board of Education in collaboration with Middletown Adult Education and the Connecticut State Department of Education.  And, best of all, successful candidates are awarded a traditional diploma so they can meet their academic and career goals.

Find out what's happening in East Hampton-Portlandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 For more information, call (860)388-1281 in Old Saybrook or (860)343-6048 in Middletown.  Day and Evening appointments are available at both sites.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?