Frequently Asked Questions

General

  1. What kinds of programs are offered?

English as a Second Language (ESL)  **Only offered at Fishburne Educational Center

High School Diploma (HSD)

High School Equivalency Diploma/GED® 

Welding Certification ***Only offered at Timberland High School

  1. What kind of testing is offered?

Accuplacer

Best Plus and Best Literacy (for ESL students)

GED®

GED Ready®

ParaPro Assessment

Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)

WorkKeys

  1. Aside from instruction in ESL, GED®, or HSD classes, what other services are provided?

In addition to instruction, we partner with Ross Innovative Employment Solutions to provide soft skills training, resume writing, interview practice, on-the-job training, certification exams, etc.

  1. Where are adult education classes conducted?

Adult Learning Center (ALC)

229 East Main Street

Moncks Corner, SC 29461

Fishburne Educational Center (FEC)

6215 Murray Drive

Hanahan, SC 29410

  1. Who should I contact for registration?

Donna Garvin (ALC)

843-899-8784

Tracy Metts (FEC)

843-820-3742 

  1. When is registration?

Berkeley County Adult Education operates a managed, rolling enrollment system. Registration is held during the morning and evening on designated dates.  We ask that you schedule an appointment at your chosen location.  If there are questions regarding the registration process or you need to schedule an appointment for a date that is not listed, please call Mrs. Garvin (ALC) or Ms. Metts (FEC). 

  1. Who should I contact for testing?

Adult Learning Center:

ParaPro Assessment, WIN, and WorkKeys – Cathy Rutledge at 843-899-8690

            TABE – Donna Garvin at 843-899-8784

Fishburne Educational Center:

Best Plus, Best Literacy, TABE – Tracy Metts @ 843-820-3742

***For BCAE students, GED Ready® and GED® Tests are scheduled through individual instructors.

Accuplacer® Testing – Angela Simmons @ 843-899-8680 or 843-899-8635 

  1. Is there an age requirement to enroll in the BCSD Adult Education program?

Yes, you must be at least 17 years of age.  However, students under the age of 17 that are court ordered to attend may enroll in the program.  (Students under the age of 18 at the time of registration must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.)

  1. What is the cost of registration?

The registration fee for ESL classes is $100.  Students registering for the GED® or high school diploma programs must pay a fee of $50.  The fee is waived for students that receive SNAP benefits.  Proof must be provided at the time of registration.

  1. When do classes begin?

Our classes are aligned with the Berkeley County School District instructional calendar. We have managed, rolling enrollment.  Students may enter the program at various points throughout the school year, and their particular program of study may not end in June.  All students are encouraged to re-register on July 1st if they have not obtained their high school equivalency diploma or high school diploma prior to the end of the school year.

Specific to High School Equivalency Diploma/GED®

  1. What do I need to bring with me for registration?

You must have an unexpired government-issued ID. In addition to your ID, you need a copy of the withdrawal form from your previous high school (if you are between the ages of 17 and 21) and the registration fee of $50 (unless you qualify for and have proof of SNAP benefits).  17-year-olds must also bring the High School Referral Form, complete with signatures from a parent or guardian, and the principal or his/her designee. All other paperwork will be completed on site.

  1. When are classes offered?

Day classes are held Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Evening classes are held Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 

Students may participate in day and evening classes if they desire.

  1. How long do I have to attend classes prior to taking the GED® test?

The length of time students attend class depends on the skills they demonstrate on the placement test (TABE). There is a minimum twelve-hour requirement. All learning is personalized; some students finish within a few weeks, others take more time due to instruction.

  1. Where is the GED® test offered?

In Berkeley County, the GED® test is offered at Fishburne Educational Center. Students may test there, or at any other registered GED® site.

  1. How do I register to take the GED® test?

Create an account on GED.com to register for the test. 

  1. How many sections are there on the test?

There are four sections: Reasoning through Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Math. 

  1. Do I have to test on all four sections at the same time?

No, you do not have to take all four sections on the same day. It is recommended that you only register for one or two sections at a time. 

  1. What is the cost of the GED®?

Each section costs $37.50.  However, our students may earn vouchers for meeting specific goals.

Specific to High School Diploma

  1. Are my classes held on site?

No. Students seeking their high school diploma are enrolled in courses through VirtualSC, Berkeley County Virtual Learning Program (BCVLP), and/or Apex. Students complete assignments virtually, but may make an appointment if on-site assistance is needed. All instructors also have designated office hours to provide assistance.

  1. How many classes am I allowed to take?

You may enroll in two classes at a time. If you are progressing successfully and quickly, we may discuss the option to enroll in additional courses.

  1. May I work ahead, or do I need to maintain the same pace as my classmates?

Yes, you may work ahead. Teachers establish a pacing guide at the time of enrollment; however, you may complete assignments in advance. 

  1. What should I do if I have questions about my assignments?

Contact your teacher! You may send your teacher a message via Genius for the VirtualSC courses. You may also e-mail, or contact your teacher via their Google Voice number. In the event you are unable to reach them, contact the director, Steven Steele, for assistance.

  1. Do I need to purchase an electronic device to complete assignments?

You may use your own device, but are not obligated to purchase one if you don’t have it. Chromebooks are available for checkout. Stipulations apply and Chromebooks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All BCSD policies and guidelines will be followed. 

  1. How many credits should I have prior to enrolling in BCSD Adult Education?

Ideally, you should have earned at least 16 credits prior to enrolling in our program.  Keep in mind, you are only taking two courses at a time unless you’ve proven that you can successfully manage more.  Most courses are offered over the course of a semester (14 weeks), so your enrollment date is extremely important (beginning of the semester vs. the middle or end).   

Specific to English as a Second Language 

  1. Do I need a government-issued ID to attend?

No, you do not need a government-issued ID to attend ESL classes. No questions are asked regarding your citizenship.

  1. In addition to learning the English language, what other services are provided?

We offer assistance in preparing for the citizenship exam, instruction in Civics, and employability assistance.