The Madison County School District is constantly working to improve academic achievement, as well as its graduation rate. However, as with many rural school districts in the region, there are many students who choose to drop out. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be a permanent condition.
Since re-launching its Adult Education (GED) program several years ago, over 90 students have earned their GED, with many moving on to college and satisfying jobs. Even with these successes though, attendance is down, as literally thousands of Madison County residents choose to live without an education; many more suffer from a lack of literacy. This quickly results in huge family stresses, leading to financial breakdown, domestic violence, drug use, crimes, or worse.
Parents, family, friends and the faith-based community are gratefully requested to reach out to these struggling members of our community who deserve a second chance at an education. The staff of the morning and evening GED classes urges everyone to refer a student today. Of course, conversations will be completely confidential.
The community is urged to remind all Madison County GED student referrals these three things:
(1) Students study at their own pace. Using three or four learning tools, including one-on-one time as directed, over 95% of students who have taken the GED from these classes have passed.
(2) It is never too late. Unfortunately, the same lifestyle that led students to drop out in the first place may still be a barrier to successfully returning to class, even though it is not at all like high school. Social support, especially from loved-ones, can make a positive impact, and do not let the prospective student’s potential embarrassment cause them to stay away.
(3) Costs are minimal. The district charges no fees for itself or its teachers. The only fees are charged by the state, which is only $45 per six months of class – that’s just 50 cents a class. The state charges $70 for the test itself, although student can break that down into five testing sections at $14 each if preferred.
Most successful GED students return to class with a belief that graduation is possible, also realizing that classes may take three to six months to complete, as long as needed. This is why students can choose between day and evening classes to fit their schedules. As little as ten hours of study per week is usually more than enough to maintain progress.
Program organizers and staff would like to remind all residents that a lack of education is the most fundamental challenge to the future of Madison County. It lies at the heart of almost every health, social and financial challenge. Help someone get back on track; phone Cindy Boyd at (850) 973-1525, or email her at cindy.boyd @madisonmail.us for more information. Please refer a student today.
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