IEL offers GED program online

The Community Colleges of Spokane’s Institute for Extended Learning is offering another way for people to get their GED – an online program.

The program, currently in a pilot phase, allows GED candidates to take a series of online courses through the IEL. The program could help homebound or rural students who can’t attend classes during working hours.

GED stands for General Educational Development. These tests were developed by the American Council on Education to help people earn a high school equivalency diploma.

The GED program is composed of a series of five tests that evaluate the participant’s skills and knowledge in writing, reading, math, social studies and science.

According to course instructor and facilitator Michele Cook, the course is tailored to meet the needs of the individual, beginning with assessment testing, also done online. Once she determines the areas in which the student needs help, Cook gives assignments, provides grading and counsels each student by phone or mail.

“This program isn’t for everyone. They need to be able to read at the ninth-grade level,” Cook said.

The program works best for people who have Internet access, Cook said.

Students may also access the online courses through the computer lab at any education center, such as the Adult Education Center, 2310 N. Monroe St., or the public library.

Final testing must be done at an established GED testing site.

For information, call the Adult Education Center at 533-4600 or Michele Cook at 533-4623.