Adult Basic Education

Welcome to Iowa Western Community College’s (IWCC) Adult Basic Education (ABE) program and the first step in your educational journey. Students are placed in the ABE program based on their Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) entrance exam pre-test scores in reading and math.

ABE offers students the opportunity to develop basic skills and to work toward their High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) through HiSET instruction, and/or to acquire English language skills that enable them to increase independence, improve employability, and/or prepare for continuing education.

Once students complete the ABE requirements, they may continue in the HiSET program to work toward their HSED. To enroll, review our orientation schedule (link to orientation page), select the orientation date that works best for you, and call us at 712-325-3266 to sign-up. We look forward to helping you to reach your goals.

HSED Schedules

Iowa Western Class Schedule

Kinney Hall

September 12 – October 27, 2022
November 7 – December 15, 2022
January 17 – March 2, 2023
March 13 – April 27th, 2023
May 8 – June 15, 2023

HSED Orientation Schedules

Atlantic Campus

October 11 – December 15, 2022
January 24 – March 30, 2023
April 11 – June 15, 2023

HSED Orientation Schedules

Clarinda Campus

October 11 – December 15, 2022
January 24 – March 30, 2023
April 11 – June 15, 2023

HSED Orientation Schedules

Harlan Campus

October 11 – December 15, 2022
January 24 – March 30, 2023
April 11 – June 15, 2023

HSED Orientation Schedules

Shenandoah Campus

October 11 – December 15, 2022
January 24 – March 30, 2023
April 11 – June 15, 2023

HSED Orientation Schedules

FAQ

How do I know if I am eligible for the ABE or HSED program?

Eligible participants must meet the following requirements:

· Minimum 16 years + 9 months of age

· Not currently enrolled in a public or private high school

· State-Issued photo ID

· Students age 18 or under must provide a drop slip from their last school district

· Students age 17 or under must provide a permission to attend form

How do I know if I need to enroll in Adult Basic Education (ABE)?

ABE is designed for those whose basic skill levels are below 9th grade as assessed by the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) pre-test, which is taken during orientation. ABE classes are a part of the HSED program.

ABE is also designed for English Language Learners (ELL) who seek to learn English and/or to develop more effective English language communication skills.

How do I know at what level I function?

ABE has four functioning levels: Beginning Literacy, Beginning Basic, Intermediate Low, and Intermediate High. Functioning levels are identified by the CASAS test, and your levels in math and reading will determine your class placement.

What kind of classes will I take?

Direct instruction is recommended, so instructors can work with students at their levels and abilities in order to improve students’ academic, educational, and employability skills and opportunities.

ABE classes help students develop reading, writing, math, science, and social studies skills through explicit, contextualized instruction in order to transition into our HSED program and to prepare them for future education and career pathways.

Where are ABE classes offered?

ELL classes are offered day and evening at IWCC in Council Bluffs. (link to ELL).

ABE classes follow the same class schedule as the HSED program (Link to HSED Schedules) and are located at IWCC in Council Bluffs, Atlantic, Clarinda, Harlan, and Shenandoah. (Link to HSED Locations).

When can I start HSED classes?

All of the ABE classes that you take prepare you for HiSET classes and the HSED final exams. ABE classes help to build a skill foundation necessary to be successful in HiSET classes.

After attending classes for 40 hours, you will take a CASAS post-test, and your score determines your preparedness to progress. A qualifying score means that you made a Measurable Skill Gain (MSG) and can transition into HSED.