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Adult Basic and Literacy

The Adult Basic and Literacy Education program operates under the auspices of the Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS). It is funded by a combination of local, state and federal monies. TABE tests (Test for Adult Basic Education) and classes are offered at no charge by certified instructors.

Mission Statement:

Believing that every person has purpose, value and potential, Montana Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) provides free instruction to adults and out-of-school youth to improve their basic skills, attain the GED, transition to post-secondary education, or improve employment status.

Location:

GFPS Adult Education
MSU-Great Falls College of Technology
2100 16th Ave. South
Great Falls, MT 59405

For more information contact:

  • Administrator (406) 268-6605
  • Administrative Assistant (406) 771-5108
  • Chief Examiner (406) 771-5104
  • Counselor (406) 771-5104
  • Distance Learning Coordinator (406) 771-5108
  • ESOL Instructor (406) 771-5106
  • Language Instructor (406) 771-5104
  • Math Instructor (406) 771-5107
  • Reading Instructor (406) 771-5107
  • able_online [at] gfps [dot] k12 [dot] mt [dot] us
     

Staff Members and pages:

 

What can ABLE do for you?

The Adult Basic and Literacy Education program (ABLE) offers individual and group instruction in

  • Math, Reading, and Language Skill Building
  • GED Preparation
  • Workplace Essentials
  • ESOL - English Speakers of Other Languages
  • Distance Learning 

Enrollment:

  1. Call  (406) 771-5108 to make an appointment for a TABE test. (Test of Adult Basic Education)
  2. Take TABE and then meet with an advisor to set goals and schedule instruction.
  3. Instruction is offered Monday-Friday. (Times vary according to class.)

GED Testing:

Paperwork for the GED test must be completed to obtain a GED testing appointment.  Office hours are 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Monday-Friday.  Registration for the test takes 20-30 minutes, and you will need to bring

  • $55 cash or money order made out to GFPS
  • Two forms of ID (photo ID and one (1) other form)
  • Proof of Montana residency
  • Social Security Number

Schedule testing date or dates to take the five individual GED tests in person or by calling, (406) 771-5108 for an appointment.

The testing sessions are three (3) hours long; currently the GED tests are offered on Tuesdays: 

  • 9:00 am - noon
  • 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to attend the Adult Learning Center?

There is no charge to the student to attend the Adult Basic and Literacy Education at MSU Great Falls.

2. How long does it take to get ready to take the GED test?

The student’s basic skill level, commitment to studying and learning curve will determine how quickly the student will be ready to take the GED test. The student can get a reasonable idea once the student has taken an assessment and works with the instructors.

3. How much does the GED test cost?

In the state of Montana, the fee is $55. 

(Please note that the GED test will be changing in January 2014, and we have been told that the testing fee will increase at that time to at least $200.) 

4. How long does it take to complete all of the GED tests?

There are five tests in the GED battery. It takes approximately 7 1/2 hours to complete. The five tests may be taken over two or more testing appointments. Arrangements are made with the testing center.

5. How long does it take to get the GED results?

It takes approximately 2-3 weeks to get the GED test results. Once all five tests are passed, the GED Certificate is sent directly to the GED recipient.

6. How do I sign up for a GED test?

Come to the ABLE Center office to register.  (Please refer to GED Testing [above] for information regarding registration.)

Once you are registered for the test, you can call (406) 771-5108 to make an appointment to test.

7. If I am 17 or 18 years old, what documents do I need to present to the GED Testing Center prior to testing?

 1. An official withdraw slip from the last school attended, certifying the applicant has been out of school 90 days.
                                                       or

An original letter signed by the chief education officer providing the applicant’s last school enrollment date if applicant has been out of school less than 90 days.

2. An original letter on school letterhead signed by the chief education officer in the public school district in which the applicant currently resides, documenting the applicant has not enrolled in school and has been advised of available in-school options.

3. Home School: Notarized letter signed by home-school teacher, showing the name of the school and verifying the course of study has been completed.

If you are 17, a signed release is required from a parent or legal guardian.