High School Equivalency and Adult Literacy Service HiSET® (High School Equivalency Testing)
Adult Learning Center
The Adult Learning Center offers FREE basic literacy and High School Equivalency Test prep courses to help you pursue further education and job training.
The Adult Learning Center offers students three levels of classes, from basic literacy through High School Equivalency Test preparation. Professional instructors, assisted by experienced volunteers, teach the small-sized classes. Students progress at their own pace.
What skills are taught in our classes?
- College and Career Readiness
- Oral Communication - English language skills
- Reading - Vocabulary skills to reading comprehension
- Writing - Grammar, punctuation and essay/report writing
- Math - Basic arithmetic to algebra and geometry
- High School Equivalency Test Preparation
For more information, contact us at (978) 236-1227 or srandell@northshore.edu. TTY phone (978) 236-1231.
For volunteer opportunities, contact Stacy Randell at (978) 236-1227.
The Adult Learning Center is funded by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Individuals who seek a State High School Equivalency Credentials in order to enter college, begin an educational training program, or qualify for employment may arrange to register for the HiSET® examination at the HiSET® website, choosing NSCC as the test center. The HiSET® examination program is under the jurisdiction of ETS (Education Testing Service) and the Massachusetts Department of Education. After the official registration process is completed, HiSET® applicants are scheduled for the battery of five examinations at either the Lynn or Danvers Campus.
The examinations, which are designed to measure attainment of high school competencies, include: Language Arts/Writing (with essay); Social Studies; Science; Language Arts/Reading; and Mathematics. Examinations are administered throughout the calendar year. Individuals with documented disabilities are encouraged to apply to HiSET® for special testing accommodations. Please note that the 2002 GED Series expired at the end of 2013.
More information about the HiSET® examination is available through the official HiSET® website, hiset.ets.org or by contacting the CAS at hiset@northshore.edu.
Adult Learning Center
The Adult Learning Center is a grant program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Individuals who are planning to take the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET®) examination or who need to develop literacy skills are encouraged to make an appointment to meet with a counselor at the Adult Learning Center (ALC) at the Danvers Campus. An assessment tool is administered and learning options are discussed prior to referral to HiSET® examinations, preparation programs, or general area services.
Individuals who have been assessed may be eligible for free HiSET® preparation classes in mathematics, reading, and writing. Eligible students are placed in one of three levels of classes that meet both Fall and Spring Semesters. All class levels run three mornings per week, and an additional advanced level class is offered two evenings per week. Students placed in classes are required to demonstrate continued progress and sign an attendance commitment.
In addition to classroom instruction, individual tutoring is available within the classes through community volunteers.
For information about pre-HiSET® assessments and preparation classes, call the Coordinator of the Adult Learning Center, 978-236-1227, or email: ALC@northshore.edu.