BAS421 — Language Intensive GED
This class offers instruction for high level non-native speakers of English who wish to take the GED test in English. These students often assess at lower levels but don't always benefit adequately from instruction at the ABE level. Native English speakers at the ABE level often have multiple barriers to learning, which include learning differences and learning disabilities. For non-native speakers, the challenges are more related to issues of language, very often vocabulary. This can be a challenge especially for math where native speakers may struggle with basic computation while non-native speakers can do computation but may not understand the word problems. While the GED examination is built on Webb's Depth of Knowledge (DOK), ESL students may be able to implement a higher level of knowledge cognitively, while their language deficiencies forces them to interact with text or material on a lower level. The purpose behind this class is to help equalize the balance between language and cognition, an then properly assess student performance to maximize learning outcomes. This class will teach content relevant the the four areas of the GED test: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning through Lanugage Arts, Science, and Social Studies. In addition to vocabulary development, students will develop fluency, comprehension, application, and analysis skills in order to understand more complex pieces of informational texts. Students will learn to derive meaning from context, compare/contrast, and evaluate texts. A high level of academic communication both in speaking and writing will be fostered and reinforced. In mathematics, there will be a focus on math vocabulary and reading word problems. Students will get experience doing specific episodes of American History will be covered in order to increase the background knowledge of the lessons presented as part of this class will be adjusted to the levels, goals, and needs of the students participating. The class will use technology and encourage practice keyboarding in order to prepare students to take the GED test on the computer. Specific GED skills that will be introduced in this class are as follows:I. Reading and WritingDraw evidence from literary or informational textsUse technologyWrite arguements to support claimsDemonstrate command of the conventions of standard grammar/usageIdentify and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a textII MathAttend to precisionReason abstractly and quantitativelyUse appropriate tools strategically Make sense of problems and persevere in solving themIII Science Use mathematics in scientific applicationsAnalyze and interpret dataPlan and carry out investigationsAsk questions (for science)IV Social Studies Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics Assess how point of view or purpose shape contentIdentify and evaluate the argument and specific claims