Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy

Salemburg, NC 28385

Education   Department   Newsletter

March 17, 2012

Class XXXVIII

During the next three months our cadets will be very busy with testing. They will be taking Pre-GED, Official GED, CRC, SAT, ASVAB and Exit TABE tests.

For the past few weeks cadets have been taking the qualifying test or completing qualifying assignments in each subject area, in order to be placed on the Pre-GED test list. They will continue to take them as needed, throughout the remainder of the program.

Some cadets have already taken the Pre-GED for the subject area they have qualified for. This test serves two purposes. First, to give the cadet an idea of what the official test will be like. This test has only half as many questions as the official test but is in the same format. For example, the Science Pre-GED has 25 questions; whereas, the Official GED has 50 questions. The questions on both tests consist of reading comprehension, application, and analysis and evaluation questions. 

Second, in order for a cadet to qualify to take the official GED, he or she must score 480 or above on the Pre-GED.   Pre-GED testing started March 5^th.

Official GED

A cadet must do the following in each subject in order to test in that subject:

·         Score 480 or above on a Pre-GED in the subject

·         Have all class and homework assignments complete in that subject

o   This includes journals and book reports as well as vocabulary and lessons

·         Have at least a 70 average in the class for that subject

·         Have Teacher Recommendation

The first Official GED test will be April 10^th.   Testing will take place every Tuesday and Thursday through June 5^th. In order to earn a GED, one must pass all five subject areas (Writing, Social Studies, Science, Reading and Math) with a total of 2250 on all five.   Based on the total score of 2250, one would need to score a 450 on each of the five tests. 

Cadets are given the opportunity to work on preparing for the CRC in their Computer Skills Class. They must complete different skill levels in order to qualify to take the CRC. Once they have completed these skill levels, they are scheduled to take the CRC where they can qualify for certificates in three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze. All certificates are signed by the Governor of North Carolina. These certificates let employers know that the applicant has been certified as ready to work. This means even if they do not have a high school diploma or GED they have the basic skills and education to enter the workforce. These certificates are signed by our governor, Bev Perdue.

There will be three test dates for the CRC. Mar. 28^th, Apr. 25^th and May 23^rd.

Eligibility for the SAT is based on the cadets total battery score on the Pre-TABE. (Score is included on their progress report). Cadets that have a total battery of 9.0 and above are eligible to take the SAT. The SAT will be given on May 5^th.  

Cadets are required to increase their standard score by one grade level in order to meet the educational requirements to graduate. During week 1 each cadet was given the Pre TABE. Based on their score we were able to determine their grade level in Reading, Math and Language. During week 17, each cadet will be required to take a Post TABE to determine his or her growth in these three areas. Scores range from 0 to 12.9.

Tutoring will start next week. (Week 10) Teachers will put out a tutoring schedule. We also have a number of volunteers from the community and local churches that are coming in to assist with tutoring in basic Math and Reading.  

Peer Tutors:  Applications have been received from those interested in being a peer tutor. The instructors and the Lead Instructor have reviewed them to determine if the cadet is qualified to be a tutor based on their scores and performance in class.   Tutors will be announced next week. Teachers will meet with the peer tutors for their subject and explain the rules, requirements and schedule for tutoring. Peer tutoring will also begin week 10. Cadets with loss of privileges are not allowed to be tutors. Peer tutoring takes place in the afternoons after regular scheduled classes, and is held in the instructor’s classroom. Instructors supervise the tutoring.

Please know that if your cadet has expressed a desire to be tutored, we will do everything possible to provide that service.   However, based on the number of cadets, tutoring is offered to those with the greatest need first. Need for tutoring is based on the qualifying test scores.

The deadline to apply for special accommodations by submitting an IEP has passed. The college will not accept anymore applications. If you have already submitted an application and IEP, your cadet and you will be notified if/when they are approved. IEP’s apply to Pre-GED and GED testing only, not to the classroom.

We have 12 cadets (4 from each team) that will be representing us as Governor’s Pages next month. 

How are Pages selected? Mrs. Newman reviews the Pre-TABE, Pre-GED scores and class performance to compile a list of 12-15 cadets per team. The list is given to the Team Leader to review. Team Leaders look at performance outside the classroom to make their selections. Lack of motivation or participation and discipline issues are taken into consideration when making the selections. Alternates are also selected in case we have to replace one of the original picks.

The Class XXXVI1I, Five Mile “Walk-A-Thon” funds are due in for the competition by April 23^rd, 2012. This is the primary fundraiser for all end of class activities. Pledge sheets were passed out at the first pass. This money will go towards the cadets Award Banquet, plaques, mementos and Class Activity Day. Twenty percent will also go to a charitable/non-profit organization. Please make checks payable to: N.C. ChalleNGe Cadet Fund. Money that comes in after the April 23^rd cut-off will still go to the cadet fund it just doesn’t count for the team competition. The Walk-a-thon will be held on March 30, 2021. If you need additional pledge sheets please contact the Academy.   All money and all pledge sheets are to be turned in to Mr. Aycock. 

On Friday, March 9^th, the cadets enjoyed an educational field trip to Raleigh to tour the following:   Legislative Building, History Museum and Museum of Natural Sciences. This was an academic field trip, in which the cadets received class credit, just like if they were sitting in the classroom. Since they received class credit, they were required to write an essay.   The essay had to include the following: introduction, three detail paragraphs and a conclusion. The essay serves multiple purposes. It helps me to see what the cadets learned and enjoyed most about the trip. It satisfies the requirement of the college to prove academic value of the trip and gives the cadets extra practice for the Writing GED. Their essay had to meet the same requirements as the Official GED.

The academic staff at Tarheel ChalleNGe is dedicated in helping all cadets succeed. Cadets who complete this rigorous program, with either a GED or an increase of TABE scores of at least one grade level, have truly reached a monumental milestone of achievement. Graduates of Tarheel ChalleNGe develop many attributes that will help them throughout life to be a productive member of society.

Please contact the Lead Instructor, (910) 525-5520, if you have any questions.

“Education – It’s Worth the Effort”

Phone:    (910) 525-5520