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Adult Basic Education

Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs serve students ages 17 and over who are not enrolled in school and who want to improve their basic skills in reading, writing, math, listening, and speaking.

ABE is designed to provide free educational opportunities leading to acquiring basic literacy, employment, postsecondary education, and training.

Is All Training the Same?

Each learner will develop a Personal Education Plan (PEP) designed to meet their specific needs. Course work varies depending on each student's goals. Independent, one-on-one, and small group study methods are used.

Typical Course Work May Include:

  • High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) preparation.
  • Classes offered online and on-site which prepare students for the five GED tests:
    • reading
    • mathematics
    • writing
    • social studies
    • science
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction that provides literacy and language education to individuals whose primary language is not English.
  • Family literacy programs that bring together under-educated parents and their children to increase appreciation for education and facilitate the basic skills of both parents and children.
  • Workforce education that provides basic academic and literacy skills to students who are already employed by a specific business, industry or company.
  • Transition-to-employment and job seeking skills, such as resume development, interviewing skills, employability skills ("soft skills") and occupational specific skills training, including Pathways to Prosperity.
  • Transition-to-post-secondary education and training skills, such as study skills and Accuplacer test brush-up.
  • Basic computer literacy
  • U.S. citizenship preparation

Adult Basic Education is Offered by More Than 250 Providers in Minnesota

  • Call (1-800-222-1990) or text (612-424-1211) the adult literacy hotline. Calls are responded to in English or Spanish.

GED Testing Centers

The GED tests are administered in Minnesota at official GED testing centers under the direction of the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). For a list of GED testing centers, visit MDE's website or call 651-582- 8446.

Information About the General Education Development (GED)

General Education Development (GED) classes prepare students for the five GED tests (writing skills, social studies, science, reading, and mathematics). Passing the GED certifies that the taker has achieved high school-level academic skills.

Find GED information about:

  • who may take the GED Test
  • where to test
  • misleading GED claims
  • frequently asked questions (FAQ's)

Find more information about preparing for the GED exam and sample GED test questions.

Source: Minnesota Literacy Council, Adult Basic Education Unit at the Minnesota Department of Education