Adult Basic Education

The following programs are available through the Adult Education Department at UA Rich Mountain

Adult Basic Education (ABE) - Adult Basic Education is designed for the adult learner who wishes to strengthen reading, writing, math, or life-coping skills. The program offers basic instruction for adults functioning below an eighth grade level in reading, math, and/or language. Individuals are pre-tested to determine reading, math, and vocabulary entry levels.

GED/Adult Secondary Education (ASE) Program - Adult Secondary Education or General Education Development classes offer instruction to adults who are preparing to pass the GED® exam or who desire to enhance essential skills. Four areas of instruction are provided: Reasoning through Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. Individual instruction is based on the student’s entry level and needs. Class enrollment/attendance is open-entry, open-exit. Program completion is attained with passing the GED® tests and receiving an Arkansas High School diploma or by reaching an individual’s goal.

English as a Second Language - ESL classes are provided for adults whose native language is not English. Adults receive instruction in English and in learning how to cope in American society. Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced ESL classes are available.

Digital Literacy - Introduction to computer classes provided instruction in the operation of the computer, basic computer terminology, uses and applications, and provides a brief introduction to word processing. Computer Literacy is currently provided for students enrolled in adult education programs or workplace environments. Computer Literacy is designed to assist enrolled students in becoming literate in the use of technology as a learning tool and not to provide comprehensive training to achieve proficiency in specific software programs.

Employability Skills - This program provides training to enable adult learners to become better informed and more highly skilled for the changing world of work. The instruction provides a comprehensive grounding in the knowledge and skills learners need to succeed in the workplace.

Financial Literacy - Students learn the essential skills for continued financial success throughout life, helping them to be responsible, contributing citizens and members of society. The course helps students learn to save money, distinguish the difference between wants and needs, manage a budget, pay their bills, buy a home, pay for college, and plan for retirement.

WAGE/Workforce Preparation - Students can earn a Level 1 workforce preparation certificates that prepares students for the workforce. Students will learn soft skills, financial literacy, basic digital literacy skills; learn career interests; complete a resume and cover letter; gain interview skills; and improve basic typing skills.

Integrated Education and Training (IET) - The program allows students to enroll in college programs while working to attain basic education or skills training. There are eligibility requirements to qualify. See your instructor for information. The available programs are outlined in the student handbook accessible on this website. 

If you are self-motivated and self-directed and want to study for your GED® at home, then distance education might be your ticket to success. In order to be eligible, you must score at least 518 scale score on the TABE (Test for Adult Basic Education) in reading.

Distance learning is offered via Internet program Essential Ed. In order to stay in the program, you will be asked to sign a contract stating you will obtain at least 12 hours of instruction per month and return to the Adult Education Center to post-test on the TABE.

UA Rich Mountain
1100 College Drive, Mena
479-394-7622, ext 1380

Mt Ida Campus
31 Industy Drive
870-867-5264