1. Welcome to the MiraCosta College Adult High School Orientation

2. Overview of Orientation  About our program  Course schedule  How lab classes work  Enrolling in AHS classes  Course descriptions  Test of Adult Basic Education  Your first day of class  Academic and student support services  Diploma requirements  Ways to earn AHS credits  Preparing for the GED  MiraCosta College catalog  Step into higher education

3. About our Program Courses are tuition-free; however, books must be purchased or rented, and there are also parking fees. Adult High School classes are held at the Community Learning Center (CLC), located at 1831 Mission Avenue in Oceanside. Most courses are taught in a traditional format and require attendance. We serve students interested in receiving a HS diploma or GED, as well as those interested in brush-up courses and concurrently enrolled students.

4. Course Schedule Adult high school classes meet for a minimum of 49.5 instructional hours, and every class is worth 5 high school credits. There are two 8-week terms in the fall and spring semesters:  Day Classes: M/T/W/TH, approximately 1 ½ hours each day  Evening Classes: 2 Evenings (M/W and T/TH), approximately 3 hours each evening  Lab Classes: Offer a flexible schedule within each term. The summer term is 6 weeks long, and meeting times are adjusted to accommodate the shorter term. Click here to view the course schedule.

5. How Lab Classes Work Computer-based classes offer flexible scheduling, unlike traditional classes that have specific start and end times. You will complete all of your computer- based coursework in Room 130, our Community Learning Lab, which is open over 40 hours per week. Your lab class begins when you attend a course orientation. Your class schedule will include a list of orientation days and times to choose from. During the orientation, your instructor will provide all of the information you need to get started. Lab classes: English 30: English Skills Lab GED Preparation

6. Enrolling in AHS Classes Students initially enroll in classes with the assistance of a counselor during the registration session. Students may enroll themselves into most classes in future terms using SURF. SURF also allows you to add and drop classes, view grades, and print an unofficial transcript. Your SURF ID is your student ID number, with the leading zero replaced with a “W”. Student ID: 07000001 SURF ID: W7000001 English 4 and all math classes (except Basic Skills Math 1) require a counselor signature to enroll Counselors are available to discuss course selections with you. Appointments are strongly recommended.

7. Course Descriptions Course descriptions and additional information about the Adult High School are available in the online college catalog. Click here Course descriptions may also be viewed by using the SURF online course catalog. Click here

8. Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) We administer the TABE for five reasons: To determine if you have the reading comprehension skills that are necessary to succeed in our accelerated program. (Class sessions are only eight weeks long!) To determine if you would benefit from Adult Basic Education (ABE) reading and writing courses, designed to prepare students to succeed in AHS and GED prep courses. To advise students about where to start in the sequence of AHS English courses. To determine whether or not you have achieved reading competency for the AHS. (More about that later.) To help prospective GED students gauge their level of readiness for the test, and to make decisions about how to prepare for the GED.

9. Your First Day of Class Attend 1 st Class: If you don’t attend the first class meeting you may be dropped from the class, since many classes have waiting lists. Books: Bring money for books – you will be given homework! No Smoking: MiraCosta College is a smoke-free campus. Smoking on campus is only allowed in personal vehicles. Parking: Campus Police do not write parking tickets during the first week of classes, but be sure to purchase a parking permit before the start of the second week. Day passes are also available.

10. Academic and Student Support Services The following services are available at the Community Learning Center:  Counseling  Academic Support Center  Tutors in all high school subjects  Writing Center consultants  Outreach librarian  Community Learning Lab  Placement Testing  Student Ambassadors  Workshops and Events Students may take advantage of the many academic and student support services that are offered at MiraCosta’s three campuses. Read “The Connection” newsletter to learn about scheduled activities at the CLC.

11. Diploma Requirements Credit Requirements – 170 high school credits which must include: English 40 Science 20* Mathematics 30** U.S. History 10 American Government 5 Economics 5 World History & Geography 10 Humanities 10 Electives 40 Residency Requirements Any student planning to receive an Adult High School diploma from MiraCosta College must complete 20 high school credits in residence, either in Adult High School or in college credit classes. Proficiency/Competency Requirements In compliance with state law, students must demonstrate competence in English and mathematics skills. In order to assess the student's level of proficiency, tests and assignments are administered in classes. Additional options to demonstrate competency are also available, and students are encouraged to discuss those options with a counselor. Options for Satisfying Competency Requirements (PDF) Options for Satisfying Competency Requirements * Must include biological and physical sciences. ** Students must complete 5 credits of Algebra Essentials, Geometry Essentials, Contemporary Mathematics 1 or 2, or equivalent.

12. Ways to Earn AHS Credits Additional options to earn credits are available, and you are encouraged to discuss those options with a counselor after your transcripts have been evaluated. Additional ways to earn credits: Transfer credits from accredited high schools and colleges. Receive elective credits for basic training, military schools, and work experience. Earn up to 130 credits through General Education Development (GED) tests in the areas of English, math, science, and electives. Write a foreign language essay to satisfy the Humanities credit requirement. Most students earn credits by enrolling in AHS or college level courses at MiraCosta. Click here to view the list of MiraCosta College courses that fulfill AHS requirements.

13. Preparing for the GED Test The GED is a battery of four tests. The test content areas are: Reasoning through language arts Mathematical reasoning Science Social Studies Students may prepare for the GED by enrolling our computer-based GED Preparation course, or by enrolling in specific AHS courses. Student who earn a TABE test score below 516 are advised to first enroll in ABE classes before attempting the GED Preparation course.

14. The MiraCosta College Catalog In addition to course descriptions, the catalog contains information about: Academic programs and services Academic policies College calendar Credit and noncredit courses/programs Degrees and certificates Rights and responsibilities Student Services And more!

15. Step Into Higher Education AHS students have the option of using college coursework to satisfy high school requirements and to get a head start in college. Regardless of whether or not you choose this option, we want you to seriously consider continuing your education at MiraCosta College (or elsewhere). It’s never too early to discuss your future with a counselor! Anyone who has earned our diploma can be successful in college!