Adult Education/High School Equivalency/English Language Acquisition
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Eastern Iowa Community Colleges provide a number of programs for adults to brush up
on reading, math, writing and English.
These programs include Adult Basic Education, High School Equivalency (HSE) and English Language Acquisition (ELA). Classes are offered at Bettendorf, Columbus Junction, Clinton, Davenport,
Maquoketa, Muscatine, and West Liberty.
Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes develop reading, writing, speaking and math skills.
Programming is designed to help anyone 17 years of age or older, who is not enrolled
in high school, to take the steps necessary toward passing the High School Equivalency
Test. 
Students desiring to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma must register, complete
initial reading and math assessments, and participate in a scheduled orientation.
The results from the assessments will help the faculty and staff develop individualized
development plans for students to guide them toward their personal academic goals.
HSE Students will study:
- Language Arts – Reading
- Language Arts – Writing
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
What are the steps to complete the HSE program?
- Online registration
- Take placement assessments
At this time, you will pay the registration fee. You must have a photo ID and know your social security number (if applicable). - Attend an orientation
- Enroll in classes – your placement scores will determine your path to completion. Classes meet in 8-week sessions. You may need to attend more than one session, depending upon your academic needs.
- Take post-assessments – your scores will determine your progress toward your learning goals
- Official Practice Tests (OPT’s) – These tests are required for each of the five subject areas prior to taking the official High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)
- HiSET Exams – Complete the HiSET exam for each of the five subject areas
*Note: You must be within three months of your 17th birthday to enroll in the program. (Exception: Individuals who are court ordered to attend HSE courses may enroll any time after their 16th birthday.)
Ready to get started?
Complete the online registration at the “Register Now” link at the top of this page.
Placement Assessments
Once your online registration has been received, you will be contacted to schedule
your placement assessments. These are also known as CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student
Assessment System) assessments. The assessments, in reading and math, are used to
determine your placement in the program by identifying your specific academic needs.
Orientation
Orientation is an essential experience for new students. It covers mastery of student
skills, test-taking tips and more. It is designed to provide students with an in-depth
understanding of the High School Equivalency (HSE) program. You will be given a choice
of orientation dates and times upon the completion of your placement assessments.
Required documentation (due at placement assessment):
- Photo identification
- Social Security Number (if applicable)
17 & 18 year olds will need:
- Drop slip or letter of non-enrollment from the last high school attended
17 year olds will also need:
- Parent or guardian (to sign permission form)
How much does it cost?
$15 registration fee due at the time of placement assessments. This is an annual fee that is renewable
if you have not completed your program by the end of June.
$50 testing fee paid to HiSET when you are ready to begin testing. This covers all five exams.
$15 diploma fee for HSE diploma, verification letter or transcripts. Requests can be submitted once all HiSET scores are confirmed.
*Note that low income students may apply for assistance with registration and testing
fees.
Graduation
The Adult Education program hosts graduation ceremonies for each campus at the end
of the program year, typically in June. All students who have successfully completed
their High School Equivalency Test are welcome to participate and to invite their
friends and family.
High School Equivalency College Scholarships
Through the generosity of the EICC and college foundations, all students who receive
their High School Equivalency Diploma from any of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
will be given a voucher equivalent to three credit hours at Clinton, Muscatine or
Scott Community College. The scholarship may be used toward a course in a degree program
or for non-credit certificate coursework. Graduates have up to two years from the
date of completion to use their scholarship.
Diploma and Transcripts
Individuals may request High School Equivalency transcripts, verification letter or
diploma. Fees may apply. To submit a request, please visit: www.diplomasender.com
Special Accommodations
To request accommodations for test day, visit HiSET website or contact the Adult Education program and ask to speak with the HSE Career Navigator
at your local campus.
Students in need of accommodations for access to instruction may request services from the Lead Teacher at their location.
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges ensures that its programs, activities, and services are in compliance with access provisions of state and federal civil rights legislation for persons with disabilities. The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) defines a person with a disability as any person who has a record of, or is regarded as having, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. An “otherwise qualified individual with a disability” is a person who, with or without reasonable accommodations, can meet the essential program or course requirements.
District policy calls for reasonable accommodation to be made for otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities on an individualized basis. It is, however, the responsibility of the student to seek available assistance at each college, to make his/her needs known, and to provide current documentation of disability. Students with disabilities may use a variety of services or reasonable accommodations intended to reduce the effects that a disability may have on their performance in an academic setting. Services do not lower course standards or alter program requirements but instead give students a better chance to demonstrate their academic abilities.
Locations
Clinton Community College Learning Center
(Clinton & Maquoketa)
(across street from the main CCC building and next to tennis courts)
944 Lincoln Boulevard
Clinton, Iowa 52732
563-244-7185 or toll-free (within the 563 area code) 800-637-0559
Muscatine Community College
(Muscatine, Columbus Junction & West Liberty)
McAvoy University
1403 Park Avenue
Muscatine, Iowa 52761
563-288-6161 or 800-351-4669
MCC's Adult Education website
Scott Community College - West Davenport Center
2950 North Fairmount Street
Davenport, Iowa 52804
563-328-7690 or 800-895-0811