ADULT EDUCATION
Adult Education at Morton College includes the following programs:
• ESL (English as a Second Language);
• High School Equivalency Certificate (HSEC) preparation;
• Project CARE, volunteer tutoring program for adult learners
• Transition to College and/or Career
This programming consists primarily of courses that teach English in the context of real-life situations,
including civics instruction related to the democratic process, community resources, the U.S. school
system, housing, health and wellness, employment, and consumer economics.
Other ESL programming contains courses that focus primarily on conversation or writing. Periodically,
citizenship courses and workshops are offered as well. ESL courses are leveled, and student placement
is determined by a placement test, which is required before a student can enroll in ESL courses.
For more information about ESL course enrollment or placement testing, please contact the Adult
Department Office at 708-656-8000, ext. 2373 or 2374.
HSEC Programs
The State of Illinois now offers three test series for students to earn the High School Equivalency Certificate. They are the GED©, HiSet and the TASC. Morton College offers courses that help prepare students for these tests. Placement testing determines the student’s educational needs, and enrollment in preparation classes is based on the placement test results. These courses are leveled and range from beginning reading or mathematics to intensive test preparation. As part of this coursework, the department offers i-Pathways, which is web-based test preparation coursework. In order to enroll in HSEC preparation courses, a student must be 18 years of age or older. If a student is 16 or 17, an official letter of separation from the student’s resident high school must be presented at the time of enrollment; this letter must be provided, even if the student has never attended that school. For more information about HSEC preparation course enrollment or placement testing, please contact the AECPO Department Office at 708-656-8000, ext. 2373 or 2374.
ESL and HSEC Support Services
Students enrolled in ESL and HSEC courses have many support services available to them, including a dedicated computer lab with educational software, referral services to community resources and agencies, reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, and tutoring. Students will learn more about these and other support services when they attend orientation before they enroll in classes.
Cost
Morton College receives state and federal funding which allows the department to offer most of these courses for free, or at a minimal cost.
Course Sites
Courses are offered at various educational and community locations in the Morton College district. Off-campus locations do not always offer all levels or all programs. Specific class locations and meeting times are available at registration.
Project Care
This is an adult volunteer tutoring program for adults who want to improve their reading or math skills, or adults who want to learn English. The program is free, and it is not necessary to be enrolled in an HSEC or ESL course to request a tutor.
The tutors are adult volunteers who receive specialized and on-going training. A placement test is necessary to be matched with a tutor. For more information about Project CARE, call the office at 708-656-8000, ext. 2383 or e-mail at project.care@ morton.edu.
Bridge Programming
Bridge to Healthcare Careers (BHC) is a course that runs in the fall and spring semesters and is offered free of charge. The course consists of two 8-week modules that focus on medical vocabulary, career exploration and preparation for credit level courses including the Nursing Assistant and Medical Terminology courses. The BHC is open to both HSEC and ESL students who have a TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) Reading score of 7.0 or higher.
ICAPS (Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System)
Adult Education in partnership with Morton’s Automotive Department, offers the HSEC + MLR (Maintenance and Light Repair) Certificate ICAPS program in the fall and spring semesters. The MLR Certificate is a 16-credit certification program. Financial assistance is available for students who qualify.
Students enroll in three courses: 1) credit courses co-taught by an Automotive Department instructor and an Adult Education instructor, (2) HSEC courses and (3) a support class offered by Adult Education. ICAPS students are expected to complete their HSEC prior to finishing their MLR Certificate.
Credit Connect Program
ESL and HSEC students have the opportunity to take a credit course free of charge concurrently with their adult education course. In collaboration with the Career Technical Education (CTE) Department, qualified students can choose from a select list of credit courses.
Students must apply to participate in Credit Connect with their Transition Coach, and meet the test score requirements. Tutors and regular meetings with the Transition Coach will provide support for students enrolled in the program.
Adult Education Courses
English as a Second Language (ESL)
|
ESL 010
|
ESL BEGINNING LITERACY I |
1-6 CREDITS |
ESL Beginning Literacy I is intended for students in NRS functioning level 1. The course focuses on English literacy skills and performing basic communicative tasks. Course topics include, recognizing letters and numbers, reading signs and addresses, using basic greetings and expressions, and relating personal information.
| ESL 012 |
ESL BEGINNING LITERACY II |
1-6 CREDITS |
ESL Beginning Literacy II is intended for students in NRS functioning level 1. The course focuses on English literacy skills and performing basic communicative tasks. Course topics include, reading and writing simple sentences, interpreting symbols, demonstrating understanding of basic life skills.
| ESL 020 |
ESL BEGINNER I |
1-6 CREDITS |
ESL Beginner I is intended for students in NRS functioning level 2. The course focuses on beginning communicative skills in English. Students in ESL020 will practice writing connected prose, speaking with awareness of grammar, and basic workplace communication skills. Course topics include identifying and using numbers, providing personal information, participating in social interactions, understanding sound / letter relationships, and writing simple sentences.
| ESL 022 |
ESL BEGINNER II |
1-3 CREDITS |
ESL Beginner II is intended for students in NRS functioning level 2. The course focuses on beginning communicative skills in English. Students in ESL022 will continue to practice writing connected prose, speaking with awareness of grammar, and basic workplace communication skills. Course topics include identifying community services, using technology, health and fitness, and exploring educational and employment goals.
| ESL 030 |
ESL HIGH BEGINNER I |
1-3 CREDITS |
ESL High Beginner I is intended for students in NRS functioning level 3. The course focuses on beginning communicative skills in English. Students in ESL030 are presented with a variety of communicative tasks in English that are useful in everyday life and for academic and career readiness. Course topics may include making and interpreting schedules, shopping, nutrition, and housing.
| ESL 032 |
ESL HIGH BEGINNER II |
1-3 CREDITS |
ESL High Beginner II is intended for students in NRS functioning level 3. The course provides continued practice in beginning English communicative skills. Students in ESL032 are presented with a variety of communicative tasks in English that are useful in everyday life and for academic and career readiness. Course topics may include community resources, health, workplace communication, and life goals.
| ESL 035 |
BEGINNING CONVERSATIONAL PRACTICE |
0.5 - 3 CREDITS |
This course introduces beginning ESL students to survival oral English. Students practice pronunciation, learn basic vocabulary and develop conversation skills to help them meet immediate survival needs in community, social and work situations. Placement test required.
| ESL 036 |
INTRODUCTION TO CITIZENSHIP |
1 CREDIT |
The purpose of this course is to help individuals prepare for the examination for naturalized citizenship that is administered by the Citizen and Immigration Services of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The course includes study of U.S. history and civics and focuses also on the development of oral and dictation skills necessary for the naturalization examination. The course also includes cultural information as well as interview practice skills to assist in preparation for the interview. Placement test required.
| ESL 038 |
BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS |
2-3 CREDITS |
ESL 038 Basic Computer Skills introduces students with little or no computer experience to the fundamentals of computing. Topics include keyboarding, using a mouse, identifying icons, using settings and image controls, identifying components, and creating and saving files. Students are also introduced to fundamental Internet skills.
| ESL 040 |
ESL INTERMEDIATE I |
1-3 CREDITS |
ESL Intermediate I is intended for students in NRS functioning level 4. The course focuses on intermediate communicative skills in English. Students in ESL040 are presented with a variety of communicative tasks in English that are useful in everyday life and for academic and career readiness. Course topics may work-life balance, consumer awareness, housing, and community involvement.
| ESL 042 |
ESL INTERMEDIATE II |
1-3 CREDITS |
ESL Intermediate II is intended for students in NRS functioning level 4. The course offers continued practice in intermediate English communicative skills. Students in ESL042 are presented with a variety of communicative tasks in English that are useful in everyday life and for academic and career readiness. Course topics may work-life balance, consumer awareness, housing, and community involvement.
| ESL 048 |
DIGITAL LITERACY |
2-3 CREDITS |
ESL 048 Digital Literacy introduces basic computer and internet skills to intermediate/advanced ESL students with some technology experience. Topics include using computers, keyboards, and pointing devices. Students are introduced to online communications, internet safety basics, and digital literacy concepts.
| ESL 049 |
ESSENTIAL SOFTWARE SKILLS |
2-3 CREDITS |
ESL 049 Essential Software Skills prepares language learners for college and the workplace by introducing them to common productivity software. Students practice English language skills through the use of applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Additionally, use online resources to identify potential career paths which utilize these skills. Prerequisite: ESL 048 Digital Literacy or approval of instructor.
| ESL 050 |
ESL HIGH INTERMEDIATE I |
1-3 CREDITS |
ESL High Intermediate I is intended for students in NRS functioning level 5. The course focuses on intermediate communicative skills in English, including writing and reading longer paragraphs. Students in ESL050 are presented with a variety of communicative tasks in English that are useful in everyday life and for academic and career readiness. Course topics may work-life balance, personal finance, housing, and community involvement.
|
ESL 052
|
ESL HIGH INTERMEDIATE II |
1-3 CREDITS |
ESL High Intermediate II is intended for students in NRS functioning level 5. The course offers continued practice in intermediate English communicative skills, including writing and reading longer paragraphs. Students in ESL052 are presented with a variety of communicative tasks in English that are useful in everyday life and for academic and career readiness. Course topics may health, career readiness skills and civic responsibility.
|
ESL 060
|
ESL ADVANCED I |
1-3 CREDITS |
ESL Advanced I is intended for students in NRS functioning level 6. The course focuses on advanced ESL communicative skills in English, including writing and reading multi-paragraph essays. Students in ESL060 are presented with a variety of communicative tasks in English that are useful in everyday life and for academic and career readiness. Course topics may work-life balance, personal finance, automotive know-how, and housing.
|
ESL 062
|
ESL Advanced II |
1-3 CREDITS |
ESL Advanced II is intended for students in NRS functioning level 6. The course offers continued practice in advanced ESL communicative skills in English, including writing and reading multi-paragraph essays and giving speeches. Students in ESL062 are presented with a variety of communicative tasks in English that are useful in everyday life and for academic and career readiness. Course topics may include Health, Retail, Office Communication, and Civic Responsibility.
| ESL 065 |
BEGINNING WRITING WORKSHOP |
3 CREDITS |
This course provides writing skills in English for low-intermediate ESL students to meet workplace and personal communication needs. Students write and edit sentences, write opinions, learn new vocabulary and apply standard structures orally and in writing. Placement test required.
| ESL 067 |
BEGINNING WRITING WORKSHOP II |
3 CREDITS |
This course provides writing skills in English for intermediate ESL students to meet workplace and personal communication needs. Students write and edit paragraphs, write summaries, learn new vocabulary and apply standard grammar structures orally and in writing. Placement test required.
| ESL 070 |
ADADEMIC ENGLISH I |
1-3 CREDITS |
Academic English I is offered to ESL students above the Advanced level. The course focuses on academic reading and writing skills typically used in college courses. Students explore career options and the academic or vocational training required for success in those careers. Subjects covered may include texts from various academic disciplines.
| ESL 072 |
ADADEMIC ENGLISH II |
1-3 CREDITS
|
Academic English II is offered to ESL students above the Advanced level. The course offers further exploration of academic reading and writing skills typically used in college courses. Students formulate career and academic plans according to their skills and interests. Subjects covered may include texts from various academic disciplines.
| ESL 081 |
BRIDGE TO IT CAREERS |
2 - 3 CREDITS |
ESL 081 Bridge to IT Careers I introduces students to careers within the Information Technology field. Students identify career pathways, create a résumé, and analyze interests and skills which match different occupations. Students propose their own applications and use productivity software to create a business proposal. Prerequisite: ESL 049: Essential Software Skills or recommendation of instructor.
| ESL 083 |
BRIDGE TO IT CAREERS II |
2- 3 CREDITS |
ESL 083 Bridge to IT Careers II introduces students to database and computer networking terms and concepts through hands-on, contextualized projects. Students develop an IT career pathway which includes both academic and industry standards. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to enter credit-bearing IT, Office Technology, CAD, Accounting, and related certificate or degree programs at Morton College. Prerequisite: ESL 081 Bridge to IT Careers I
| ESL 090 |
CONVERSATIONAL PRACTICE I |
0.5 - 3 CREDITS |
This course develops the oral communication skills of low-intermediate ESL students. Students in this course participate in small and large group discussions on a variety of topics. Students in this course read and discuss English text and apply standard grammar structures orally and in writing. Placement test required.
| ESL 092 |
CONVERSATIONAL PRACTICE II |
0.5-3 CREDITS
|
This course develops the oral communication skills of intermediate ESL students. Students in this course participate in small and large group discussions on a variety of topics. Students in this course read and discuss English text and apply standard grammar structures orally and in writing. Placement test required.
| ESL 098 |
CITIZENSHIP |
1 CREDIT |
The primary purpose of this course is to help individuals prepare for the examination for naturalized citizenship that is administered by the Citizen and Immigration Services of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The course includes study of U.S. history and civics that will assist them in passing the naturalization interview examination. The course includes cultural information as well as interview practice skills to assist in preparation for the interview and the development of oral and dictation skills necessary for the naturalization examination. The U.S. history and civics, and English skills portions of this course are intended also to prepare students to continue their studies in other related academic programs at the College. Placement test required.
High School Equivalency Certificate (Hsec) Preparation
| ABE 030 |
ABE LOW INTERMEDIATE I |
0.5 - 3 CREDITS |
ABE Low Intermediate I is intended for students in NRS level 3. The course will focus upon developing communicative skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students in ABE 030 are presented with a variety of tasks for academic and career readiness, including research, writing and presenting essays, and reading and interpreting a variety of texts. Additionally, vocabulary and workplace skills will be emphasized.
| ABE 032 |
ABE LOW INTERMEDIATE II |
0.5 - 3 CREDITS |
ABE Low Intermediate II is intended for students in NRS level 3. The course will focus upon developing communicative skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students in ABE 032 are presented with a variety of tasks for academic and career readiness, including research, writing and presenting essays, and reading and interpreting a variety of texts. Additionally, vocabulary and workplace skills will be emphasized.
| ABE 040 |
ABE HIGH INTERMEDIATE I |
0.5 - 3 CREDITS |
ABE High Intermediate I is intended for students in NRS level 4. The course will focus upon developing communicative skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, with an additional focus on social studies content. Students in ABE 040 are presented with a variety of tasks for academic and career readiness, including research, writing and presenting essays, and reading and interpreting a variety of texts. Additionally, vocabulary and workplace skills will be emphasized.
| ABE 042 |
ABE HIGH INTERMEDIATE II |
0.5 - 3 CREDITS |
ABE High Intermediate II is intended for students in NRS level 4. The course will focus upon developing communicative skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, with an additional focus on science content. Students in ABE 042 are presented with a variety of tasks for academic and career readiness, including research, writing and presenting essays, and reading and interpreting a variety of texts. Additionally, vocabulary and workplace skills will be emphasized.
| ABM 020 |
BEGINNING MATHEMATICS |
1-6 CREDITS |
This course introduces and reviews the following basic math concepts: estimating; rounding; place value; properties of operations; addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers; setting up equations, including equations with unknowns represented by a symbol; word problems with whole numbers; linear and area measurement; using picture graphs, bar graphs and line plots; and geometric shapes and their attributes.
| ABM 030 |
LOW INTERMEDIATE MATH |
1-6 CREDITS |
Designed for students requiring development of intermediate math skills. Topics covered in this course include multiplication and division of multi digit numbers; addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions; Integrate decimal fractions into the place value system and develop understanding of decimal place value and operations with decimals; understand geometric figures and analyze for size, sides, and measure; develop an understanding of volume.
| ABM 040 |
HIGH INTERMEDIATE MATH |
3 CREDITS |
Designed for students requiring development of intermediate math skills. Topics covered in this course include applying proportional relationships, analyzing rational numbers, formulating and applying algebraic expressions and equations, and understanding linear equations.
| ABM 042 |
HIGH INTERMEDIATE MATH 2 |
3 CREDITS
|
Students will explore geometric figures while solving real world problems as they relate to work and real life. Statistics and probability will also be investigated throughout the term.
| MAT 012 |
MATHEMATICS FOR PROFICIENCY |
0.5 - 3 CREDITS |
This course will prepare the student for the math portion of the GED exam. It will teach students to comprehend, evaluate, apply and analyze mathematical problems as a consumer and in the world of work. Placement test is required. Previously known as MAT 032.
ASE 012 prepares students for the HSE exam in the areas of language arts, science, math and social studies. Strategies to read, interpret, infer, and draw conclusions, while learning how to read complex texts to interpret, synthesize and understand information will all be reviewed during this course. Students will also explore career pathways and opportunities available to transition to the credit side of the college. Students will demonstrate concepts learned through a variety of written work, as well as, through a range of collaborative discussions to build on others’ ideas. Finally, students will write for a variety of purposes including writing an argument which a student will support a claim using evidence from the text, write informatively, and write a narrative.
| ASE 015 |
SPANISH HSE REVIEW |
1-6 CREDITS |
Prepares students for the HSE exam in the areas of language arts, science, math, social studies, and the US Constitution in Spanish. This course will review strategies to read, interpret, infer, and draw conclusions. while learning how to read complex texts to interpret, synthesize and understand information. This course will focus on HSE test preparation, writing skills, and workplace skills needed to transition to credit courses, certificates or trade. This course can only be taken on a pass/fail basis.
Bridge Programming
| ASE 001 |
ICAPS SUPPORT COURSE |
0.5 - 3 CREDITS
|
This course prepares students to pass the HSE exams while gaining the skills necessary to train for sustainable employment and/or post-secondary education. Academic and workplace readiness skills are combined to support the student while receiving an HSE and completing a certificate program. Students will receive all supports needed to be successful in their credit courses. This course can only be taken pass/fail.
| ASE 050 |
BRIDGE TO CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION |
6 CREDITS
|
Bridge to Career Technical Education (ASE 050) assists the student in examining the components of career choice and provides a comprehensive overview of potential careers in the fields of Early Childhood, CAD, HVAC, Welding, Computer Information Systems, CNA and Office Management. The focus is on career awareness, education awareness, and work readiness skills as they relate to the process of career choice and post-secondary education. Decision-making strategies, resume writing, interviewing skills, and job search techniques are covered. ASE 050 introduces the students to CTE programs at Morton College and builds the required language arts skills to successfully enter these post-secondary programs. Students will also be required to complete 3 lessons a week on i-pathways to simultaneously prepare for the HSE exams.
| BHC 001 |
BRIDGE TO HEALTHCARE CAREERS |
6 CREDITS |
This course is an exploration course designed to assist students in making an educated decision on a healthcare career pathway. This course is recommended for students at NRS level 3 and 4. After taking this course students may enroll in BHC 010.
| BHC 010 |
BRIDGE TO HEALTHCARE CAREERS |
3 CREDITS |
This course is designed for students who have tested at NRS level 5 or 6 on TABE 11/12 Reading. Students may also enter the course by teacher recommendation. Once this course is complete; students will transition on to the credit side of the college through Credit Connect. Students that receive an acceptable TABE score or have a teacher recommendation will need to complete an application. The application is available through an AECPO Transition Specialist.
Career Awareness And Development
| CAR 001 |
ORIENTATION TO THE WORLD OF WORK |
0.5-3.0 CREDITS |
This course is designed to prepare adult basic literacy students to enter the adult basic education program, and begin the process of looking at work as a career, not a series of jobs.
| CAR 010 |
ORIENTATION TO THE WORLD OF WORK |
0.5-3.0 CREDITS
|
This course is designed to prepare adult basic literacy students to enter the adult basic education program, and begin the process of looking at work as a career, not a series of jobs.
| CAR 020 |
ORIENTATION TO THE WORLD OF WORK |
0.5-3.0 CREDITS
|
This course is designed to prepare adult basic literacy students to enter the adult basic education program, and begin the process of looking at work as a career, not a series of jobs.