Overview

G.R.A.S.P. stands for Giving Ready Adults A Study Program. It allows students to complete work remotely through prepared packets or online internet-based assignments required to demonstrate learning and achievement of skills in the four (4) high school equivalency (HSE) testing sections. A home study program is a special opportunity for adults who are unable to attend Adult Education/HSE classes to continue their studies. The purpose is also to provide a scheduled educational program in the following skill areas to be completed outside of the traditional classroom.

These 4 TASC sections are:

• • Reasoning Through Language Arts

  • Mathematical Reasoning

  • Science

  • Social Studies

All necessary books, assignments and activities are sent to the student with appropriate instructions for their use. Students then have specific instructions on each assignment and are expected to return some of their completed work to the teacher to be corrected and evaluated. For the most part, the student is responsible for self-correcting and reviewing all of their own work using a supplied answer key.

What does HSE Mean?

HSE stands for High School Equivalency. The GED test is considered the equivalent of a high school diploma in New York State, so it is often referred to as the high school equivalency test.

How much does the program cost?

The G.R.A.S.P. home study program is free to the student.

How does the program work on a daily or weekly basis?

You will receive assignments every two (2) weeks. It is the student's responsibility to work on all assigned homework, to keep track of all time spent on assignments, to return completed work, and to record a minimum of 12 hours of study time on the time sheet that is required to be turned in with every packet.

Getting Organized

Since this is an unconventional program, meaning not a typical classroom, it is suggested that you make a study center / area where all of your materials are safely kept together and where you can be comfortable and at the same time be able to do work in an undisturbed environment. It is also a good idea to schedule a time of day to work on your packets so that you don't become overwhelmed with the number of hours needed per assignment.

Scheduling

A minimum of six hours per week is recommended to keep up with the work that is assigned. Remember that you are required to study and record a minimum of 12 hours per packet. It is up to the student to determine how to break up study hours, but generally working 6 hours a week means working an hour a day or two hours every other day. This is an excellent way to keep up with the assigned work.

Pick up/Return of packets

Pick-up and delivery of your package will be decided between the grasp teacher and student. Packets are typically assigned through Google Classroom. In addition, in some locations, packets can be sent to the library, school district office or other designated location. From there, it is the student's responsibility to pick up and drop off all assignments on the scheduled date. Students may also pick up the packets at the Adult Learning Institute location at 5 BOCES Road in Poughkeepsie if that is decided with the teacher ahead of time.

Specific directions will be provided for the return of your completed work packets and/or work assignments.

How will I know what my homework is?

Each packet that you receive will have a lesson plan / assignment sheet with a specific start and end date and enclosed. This sheet will explain to you exactly what homework you are required to complete all along with which supporting resources (online, textbook, or support packet) you will need. whether or not you can write in any of these books or materials that are sent to you and any other important information is clearly indicated with these materials. It is important that all directions are followed properly so that your time as well as the teacher’s time is not wasted

Using the Work Time Record Sheet

You will receive a new work time record sheet with each new packet you pick up. Each time you study, write the subject on which you are working on the work time record sheet and record the amount of time you spend on the assignment. there is an example of the work time record sheet that indicates how you should write this. You must return your work time record sheet with each completed packet and it must include that you studied a minimum of 12 hours or your packet will be considered invalid - cannot be counted and scored.

To avoid this, take your time as you work. Call the office (845) 483-3640 or ask questions of your teacher as any concerns come up.

If your assignment takes less than 12 hours, then review your work, write in a journal, study basic math facts through the Khan Academy website, write a response or summary of a newspaper article, or find something online to study that is related to the work in the packet. You may also read a book that interest you and write a short essay explaining the development of the story, what a television news report and explain what you saw and heard. You may also choose to create your own way to use up the remaining hours for the packet - just document write down what you did, when you did it, and how long it took!

Making Corrections

All books and assignments that you receive will have answer keys. You are expected to correct your own work by using these answer keys. In math work should be corrected for each problem and by each page. if you do not understand the math process, check the directions and examples given. At the top of each page of the section be sure to write the number correct out of the total number of problems.This way, the teacher can clearly see which work is difficult for you and which work you understand. Rework any problems you have incorrect. If the work is still unclear, you need to notify your teacher before moving ahead.

What If I have A Problem/Trouble with Homework?

This program is based on the student's ability to self teach semicolon however, there are times when students May struggle and may reach out for class work or one-to-one help. If you are experiencing problems with your homework, you can have time in one of the BOCES adult education classrooms up to 3 hours a week or you can schedule an appointment with your grasp teacher to make arrangements for one-to-one help. It is important to discuss this with your G.R.A.S.P. teacher before going to a classroom because the classroom teacher must be made aware of the appointment as well. Please remember that this additional weekly class or tutor time is limited to 3 hours a week for students who are enrolled in the G.R.A.S.P. program.

How Will I know If I Am Making Progress?

Approximately, every 16 to 17 weeks or a hundred hours of study time, you will be asked to retake the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education). this retest helps to monitor your progress by demonstrating improvements in grade level math or reading. It will also give information about specific areas in which you might still need Improvement to be successful.

What if I Want To Take the HSE (GED) Test?

First, students need to come in to be post-tested in reading, math or both. If the student shows a gain or improvement since entering the home study program, then he slashed she will be scheduled to take a GED Readiness test. if your results on all four sections of the GED Readiness indicate that you have a high possibility of passing the actual High School Equivalency exam, then you will be referred to our exam scheduling department.

When I Take The GED EXAM, How Long Until I Receive My Results?

The results of the GED exam and/or your diploma will be sent to you directly from Albany. It takes approximately 8 to 10 weeks to receive your scores. Once you receive your scores, make sure to call your teacher and inform them of your scores so your teacher can exit you from the class enrollment. You may also go online to view your results by using the website links provided on our G.R.A.S.P. online web page. Then click Check Status Online.

What If I Do not Complete The Homework In the Time Alotted?

Normally, your assignment should not require you to spend more than 12 hours in any two week period, however life sometimes gets in the way and you may not be able to complete your work. If you feel that you need an extension of time, contact your grasp teacher to work out a solution. This should only be done when absolutely necessary. Failure to complete and return work packets without notifying your teacher may result in termination from our program. You are G.R.A.S.P. teacher will make every effort to contact you before terminating you from the G.R.A.S.P. program

TABE, GED Readiness and GED Testing

To measure your achievement as well as measurable skill gain (MSG), we first assess students at intake using the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) to determine your starting baseline score. From there, we work on the lowest targeted area (reading or mathematics) in an effort to achieve a gain. Once captured by way of an in-person follow-up or post-test, we move to achieve a score in the other targeted area until you are read to sit for a GED Readiness examination. The readiness provides the student and program with scores in all five test areas listed above and seeks to fine tune the result of your study skills to help remove some uncertainty as to whether you are ready for the GED test (the real test). The goal is to have you achieve the best results while seeking to sit for the actual exam as soon as possible.