Meridian’s No-Cost Programs Help Students Prepare for Their Future, Includes ESL Classes and Prep for Exams like the GED

Julianna Thompson regrets not completing high school a few years ago. Now, though, she’s ready to take the next step. “I don’t want it to hold me back in the future.” Thompson explained. “I wanted to attend a full-time program at Meridian, but I needed a diploma to apply. That is what pushed me to begin the GED prep classes at Tech.”

Thompson wants to give herself the best shot at success in her future.

Meridian Technology Center offers two types of Adult Basic Education classes. The first leads to students earning their High School Equivalency (HSE), commonly known as the GED or HiSet. The second is English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Residents of the Meridian district can enroll in either of these courses at no cost.

“We have people from all walks of life who are here with different goals, and we care about their future,” said Mona Autry, Adult Basic Education Instructor/Coordinator at Meridian. “We welcome everyone who needs these services.”

After registering, all HSE and ESL students are given a pre-assessment exam which helps instructors determine a student’s level of knowledge in subjects such as math, reading and language arts in order to best help them learn.

“Based on test scores, we will focus on exactly what students need, not subjects they already know,” Autry explained. “Every student receives a customized learning experience.”

The ABE programs at Tech use a combination of group learning activities, one-on-one instruction and “extra advantage” virtual programs that provide guidance on campus or at home.

High School Equivalency Exam Prep Classes

Meridian’s HSE classes serve those who have not completed a high school education but want the equivalent knowledge and certification. Upon receiving their HSE certification, students will be prepared to continue their educational and career goals.

“If someone’s goal is to get a good job, we want to connect them with the best resources to get them where they want to go,” Autry said. “We also encourage students to look into additional programs here at Tech so they can plan for their future.”

Upon completing 40 hours of instruction, students are provided a post-assessment exam to evaluate which areas the student has progressed in and which areas may need more attention. After that, students can begin taking the HSE practice tests. When they feel prepared to take the HSE exam, students can register online and complete the test at Meridian’s testing center or any testing center of their choice.

The HSE can be taken in sections by subject as students feel prepared rather than all at one time. The exam has four tests: math, science, social studies and language arts. The HSE tests are $34 per subject or $136 for all four tests.

Registering for any of the ABE programs at Tech is as simple as calling Autry at 405.377.3333 ext. 0327 or coming to Meridian’s campus in Stillwater to sign up. Meeting times for HSE classes are Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

ESL Classes

For those who want to learn the English language or need to brush up on their reading, speaking and writing skills, the ESL classes provide those resources. Meridian serves many international and local students whose skills range from non-native English speaking to fluent in the language but needing to learn conversational English. Regardless of the level of fluency and language knowledge, the ESL program helps students learn the English language to land a job, continue their education or connect with others. Meeting times for ESL classes are Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m.

For Thompson, the hard work is starting to pay off. “Through taking these classes, my confidence in myself and my ability to learn has already grown in a big way.”