The West Virginia Department of Education recognizes that today's workplace presents numerous opportunities and challenges for adults in West Virginia. Employers need workers with strong basic skills and an ability to adapt to change. Today's families are faced with multiple responsibilities as they address their children's educational needs, as well as their own. Special populations, such as the homeless and incarcerated, must deal with additional challenges in order to lead safe and productive lives.

To effectively serve the foundational learning needs of these diverse groups, a learning system that is flexible and responsive is necessary. The Adult Basic Education Program (ABE) of the West Virginia Department of Education has developed such a system for adult learners. ABE programs provide adults with the opportunity to acquire and improve functional skills necessary to enhance the quality of their lives as workers, family members, and citizens. These programs play an important role in fostering productive employment, effective citizenship, personal and family growth, self-esteem, and dignity for adult learners.

Through ABE Programs, adults can...

• Gain the speaking, listening, reading, writing, thinking, and math skills needed to acquire or advance in a job.

• Earn certificates to document mastery of important job readiness and work foundations skills.

• Gain the necessary skills to meet the entrance requirements for vocational or other educational testing programs.

• Study to pass the General Educational Development (GED) high school equivalency test or the External Diploma Program.

• Obtain computer skills. Learn how to become an active participant in their children's education.

• Prepare for the citizenship test.

• Learn English as a Second Language.

• Obtain problem-solving and thinking skills needed to meet the growing demands around them.

West Virginia
Department of Education
Building 6, Room 230
1900 Kanawha Blvd. E.
Charleston, WV  26501
Phone: (304) 558-0280
Fax:  (304) 558-3946

ABE Hotline 
1-800-642-2670

Questions regarding this site may be directed to the
ABE Technology Coordinator

Any questions regarding the ABE Program in West Virginia
may be directed to:

Debbie Varner, Assistant Director
Office of Adult Education and Workforce Development
(304) 558-0280

Copyright 1999-2008

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