PAGELAND— The Chesterfield County Adult Education program is designed to promote literacy and help adults who aspire to obtain a General Education Development (GED) certificate.

The Chesterfield County Adult Education center, which is located at the Robert Smalls building in Cheraw, has sites at Robert Smalls, Chesterfield High School, Central High School and  the Northeastern Technical College site in Pageland for adults who are preparing to take the GED test. Students get hands on training and preparation. Dana Courtney instruct students at NETC in Pageland.

Students are tested on math, reading, science, social studies and writing. Courtney says that each individual is allowed to come in and strengthen any weakness they have in a particular area.

“We have different resources that students can use to help them prepare for the test,” Courtney said. “Some people are strong in one area and weak in another. Everyone that comes in is different and we try to have something for each person. Not everyone needs to spend the same amount of time on the same subject.”

Courtney, who has taught elementary and middle school subjects in her teaching career, starting teaching in the program in Nov. 2007. She began teaching all of the subject areas in Jan. of this year.

There have been a total of eight students receive their GED over the past year. Courtney has had three students pass the test since she began teaching in program.

Excitement is one of the first feelings Courtney says she felt as she reflects on the moments when she found out about her students passing the test.

“I told my students to call me as soon as they could after the test,” Courtney said. “I was sitting in class when I received the first call. I couldn’t answer the call, but I listened to the voicemail. My student’s grandmother called and told me that he passed. I was so happy for him I almost cried. I’m happy for all of my students. I want to see all of them pass it.”

Courtney says that she would urge anyone that is interested in earning a GED to do so.

 “Some people want to get a GED so they can help their children in school; others want it for jobs or to go into the military.” Courtney said.  “It is very rewarding. It’s never too late to finish an education,”

Those interested in preparing to take the GED can contact Courtney at (843)672-3347 or (843) 910-1040 for more information on class schedules and taking the practice test. The cost of the practice test is $20.