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Adult Basic Education (ABE)
including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL / ESL)
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
What is Adult Basic Education?
Adult Basic Education (ABE) is free instruction for adult learners who want to improve their education or English language skills. ABE programs offer basic reading, writing, math, and problem-solving classes; English language lessons; GED preparation; and other basic educational services for adult learners. Massachusetts Adult Basic Education includes English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL / ESL).
Adult Basic Education programs are for adults 16 and up who are not in school, who have academic skills below the 12th grade level, and/or who need help learning English. The goal of Adult Basic Education is to help adults reach their full potential as workers, family members, and citizens.
Adult Basic Education (ABE) is funded by the federal and state governments with community support. The Massachusetts Department of Education's Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS) unit oversees ABE programs in Massachusetts. The ACLS works with public schools, community-based organizations, colleges, correctional facilities, and other agencies to provide Adult Basic Education services.
Am I eligible?
You are eligible for Adult Basic Education (ABE / ESOL) programs if:
- you are age 16 or older
- you are not enrolled in school
- your math, reading, writing, problem-solving, or English language skills are below the 12th grade level
In addition:
- Your immigration status does not matter for Adult Basic Education programs. Undocumented noncitizens are welcome.
- Students with disabilities have access to all ABE / ESOL services.
- Some ABE programs may have other requirements.
Most adult learners in ABE programs do not have a high school diploma, or graduated from a school in another country. However, some ABE participants are graduates of U.S. high schools.
What benefits will I get?
Adult Basic Education programs offer a variety of services, all free of charge. Core services include:
- Basic skills classes in:
- reading, writing, oral communication, and critical thinking
- math and numeracy
- other subjects such as history, social sciences, science and technology
- English language lessons for speakers of other languages: ESOL / ESL
- GED preparation or ADP (Adult Diploma Preparation) classes
Other ABE services include:
- family literacy programs that combine adult education, childhood education, parenting classes, and parent-child interactive activities
- health education
- workplace programs that combine ABE / ESOL instruction with job skills training
- financial literacy classes
- transition-to-college programs to prepare ABE graduates for college or post-secondary job training
- computer literacy
- citizenship classes
- support services such as counseling, transportation, and child care
The skills you learn in Adult Basic Education / ESOL classes can help you:
- find a job or get a better job
- take part in school activities with your children
- become a U.S. citizen
- prepare you for college or job training
- make informed decisions about your health care
- become an active member of your community
How do I apply?
Each ABE / ESOL program has its own application process. For most programs, you will have an intake interview with a counselor. You may also be asked to submit a writing sample or take an assessment test to determine your skill level. Once you find the program you want, you should call the program for information about how to apply.
ABE / ESOL programs are offered by:
- public schools and agencies
- community colleges and universities
- community organizations
- correctional facilities
- public libraries
- career centers and job training programs
- unions and workplaces
You can get information about ABE / ESOL programs from:
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Massachusetts Adult Literacy Hotline
Provides information and referrals for over 300 Massachusetts ABE / ESOL programs
Telephone Hotline: 1-800-447-8844
Online search tool: Find a Program
Source: System for Adult Basic Education Support (SABES)
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Massachusetts Adult Basic Education Directory
Provides contact information and class schedules for ABE / ESOL classes in Massachusetts
Web site: Massachusetts Adult Basic Education Directory
Source: Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS), Massachusetts Department of Education
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America's Literacy Directory
Provides national directory information about basic skills programs, GED programs and test centers, and ESOL classes for adults, adolescents, and children
Online search tool: America's Literacy Directory
Source: National Institute for Literacy
If you are an English language learner, you can get information about programs and classes in your native language.
You may choose daytime classes, evening classes, summer classes, computer-assisted instruction, one-on-one tutoring, or distance learning via the Internet. The number of instruction hours per week depends on the program you choose.
Is there a waiting list?
Many ABE / ESOL programs have waiting lists. Waiting lists for Adult Basic Education literacy programs are often several months long. You may have to wait a year or longer for ESOL English classes. Contact the program you are interested in for their waiting list information.
Useful links
These links are external links to web sites that are not part of MassResources.org. When you click on these links, you will leave our site. Click "Back" on your browser to return.
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Adult Basic Education
The official ABE website of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Includes:
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Adult Literacy Hotline
Information and referral service for over 300 adult education programs in Massachusetts, including adult basic education, English language training, family literacy, GED preparation, and GED testing sites. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
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Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education (MCAE)
Information and resources for educators, adult students, and advocates for quality Adult Basic Education in Massachusetts. Includes:
Adult Basic Education section last updated on 4/10/10
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