All FAQ’s are separated into categories for your convenience.
The categories are:
-Registration, Testing, and Getting Started
-General Class Questions
-Schenectady Connects
-Night Class
-Distance Learning
-Health and Safety
-GED Exam
-Graduation
Below you will find many of the common questions students ask about the GED program, and their corresponding answers.
If you have a question that is not answered below, please ask your question in the guidance office when you come in to register!
Registration, Testing, and Getting Started.
When and where can I register for classes?
-Washington Irving is open for registration Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 1pm
Do I need to bring anything with me to register?
-No.
You will not need an ID or any documentation in order to sign up.
Please come prepared to fill out paperwork that will include personal information.
Can I register online?
No, you must register and test in person.
Do I have to register?
-Yes. Everyone must register and complete an intake test in order to take classes.
What do I need to do to start taking classes?
-You will need to register for classes. This involves filling out some paperwork and taking a couple of assessment tests.
Please note: these tests are not pass/fail type tests. These are assessments that will tell your teacher where your strengths and weaknesses are.
It’s not as scary as it sounds.
How long is registration and testing?
-In total, between 3 and 4 hours on average for new students.
Returning students will average about 2 hours to register and test.
Can I choose my teacher?
-No. You cannot choose your teacher, but if you would like to make a request with the guidance counselor you certainly may. This does not mean that your request will be granted.
I’m a new student. What can I expect when I go in to register and test?
–The paperwork part of registration can take between 20 and 40 minutes on average. It usually goes faster if you have your personal information and emergency contact info memorized or easily available.
Every student must fill out new registration paperwork every new school year.
–Testing for new students involves 2 steps.
The first test is the locator, which is a quick test that determines what difficultly level of the assessment you should receive.
The second step is a more detailed test in math and reading.
These tests simply tell your teacher what your strengths and weaknesses are, there is no passing or failing.
After completing this process, you will be assigned to your teacher.
What kind of test is it?
-The TABE is a multiple choice test in math and reading.
What are the test levels?
-The levels are E, M, D and A.
They stand for Easy, Medium, Difficult, and Advanced.
You may test on the same or different levels for math and reading.
How often will I take the TABE test?
-You will take the TABE test again after approximately 40-60 hours of class time. That would mean about once every month or two if your attendance is good.
This is how we measure your progress.
Will you call me to go over my test scores?
-NO!
In order to receive your test scores you must come in to class.
If you are a distance student, your scores will be reviewed with you when you meet with your teacher.
How do I know when I am ready to take the GED?
-When you are testing at an NRS level 5 on a D level test (or higher) in math and reading
How can I read my test scores?
-Look at the top row of information.
There you will see what level test you took for reading and math. The Level will be shown with a letter, either E, M, D, or A to indicate the difficultly level of the test you took.
Looking at the next section to the right you will find the Number of Points category. This show you how many points you could have gotten in total, followed by how many points you obtained.
The last category that will be useful in the top section is the NRS Level category. This is what level you fall on out of 6 levels. Level 6 is the highest level and the most prepared to take the exam.
Now look at the bottom section of your score sheet with all the check marks.
In this part you can again see the amount of points you could have gotten and the amount you got correct, this time broken down by topic in reading and math. Based on these scores, the check mark for each subject will fall under the category of “Non-Proficiency, Partial Proficiency, and Proficiency”
To be proficient means to be skilled at doing something Therefore, the checkmarks are showing you how skilled you are at each particular subject.
This is the most helpful part of your scores, because it shows what you need to focus on the most.
General Class Questions
What times are classes?
Morning @WIEC: 9 am – 12 pm
Afternoon @ WIEC: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Schenectady Connects @ DSS: 2:45 – 4:45pm
Night Class at SCCC Center City: Tues/Weds 5:30-8:30 pm
Is the test free?
-Yes. When you test with our program, there is no cost to you.
How old is the typical student?
There is no typical age.
I have had people graduate from my class in their teens and in their 80’s!
No matter what class you are in, you will find a welcoming and friendly group.
Come join us!
What if I am running late?
At Washington Irving, if you are more than a half hour late (after 9:30 am), you will have to wait until break time to join the class, which is usually sometime around 10:15.
– If you have a recurring reason that you will be late, please let your teacher know so the proper arrangements can be made.
How long is our class break?
The break is 10 minutes long.
Teachers will often give a 5 minute grace period for students to get back.
Please show respect for your teacher and your classmates by come back at the designated time.
How will I know when we have a day off?
-The classrooms at Washington Irving and Schenectady Connects have calendars hanging on the bulletin board in the classroom.
Additionally, all class schedules may be found by clicking here!
What if I miss class?
That is okay – these things happen sometimes.
If you are only going to be out for a day or two, you do not need to call.
When you come back, talk to your teacher if you have any concerns about what you missed. You can also contact your teacher with any concerns by clicking here.
If you are going to be out for an extended period of time, please fill out the student absentee form for your teacher by clicking here.
What if I can’t come to class during the day?
-Talk to guidance about the possibility of a late afternoon or evening class.
If none of the time slots for in-person classes work for you, then inquire about distance learning.
***Please note –
-You must be 21 or older, and provide proof of being fully vaccinated and boosted to attend night classes at SCCC Center City.
-You must be 21 or older, and have qualifying scores to enroll in distance learning classes.
Is there homework?
-This will vary depending on who your teacher is, but generally, no.
However, we may give you extra work to do independently.
Can I take more than one class?
-Yes!
You may certainly take more than one class, provided that you can commit to attending both classes regularly. The only thing you cannot take in addition to other classes are distance learning classes.
Please be mindful that you choose a workload that will be sustainable for you.
Schenectady Connects
Do I need to come to Washington Irving to register and test?
-No. You may come to Washington Irving if you prefer to register and test there, but registration and testing can be done at the Schenectady Connects classroom.
Please note, due to the short daily time frame, new students should expect intake testing to be broken up over multiple days.
What is the location and time of classes?
– Monday – Friday, from 2:45 – 4:45pm
-The DSS Building
797 Broadway, Schenectady, NY 12305
How do I get to the classroom?
-Wait in the lobby to be called by the teacher, who will escort the class to the classroom.
What if I arrive late?
-Go to window 6 and tell the worker that you are there for GED class.
They will call the classroom to let the teacher know.
The teacher will come to the lobby to let you in.
*Please note- there is a 3:15 cutoff time.
If you arrive after this time, be prepared to come back for the next class.
Night Class
Do I need to bring anything with me when I register?
No.
However, you will need to provide your personal information when you register. If you do not have your social security number memorized, it would be helpful for you to bring the number with you for filling out your paperwork.
What is the location and time of this class?
-Tuesday/Wednesday, from 5:30 – 8:30pm
-SCCC Center City(across from Proctors)
433 State St, Schenectady, NY 12305
Where do I park?
-You may decide to park on the street, in the parking garage, or in one of the many lots nearby.
The easiest place to park is in the lot behind the building.
You access the parking lot by coming down Franklin street and the parking lot is on your left. Parking is free after 5pm.
How do I get to the classroom?
Enter the glass door that is to the right of CVS (if coming from state st), or if you are entering from the parking lot behind the building, go through the glass doors next to the YMCA.
Walk down the hallway to the elevators.
Go up to 2R
Sign in at the security desk and go left through the wooden doors.
The classroom is room 219.
Feel free to ask Kara, the security guard, to point you in the right direction!
What if I arrive late?
You should make it to class within the first half hour. Arrivals after that time are very disruptive. Due to the limited time this class meets, you may still come to class later if you must – but please be quiet and respectful when you arrive.
If you have a regular schedule conflict please talk with your teacher.
Distance Learning
Can I register online?
No, you must register and test in person.
How do I qualify?
You must be 21 or older to participate in distance learning.
You must also have scores that indicate that you are capable of completing work independently. The state sets this minimum standard at an NRS level 2 on your TABE test results.
How does distance learning work?
-Essentially, distance learning involves the teacher putting together 2 weeks worth of assignments in each subject you will need to pass on the GED. This 2 week assignment is designed to take about 12 hours to complete. Students who choose to participate in this class will be learning on their own through the completion the the prepared packets.
After completing (and documenting) the 12 hours of work, the student will return the necessary materials to the teacher after two weeks, and receive the next 2 week assignment.
The teacher will be available for tutoring each week to offer any guidance that might be needed.
What if I need help with my assignments?
If you are struggling with your assignments there are several resources that you should use.
First – use you your answer key. There are many detailed answer keys that show you the process to getting the right answer
Next – consider online resources such ask khanacademy.org and youtube.
For more suggestions check out the resources section!
Last – reach out to your teacher. Tutoring times are available every week. Bring your work into tutoring and get your questions answered!
Can I go to class and do distance learning?
-No!
Distance learning is designed only for people who are not able to attend class.
Do I need to come to Washington Irving to register and test?
-Yes!
The registration and testing requirements are the same for all students, regardless which class they choose to take.
If your personal obligations keep you from being able to come in during the regular school day, please reach out to the guidance office so that other arrangements may be explored.
To go back to the FAQ Categories click here!
Health and Safety
How do we know if school is canceled?
-Since we are a part of Schenectady City School District, and delays or closings for the district, will apply to our classes. You can find up to date information on the Schenectady City School District web page, here.
If we have a delay, what time do I come in?
-Delays will only impact the morning class. All afternoon and evening classes will be at their scheduled time.
If we have a one hour delay class will begin at 10 am.
If we have two hour delay class will begin at 11 am.
Morning class will still dismiss at noon, as usual.
Do I need to wear a mask?
-No. Masks are optional.
Masks are only required under certain covid-19 guidelines, which you can read more about below.
What if I feel sick?
-Stay Home!!!
We will miss having you in class but we will really appreciate you not sharing your germs with us!
Tell your teacher you will be out of school for the next several days by clicking here!
Stay home, take a covid test, rest up, feel better, and we will happily welcome you back when you’re well again!
***If you took a covid test and you want to know what to do next, click here.
Do I need to be vaccinated?
No. You do not need to be vaccinated to attend Washington Irving or the Schenectady Connects class at DSS.
HOWEVER-
You DO need to show proof of vaccination and booster in order to attend the night class at SCCC Center City.
This rule applies to anyone attending classes on a SUNY college campus. To view the website for SUNY covid-19 guidance click here.
What are the district’s policies on COVID-19?
–Click here to go to the district’s page for covid guidance.
This will tell you what to do if you have been exposed, have symptoms, or tested positive.
Does the building do fire drills?
-Yes – at Washington Irving.
We do not do fire drills at the community classes that take place in the afternoon and evening.
*In the event of an emergency alarm, stay calm, quiet, and together as a class, while you listen to your teachers instructions.
What can I expect when the fire alarm goes off?
-We will exit the classroom quickly and quietly. Leave your belongings behind, and exit as quickly as possible. The door will be locked behind us on our way out.
When leaving the classroom we will take a left down the stairs, and exit out of the closest door. We will gather across the street and the teacher will take attendance.
It is important to stay close together as a class. Make sure your teacher sees you as they are taking attendance. It is important that we make sure everyone made it out safely.
***About Taking Attendance:
The sign in sheet is very important during a fire drill.
I will be taking attendance.
If you leave early, but don’t sign out, I will think that you are still in the building.
Please be sure you always sign out if you leave class early.
Can I leave during the fire drill?
-No. No, you may not.
It is not the time to take a stroll, or to decide you want something from the corner store. Stick with your class and go back into the building with your class when it is deemed safe and enjoy the rest of your class.
Can I smoke while we are outside during a fire drill?
-No. ( -_- ) . . . Just, No.
What other types of drills or emergency responses might we have?
-There may be other drills that we practice for school safety, so we know how to respond appropriately to a real emergency. Keep reading to become familiar with what to do during these drills and responses.
Please remember, all procedures are designed to keep everyone safe. Help keep yourself and your fellow classmates safe by knowing what to do in an emergency. All safety drills and responses will be announced over the PA System.
Hold In Place/Shelter In Place
A hold in place or a shelter in place means that the hallways need to remain clear. All students will satay in the classroom and classroom business continues as usual.
No students will leave the classroom to go to the bathroom until the hold/shelter in place is lifted.
If students are not in their classroom at the time of the announcement they are expected to go into the nearest classroom, and wait there until the hold/shelter in place is lifted.
Evacuate:
An evacuation would take place if the building was no longer safe to be in. This procedure would be similar to a fire drill. Students will stay together as a class and follow the teacher to the designated evacuation point.
Students will ensure they remain together and stay quiet in order to listen to directions. We will take attendance several times to ensure everyone has stayed together and has reached the designated evacuation point safely.
Lockout:
A Lockout would happen if there was something dangerous happening in the community. In this type of scenario, exterior doors and windows would be secured, and all staff and students would remain inside the building.
Classroom business would continue as usual.
Lockdown:
A lockdown would happen if something dangerous was happening inside the building.
If we go into a lockdown, students will immediately move to the designated safety area of the classroom and silence their cellphones. The classroom will be locked shut, the blinds will be drawn and the lights will be turned off.
We will stand together quietly, waiting to be released from the drill.
To go back to the FAQ Categories click here!
GED Exam
How will I know when can I take the test?
-You will be recommended to take the GED exam when your TABE test scores are showing an NRS level of 5 or higher on a D or A level test.
How many times can I take the GED test?
– According to state regulations, you may take the GED test up to 3 times in one year.
You must wait at least 60 days between exams.
If I pass one subject but not the others, do I have to retake the entire exam?
-NO! Once you pass a subject you do not need to retake it.
For example, if you took all four subjects, but only passed science, you would only need to retake the subjects you didn’t pass, reading, math and social studies.
Can I get passing credit for passing my regents exams?
-YES! If you passed a regents exam in high school, you can receive passing credit for that subject on your GED exam.
How do I get passing credit for my regents exams?
-You must fill out an Application-R form. Then you must submit it to your high school where you took the exam. Your home school will verify your regents scores and pass your application along to the state.
For more information about the application-R guidelines and procedures please click here!
If I already passed my GED, how do I get a copy of my diploma and/or transcript?
You can get a copy of your documents to show you have passed your GED by following the directions on the NYSED website. You will need to fill out the form accurately and include the proper payment when you send in your application.
Is the test free?
Yes – when you test with our program, there is not cost to you.
Are classes free?
Yes, classes are free.
They are paid for by the state when we show that our program has a positive impact on our community.
Help us keep our program free by working hard to do well on your post tests, and letting us know when you make improvements in your job!
To report good news to your teacher
click here!
Graduation
Is there a graduation ceremony?
-Yes!
We do a graduation ceremony every year in June for all the student who pass their GED exam during the school year.
Is the GED graduation free?
-Yes! It is a part of our free program. We believe that your hard work and your accomplishment should be celebrated! You can bring your friends and fmaily to cheer you as you cross the stage!
Can I bring guests?
-Of course!
Being able to celebrate with a couple of friends or family members to cheer you on make graduation even more special! Please pay attention to the information in your invite regarding the amount of guests each graduate is allowed.
How will I know about graduation?
The school will mail you an invitation to graduation sometime in May.
It is important that you keep us informed of any address changes so we know where to send your invite!
What do I have to do to attend graduation?
-You will have to RSVP so we know you are coming and put your name in the program.
Please be sure to read ALL of the information you get in your graduation invite.
Please be early to the ceremony so you have time to get dressed in your cap and gown!
Graduation is something you only get to do once or twice in your life if your lucky!
Make sure you are there to be honored for your accomplishment!
Being a student is easy.
Learning requires actual work.
—William Crawford
Danielle's GED Class Page 