Assessment Center

ABC Adult School has an Assessment Center which is approved as a Pearson VUE Testing Center and fully equipped for the computer-based GED test. As a Pearson VUE Authorized Testing Center, the Assessment Center offers various standardized tests required by state regulations or as part of industry certifications. Tests include Adobe, Microsoft Certification, IC8, QuickBooks, Medical Services National Exams, GED, Evaluation Systems, CompTIA Testing, Cisco Systems, CBEST, RICA, and VMware.

Academic Assessment

Each student enrolled in a career certificate program must meet required basic academic skills levels in mathematics, language and reading in order to receive a Certificate of Completion. Students who do not possess a high school diploma or equivalency may take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) assessment to meet this requirement.

The levels are indicated in the program descriptor section. ABCAS uses the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) for this assessment. The TABE is diagnostic rather than a pass or fail type of test, and results are reflected in grade level equivalencies, kindergarten through 12th grade.

Attendance Policy

In order for an adult education class to remain open, sufficient regular student attendance in class is required. Courses with low enrollment will be cancelled. Regular attendance is required for students to complete the program.

Students may be dropped from class if they do not attend the first class meeting, and after three weeks of absence. Please let teacher know if you will need to be absent for more than 2 weeks.

CTEC Attendance

ABCAS encourages and expects all students enrolled in programs to attend regularly to derive maximum benefit from the instructional program, and develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline and responsibility.
In addition to maintaining satisfactory progress according to the course syllabus it is expected that students will also maintain attendance/activity in the program. These may be defined as logging into the course, e-mailing or having phone or in-person conversations with instructors, turning in completed assignments when due and attending any scheduled classroom sessions, if included as part of the program description.

A student is expected to be in attendance at least 90% of scheduled hours for his/her program/course per grading period. Attendance requirements in programs that lead to board licensure may be stricter which takes precedence over the district wide attendance policy.

The CTE center has the responsibility of preparing students with the skills to enter the workforce. Effective work habits are paramount to students’ success. This is the minimum level of participation that is expected of all students enrolled in certificate programs. Each certificate program will provide students with a syllabus outlining assignments, due dates, and the comparable number of hours the student would have completed as they relate to the chosen Career Path.

Cancellation of Courses

A minimum of 20 registered students is required for most courses. The ABC Adult School reserves the right to cancel any course in which the enrollment and attendance is not sufficient to warrant continuation, and to change class hours and/or days as necessity demands a week prior to the first meeting. A full refund will be issued within 4 weeks of class cancellation upon student’s request. No refund of community education course fees without a student’s request and receipt. Community Education classes will be cancelled one week before start date if pre-registration numbers are very low.

CASAS Testing

The testing system used at ABC Adult School for adult Academic and ESL students is called CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems). CASAS does not measure intelligence but specific skill ability.

Preliminary placement assessments determine areas of need and appropriate placement. Students entering the high school diploma program take a short reading/math test before enrolling. The results are used to guide students into the best classes to successfully meet their goal of obtaining a high school diploma.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of Completion can be provided at student request, with administrator approval. Speak to the class instructor about availability.

Community Education Courses

These courses are affordable, fun, fast, and convenient. We offer a variety of courses, workshops, and short-term training programs that allow you to develop skills, pursue a personal passion, or learn a new hobby.

With flexible schedules and convenient locations, you can dive into something new while remaining in your current position. ABC Adult School offers a wide range of Community Education courses.

Crisis Plan/Safety and Security

In the event of an extreme, dangerous situation, involving people in a life or death conflict, actual death or hostage, a comprehensive plan of action is in place at each campus to deal with such matters. This will be reviewed during student orientation or by classroom teachers during the first week of class. Should the need arise, notify the instructor or nearest staff member immediately if you are aware of a dangerous situation on campus.

Each campus has a security plan and security personnel. The cooperation and involvement of every member of staff, student body, and all visitors on campus are absolutely necessary to ensure maximum safety and security of individuals and personal belongings. Safety drills will be conducted throughout the year to ensure everyone knows how to conduct themselves during an emergency.

Dress Code

The Governing Board believes that appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a productive learning environment. The Board expects students to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to wear clothes that are suitable for the school activities in which they participate. Student’s clothing must not present a health or safety hazard or a distraction which would interfere with the educational process. These minimum standards of dress and grooming apply to all students at ABCAS. Some programs have specific dress code requirements.Student dress code guidelines can be found in the Student Handbook and or program/course orientation materials.

Eligibility/Priority Enrollment

Persons 18 years of age or older that can benefit from instruction are eligible to enroll in ABC Adult School. Preference is given to continuing students and residents of the district providing they register during the priority pre-registration period. High school students may attend if space is available and all Educational Code requirements are met.

Fees and Tuition - Refunds

Choose your classes carefully. NO REFUND without receipt. There is a $35 fee for returned checks and a $10 processing fee for all refunds and vouchers. There is a $5 transfer/change fee. No transfers after 3rd week of new session.

Community-based Education Classes - NO REFUNDS or VOUCHERS 1 week prior to class starting.
Academics - The Academic lab fee of $5 is a non-refundable processing fee. No refunds are given after registration has been completed.

All other classes - Students may drop a class and request a refund during the pre-registration period ($10 processing fee per class applies). Students may drop a class before the second class meeting and request a voucher ($10 processing fee per class applies). No compensation will be given after the start of the 2nd meeting. If the class is cancelled by the administrators, students have up to 30 days from the date of the cancellation to receive the refund (receipt is required).

We Accept VISA – Mastercard – ATM – Cash
Please Note - Prices listed under class descriptions do not include the cost of books, supplies
and/or materials.
There will be a $35 charge for all returned checks.

Financial Aid

ABC Adult School offers financial aid. Make an appointment at the Cuesta Campus by calling (562) 229-7960 or emailing finaid@abcadultschool.com. You can also visit https://linktr.ee/abc_financialaid for more information. ABC Adult School code is 042270.

Fitness Classes at ABC Adult School

For your well-being, ABC Adult School recommends that you see your doctor before enrolling in fitness classes. Teachers may require medical clearance before enrolling.

Food/Beverage Policy in Class

No food or beverage is allowed in any adult school classroom. Please eat outside or in the Student Study Center. Don’t chew gum.

Grading Policy

Students study under a competency-based system and are graded as competency requirements are satisfactorily completed. Courses are Pass/Fail with some instructors opting to give a letter grade. In the case of a letter grade, A-D is passing and F is fail. Each course’s competencies are grading expectations are explained in the course syllabus shared with students at the beginning of each term. Each career certificate student’s grade is calculated each grading period with a skill grade for the course. Attendance and a work ethics are also taken into consideration. The grading policy will be covered in more detail during the class orientation/introduction.

High School Students

The enrollment of concurrent high school students in Adult Education classes is subject to the limitations imposed by Section 52500.1 of the California Education Code. Each of the following conditions must be met:
  • There must be a conference involving the student, the high school counselor and the student’s parent or guardian.
  • There must be written documentation of the conference.
  • There must be a statement that the student is voluntarily enrolling in the Adult Education class and that the enrollment form is to be placed in the student’s cumulative file.
  • Students must bring a completed Concurrent High School Enrollment Form, a copy of their current class schedule and a high school photo I.D. to enroll.
  • Hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 am-8:00 pm, Friday 7:30 am-3:30 pm.
  • The completed enrollment form must bear the signatures of the high school counselor, the parent or guardian, and the student to certify that the above conditions have been met. (Concurrent High School Enrollment Forms are available at each of the district high schools in the counseling offices. Enrollment is contingent upon full-time enrollment at the high school.)
  • Concurrent high school students may not take any Community Education classes for credit.
  • Enrollment of high school concurrent students is limited to residents of the ABC Unified School District. Concurrent students living outside of the district are not eligible to enroll in the ABC Adult School.

Identification Cards

Student identification cards are available to students that are enrolled in ABC Adult School. Having a student I.D. provides many advantages:

  • proof of official enrollment
  • an official picture I.D., and
  • discount eligibility, e.g., movies, public transportation, bookstores, etc.

Original cards are free; replacement is $15.00.  Ask how you can obtain an I.D. when you register for classes.

Career Center for Students

The ABC Adult School Career Center is located on the Cuesta Campus in Room H6 and employs a full time Job Developer, Ty Holloway. Email ty.holloway@abcusd.us to make an appointment. She can assist students in the following areas:

Career Counseling

  • Guidance in career decisions and assessments available to insure the best educational path to success
  • Recommendations for Vocational Diplomas and Industry Certifications to enhance employment skills
  • Résumé building seminars and coaching focused on your particular career choice

Search Jobs

  • Career Center computers are available to students for job search, résumé construction and on-line job applications.
  • Job postings and announcement boards inside and outside of the Career Center 
  • Job leads book in the Career Center
  • Library and reference materials
  • Job search skills covering: résumé writing and critique, interviewing, utilizing internet employment databases, etc.

Lost and Found

Lost and found articles should be promptly reported to the ABCAS office, where they will be placed into a locked cabinet. The school cannot reimburse the cost of any items that are lost by students. It is recommended not to bring any personal items to campus. Cars should be locked at all times. Any valuables that must be left in a car should be in the trunk or out of sight. Each student is responsible for their personal items.

Main Campuses and Office Hours

Cuesta Campus

12254 Cuesta Drive
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 229-7960

Cabrillo Lane Campus

20122 Cabrillo Lane
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 229-7965

Orientation

ABC Adult School provides a general orientation to the campus and postsecondary education. The orientation provides information regarding detailed curriculum content, student responsibilities for course progress and attendance, costs, financial assistance opportunities, teaching formats and schedules, and career opportunities.

Orientation schedules vary by campus; however, new CTE career certificate seeking and adult education students must participate in a campus orientation prior to starting their career path specific courses. Orientation session are also held during class time in the prerequisite classes. Contact the CTE Office for details or check the campus website at www.abcadultschool.edu

Parking (Handicapped Parking)

Parking at ABC Adult School is free, however, we do have a few simple rules for the safety and convenience of our students and staff:

  • Please obey signs, directional arrows and NO PARKING areas including fire lane markings.
  • Parking spaces marked STAFF are for employees only. No students or visitors are to park in these spaces. It is imperative that teachers and staff are able to park and get to their assigned classes on time.
  • Visitor parking spaces are available near the Adult School main office for 20 minute parking. Other parking is available on the street or in the marked lots adjacent to and across from Cuesta Drive.
  • Observe the 5 miles per hour speed limit.
  • Bicycles must be locked in bike racks and are not permitted in buildings. Do not ride bicycles on campus.
  • Parking code violations can result in ticketing and/or towing of your vehicle.

Student Acceptable Use Policy

Use of all network services and accounts must be in support of the educational goals and objectives of the ABC Unified School District. Rules for behavior and communication apply when using any electronic information services. Students are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette and follow the rules and regulations as described in this document. These rules include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Be polite. Never send or encourage others to send abusive messages and use appropriate language in all communications. Always demonstrate appropriate behavior on social networking and chat room sites.
  • Do not share personal account information with others. Do not reveal personal home addresses or phone numbers.
  • Use the internet and technology resources to further your educational goals and to prepare for the world of work and life in the twenty-first century.

Student Acceptable Use and Code of Conduct

  • Using a network for commercial advertising.
  • Use that would cause a disruption of network services for others.
  • Using copyrighted material in reports without permission.
  • Using a network for political purposes, such as lobbying for votes.
  • Using any information service to access, view, or transmit pornography, or obscene, sexist, racist, or other inappropriate language.
  • Damaging electronic information services through physical abuse of hardware to placing viruses on the network.
  • Using proxy servers to bypass the district’s filtering and monitoring systems.
  • Sending or receiving electronic messages that are inconsistent with your school’s code of conduct including cyber-threats of death, bodily harm, and damage to property.
  • Using electronic information services in a manner consistent with, or in violation of, District or school rules and regulations.
  • Using personal portable devices to distribute offensive content on school grounds.
  • Using the network services to access or provide personal information of others that may be used inappropriately.
  • Vandalizing or any malicious intent to alter, harm or destroy equipment or data of another user, any District electronic information service, or any networks connected to the internet.

Student Conduct ABCUSD

The Board of Trustees believes that all students have the right to be educated in a positive learning environment free from disruptions. Students shall be expected to exhibit appropriate conduct that does not infringe upon the rights of others or interfere with the school program while on school grounds.

Conduct is considered appropriate when students are diligent in study, careful with school property, courteous, and respectful toward their teachers, other staff, students, and volunteers. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that each school site develops standards of conduct and discipline consistent with district policies and administrative regulations.

Employees are expected to provide appropriate supervision to enforce standards of conduct and, if they observe or receive a report of a violation of these standards, to immediately intervene or call for assistance. If an employee believes a matter has not been resolved, he/she shall refer the matter to his/her supervisor or administrator for further investigation.

Students who violate district or school rules and regulations may be subject to discipline including, but not limited to, suspension, expulsion, transfer to alternative programs, or denial of participation in activities in accordance with Board policy and administrative regulation. The superintendent or designee shall notify local law enforcement as appropriate.

Students are expected to do their best and do the right thing. They should treat others in a manner which is considerate of their rights and does not interfere with the educational process of the school. Students are expected to be cooperative with all instructors and administrators in the interest of safety and security. Students are expected to comply with any reasonable request by any staff member at any location on campus. Behavior that interferes with the educational process in a negative way will lead to dismissal from school.

Enrollment at ABCAS is voluntary. Once admitted, the student has the obligation to adhere to the standards established by the school as long as there is no conflict with his/her legal rights. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the lawful mission of a public institution. The ABC Unified School District Code of Student Conduct applies to all students enrolled in the CTE center and in adult and community education classes. In order to establish reasonable consistency in the schools, a uniform Disciplinary Response Code has been developed and is included in The Code of Student Conduct.

During the orientation process, the Student Code of Conduct is reviewed to familiarize all students with behavior standards and discipline consequences. All students are required to sign a form indicating they are aware of the policies in the ABCAS Student Handbook, Program/Course Orientation, and Campus Orientation and they agree to abide by them. This form is kept in the student’s file.

Specific Standards of Conduct:

  • Follow teacher directions.
  • Keep cell phones on silent mode or turned off while in class. Take calls outside.
  • Do not hold loud conversations near the classroom as they can be disruptive.
  • High School students should leave campus immediately after they finish class.
  • It is expected that students will cooperate and help to keep the school clean. Students need to clean up their tables in the classrooms, throw away trash and keep all areas of the school clean.
  • It is expected that students will respect other students in classrooms, in public places and in the parking lots.
  • Student Intervention Assistants watch our school carefully to keep our school safe.
  • Students should not make or have trouble. They must obey the rules.

Testing Center

ABC Adult School Career Technical Education Center is an official testing center for Adobe and Microsoft certification. This certification provides an industry recognized standard for measuring the mastery of Microsoft and Adobe applications. Certification is recognized by employers as valuable in the selection process for new employees and for internal promotions.
Certification is a challenge and a personal accomplishment.

  • $25 proctoring fee for vouchers purchased on the internet
  • $20 proctoring fee for typing test

Tobacco Free/Weapon Free/Drug Free

The ABC Unified School District has enacted a tobacco free district and workplace environment policy. California Health and Safety Code, Section 24167, requires that all school districts receiving Tobacco Use Prevention Education Funds adopt a tobacco free policy. Current policy prohibits the use of tobacco on school property owned, leased or rented and within all school vehicles in order to provide a tobacco free environment.

The Governing Board desires students and staff to be free from the fear and danger presented by firearms and other weapons.

The Board prohibits any person other than authorized law enforcement or security personnel from possessing weapons, imitation firearms, or dangerous instruments of any kind in school buildings, on school grounds or buses, at school-related or school-sponsored activities away from school, or while going to or coming from school.

The Governing Board believes that the use of alcohol or other drugs adversely affects a student’s ability to achieve academic success, is physically and emotionally harmful, and has serious social and legal consequences. The Board desires to keep district schools free of alcohol and other drugs and desires that every effort be made to reduce student use of these substances. The Board perceives this effort as an important step towards preventing violence, promoting school safety and creating a disciplined environment conducive to learning.

The Superintendent or designee shall take appropriate action to eliminate possession, use or sale of alcohol or other drugs and related paraphernalia on school grounds, at school events, or in any situation in which the school is responsible for the conduct and well-being of students.

School authorities may search students and school properties for the possession of alcohol and other drugs in accordance with law, Board policy and administrative regulations.

Transcripts

Agency Requesting Education Verification – We ask the agency to fax or email the ABC Adult School the signed release from the student. If the graduate completed over 3 years ago we refer them to the District Office/Pupil Records to release transcript from microfilm. Any transcript 3 years and sooner ABC Adult School releases.

Student Requesting a Transcript – We do not release any transcript or verbal information from a telephone call. We ask the student to come in and fill out a “HSD Transcript Request Form” and bring in a picture ID. The student may also request a transcript through email or fax.

Non-Grad Release – All students that earned credits but never finished their diploma can follow the same procedure as above and state on request that they are a non-grad. AII years of non-grad transcripts are held at the ABC Adult School.

Transfers

Transfer from class to class – Students may transfer from one class to another if there is room in the new class for another student, until the completion of the third week of the session, and after paying a $5.00 transfer fee per class. The student must pay any difference of fee. If the new class fee is less, a refund will be made to the student according to the refund policy minus the $5.00 processing fee.

Transfer between CTEC programs – Students are allowed to transfer between CTEC programs. Students who would like to change their declaration must meet with the Lead Instructor who will map out an alternative plan. Any similar classes taken for the previous program will be applied to the new program at the discretion of the Lead Instructor or Administrator. Fees will be prorated appropriately.

Transfer from another institution – ABC Adult School does not transfer “credits” from other educational institutions. Students who have taken classes similar to those listed for a Career Technical Diploma will be required to participate in a written or practical examination to demonstrate their skills level for the following prerequisite courses in the program: Computer Essentials A and B and Keyboarding. All other courses in the program must be taken at ABC Adult School to earn a Career Technical Diploma. Student placement into a program will be at the discretion of the lead instructor and administration based on the outcome of the above stated items. Fees will be appropriately prorated.

ESL classes – If the teacher determines that a student has been misplaced, the student may transfer at any time. A Transfer Form must be filled out and the student sent to the office. If the student initiates a transfer request, they must first speak to their current teacher, be approved, and signed off by the current teacher. Once this process is completed, a new schedule will be printed for the student, who will present this schedule to the new teacher as proof that the process has been completed appropriately. There are no transfer fees in the ESL program.

Uniform Complaint Procedure

It is the intention of the Board of Education that everyone at ABC Adult School have the right to prompt and orderly redress of a grievance relating to an alleged violation of federal or state laws or regulations of education programs. Pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 4600, the district has developed necessary procedures to process a complaint regarding educational services provided by the Adult School. A copy of the “Uniform Complaint Policy” and official forms are available in the front office of both the Cuesta and Cabrillo Lane campuses.

After those avenues have been exhausted, further assistance may be sought for instances pertaining to Career Technical classes or programs from the Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, Georgia 30350 (800) 917-2081. http://www.council.org

School or Site Concerns
As stipulated in Board Policy 1312 (Community Relations), specific concerns regarding a school should be discussed in the following order:
a. Teacher
b. Principal
c. Assistant Superintendent or Designee
d. Superintendent
e. Board of Education

Uniform Complaint or Community Complaint Procedure
If a citizen is still dissatisfied with the result after following the above protocol, the below procedures should be followed:
a. Complete a Uniform Complaint Procedure or Community Complaint Form (available at sites).
b. Submit form or written complaint to the site principal (Uniform Complaint Procedure) or Superintendent’s office.
c. Staff will respond to the concern and a response will be sent to the citizen within two weeks.
d. Copies of the complaint will be distributed as follows: Superintendent, Site/Principal, and Students.

Visitors to Campus

All visitors must first report to the adult school office to obtain a visitor’s pass. This pass allows visitors to attend class, but not participate in the classroom activities. The visitor may stay for 30 minutes and must check out in the adult school office when leaving. No children under 18 are allowed to visit an adult school classroom.

Wait List Policy

There is a waiting list policy. Each class has a number of students allowed, depending on space and the course contents. Classes are “oversold” anticipating no shows. If there is room on the first class meeting, students will be added until the maximum number allowed are enrolled. Students may be instructed to check back in a few days or wait for the office staff to call them to let them know that the class is available. There is no new enrollment after the first week except in open entry classes or upon teacher discretion.

Teachers should not tell students that they can join the class, this should be done by office staff, after the wait list is checked. If a teacher has openings, they should let the office know, who will then call the people on the waiting list. Wait Lists are kept electronically on ASAP (Administrative Software Applications Program) and are first come first served. There is no “Cue Jumping” or preferential treatment.

Waiver and Release Agreement

Students in the ABC Adult School may be photographed or filmed for campus or District displays and for other publicity and public relations purposes.

Signature on the registration form or by completing the registration online indicates your agreement for these purposes and you also hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the ABC Unified School District, its Board of Trustees, agents, officers, employees, individually and collectively, and the City of Artesia, Cerritos, and Hawaiian Gardens, their Council Members, employees, individually and collectively, from any and against all costs, losses, claims, demands, suits, actions, payments, and judgments, including legal and attorney fees, arising from personal or bodily injuries, property damage or otherwise, however caused, brought or recovered against any of the above that may arise for any reason from or during alleged to be caused by ABCUSD, the City of Artesia, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, and/or their employees.

By your signature on the registration form or by clicking on the “terms and conditions” online, you verify that all information is true and have read and agreed to the District Acceptable Use Policy, the terms and conditions of the above mentioned agreement.