Adult English-as-a-second language and GED students in Harris County may enroll in self-paced, online learning classes through Harris County Department of Education beginning this fall. Classes are free on a first-come, first-served basis through an adult learner program called Distance First.

A Saturday orientation which includes pre-testing and registration is required to enroll in the program. Dates to enroll in one of the orientation classes are Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14 and Dec. 2 from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at 626 Lindale, Houston, Texas, 77022.

“Adult learners constantly juggle responsibilities that include families, jobs and other obligations,” said HCDE Superintendent James Colbert Jr. “By providing a self-paced program, students can access GED or ESL lessons at home or any place with an Internet connection. We take away the stress of travel but at the same time deliver a quality program with technical and academic support.”

Pre-testing and assessment determines the entry level in subjects for each student. Technology training includes instruction on how to operate software. Group activities help students build time management skills. An experience technical assistance team helps throughout the program.

“Distance First classes are presented by online instructors and support staff and offer fundamental skills training that is tailored to their needs, as well as ample technical and academic support,” said Eduardo Honold, director of Adult Education at HCDE.

Students may also enroll in traditional classroom ESL, GED or workforce classes this fall. For more information about all learning opportunities and locations, go to www.hcde-texas.org/adulteducation or call 713-692-6216.

About Harris County Department of Education: HCDE provides special education, therapy services, early education, adult education and after-school programming. Services are funded by government grants, fees and a local property tax rate of $.0052. For every dollar in local property tax collected, HCDE provides $4.40 in services to the 25 Harris County school districts. HCDE also operates four campuses for students with profound special education needs and adjudicated youth who require a low student-teacher ratio and highly structured environment. One-hundred percent of students served on HCDE campuses are at-risk. The organization is governed by an elected board of seven trustees and has 1,060 employees and 33 facilities, including 15 Head Start centers. More info at www.hcde-texas.org .