SAN BENITO — General Education Development (GED) classes have started already but organizers are still accepting students.
The classes which consist of math, English, Spanish, social studies, science, computers and other subjects are being offered to willing learners at no cost.
The classes have been put in place to offer additional education and information to those who want and need it.
Students can take practice tests also.
The classes, which started Monday, have already gained a following.
“We were very excited Monday because we were overwhelmed with many students and it was great,” said educator Enriqueta Ramos.
Ramos is also one of the teachers conducting some of the classes.
The classes don’t just apply to current residents but also those who have just arrived from other countries.
“We are encouraging those people who are from Mexico or other Spanish speaking countries that have had some university or college education,” Ramos said.
“They can take practice tests to find out where they fall in their own language to see if they need additional help.”
Math is especially a ned for most.
Ramos said math is a subject many students have a difficult time with.
As an educator in California, Ramos said she would conduct the same sessions, but with students by the thousands.
“We used to get 1,500 students in one night,” she said. “We are talking about people really caring about coming and taking classes.”
Here, the word is just getting out and everyone is welcome, said Ramos.
The classes have grown in popularity so much that elementary school students have also begun to take classes.
Taking a class is easy and accessible for all.
There is no registration of any kind other than if you are going to be using the computer, you will be required to obtain a library card.
With the growing number of students, Ramos said there’s a need of more teachers.
Anyone with a college degree is encouraged to lend their knowledge and skills to these students.
“We need people to come and help because we have so many different levels of knowledge,” Ramos said.
All she asks is that prospective teachers spare one to two hours per week to help the students who she said are willing to learn.
The classes, English, Spanish, math, social studies, science, computers and other subjects are all being taught at the city library Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m.
For more info, contact the library at 956-361-3860.
