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Show WSU administered one quarter of the GED tests statewide last year - r-g $ v t A ' ' ff S I " ' 1 ft ' ZU' j . ' -' '; By Jenene Campbell Signpost staff writer The Weber State University Testing Center has become a popular place for those seeking their high school equivalency.According to Wayne Flitton, director of the WSU Testing Center, nearly 24 percent of the General Education Development Tests administered statewide last year were given at WSU. The GED test, which was developed in 1942 to allow people who weren't able to finish high school to prove their high school competence, has become a successful part of the WSU Testing Center. "A lot of (our success) is because we go out to Clearfield Job Core every week to test," Flitton said. "We also go to Weber Basin once a month." WSU is one of the few facilities in the area offering the GED test, along with Brigham City and the Davis Applied Technology Center (DATC) in Kaysville. Although the GED test alone is not equivalent to a high school diploma, according to Marilyn Cragun, a receptionist in the Testing Center, it does allow people to further their education. "A GED will allow you to move on (with your education), because they know you're high school competent," Cragun said. Kathy Poppa, a 38-year-old single mother, plans on doing just that. Poppa wasn't able to finish high school because of family problems, but now feels it's important to make a better life for her 11-year-old daughter and herself. "I want to learn a trade, better myself and give (my daughter) what she needs," Poppa said. "I'm not able to do that now." Poppa said she plans on taking the GED test later this month and would possibly like to attend WSU by winter quarter."I need to find out what I want to do, what I'm capable of doing and what I'm best at," Poppa said. "I thought about doing something with (computer) graphics." In addition to the GED test, the WSU Testing Center offers a free practice test for people to see how they will do on the GED, and to determine the areas they need to improve. "We have a key in the testing center," Flitton said, "so we can tell them within about five points how they'd do on the test." The GED test is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon and takes about four hours on both days. The five areas covered in the test include writing skills, social studies, science, mathematics and interpreting literature and the arts. The fee for taking the test is $28 and includes a certificate showing they passed. (Klingons read The Signpost...) ...so shouldn't you? Talk to people, write stories, play on the computer, hang out with really cool people and get paid for it? Yes! It's all a part of the adventure when you join the staff at The Signpost!! There are several paid staff positions currently open, including: Managing Editor Arts and Entertainment Editor as well as several assistant editor and senior reporter positions. To apply, see the helpful staff at Career Services in the Shepherd Union Building. Tor more ijiformation on current staff openings, call Georgia Edwards, 626-7974. 1 ' hi; X..X ?' f A. BRIAN NICHOLSON; THE SIGNPOST Maria Esther Silva and Carlos Alatorre from Torreon Coahuila Mexico discuss issues surrounding the ESL Teacher Training Workshop. English teachers from Mexico have been in workshops since July 24 to learn how to effectively teach English in their schools. Professors gain proficiency ESL workshops teach the complicated language of English By Tara Runions Signpost staff writer Weber State University Foreign Language Department has been conducting a two-week workshop, which started on July 25 and will be ending Aug. 4. Twenty-one professors from two private universities in Mexico are here to gain language proficiency in reading,writing, listening and speaking skills. Anthony Spanos, associate professor of foreign language, has been the driving force for this workshop to take place. He has found the funding to help the visitors form Mexico make their stay comfortable and have a great experience. "A lot of the professors that are here have not had the opportunity that professors at WSU have had to learn professionally how to teach a foreign language," Spanos said. "Many of the professors have other jobs besides teaching foreign language.""This workshop is not theory, it is all practical, it's hands on experience," Spanos said. "We talk about how to build writing skills in a beginning writing class and how to speak English in an advanced speaking class, we give them the techniques and skills so they can apply these skills immediately," Spanos said. The professors at WSU are learning just as much from them as they are from us. They have brought their strategies and techniques to share with us and we have shared the same with them. They are very interested in what technology we have and what is being developed with the computers and the multi-media. Maria Antoniette Frias, a professor from Mexico, says she is having a great time. Frias has lived in the United States before, but has never been to Utah. She said that Utah is very different from anywhere she has ever been, but she enjoys it . "We have also been able to share ourcultureand give them a great cultural experience," Spanos said. "Even though many of them have lived in the United States before, they haven't lived in Ogden, Utah and Weber State University." Norma Alicia Ibarra, a professor from Mexico, said that her favorite thing so far was her visit to Antelope Island." One of the strangest thing is that it gets dark so late here when it is the same time in Mexico." "It has been a fun workshop and a collaborative effort with the foreign language department working with the Department of English as a second language (ESL)," Spanos said. "Not only have I appreciated our Mexican colleges, but I have also found great admiration for our Department of ESL. n n : r v ; r s- w ,. t . - JOIN US FOR THE BEST HOT OR COLD DRINKS IN NORTHERN UTAH. Featuring: Gourmet Chocolate & Espresso Coffee Drinks, Sandwiches, Frappes, Italian Sodas, Bagels Soups, Tea & MORE!!! LOCATED IN Mitchell Plaza on Hillfield Rd. in Layton 773-0876 IS Here comes the bride... the groom ond their families and friends to the Wedding Luncheons & Dinners are available for any group!! Six private rooms Variety of menu items & pricing All you-can-eat salad bar 'Live band & dancing Friday & Saturday Nights 1342 So. 500 W. Bountiful, UT 84010 292-3121 |