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Minnesota Standard Adult Diploma Program

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Hiawatha Valley Adult Education (HVAE) is participating in the Standard High School Diploma program which is designed for adults who would like to earn a Minnesota Standard High School Diploma as an alternative to getting a GED. There has been 25 HVAE students who have completed their Minnesota State Adult Diploma in the last five years, are you next?  

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Minnesota Standard Adult Diploma:

Minnesota’s standard adult high school diploma is a standard competency-based diploma that is issued by the Minnesota Department of Education for adults that complete an approved ABE program.  

 

Aligning to Minnesota’s Educational Standards:

Competencies for the Minnesota Standard Adult Diploma are based on Minnesota’s current K-12 graduation standards and embed:

• College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS) for Adult Education

• Academic, Career and Employability Skills (ACES) and

• Northstar Digital Literacy Standards

 

Minnesota Standard Adult Diploma Competency Domains:

• English Language Arts

• Mathematics

• Social Studies

• Science

• Career Development and Employability Skills, including Digital Literacy Skills

 

Adult Diploma Students Complete Each Competency Through One Of The Following Ways:

• Prior Experience-Based Competency Verification (K-12, post-secondary or other experiences)

• Test-Verified Knowledge (approved standardized assessment for high schools, secondary credentials, ABE programs and/or post-secondary entrance exams)

• ABE Course Completion (classes that combine academic, college and career content, like special adult diploma classes, GED preparation, Accuplacer classes, college readiness classes, subject-specific classes, etc.)

• Applied and Experiential Learning 

 

Steps To Completing The Adult Diploma Program​

1. Initial Advising Session: student will need their high school transcript for the initial meeting:     

• Identify student goals

• Assess student skills and experience to determine what competencies that may already be complete for the transcript based on prior learning competency verification

• Identify potential career pathway(s) and needs using career and post-secondary preparation assessments, similar to assessments used in Minnesota’s K-12 system

• Develop an individualized learning plan based on the student’ identified goals and skills

 

2. Instruction and Evaluation

• Implement individualized learning plan based on instruction and preparation on the competency domains

• Post-test learners using approved assessments for Minnesota’s ABE programming

• Track progress towards diploma and goals

• Update and adapt individualized learning plan

• Provide additional support services

 

3. Graduating Advising Session

• Evaluate students’ work in Adult Diploma Program to ensure completion of necessary competencies

• Create transitions plan to students’ future goals

• Adult students demonstrate their skills

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