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EDP (External Diploma Program)
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| Question: | What Is The External Diploma Program? |
| | Answer: | The External Diploma Program (EDP) is a high school completion program for adults. It is based on the belief that people learn through life experience, not only in classrooms. Adults earn a high school diploma by demonstrating academic skills in situations based on daily life experiences at home, on the job, and in the community. Each candidate for a diploma must also demonstrate an individual skill in an occupational, academic or specialized area. Designed to fit into the schedules of busy men and women who must balance family, work and community responsibilities, EDP is:
*flexible in time requirements
* relevant to an adult’s life
* varied in testing modes
* designed to make learning an
individual responsibility |
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| Question: | Am I Eligible To Enroll? |
| | Answer: | Yes, if you are over 16 and no longer enrolled in regular high school. (Recommended age: 21+) You must attend an information session to enroll. Call the Adult Education office at 407-2028 for dates and times.
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| Question: | What Do I Need To Know?
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| | Answer: | You will need to demonstrate 65 “competencies” that have been identified as the skills and knowledge that an adult needs to function well in daily life. These competencies include not only academic skills like reading, writing, math, oral communication, and scientific awareness, but also such “life skills” as problem-solving ability, a job or occupational skill, and the ability to set goals and direct your own learning. |
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| Question: | What Will I Do? |
| | Answer: | The EDP process is in two parts: the diagnostic and the assessment phases. The EDP applicant begins by meeting with a counselor (Advisor) and taking diagnostics in reading, writing and mathematics to identify any basic skill deficiencies that would be obstacles to completing the program requirements. The results of the diagnostics, along with a learning prescription, are given to the applicant by the Advisor. Learning resources are discussed; options may include materials borrowed for self-study, assistance from friends, family members or a tutor, or registration in Hamden’s Learning Lab. The applicant is responsible for carrying out his or her own learning plan.
After learning, the applicant returns to retest in the deficient areas only. When all the basic skills have been demonstrated, the applicant begins the assessment phase as a candidate for the diploma.
During assessment, the candidate completes assignments both at home and in weekly office appointments lasting 1-2 hours. These assignments, called “tasks”, are designed around real-life experiences that allow for demonstration of the 65 competencies. For example, the candidate might be asked to find a place to live in a new community. This task might involve reading classified ads, interpreting a lease, calculating expenses in relation to income, using a local map, locating community resources, and writing a letter of complaint. Writing, reading comprehension, math, problem-solving, and other academic and life skills are thus demonstrated in a practical way.
Each candidate must also possess and have validated an individual competency, usually a specific entry level job skill. Academic proficiency and home-and-family management are other skill areas. These competencies are evaluated by employers or by experts drawn from the community. |
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| Question: | How Long Does It Take?
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| | Answer: | The program is self-paced. Adults who are able to come to regular appointments, and who do not have a great deal of remedial learning to do, usually receive a diploma in about 6 months.
To Enroll: Call the Adult Education Office at Hamden High School for an appointment (407-2028). |
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