Basic Studies
Basic Studies programs are offered to students who need and want the background skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college programs and the workplace. Courses include instruction in the basic skills of reading, writing, math, listening and speaking in the context students need to achieve educational or career - related goals. Classes are scheduled at convenient times-morning, afternoon, and evening - to meet student needs. Additionally, classes are available in online and hybrid options. Students can improve their basic skills to be successful in technical programs, obtain employment, qualify for job promotions, and improve the quality of their personal lives. Programs include Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL).
A quarterly $25 tuition fee will be charged for enrolling in courses in this section.
Basic Studies classes are offered at the following locations:
- RTC Main Campus
- WorkSource Renton
- YouthSource Renton
- Creston Point Apartments (Seattle/Skyway)
- Kent Learning Center (Downtown Kent)
- BirchCreek Apartments (Kent)
- WorkSource Affiliate Downtown Seattle
- YWCA Family Village (Issaquah)
- Issaquah Valley Elementary
- Goodwill Store & Job Training/Education Center (Bellevue)
- Renton Library (Downtown Renton)
I-BEST
Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) was created here in Washington state to transition students into training programs and employment faster. The I-BEST program at Renton Technical College provides educational access and support to help students. Students have two instructors in the classroom who teach career content and support basic skills simultaneously. As a result, students learn faster and go farther.
Prepare for immediate employment after completing an I-BEST program!
I-BEST students outperform similar students enrolled in traditional basic skills programs.
Why I-BEST? I-BEST students are:
- Three times more likely to earn college credits
- Nine times more likely to earn a workforce credential
- Employed at double the hours per week (35 hours versus 15 hours)
- Earning an average of $2,310 more per year than similar adults who did not receive the training.
Adult Basic Education
The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program offers adults an opportunity to improve their reading and math skills, as well as their writing and oral communication skills. With stronger skills in these areas, students are better prepared to enter post-secondary education, advance in employment, be a wise consumer, and meet family responsibilities.
Students will receive an initial assessment and then work with the instructor to develop an individualized plan of study according to their personal goals and skill levels. Instruction may include whole-group instruction, small group work, and one-on-one support.
Focused instruction will be provided for students who wish to prepare for a high school equivalency examination. A high school equivalency certificate may help students pursue additional education, meet eligibility requirements for financial aid, meet requirements for a job or promotion, or achieve personal goals.
Bilingual Spanish/English Adult Basic Education courses are also available on campus.
Adult learners age 21 and older may also pursue a Washington state high school diploma, a competency-based program available through the ABE program. Students earn high school credits by demonstrating competencies in reading, writing and math contextualized in science, history, government, occupational studies, and digital literacy. Competency is demonstrated both through current coursework and previous learning and experience.
Classes are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening, as well as online. There is a quarterly tuition of $25 per student per quarter.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program offers courses for immigrant and refugee adults who have limited proficiency in English. These classes stress the basic communication skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Improved English skills will enable students to achieve their goals for continuing education, career advancement, and community involvement.
Students are assessed at entry and placed in a class consistent with their English level. Classes are offered at Levels 1-6. Classes are available in the morning, afternoon, evening, and Saturday as well as online.
There is a quarterly tuition of $25 per student per quarter.
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