Empowering Adults with High School Diploma Test Preparation

Caitlin Franco is the founder and executive director of Equality Charter School in the Bronx, New York. In addition to serving middle school and high school students, Caitlin Franco and Equality Charter School offer an adult education program to help individuals in the Bronx community. The adult learning program provides high school diploma test preparation, computer literacy courses, and Microsoft Office lessons. 

Equality Charter School’s high school diploma preparation focuses on New York State’s Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC). This test has officially replaced the GED (General Educational Development) test in the state. The TASC evaluates students in five areas: reading, writing, social studies, science, and mathematics. 

Equality Charter School’s high school diploma test preparation lasts three months. Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. Lessons are taught by qualified tutors. In addition to the tutoring sessions, adults receive career guidance and skills training.

Growth Prioritized over Achievement at Equality Charter School

Caitlin Franco oversees administration, programs, and strategic planning as the Founder and Executive Director for Equality Charter School, an educational academy that focuses on the academic and socio-emotional growth of its students. Under Caitlin Franco’s direction, the New York-based institution prioritizes student growth over student achievement.

Equality Charter School serves students in need, including students who are behind their peers in academic performance and test below their grade level. Upon enrolling in the school, 77 percent of students test below in math and 81 percent test below in English language arts. This presents a challenge for the teachers and administrators responsible for bringing them up to speed and the task will prove impossible in some circumstances. The school’s educators also acknowledge that some students will not graduate or attend college.

Regardless of their potential to graduate or seek higher education, Equality’s faculty maintains a commitment to showing all students the same level of care and attention. The school uses student growth as the primary measure of success in order to accomplish this goal. Curriculums focus on encouraging students to perform at their individual best and creating opportunities for students of all ages and abilities. Additionally, Equality does not place restrictions on enrollment based on grade level, a tactic some school utilize in order to boost student achievement numbers.