Education Center to offer CLEP and DANTES study sessions

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan L. Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Laughlin Education Center with support from Park University will be holding quarterly College Level Examination Program and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support test study sessions for the base community here.

The classes are designed to give students exposure to material and time with instructors for a number of classes, to help the students prepare for the CLEP and DANTES tests, said Tech Sgt. Ericka Wright, 47th Force Support Squadron NCO in charge of the First Term Airman Center.

"The idea came from the Air Force Sergeants Association conference I attended," said Wright. "I liked it and was encouraged by leadership to develop a similar program here."
CLEP and DANTES testing is a way for individuals to earn college credit without having to attend class and are free for active duty personnel.

"It's an awesome way to get their foot in the door of education or just to knock out some credits," said Sarah Florentine, Park University campus center director.

CLEP tests are not easy and those attempting the take one without preparation only have a 40 percent pass rate, Florentine said. The Air Force no longer pays for retests so having the study sessions to prepare students is fiscally responsible.

Park University instructors have volunteered their time to lead the classes. Each class will last one-and-a half hours and be held three times a week. The class will begin with a pretest designed to show where the student needs help and instructors will use the result to better help students. At the end students will take a practice test to see if they are ready for the real thing, she said.

"Park is here year round and is always willing to help out our Airmen," said Christine Engel, 47th FSS chief of education and training.

At present classes are planned for math, English, social science, speech and basic study skills, with the math class starting Feb. 16 and the others to follow in later months.

For more information on the program contact the Education Center at 298-5520.

"We want our Airmen to take advantage of this opportunity," Engel said. "No matter the rank."