Admissions
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- TABE Test
- Adult/Postsecondary Admissions
- Transfer Policies
- Testing
- Students with Disabilities
- General Adult/Postsecondary Admissions Process
- Health Science Education – Adult/Postsecondary Admission Process and Requirements
- Admission to the Practical Nursing Program
- High School/Secondary Admissions
TABE Test
TABE Testing Summer Hours:
- Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 7:30am
Fee - $15.00 Cash, Check or Credit Card
No Appointment needed.
Please arrive 15 minutes before test time to register.
A picture identification is required prior to testing.
No cellular phones or pagers are permitted.
High school students DO NOT pay a fee for testing
If you have an A.A. or A.S. degree or higher from an accredited institution or you are enrolled in a program that is less than 450 hours in length, you are not required to take the TABE test.
For more Information, Call Student Services 863-499-2700 ext. 262 or ext. 251.
Adult/Postsecondary Admissions
Traviss Career Center accepts applicants who seek employment preparation through career education and demonstrate the ability to benefit from the selected program. Adult students should be at least age 16, provide proof of age and residence with picture identification, and provide proof of basic skill levels in reading, math, and language with the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE).
Students are cautioned not to confuse financial aid “ability to benefit” requirements with completion requirements for career programs. In compliance with federal regulations as described in the Higher Education Act of 1965, a determination of “ability to benefit” may be made for students entering career programs who wish to attend without benefit of having attained a standard high school diploma or GED. At Traviss Career Center, prospective financial aid students who wish to take advantage of the "ability to benefit" regulations must speak with the Financial Aid Coordinator.
Until enrollment in career programs is completed, students may enroll at any time during the semester with the exception of Health Science Education programs, Cosmetology, Facials Specialty and Nails Specialty.
Students entering the English Literacy for Career and Technical Education (ELCATE) program (formerly VESOL) must be pre-tested and post-tested using the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS).
Transfer Policies
An incoming student who has previously attended another accredited postsecondary institution may provide an official transcript for credit/clock hour evaluation. Acceptance of credit/clock hours completed at another institution will be appropriately awarded. A student desiring to transfer within the school from one program to another program should discuss the request with his or her counselor. If requirements are met for the new program, the student is then transferred to the new program.
Testing
Florida Statute 1004.91 requires all students who enroll in a program offered for career credit of 450 hours or more to complete an entry-level examination.
The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) is the instrument used to process new applicants. It is a standardized academic achievement test, measuring achievement in reading, mathematics, and language. The primary purpose of this test is to determine successful placement, student progression, and completion of state mandated exit requirements. In order to receive a certificate of program completion, a student must complete the program requirements and meet the program minimum basic skills levels in reading, mathematics, and language on the TABE. Students may retake the TABE test after six weeks and retake it a third time after six months from the time of the initial test. The results of the TABE are valid for a period of two years. Students who possess an associate degree or higher degree are exempt from this requirement.
Students with Disabilities
The Center complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of Vocational Rehabilitation Act Amendment of 1973 in regard to students with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are made for special needs students. The Center is committed to the principles of competency-based education and strictly adheres to Polk County Schools’ Nondiscrimination Policy.
The Center provides facilities to accommodate physically disabled students. The Center also provides special services for the disabled such as: counseling, tutoring, and special instructional resources through the School Board of Polk County.
General Adult/Postsecondary Admissions Process
- The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) is required for all programs over 450 clock hours. Students who possess an associate degree or higher degree are exempt from this requirement.
- Meet with a counselor to interpret test scores, discuss educational plans, entry date, tuition and fees.
- Complete registration form and receive registration schedule and billing statement.
- Apply for financial aid and/or meet with Financial Aid Coordinator if applicable.
- Pay tuition and fees or show proof of financial aid.
Health Science Education – Adult/Postsecondary Admission Process and Requirements
Applicants desiring entry into Traviss Career Center Health Science Education programs must complete all the admission criteria specific to the health program selected and meet all general admission requirements for the Center.
- Take the Level A TABE. The TABE is required for all health programs except Nursing Assistant. Students who possess an associate degree or higher degree are exempt from this requirement.
- Meet with the a counselor in Student Services and discuss TABE results.
- Pass a test of manual dexterity. (Nursing Assistant and Health Unit Coordinator are exempt from this criterion.)
- Request forms from Health Science Education office for
specific program desired.
- Course information sheet.
- Traviss Career Center Application. Complete all information on the application.
- Medical Form. This form is used to document current results of specified immunizations concerning the applicant’s mental and physical health.
- Submit official high school transcript or official GED grade sheet for all programs. Applicants who graduated from a Florida public high school after 1980 may use the FASTER system; transcripts are electronically transmitted using this system. Applicants desiring to utilize the FASTER system should contact one of the Center’s guidance counselors. Applicants who have graduated from an accredited college with an associate degree or higher do not need high school transcripts or GED documentation, but these applicants must have an official college transcript. Transcripts from foreign countries must be translated and evaluated for certification.
Admission to the Practical Nursing Program
Informational sessions will be held twice yearly prior to the start of each Practical Nursing program. In order to receive an admission packet for the Practical Nursing program, the prospective applicant must attend an informational session.
- Informational sessions will be conducted twice yearly in the fall and spring. No appointment is necessary. The next session for this school year will be May 19 - 21, 2009, at 9:00 AM or 12:30 PM.
- Interested students should contact the Health Science Department Office for the exact days and times of these sessions.
- Admission criteria will be discussed at these sessions, and each person in attendance will receive the Practical Nursing admission packet.
- Questions that the applicant may have regarding the Practical Nursing program will be answered, and program expectations will be discussed.
- The date of open registration will be given at this time. This will be when applicants will actually turn in TABE scores, Manual Dexterity Skills Test results, completed physical forms and completed applications along with their official high school transcripts/GED results or college transcripts.
High School/Secondary Admissions
Diploma Options
Traviss Career Center offers three high school diploma options: the 3-year, 18-credit standard diploma; the 4-year, 24-credit standard high school diploma; and the Career Center District Diploma.
Standard Diploma
The 18 or 24-credit high school diploma option allows students to
complete their junior and/or senior years at Traviss Career Center.
As a dual-enrolled student, once all high school diploma
requirements are complete, the student returns to the home high
school for graduation.
Prospective high school students interested in the 18 or 24-credit
option must have completed the appropriate academic requirements for
their sophomore year. They must also have a 2.0 GPA, good attendance
and discipline record, and be at least 16 years of age.
Career Center District Diploma (CCDD)
The Career Center District Diploma (CCDD) is an alternative to the credit-based diploma. The CCDD is a non-traditional, non-credit, computer-assisted program for juniors and seniors. It is designed for students who have fallen behind in credits or have been retained one or more times, but are seriously motivated to continue their education. Students work on vocational skills as well as academic skills necessary to pass the GED. If the students pass their academic courses, the FCAT, the GED, earn a completion point in their vocational program, and maintain excellent attendance, they may graduate with a Polk District High School Diploma. Once all CCDD requirements are complete, these Traviss students participate in the Traviss Career Center high school graduation.
Prospective high school students interested in the CCDD option must be at least 16 years of age, be currently enrolled in a high school, and maintain good attendance and discipline. Students choosing this option cannot graduate ahead of the class with which they started kindergarten.
Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
The Exceptional Student Education Program serves high school ESE
students who have demonstrated the ability to successfully perform
(academically and socially) in regular academic and elective
classes. No academic ESE courses are available at Traviss, but a
Career Preparation Class for ESE students is offered.
Students needing ESE services should contact the Center’s high
school counselor or ESE coordinator before attempting to complete
any admission requirements. All ESE documentation must be received
and approved by the Center’s ESE Coordinator before admission is
granted.
General High School/Secondary Admission Requirements
- Interested students should meet with a Traviss Career Center Counselor or High School Recruiter to discuss admission and career program requirements.
- The student should then take the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education). Students may take the TABE at the Center or at area high schools. They should contact Student Services for TABE dates and times.
- Prospective students and, ideally, the parent or guardian should meet with a counselor or high school recruiter to discuss test scores, career interests, diploma options, and entry date.
- Prior to entry, an application form must be completed.
High School/Secondary Admission Requirements for Specialized Programs
Cosmetology
High school students wishing to enter the Cosmetology program must complete all the admission requirements for the Center. Also, due to the amount of time that is needed to complete the number of required services in the Cosmetology Curriculum Frameworks, additional admission requirements are necessary.
The student must have:
- Completed all graduation requirements with the exception of the elective credits they can earn for graduation through the Cosmetology program.
- Passed the FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test).
Health Science Education Programs
High school students wishing to enter Health Science Education programs must complete all the entry requirements specific to the health program selected as well as all general high school admission requirements for the Center. Due to the advanced curriculum requirements in these programs, applicants must first meet with a Guidance Counselor and a representative from the Health Science Education Department before taking the Level A TABE test and before continuing the application process. The additional admission requirements for specific Health Science Education programs follow.
To enter the Practical Nursing program, the student must have:
- Completed all required academic course work for graduation.
- A 3.2 Cumulative GPA.
- Passed the FCAT.
- Passed the Manual Test of Dexterity (will be given at the Center).
To enter the Dental Assisting, Dental Aide, program, the student must have:
- Completed all required academic course work for graduation.
- A 3.2 Cumulative GPA.
- Passed the FCAT.
- Passed the Manual Test of Dexterity (will be given at the Center).
To enter the Optometric Assisting, Vision Care Assisting, program, the student must have:
- Completed all required academic course work for graduation.
- A 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Passed the FCAT.
- Passed the Manual Test of Dexterity (will be given at the Center).
To enter the Health Unit Coordinator program, the student must have:
- Completed all required academic course work for graduation.
- A 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Passed the FCAT