Piggott Adult Education Center now operating in new location

Last week was Adult Education Week in the state of Arkansas by proclamation of Gov. Mike Beebe. The week was set aside as a way to inform the public of the many adult education programs available in the state, and the importance of such efforts.

In the Piggott area adult education programs are offered through the Piggott Adult Education Center, a branch of the Black River Technical College Adult Education Department. The Piggott center was located for many years in the church building south of Fred's, but this year has moved into a new location.

The PAE Center is now located at 154 East Main Street, in the same building that houses the Clay County Housing Department and the various farm service agencies.

Linda Wyss is the Piggott Adult Education instructor and has been with the program for a number of years. She holds degrees in English (BA), mathematics (BSE) and reading (MSE).

Wyss works with adults who are studying for the GED, preparing for college entrance examinations, working toward career readiness certification or learning English as a second language.

Adult education students at the local center can also complete a basic computer literacy program while they attend educational classes. Enrollment is open throughout the year for these classes and there is no minimum class attendance requirement for adults.

"All our services are offered free of charge to Arkansas adults," Wyss said of the various classes. "Adult education classes are open enrollment and there is no waiting."

Classes are held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

Those who want more information may call the Piggott Adult Education Center at 598-5662 or the BRTC Adult Education Department at 870-248-4130.