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39 million American adults never earned a high school diploma. Throughout the country, there is a push to re-educate these adults so they can earn a GED and become eligible for higher-paying jobs and higher education. But many never try for their GED. Why?
This week, in my newsletter blog, two people wrote to ask for more help on the math test. Whew! I know math is the hardest part of the GED for a lot of people. That’s why I’m writing with more GED math tips again…if you’re looking for your GED diploma, you’ll have to get through the math test.
One of the challenges of getting a GED is paying for classes, study materials or the test. And many students can’t afford the cost of childcare or transportation to attend classes. Or, students simply can’t go to classes on a regular basis because of family and job responsibilities.
There are solutions. Though resources for adult learners vary, no-cost or low-cost classes and study materials for self-guided programs are readily available in most communities. There’s also help available online for GED students working on their General Education Development credential.
Here’s a quick guide to help you find resources and support — it’s easier to get started and stay focused on your education if you have the learning materials, student or family support you need.
1. The GED Academy offers a free, more detailed Resource Guide that includes additional contacts, resources and contact information to help adult learners access free and low-cost learning materials and community support. Request a Guide to Resources.
2. Your Public Library should have many of the study guides and GED lesson plans available for loan, and may also have videos and CD ROM GED testing study courses as well. In some communities, the library even sponsors free GED classes and adult education programs. Some libraries may even offer childcare and storytelling classes for children while parents attend classes. Some libraries offer online resources. Visit libraries on the web through Web Junction.
3. Most Community Colleges offer free or affordable GED courses or classes in basic skills, which will apply to a GED study program. The cost of these GED courses will vary from area to area, but generally they’re either free, or not expensive. If classes are fee-based, check with the community college Financial Aid Office and Student Support offices. You may be eligible for free classes and support services. Online College Directory
4. In many communities, even childcare costs and transportation are available for GED students. Talk to local GED instructors. They’re probably very familiar with local resources. Also, check with the community college Student Support Services.
5. Community-based nonprofits, Volunteer Centers, Family Support Agencies or Family Resource Centers are excellent sources for GED students. Contact local nonprofit agencies and volunteer centers. Ask about classes, materials and other needs related to your educational goal such as childcare, transportation or adult education classes or grants. Many of these agencies and centers also provide student tutoring and mentoring services. Learn about your local volunteer center through a member directory at The Points of Light Foundation.
6. Your local Public School District or University may have continuing education courses or adult education courses. There’s often grant money available to school districts and higher education providers that sponsor programs and classes for adult learners. Give them a call to see if they have the material or services you require for the GED test. You’ll probably want to check with the Central Office of the public school district, the nearest High School and with the Adult Education Office or Career Services office at the university.
7. Don’t forget about the local branch of your State Unemployment Office and local Department of Social Services or Family Services. Both of these agencies may have funds or resources available through programs related to job training, workforce development, job readiness or a DSS family support or welfare-to-work program.
8. If you’re employed, your workplace is an excellent resource for adult education. Your employer may already sponsor a program, or be willing to sponsor a program or costs since your goal is a good one. Check with your employer or supervisor directly, along with the Workforce Development, Personnel or Human Resources officer or department. You may find you need to ask a variety of people in the workplace to find the answer you need. If your workplace doesn’t sponsor a program, ask for one. Essential Education / The GED Academy provides free guides to GED students, adult learners and their employers or supporters to get GED programs and adult education going in the workplace. Request a Smart at Work Guide from The GED Academy.
9. Your local PBS television station broadcasts GED courses that you can take. PBS also offers some online courses for basic skills required for the GED test. They’re free. Check local television listings.
10. The GED Academy was created to provide free support and low-cost help for GED Test candidates. Lots of free information, test advice and study guides are available, along with financial aid for an online GED program.
One of the biggest challenges for GED students is finding time to study, or developing a daily study routine, especially if you’re a student managing a self-guided program to get ready for the GED test.
More than 39 million Americans lack a high school diploma, and even more lack critical literacy skills. Essential literacy education is an initiative to provide crucial basic skills to adult learners.
Over 39 million American adults lack a high school diploma, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures, and around 30 million American adults rank “Below Basic” in prose literacy, the lowest literacy ranking, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL). In quantitative literacy, that number is 46 million. Even among college student, significant numbers lack prose, document, or quantitative literacy.
The GED is the General Education Development credential. For adults who never finished high school, statistics show it’s adult learners’ best alternative to a high school diploma.
The first GED Tests were developed in 1942 to help war veterans finish their basic education. Today, there are more than 39 million adults in the US who don’t have a high school degree. For them, the GED is the best solution to advance in education, a job or career, and to build financial security.
But many people don’t understand the GED and the process of how to get it. As a GED instructor, curriculum developer and volunteer online forum moderator with Essential Education Corporation and Senford High School, I’ve answered hundreds of questions from students. It’s likely their most common questions and answers will be helpful to people who need more information about the test and the testing process.
WHAT DOES THE GED ACTUALLY TEST?
The GED is a set of five tests, which measures knowledge of math, science, social studies, reading and writing. For the science, social studies and reading tests, you need to be able to read a short passage, and then answer questions that show you understand the information that’s given.These tests mostly measure your ability to make evaluations and inferences in the material.
The math test requires knowledge of basic number operations, very basic geometry and algebra and some data analysis. You’ll also want to know how to use a scientific calculator, since part of the test allows you to use one.
The writing test has two parts. The first is a multiple-choice test about the mechanics of English usage. The second is an essay test, and you�ll write based on your background and experiences.
WHAT’S A PASSING SCORE ON THE GED?
That’s the big question, right? The standard scores for the GED tests range from a minimum of 200 to a maximum of 800 on each test. To pass, you must score about 60% on each test, which translates to a score of at least 410 on each GED test to pass it, and an overall average score of 450 for the five-test battery. This means that your score for any individual GED test cannot be below 410, but if you get some that low, you need other GED tests to be well above 410 so that the scores for all five GED tests average out to at least 450.
Each question on the GED test equals one point. You can miss one out of three questions, and still pass the GED.
The essay portion of the test is scored differently, and readers score it based on your writing ability to use language and your word choices.
WHAT’S THE PASS/FAIL RATE?
On average, two out of three people who take the GED Test pass. The better prepared you are for the test, the greater your chances of doing well.
WHY DO SOME PEOPLE PASS EASILY, AND OTHER PEOPLE FAIL?
Some people seem to pass the GED test the first time they take it, without studying. It’s likely that they are good test-takers, and they can remember lots of knowledge from high school. But since one out of three people don’t pass, this is the exception to the rule. To pass the first time, most people really need to spend some time getting ready for the test.
HOW DO I INCREASE MY CHANCES OF PASSING?
The best advice is to study as much as possible for the GED test. The biggest reason people don’t pass it the first time is that they don�t prepare well enough. What this means is that you’ll probably need to spend time relearning some of the skills and knowledge you’ve forgotten since high school. But don’t panic. If you do a little studying in the right areas, you can pass it.
It’s also a good idea to get familiar with the test, so you know what to expect and to increase your test-taking skills. Taking some GED practice tests is a good idea. It will show you how the test works, give you an idea of a score and help you identify areas where you most need to study.
WHAT�S THE BEST WAY TO STUDY?
Taking some classes is always a good idea. Most communities have classes through their local high schools, community colleges or universities. But often it’s hard to fit them into your schedule, especially if you have job and family obligations. And lots of my students have problems with childcare and transportation. If going to a class is a problem, you can find some GED study-at-home programs and online GED classes that allow you to work at your own pace, on your own schedule. Just make sure the online education you choose is the real thing - lots of companies are out there that promise bogus diplomas after simple online tests.
You can also get preparation books, study guides and GED practice tests, which will help you get ready for the GED test. Many are available online, but your local library or community college may offer GED materials through loan programs at no charge. You may also find materials in your local bookstore. Chances are, stores that sell used books, or even thrift stores will also have some GED test prep books.
WHERE DO I TAKE THE GED TEST?
The GED tests are given at official test centers in all major cities across the U.S. and Canada. Even though some companies or schools claim you can get your GED online, you can’t. The GED is not given online, only at official test centers. International testing is also available.
MORE RESOURCES
For additional GED study tips, test information and free resources on the GED test, including financial aid and student support, visit Sunshine High School. The website also provides links to federal agencies and nonprofits that serve GED students, instructors and workforce development programs. For a list of official GED testing sites and administrative contacts, visit Test Sites.
In our modern society, we expect convenience and immediacy. Technology has made online banking, online classes, and online living a part of daily life. Many people looking for high school diplomas are asking: why isn’t there an online GED test?
Education has become a critical issue in America. 39 million Americans lack the most basic educational achievement: a high school diploma. What skills do these Americans need in order to earn their GED and move ahead in today’s economy?
The GED Academy guides hundreds of test-takers through the GED program. “We see the same stories over and over,” President Michael Ormsby says, “The first questions everyone asks are: What can I expect? What will the GED test be like? What do I need to know for the GED?”
The GED test is a high school equivalency exam. But what does that mean? How can a test be the equivalent of high school? And what is it, exactly, that we expect high school graduates to know?
Over 39 million disenfranchised American adults have no high school diploma, and so the doors to higher education and better job opportunities are closed to them. As a group, these Americans make about $350,000 less in their lifetimes than high school graduates or people with GEDs. Instead of moving the economy and their lives forward, Americans without high school degrees. The most widely accepted option for adults without a high school degree is a GED—a high school equivalency exam. What is this examination? What is the GED really testing? Can it truly be the equivalent of high school?
