Many people have asked us, “What is the new GED all about?” “When does it start?” Here is some of the information that has been given to us from KY Adult Education.
We will continue using the current 2002 exam through Dec, 17, 2013. That will consist of paper testing at the $60 fee for all five parts. Free class instruction/tutoring and preparation will resume on Aug. 5. During the fall semester, the Logan County Adult Education instructors will participate in Professional Development sessions designed to introduce to us the new GED exam requirements and assist us in developing a new curriculum. We will simultaneously be introducing computer skills in the classroom, so that students are comfortable with the computers prior to taking the test.
A recent letter from Robert L. King, President of Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, explained that businesses, industries and educators have been clamoring for these changes. The $26 million new GED exam better reflects college and career-readiness. What does that mean for our students?
To begin with, the current five sections have been scaled down to four test sections. The reading and language, science, and social studies sections will reflect more of a business understanding. Reading and writing section will use more business jargon, better preparing students to enter the workforce. Mathematics is taking another step by entering the field of trigonometry. Currently the majority of the questions are multiple-choice. The new exam will have some short answer questions along with some multiple-choice. This better reflects an understanding of the concepts.
Logan County Adult Education team has been working to keep our testing center in Russellville. As a result, new desks and computers have been purchased and are being set up. We recently received a grant from the Dollar General Corporation to help with the immense expense of doing so. Our location must be inspected by the GED parent organization, Pearson-Vue, during the fall.
An advantage of the new exam will be the choice of taking just one or two parts at a time. The current exam requires a first-time examinee to take all five parts over a two consecutive day period. The new one will offer the opportunity to take parts over time, giving the student the chance to better prepare for each section. Also, the test will be offered more frequently. As a result the fees for the proctor will increase, along with an increase testing fees.
So where does all this funding come from? Logan County Adult Education receives funding from KY Department of Education – Adult Education, along with grants from United Way, Dollar General Corporation and local grants such as the BB&T Project Lighthouse. Unfortunately, we have heard that our KY Adult Education budget will be drastically reduced in the 2013-2014 fiscal year. We also depend on private contributions for scholarships to offset the $120 exam fees and student supplies. We have made donating easier for everyone. Please visit our website: http://www.logan.kyschools.us/?PN=Pages&SubP=Level1Page&L=2&DivisionID=9340&DepartmentID=12775&PageID=17956&ToggleSideNav=ShowAll
There is a link allowing the safe use of credit or debit card. Each $10 donation can provide a student with pencils, paper and study materials, $60 donation covers the current GED exam fees. Every amount helps.
For more information about the new GED please visit our website: http://www.logan.kyschools.us/?PN=Pages&SubP=Level1Page&L=2&DivisionID=9340&DepartmentID=12775&PageID=17956&ToggleSideNav=ShowAll
And click on ‘What is the GED and other information’. There are explanations as well as a document comparing the existing GED with the new one. You can call the office at 121 South Spring Street 270-726-8777 if you have questions or are ready to enroll in classes.
Diane Crawley is ABE/GED Lead Instructor for Logan County Adult Education.