"I've received several calls this summer from people in search of GED preparation and testing; perhaps you know of some people too, whether young adults or older, who never earned a high school diploma but would like to work toward a comparable credential. The GED, originally developed for returning WWII veterans who had not completed high school, has been obtained by millions since then. The certificate of General Educational Development, while not a diploma, is awarded to test-passers who have demonstrated a knowledge base equivalent to that of the top 60 percent of high school graduates. Test-takers must be at least 16 years of age and if younger than 19, must present proof of withdrawal from school. The test covers a wide range of content areas and skills: reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, communication, information processing, problem solving and critical thinking. Over 95 percent of all colleges and universities in the U.S. recognize the GED as a viable credential, and most employers do likewise.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18 percent of the nation's adult population — over 39 million people above the age of 16 — have not completed high school. In Kentucky, 24 percent of adults lack high school diplomas, a figure exceeding the national average. Here are companion statistics to contemplate: nationally, 34 percent of adults without a high school diploma live at or below the poverty level, and holders of high school diplomas or GED certificates earn 40 percent more than those without either credential.
Moving up the food chain, median earnings for those with "some college" are 22 percent higher, with baccalaureate degree holders' median earnings a full 70 percent higher, than median earnings for those who stopped at the high school diploma or GED.
The good news is that Kentucky residents have a myriad of resources to draw on if they would like to move ahead. In fact, Kentucky Adult Education offers free assessment and test preparation services in adult education centers in all 120 counties. The first step on the path to a GED is an assessment lasting three to four hours. Bluegrass Community and Technical College, also known as BCTC, offers it to Fayette County residents. Assessment results are generally available on the same day and may lead to a state-mandated pre-test if they show promise for passing the GED exam. Once the pre-test is passed, the student can sit for the GED exam. The test must be taken at a state-approved site; it is a traditional "paper and pencil" affair and cannot be taken online or through a commercial provider.
If assessment results don't indicate readiness for the pre-test, self-paced classes are recommended to help prepare for it. BCTC has open labs Monday through Thursday of each week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with instructors on hand. When an instructor feels that a student has progressed sufficiently, a second assessment is offered. If arrangements at BCTC don't suit, consider GED classes (although not the test itself) at home: KET offers the GED Connection Program, using television as the instructional medium; Kentucky Virtual Adult Education offers online preparation (register at the Go Higher Kentucky Web site). Outside of Fayette County, GED resources in the Bluegrass area include Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond; Jessamine County Adult Education in Nicholasville; and Franklin County Board of Education in Frankfort. However or wherever you prepare, once a new assessment shows satisfactory results, you'll move on to the pre-test which, if passed, clears the way to move on to the GED test itself.
Over 12,000 Kentucky residents took the GED test last year; 75 percent passed. Those who have passed receive a certificate to hang on the wall, similar to a diploma. The state issues official transcripts when needed, whether to college admission offices or to potential employers. These transcripts indicate the test-passer's test center, scores and form, as well as personal identifying information.
The GED is a terrific way to get on track for college studies or to improve one's employment prospects. An educated workforce is a more valuable workforce in so many ways; if you are a business owner or manager, you know quite well that your employees who persisted through higher levels of schooling not only know more, but they know more about how to learn.
Jane S. Shropshire guides students and families through the college search process, drawing on over a decade of college admission experience. Send questions or suggestions to JShrop@att.net or visit Shropshire Educational Consulting, LLC at www.ShropEd.net.