Tuesday, May 13, 2014

The New GED Test: Five Months Later

Earlier this week, USA Today published an article about the new GED test, titled "Tougher GED tests mean fewer take exam, pass."

The map included in the article is a clear picture of what states have adopted the new GED test, and what states have adopted the alternative high school equivalency tests, HiSET and TASC. (Another chart can be found on the New Readers Press (NRP) website.)

The article states: "Five months after officials revamped the GED exam to better reflect high school proficiency, fewer people are taking and passing the test across the USA, according to the education company that runs the test."

The article also cites an increased fee as an impediment for taking the test. It's important to note that some states and testing facilities are subsidizing the cost and making it cheaper for students. 

For materials associated with the new GED test as well as the HiSET and TASC tests, visit the NRP website and search under GED/HSE! 

Friday, April 4, 2014

What Will Become of the Common Core State Standards?

In the U.S., education standards are determined by each state. In 2009, some states came together and developed a uniform set of standards with the idea of creating consistency among our different education systems.

Known as the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), these standards impact curricula and testing that are already in effect across all grade levels in every state.

Indiana, a state that originally supported the CCSS, decided it no longer wants to conform to these standards. On March 24, 2014, it became the first state to formally withdraw from the standards. Governor Mike Pence believes this is a victory at the state level, and was a move to avoid “top-down takeover of local schools.” State legislators noted the curricula they develop will closely mirror the CCSS.

The Oklahoma Senate passed a bill on April 2, 2014 moving to withdraw from CCSS as well. If the governor signs the bill, Oklahoma will be the second state to officially withdraw.

Two days later, Kansas passed a bill stripping funding for the CCSS. While this does not mean Kansas is officially withdrawing, it may mean it is leaning toward following in Indiana and Oklahoma’s footsteps. 

These changes have the potential to strongly affect adult education in particular.

The GED Testing Service (GEDTS) just launched a newly designed exam in January 2014. The test was aligned to the CCSS, which may mean that Oklahoma will drop the GED test in favor of one or both of the new alternative high school equivalency tests—TASC or HiSET. Indiana has already chosen CTB-McGraw-Hill’s TASC as its replacement for the GED test.

Several states have rejected the GED test and replaced it with one of the other high school equivalency exams. And some are making changes in their legislation to refer to the generic “high school equivalency tests” instead of using the more restrictive “GED.”

In the meantime, adult students who are attempting to move forward in their education are in a limbo because they don’t know what this means for the future of standardized tests such as the GED test. And in states that offer two or three optional tests, students, instructors, and programs need to choose. But how? 

The GED exam and other HSE exams are not the only things affected by this disagreement among states. The Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) in the U.S. Department of Education previously developed a subset of standards for adult education, based on the CCSS. If the standards, meant to unify the nation across states, are not enforced, what will become of OCTAE’s new adult education standards?

Unfortunately, students (of any age or grade level), as well as their teachers, are the victims of this battle. While states decide which education system is best, these two groups are suffering because education is compromised. Students cannot plan ahead and begin studying for important exams, which might be restructured soon. They may be confused as to whether their scores for high school equivalency exams will be accepted in the near future, or if they have to take tests all over again. Teachers cannot move forward or purchase materials to continue teaching if curricula are subject to change.

ProLiteracy and New Readers Press (NRP) have experienced the results of this firsthand. While NRP publishes materials for all three exams, it is now a confusing issue for customers. Programs and administrators have been purchasing materials and preparing curricula for several months. What effects will these CCSS shakeups have on them and their students?

To top it all off, there seems to be no end to the debate in sight. There is no timeframe or deadline by which states need to make a decision, meaning students and teachers have no idea when to expect any changes to take place. This puts into question the progress of their studies, test preparation, and education, while lawmakers continue to argue about what standards will become state policy.


Friday, March 21, 2014

Change to the New GED Test

On February 21, the GED Testing Service made a change to the new GED test: the time allotted for the Mathematical Reasoning section increase by 25 minutes, for a new total time of 115 minutes.

This change was made after analyzing data gathered from the 2014 GED program and computer-based testing. The analysis revealed how long test-takers spent on each question. As a result, it became clear that many people needed additional time in one subject in particular–Mathematical Reasoning. 

Some important things to note about this change:
·         Test-taker fees will not change
·         Test-takers with existing math appointments will have their testing sessions automatically updated with the new time
·         Test-takers who have already taken the Mathematical Reasoning test are eligible for a free retake whether they have passed or not
·         The GED Ready™: The Official Practice Test (Mathematical Reasoning) time will increase as well. An additional 13 minutes will be added. 
·         In addition to these items, there are more details available for GED Administrators™, testing centers, and test-takers to ensure that this adjustment happens smoothly. 

How do these changes affect preparation for the exam?Check math test prep materials to ensure that the section is given the correct total of 115 minutes. Note that New Readers Press will be revising its new GED test prep materials to reflect this change.  

Friday, February 21, 2014

New Mexico Approves Alternatives to GED Test!

Lawmakers in New Mexico have officially approved legislation to allow alternative high-school equivalency exams other than the GED.

The proposal was passed unanimously approved by the House. Last year, Governor Susana Martinez vetoed a similar bill. (Read more here.)

Officials are concerned that fewer people will be able to take the GED, which will still be available. However, it is offered at a higher cost and only administered online, which creates obstacles for many people who wish to take a high school equivalency exam.  





Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Presidents' Day Special!

Happy Presidents' Day! Did you spend the day thinking about this nation’s history and the people who have led us through it all? Did you reflect on what an important value education has become in this country?

In celebration of Presidents' Day, New Readers Press is offering a special rate on AmericanLives, a collection of stories about famous, and not-so-famous, Americans who helped shape U.S. history.

For a 20 percent discount and free shipping, order between Feb. 18-21. Use the code PD14 when placing your order!

For a sneak peek, check out cool audio and interactivequestions from American Lives on ProLiteracy EdNet!

Friday, February 14, 2014

Is the New Ken Burns App a Great Tool for Adult Ed?


Ken Burns, known for his award-winning documentaries on American history, is introducing a brand new way to explore and enjoy his work: an app for your iPad.

In collaboration with Big Spaceship, a digital agency, Burns and producer Don MacKinnon are launching an app that condenses all 8,147 minutes of documentary material into more appealing, “easily-digestible mixtapes.” 

The hour-long playlists of clips from Burns’ work explore six major themes in American history, including race, politics, art, and war, among others. The app, called “Ken Burns,” allows the user to explore a timeline year by year, to see clips from separate films line up chronologically. Users can also watch the six playlists straight through–ranging 20 minutes to an hour–or select individual clips for viewing. The app is designed to present history the way Burns sees it.

The app is initially free to demo, but costs $10 for the full experience. 
The Ken Burns app has the potential to be a great tool in adult education. Advancing technology has changed the way we think and learn, bringing us more information at faster speeds. User-friendly tools such as the iPad can really engage students, and give them a brand new perspective in learning about a subject they might be interested in.  

Like the Ken Burns app, ProLiteracy’s American Lives is another great learning tool for adult classrooms. This collection of stories about Americans who helped shape U.S. history, is a fun way to teach adults about the country’s history. American Lives not only offers engaging stories, but also includes maps, charts, and other activities to strengthen the students’ skills.


While the facts in American history may stay the same, the way we learn about the subject doesn’t have to. Through innovative tools such as the Ken Burns app and American Lives, we can make learning fun and engaging for adults. 

Friday, February 7, 2014

New Mexico Looking at Alternatives to "GED" in State Law

Adults in New Mexico could soon have more options for earning their high school diploma other than taking the GED test.

New Mexico State Senator Gay Kernan is pushing to reintroduce a bill that would allow people in New Mexico to take alternative high school equivalency exams, aside from the GED test. Currently, those other exams include the TASC, offered by McGraw-Hill, and the HiSET, though ETS.

A similar bill was passed by the New Mexico legislature last year but was vetoed by Governor Susana Martinez.
Kernan’s bill aims to change references in current laws that are specific to the GED test. For example, rather than stating “GED” as a requirement for college admission, the state’s laws would read “high school equivalency credential” instead.
The legislation began moving again last Monday, with a unanimous vote from the New Mexico Senate Education Committee. Governor Martinez’s spokesman, Enrique Knell, said the wording of last year’s bill conflicted with federal requirements governing students with disabilities. According to him, the conflict has since been resolved, and the administration now fully supports the bill.
The question then is--will other states follow suit?
For more information about the GED, HiSET, and TASC tests, visit the New Readers Press special 2014 HSE Test InformationCenter.