Welcome to the GED Program Update Hosted by: Tom DeSutter Chief Examiner Duluth ALC Beth Tamminen Adult Education Program Coordinator Duluth ALC

GED Testing Service Announces Program Changes Start the path to completing your GED today; call for more details. Registration schedule: Mondays at 9:00 a.m. Historic Old Central H.S. (215 N. 1 st Ave E.) Third Street Entrance A new, more rigorous GED Test aligned with Common Core State Standards designed to ensure career- and college-readiness begins in January of Computer Based Testing will be the only method available to obtain a GED certificate. The current version of GED Testing will continue until December 31, Duluth Adult Learning Center/GED Testing Service continues to offer GED Test Preparation, Practice Testing and the actual GED Exam. Note: the current version of the GED Test (2002 Version) will also expire on December 31, Participants must complete all five GED Exams by that date, to be awarded their GED Certificate.

GED Brief History Began in 1942 – Primarily for returning servicemen/women 42-78, 78-88, 88-01, 2002 – Present Administered by the American Council on Education (ACE) a non-profit educational institution.

GED Recent History On the average 1.3 million students fail to graduate from High School. (16-24 year olds [9 X 1.3 = 11.7] million non grads.) Americans (age 16-24) that do not have a high school credential. In 2010 GED Testing Service issued 447,000 GED Diplomas. Bubble Sheet technology is at least 35 years old. Changes in ACE personnel (new director Molly Corbett Broad In 2008) brings a new vision that includes the recognition of a changing landscape and a push for increased rigor; increased post secondary preparation, using computer based testing (CBT).

GED Recent History Lacking CBT expertise, ACE /GED partners with Pearson Vue to form the new “GED Testing Service” a Limited Liability for profit Corporation. New logo:

GED Recent History The new GED Testing Service is combining the technological expertise and test administration experience of Pearson Vue with the GED testing history of ACE and the GED Testing Service. The result will be a new career ready level of GED graduation - and a college-ready level result of the GED Test. The new testing service will focus additional efforts toward lifelong learning through the “GED 21 st Century Initiative”.

GED 21 st Century Initiative The GED 21 st Century Initiative is an effort focused on creating a comprehensive program to ensure that more adults are career- and college ready and have the ability to earn a sustainable living wage. Components: 1-New more rigorous GED Test certifying career- and college readiness 2-National preparation program 3-The establishment of a transition network that connects test takers to career and educational opportunities

Components of GED Testing Beginning 1/1/ Computer Based ONLY, but not Internet based 2.Based on Common Core State Standards 3.Subject: Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies 4.Multiple essays 5.Some Math content tested in science and social studies 6.Testing at Person Vue Testing Center sites ONLY 7. Cost to increase..$120 in 2013, probably higher in Electronic payment ONLY! (Voucher System)

What will the process look like? First Step: the examinee registers “online” Second Step: Jurisdiction reviews initial registration, establishes account, forwards account info back to examinee via . Third Step: Examinee receives from testing center, establishing Login and password, completes registration. Fourth Step: Examinee accesses Test Center Schedule and commits to time and place, enters payment information and prints receipt. Fifth Step: Test Day – picture ID, signature, photo; exam accomplished and results provided.

What do we know about the exams? Assessment Guide for Educators is currently available: Content Areas: Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies Exam Scoring: more detailed scoring will provide information concerning test-taker strengths and developmental needs. Question format: Multiple Choice, Fill in the Blank, Multiple Select, Drag and Drop, Cloze, Extended Response, Hot Spots

What do we know about the exams? Staff development modules due to be published starting in summer of 2012 and continuing through Item Sampler in July 2012 Tutorial published in July 2013 Practice tests published in September 2013

What does it all mean? Examinees must finish current 2002 Series by 12/31/13 or start completely over in Computer Based Testing (CBT) ONLY starting 1/1/2014 at Pearson Vue Centers ONLY. Testing at Correctional Institutions will be computer based ONLY. Payment by credit/debit card only. Voucher system evolving Computer Based Testing (CBT) is priced at $120 per battery. Pricing for 2014 to be at least $120 per battery GED will certainly be more rigorous with two outcome levels.

Concerns/Discussion: Computer Literacy Electronic Payment (Vouchers) Scheduling (Cancelling an appointment – 48 hours advance notice required.) Incarcerated Clients

More Information Available at:

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