1. March16, 2014

2. To keep up with the current and future standards of high school graduates. To align with college and career readiness standards. To ensure GED recipients are prepared for post-secondary education and the workplace.

3. There are changes in the delivery, educational framework, and content. Scores for the current GED Tests DID NOT transfer to the 2014 GED. The GED Testing Service (GEDTS) has set the cost of the GED at $120. There are 4 sections: Reasoning through Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Mathematical Reasoning. 7 1/2 Hours of testing time Reasoning through Language Arts: 150 minutes Mathematical reasoning: 115 minutes Science: 90 minutes Social Studies: 90 minutes

4. Computer-based Expanded types of answer formats: multiple choice, drop-down menu, fill in the blank, drag and drop, hot spots, short answer, extended response A virtual calculator is available: Texas Instruments TI-30 XS An erasable note board is available

5. Webb’s Depth of Knowledge vs. Bloom’s Taxonomy DOK measures the cognitive complexity of a task, not difficulty Listing U.S. Presidents in order – difficulty of task is dependent on the knowledge of the person recalling the list. However, recalling memorized information is not a cognitive complex task. Is not a hierarchy There are 4 levels of the DOK model. The verb alone does not determine DOK level; the context determines complexity The 2014 GED will assess the first 3 DOK levels with 80% of the questions in levels 2 and 3.

7. Assessment of reading and writing skills are integrated. The focus is now on three skill areas: The ability to read closely The ability to write clearly The ability to edit and understand the use of standard written English in context 75% of the reading will be informational texts; 25% will be literature. The reading selections are 450-900 words long. One 45-minute extended response item included in response types. The writing rubric is based on three elements: analysis of arguments and use of evidence, development of ideas and structure, and clarity and command of standard English conventions.

8. Focus is on four areas: civics and government (50%), U.S. history (20%), economics (15%), and geography and the world (15%). Within these four areas, the themes that are emphasized are: development of modern liberties and democracy and dynamic responses in societal systems. One 25-minute extended response item included. 80% of questions are at the DOK levels 2 and 3. 50% of the items will be presented in item scenarios with a single stimulus (reading, graphs, or both) for 2 to 3 items.

9. Focus on three content areas: life science (40%), physical science (40%), and Earth and space science (20%) Within these three content areas, the themes that are emphasized are: Human Health and Living Systems and Energy and Related Systems. 80% of questions will be at a DOK level 2 or 3. 50% of the items will be presented in item scenarios with a single stimulus (reading, graphs, or both) for 2 to 3 items. Short answer items included.

10. Focused on 2 areas: Quantitative problem solving - 45% of the test Algebraic problem solving - 55% of the test 50% of questions will be at a DOK Level 2. There are 2 sections - one with the virtual calculator available, one without.

11. If you have access to a computer, teach your students some basic computer skills: use a mouse, type at a reasonable rate, cut and paste, click and drag, etc. Use a wide variety of reading context in lessons Use longer reading passages Use more complex reading passages that are level-appropriate Include U.S. founding documents and “the Great American Conversation” items Teach content - basic science knowledge, important periods in American history, algebraic problem-solving Teach academic vocabulary Teach study skills and assign homework that requires some studying Use open-ended questions Have students explain their answers

12. www.gedtestingservice.com Click on ‘Educators’ to get to the Assessment Guide for Educators, professional development webinars, and the Teacher’s Guide PD series. http://svesd.net/files/DOK_Question_Stems.pdf www.newreaderspress.com/downloads/New2014TestQuickGui de.pdf www.newreaderspress.com/downloads/New2014TestQuickGui de.pdf www.nwlincs.org/nwlincsweb/EITCMath.htm Adult education math instructional materials www.how-to-study.com Study skills http://literacynet.org/cnnsf/archives.html#cnn www.ode.state.or.us/wma/teachlearn/commoncore/ela- appendix-b.pdf www.ode.state.or.us/wma/teachlearn/commoncore/ela- appendix-b.pdf