Welcome to the GED Program Update

Hosted by: Tom DeSutter Chief Examiner Duluth ALC

Beth Tamminen Adult Education Program Coordinator Duluth ALC

GED Testing ServiceAnnounces Program Changes

Start the path to completing your GED today; call 336-8790 for more details. Registration schedule: Mondays at 9:00 a.m.Historic Old Central H.S. (215 N. 1st 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 2014. Computer Based Testing will be the onlymethod available to obtain a GED certificate.

The current version of GED Testing will continue until December 31, 2013.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, 2013.Participants must complete all five GED Exams by that date, to be awardedtheir GED Certificate.

GED Brief HistoryBegan in 1942 – Primarily for returning servicemen/women

42-78, 78-88, 88-01, 2002 – Present

Administered by the American Council on Education (ACE) anon-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 HistoryLacking 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 technologicalexpertise and test administration experience of Pearson Vuewith the GED testing history of ACE and the GED TestingService. 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 21st Century Initiative”.

GED 21st Century InitiativeThe GED 21st Century Initiative is an effort focused oncreating a comprehensive program to ensure that moreadults are career- and college ready and have the ability toearn 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 connectstest takers to career and educational opportunities

Components of GED Testing Beginning 1/1/2014

1. Computer Based ONLY, but not Internet based2. Based on Common Core State Standards3. Subject: Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies4. Multiple essays5. Some Math content tested in science and social studies6. Testing at Person Vue Testing Center sites ONLY7. Cost to increase..$120 in 2013, probably higher in 20148. Electronic payment ONLY! (Voucher System)

What will the process look like?First Step: the examinee registers “online”

Second Step: Jurisdiction reviews initial registration, establishesaccount, forwards account info back to examinee via e-mail.

Third Step: Examinee receives e-mail from testing center, establishingLogin 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: http://gedcbt.org/gedts/assessment/index.html

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 2013.

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 2014.

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.

2013 Computer Based Testing (CBT) is priced at $120 per battery.Pricing for 2014 to be at least $120 per battery.

2014 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:

www.gedcbt.org

www.GEDcomputer.org

www.gedprepinfo.com/new-ged-exam.htm

www.gedtestingservice.com/assessment

Questions?