Helping people access the GED

With an education system that is becoming increasingly centralized at the federal level, the GED remains one of the best opportunities for students who need options that are not provided by mainstream schooling.  In the news various communities are increasing the supports available for individuals seeking the GED and in some innovative ways.  Recently in Virginia a $383k dollar grant was awarded to Thomas Jefferson Adult and Career Education (TJACE), for the purpose of expanding their GED preparation programs, among others.  In order to increase the community’s access to GED preparation TJACE has developed a hybrid online model for delivering the GED courses.  (Davis 2012)

In response to early challenges discovered in strictly on-line types of classes, many institutions began using hybrid versions that would implement both on-line features and face to face classes.  This model of course delivery was developed at least as early as 2001 and is said to have been initiated at the request of non-traditional students in the college setting.  Although there has been more research in this area since, a study of one of these early attempts with a hybrid model found that students learned faster and better than when using an online only version.  (Martyn 2003)  This method should be particularly successful with the kind of non-traditional students who are seeking a GED because it can provide the flexibility, as well as the personal contact, that this type of student can use.  

In Winston-Salem, N.C. collaboration between Forsyth Tech Community College and the WR Anderson Community Recreation Center has improved access to GED courses by making them available off-campus in the Anderson Center’s neighborhood.  This will add to Forsyth Tech’s four other satellite GED locations. (Garms 2012)  Forsyth Tech’s GED programs specialize in helping students with Irlen Syndrome, a form of light sensitivity.  Students who struggle with this condition can read more easily through the use of colored lenses and films while reading.  In 2010 about 44% of Forsyth Tech’s GED students were able to benefit from using this method. (Forsyth Technical Community College 2010)

On the other side of the country, the Oregon Employer Counsel has recently donated $1550 to the Easter Oregon University‘s testing center to help individuals with financial need access the new computer-delivered GED exams.  The EOU program is one of the first to implement the new computer-based GED, which they did during the summer.  The new scholarship fund may be particularly timely as the new test is more expensive than the paper version.  In some areas the cost has doubled.  The Counsel acknowledges that it has become more difficult to secure employment without a high school equivalent credential, and wants to help at least a few individuals succeed.  (Eastern Oregon University 2012) (Eastern Oregon University 2012)

Works Cited

Davis, Megan A. "Local GED organization expading its reach." The Daily Progress. Charlottesville, VA: World Media Enterprises Inc, September 23, 2012.

Eastern Oregon University. "EOU launches new computer-based GED testing services." Eastern Oregon University - Press. La Grande, OR, June 14, 2012.

—. "Oregon Employer Council supports students completing GED exams at EOU’s testing center." Eastern Oregon University - Press. La Grande, OR, Oct 9, 2012.

Forsyth Technical Community College. "Forsyth Tech celebrates graduation of GED and AHS students." Discover Forsyth Tech. Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 2010.

Garms, Layla. "Rec center's latest offering: GED classes." The Chronicle. Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Oct 18, 2012.

Martyn, Margie. "The hybrid online model: Good practice." Educause Quarterly. no. 1. January 1, 2003. 18-23.