Return-Path: <nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id j2V0WPG06971; Wed, 30 Mar 2005 19:32:25 -0500 (EST) Date: Wed, 30 Mar 2005 19:32:25 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <410-22005343103136296@ix.netcom.com> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Michele Anne Craig" <shellcraig@ix.netcom.com> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-FOBASICS:1356] What would help more students achieve their GED? X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII X-Mailer: EarthLink MailBox 2005.1.57.0 (Windows) Status: O Content-Length: 2480 Lines: 57 First of all, let me say that I love this list. I always feel like I can speak honestly and receive thoughtful replies. I always end up thinking something different at the end of a thread than I did at the beginning. For this I thank all of you. I really liked the comments about focusing the students past the GED. As to what would allow more people to receive their GED? I have a few ideas. 1. Put adult school staff on contract (like other teachers) so we can be paid for preparation time. I think this would help all ABE/GED students immensly. If I had more time to prepare, I would definitely be teaching better. This also came up as a continuing theme of adult school teachers at the Meeting of the Minds conference here in California. 2. I think the general public (and especially those who mandate GED class attendance) need to be educated about what the GED actually is and see the practice tests so they know exactly what they are mandating. If I had my way, every probation officer, judge, and social worker in our county would have to take a complete battery of GED examinations. At least then, they would know what the test is. Parts of it are not all that easy. It is often unrealistic for them to mandate that students complete their GED in a certain amount of time if the level they begin at is very low. 3. I would like money for a learning disabilities specialist at our site who would evaluate students who need it and be able to fill out accomodations forms for students who need them. These evaluations cost around $1000 dollars privately and most of my students can't afford this. This is huge, as many who didn't graduate from high school had a reason why-- sometimes it was a learning disability. 4. Coordinate class times with other programs (ie. my night class sometimes empties out during Narcotics Anonymous meetings)and with bus service and childcare schedules.Also coordinate with others agencies like the community college, library literacy program, and vocational training programs so students have a smooth transition between programs. 5. Provide child care not just for preschoolers, but after school care for school age children on site. 6. Provide scholarships to pay fees for taking the test for those who can't afford it. (Social services does pay for their client's books and fees). Or have a sliding scale for fees. These are just a few of my ideas. Anyone else have any others? Michele Craig Woodland Adult School
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