I too wonder about that brief press release.

 

I believe that adding a test on-line to show digital literacy could be
done and would be a great idea.

 

If the test is to be made more difficult, so that it is even more
difficult than obtaining a high school diploma, (as you noted now 40% of
graduating hs students could not pass) - ACE has a huge reality problem
.

 

Gail Troy, M.Ed

Lead Teacher

Nelson County Adult GED

 

 

________________________________

From: technology-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov]
On Behalf Of Jason Keith Guard/AC/VCU
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 1:42 PM
To: Technology at nifl.gov
Subject: [Technology 2386] The *new* GED & Tech

 

The GED Testing Service recently announced an apparent change in
thinking about the content, purpose, and possibly method of delivery of
the GED Test. (See their press release here:
http://www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/ged/news/National_Needs_Alt
er_Plans_for_GED_5th_Edition_100809.pdf
<http://www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/ged/news/National_Needs_Al
ter_Plans_for_GED_5th_Edition_100809.pdf> ).  Although roughly 40%
percent of high school seniors cannot pass the GED test, the issue of
the test's adequacy for certifying the skill levels of high school
completers has long been at issue. 

The press release describes the new GED as "a new, more comprehensive
assessment program."  Two common areas of high school experience not
addressed by the GED test are computer and digital literacy.  My
questions depends on your interpretation of the GED Testing Service
announcement, because some there appears to be a shift taking place
regarding the GED. Should the new test be administered using computers?
Should technology be added to the GED as a content area?  Would these
changes help GEDTS frame the GED as gateway to college?  Would a more
sophisticated GED test leave too many people behind who would otherwise
have been able to pass the test? 

Thanks for your consideration.  I look forward to sharing our respective
speculation.       

Jason Guard
GED Specialist
Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center
Virginia Commonwealth University
3600 West Broad Street, Suite 669
Richmond, VA  23230-4930
Phone:  1-800-237-0178 or  804-827-2635  
Virginia GED Helpline: 1-877-376-9433
eLearn Virginia: 1-888-589-9003
Fax:  804-828-7539
Email: jkguard at vcu.edu
Twitter: jkguard
www.valrc.org
www.GEDVA.com
www.elearnva.com

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