What is the GED?
What is GED?
Sometimes referred to as a "General Equivalency Diploma" or "General Education(al) Diploma, The General Educational Development, or GED, are a battery of five tests which, when passed, certifies that the taker has American high school-level academic skills. In November 1942, the United States Armed Forces Institute asked the American Council on Education (ACE) to develop a battery of tests to measure high school-level academic skills. These Tests of General Educational Development gave military personnel and veterans who had entered World War II service before completing high school a way to demonstrate their knowledge. Passing these tests gave returning soldiers and sailors the academic credentials they needed to get civilian jobs.
In 1947, ACE granted New York State permission to administer the tests to civilians who had not completed high school. By the early 1960s, the majority of GED test takers were civilians. Recognized throughout North America by employers and institutions of higher learning, the GED served as a bridge to education and employment opportunities for millions of adults. An estimated 15 million people have earned high school equivalency credentials since the program began.
What does the GED consist of?
The GED is made up of five subject areas: Language Arts, Reading; Language Arts, Writing; Mathematics; Science; and Social Studies and takes about 7 hours to complete. The Writing section of the GED also includes a section where you must write a a 200-word essay. Each section is measured as:
*Language Arts, Reading: Literary Texts (poetry; drama: prose fiction before 1920, between 1920-1960, and after 1960) (75%); Nonfiction Prose (25%),
*Language Arts, Writing Part I: Organization (15%); Sentence Structure (30%); Usage (30%); Mechanics (25%); Part II: Essay (45-minute direct writing exercise)
*Mathematics: Number Operations and Number Sense (25%); Measurement and Geometry (25%); Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability (25%); Algebra, Functions, and Patterns (25%)
*Science: Life Science (45%); Earth and Space Science (20%); Physical Science (Chemistry and Physics) (35%)
*Social Studies: National History (25%); World History (15%); Economics (20%); Civics and Government (25%); Geography (15%)
Both a minimum standard total test score and a minimum average test score determine whether you pass or fail the GED. A minimum standard score of 2250, which is an average of 450 on the five tests, with no score below 410, is necessary to qualify for the certificate. Scores are valid for two years from test date.
How can I study for the GED?
The University City Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) GED Program can prepare you to take the GED test. Our free program assesses your current skills, identifies the skills you need, and provides pre-GED education and pre-GED practice test preparation to get you ready for the official GED.
Before enrolling in our program, please consider your schedule carefully. The more time you spend in the University City AEL GED Program, the sooner you will reach your goal. On the average, a student can advance one grade level per month when he or she spends 12 hours in the GED Program every week. Students who spend more time preparing for the GED usually reach their goal of certification faster. We want you to complete our program so that you can get your GED as quickly as possible. Your program completion time is up to you.
In order to determine how to best help you prepare for the GED, we will have you to complete the Locator Assessment. Based on your Locator Assessment results, we assign one of four Test of Adult Basic Education TABE skill level tests categorized from E(easy), M(medium), D(difficult), to A(advanced).
The TABE test covers three major areas of academic competence: reading, mathematics, and language. After you finish the test, we will know exactly which area you need to focus on to make the most of your time in the GED Program. We use your TABE results to develop individualized study plans designed to raise your skill levels where needed.
Your assessment pre-tests are scored by computer. Each test will provide you with a prescription sheet that shows the areas you will need to study. Each area is called an objective. When you master the objectives prescribed, then you are ready to take the TABE post-tests.
The first set of TABE tests you take are the TABE pre-test and after you increase your skill level by participating in our program, the second set of TABE tests are TABE post-tests. After you finish all of your pre-testing, you will be given an assignment sheet that will guide you in selecting your daily assignments. Instruction includes a combination of group classes and individual study. The assignment sheet provides space for you to track your work, identify your progress and prepare you for the post-test. After working on your objectives, a teacher will give you the appropriate test to see if you have mastered all of your objectives. Then you will be ready to take the Pre-GED test before taking for the official GED exam.
If you find that you are unable to study within the traditional classroom setting, you have the option to study via online for free. The GED Online class allows students to prepare for the exam at your own convenience, day or night.
How can I join the classes?
You can join the University City AEL Program by simply attending one of the new student orientation sessions. Please call 314-993-0462 or simply view our program calendar under "Adult Education" to confirm the next day and time.
During the orientation session, you will be asked to complete a program registration form along with additional program forms, a Locater Assessment test and the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) Assessment tests. *Effective August 2009, changes were made to the compulsory attendance law and confirms that any student 16yrs old who would like to enroll and has withdrawn from high school on or after August 28, 2009, will have to verify the completion of 16 units of credit toward high school graduation before being permitted to attend. The verification must be in the form of an official high school transcript.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Tolliver at (314) 993-0462 or by email at dtolliver@u-city.k12.mo.us.
