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The Community
A Newsletter for GED Testing Professionals and Adult
Educators
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October 2010
Feature Stories
GED Testing Service® Answers Your
Questions
Each month GED Testing Service will answer your questions about
the GED® 21st Century Initiative. Visit our online submissions form today to submit your
question for next month's edition of The Community.
This month's questions come from several GED coordinators and
teachers. See below for answers organized according to topic area:
Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
- We have heard that the
computer-based testing will begin in 2014 and be the *only* form of the
test. Is this true or will paper/pencil still be
available?
This week, Marty Kehe, Deputy Executive Director of the GED Program at
GED Testing Service announced that CBT Phase 2: Adding CBT to the GED
Testing Program is starting in November with the first cohort of
jurisdictions. This means that a few jurisdictions will start the steps
to make computer-based testing available. All other jurisdictions will
be organized into cohorts and work with GED Testing Service on CBT Phase
2 in a staged process. CBT will be available in addition to paper-based
testing. Phase 2 is expected to last a few years as all jurisdictions go
through the 4-6 month start-up process with GED Testing Service. Our
current plan is that all jurisdictions will be offering computer-based
testing in addition to paper-based testing (PBT) no later than
mid-2013.
- We have heard
that CBT will occur in traveling "bookmobile" vehicles and that students
will thus be required to take their tests in this environment if they do
not live near a test center. Is this true and if so, tell us more about
the nature of these traveling vehicles.
Every decision of the computer-based testing (CBT) project is made with
the needs of the test-taker first. In planning for operational CBT we
are looking at a variety of alternatives to ensure that test-takers in
remote locations have access to the computer-based version of the GED
Tests. We have not made any final plans as to how those needs will be
met, but are looking at a number of alternatives. For the initial launch
of computer-based testing, however, the only places that will be
offering the computer-based version of the GED Tests are 1) authorized
testing centers from our technology partner, or 2) current GED testing
centers who wish to go through the set-up to become computer-based
testing centers as their jurisdiction implements CBT Phase 2.
- When will the GED Tests
have its first administration on the computer-based (CBT)
format?
GED Testing Service expects the first cohort of jurisdictions to
complete CBT Phase 2: Adding CBT to the GED Testing Program no later
than June 2011. At that time, computer-based testing will be offered as
an option for test-takers in those jurisdictions.
- How will the essay work?
Will students have to type their essays? What about students who are
unfamiliar with computers? What about GED programs that do not have
access to computers to help students prepare?
Test-takers who are comfortable using computers will be invited to take
the computer-based version of the tests. Test-takers will be required to
type their essays and will be able to see immediate score results for
all test parts except for the essay. As part of the CBT Phase 2: Adding
CBT to the GED Testing Program, each jurisdiction will develop solutions
for needs in their area. GED Testing Service encourages areas that have
unique needs, such as access to computers, to contact your GED
Administrator so that this requirement can be met during the
implementation period. As an example, one possible solution for this
requirement may include partnering with learning centers or libraries
that offer computers. You can also see the results of the Phase 1
usability study to learn more about how candidates performed on
computer-based GED practice tests.
The new GED assessment
- How closely aligned
to the common core standards will the 2020 version be? Will the revised
test still be introduced in 2012?
The new GED assessment is not associated with any calendar year - it
will be introduced as part of the GED 21st Century Initiative. Please
refer to the memo here distributed on October 7, 2009 regarding
the national needs that altered plans to the 2012 Series/5th Edition GED
Tests. No new edition of the GED Tests will be introduced in 2012.
The next-generation GED assessment will be aligned with the
Common Core State Standards (CCSS). However, CCSS are standards for
instruction in the K-12 environment. CCSS do not directly
represent standards that are assessable, and they may not
include all the skills and competencies that are needed by adult
learners for success in career and postsecondary education. As a result,
the first part of the development process for the new GED assessment is
the creation of testing content frameworks and assessment targets which
will be aligned with (but not identical to) the CCSS. Other
standards will be taken into consideration as well, such as those that
form the basis of the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP).
Also recall that currently, CCSS only address the content areas of
English language arts and mathematics. The new GED assessment will also
include content coverage in the areas of science and social studies.
- Will test scores
expire? Will spelling be given more weight in the Essay scoring
guide?
It is still too early to determine the operational characteristics of
the test including scoring and score expiration. We are working to first
determine the framework for what will be measured and what the test
scores will mean. Score expiration is, however, an important factor to
test-takers and it will be addressed as soon as we have enough
measurements and other work completed to make an informed decision.
Content frameworks for the tests are also still in development but will
be shared with the field as soon as possible.
Although it is much too early for guidelines for scoring of essays and
other possible constructed response items on the new GED assessment to
have been developed, it is highly unlikely that spelling will be
evaluated in these types of items. Adults in the 21st Century generally
have access to spelling tools, and so evaluation of responses to
assessment items would likely take that fact into account. As the new
GED assessment continues in development, GED Testing Service will share
the expectations and scoring guidelines with the field.
- I have heard the new test
will be on-line.
The next-generation GED assessment, to be launched sometime within the
next 5 years, will be administered primarily through computer-based
testing (CBT) methods, although paper-based testing (PBT) will still be
available under certain circumstances or as an accommodation. Until the
next-generation test is launched, the 2002 Series GED Test will be
administered in both PBT and CBT formats. The computer-based version of
the GED Tests will only be offered at Official GED Testing Centers. The
test will not be administered via the Internet ("online testing")
outside of those official centers. This is crucial for GED
Administrators and examiners to understand in promoting security for
test-takers who may fall victim to online diploma mills or scams.
- When is the projected
date?
This is a question we hear a lot. However, the new GED 21st Century
Initiative is not a single event or product launch. It is a new way of
thinking about the GED testing program. The GED 21st Century Initiative
is our commitment to helping more adults become career- and
college-ready by transforming the GED Test into a comprehensive program.
By building a more robust assessment, complete with preparation tools
and transitions to college and careers, GED Testing Service and ACE hope
to increase the number of adults who can enter and succeed in college
and the workforce. It’s a long-term program and we need your
support to do it!
To submit your questions, Visit our GED 21st Century Initiative online submissions form
today and check next month's edition of The Community for the
answers.
Examiner's Corner
Return of Secure GED Testing
Materials
As we approach the end of the contract year GED Chief Examiners must
inventory all secure testing materials and prepare for their return.
This includes test batteries and topic cards. All secure testing
materials must be returned to GED Testing Service within 30 days after
the expiration of the contract year (January 31, 2011). A complete list
of your inventory is available on GED AccessPoint under menu item
Secure Inventory. For proper return of your materials, include
a copy of your Material Picking Plan and Inventory Return Sheet
in each box. For more information regarding the return of materials
refer to the GED Polices and Procedures Manual, section
3.5.
About the GED Test
Announcement: GED Testing
Service Begins CBT Phase 2: Adding CBT to the GED Testing
Program
This week GED Testing Service's Marty Kehe announced the beginning of
computer-based testing (CBT) Phase 2: Adding CBT to the GED Testing
Program. This means that small groups of jurisdictions will start
working closely with GED Testing Service and its technology partners on
the project to determine how to supplement paper-based testing (PBT)
with computer-based testing in a way that works for test-takers and the
jurisdiction.
In the announcement Marty emphasized that Phase 2 will begin to
deliver some of the benefits of CBT for test-takers such as more days,
hours and sites for testing, and immediate score results for most test
parts. Marty also mentioned an online form where any member of the field
can submit questions about CBT Phase 2: Adding CBT to the GED Testing
Program. A new web site for CBT Phase 2 will be available in the coming
weeks. Read the full announcement here, download the memorandum, or visit the online form
to Questions About CBT Phase 2.
Researching the GED Testing Program
Repeat GED Examinees
Study
What happens when GED candidates don't pass the GED Tests? Are they
likely to test again and to pass if they do? A new GED Testing Service
study on GED test-takers who do not pass the GED Tests is now available
to address that question. Repeat GED Tests Examinees: Who Persists
and Who Passes? (2010-2) considers characteristics of those who
retest (and those who don't) as well as numerous testing center policies
with potential relationships to retesting and later passing. The study is available at www.GEDtest.org, Publications and
Research.
Crossing the Bridge Year 1 Postsecondary Follow-up
Paper
Most GED Test passers who enter postsecondary education enroll in
two-year institutions. A new GED Testing Service Research paper follows
up on the Crossing the Bridge Year 1 report. GED Tests
Passers in Postsecondary Institutions of up to Two Years: Enrollment and
Graduation Patterns (2010–3) is a brief paper that looked at
enrollment patterns, demographic characteristics, and test performance
for GED passers entering colleges of two years or less. The paper
examined these issues for enrollees, graduates (certificates and
associate degrees), and non-graduates. The paper is available at www.GEDtest.org, Publications and
Research.
Marketing the GED Testing Program
GED® Debuts at U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office Trademark Expo
Protecting the GED trademark became a full-time job for our team on
October 15th and 16th as representatives from GED Testing Service and
ACE attended the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office’s annual
Trademark Expo. The show's purpose is to educate lawyers and examiners
at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office about official trademarks and
brands.
GED Testing Service promoted its updated presentation to the National Association of Attorneys
General about fraudulent programs and spoke with numerous trademark
attorneys and examiners. The most frequent comments we received were, "I
didn't know GED is a trademark" and "What are you doing to protect it?"
For a reminder on how to protect the GED trademark in your area and on
your publications, view our executive summary of brand use guidelines.
Updated GED Info Bulletin for Canada
GED Testing Service recently updated the Canadian version of the GED
Info Bulletin because of some outdated information on page 2. The new
version reflects updated style guidelines, including the logo and
registration mark, and it also refers readers to the web site for the
latest information on GED Administrators offices, addresses and phone
numbers. Referring users to our web sites at www.GEDtest.org/administrators
and www.GEDtest.org/locator
are the best ways to keep others informed about where and when testing
information is available. To download the latest bulletin, please visit
www.GEDtest.org and click on
"Publications & Research."
Please note: we are not printing any additional copies of the
Canadian bulletin at this time. Please download the PDF for local
printing.
Local News
Thank You and Best
Wishes to Departing GED Administrators
GED Testing Service would like to thank departing GED Administrators:
Ben Williams from Michigan, Crystal Puderbuagh from Kansas, and Mike
Raponi from Nevada. Your work has touched the lives of thousands in your
communities and we are grateful for your commitment, service and spirit
here at GED Testing Service. Best wishes!
South Carolina Promotes GED Video on YouTube
David Stout, the GED Administrator from South Carolina, shares his
state's latest communications project. In order to reach their goal of
increasing the amount of test-takers each year, South Carolina put
together a short video about the GED testing program, classes and the
benefits of earning the credential in the state. Great thinking David
and team! Watch the video here.
Adult Ed Director Shares Journey to Help Others
Steve Willis hangs his own high school equivalency degree on the wall as
a reminder that he's been in the same shoes as his students. Now with a
bachelor’s degree and a master's degree from Clemson University,
he helps 70 to 120 adults cross the graduation stage each year. Read the full story here.
National Award Given to GED Graduate in Manitoba,
Canada
Premier Greg Selinger congratulated Wesley Van Weert of Brandon for his
achievement in winning a national award for high scores on the Grade 12
equivalency General Educational Development (GED) tests in 2009. "I am
pleased to congratulate Mr. Van Weert for his commitment to learning and
his impressive achievement." Read the full story here.
Do You Have a Story You Want to Share?
The Community is always looking for local news stories to feature here.
Please send the link and any pictures for the latest and greatest
success stories from your area to GEDTSCommunications@ace.nche.edu.
We need to have a web site link in order to post the story, so please be
sure to send that along. Thanks!
Last Month
Did you miss the September edition of The
Community?
Here are the most-read stories from last month:
- Will
trigonometry be tested in the new test?
- I'm
a GED teacher and I want to get involved in the initiative! How do I go
about it?
- How
long will this new test be in effect?
- Are
there any substantial changes in the number of questions?
- Examiner's Corner: Chief
Examiners and GED AccessPoint
- Computer-Based
Testing (CBT) Pilot Update: Comparability Study
Local Headlines
Ohio
Former dropouts get back on track
Ohio
Remedial classes cost taxpayers $2 million a
year
Georgia
Former teachers sets up GED Test fee scholarship
Iowa
Scholarship program helps adults with fresh
start
Illinois
Increased interest in GED classes
National
National Guard program graduated 8,000
Louisiana
Program combines GED prep with career training
Oregon
52 years later,
man receives diploma
Georgia
Exceeding professor's expectations
Oklahoma
Woman gains more than skills from nursing
program
Arkansas
National Guard dedicates new GED Plus building
Virginia
Woman in second year of community college
Short Links
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This page last updated on 10/28/2010
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