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Letter to the Wall Street Journal on "The High School Dropout's Economic Ripple Effect"

Oct. 23, 2008

In response to the Oct. 21, 2008 article:

Wall Street Journal
200 Liberty Street
New York, NY 10281

To the Editor:

While I agree that the nation's high school dropout rate is alarming, I must take issue with Assistant Education Secretary Kerri Briggs' characterization of the GED_® credential as "not as helpful in the long run as a regular high school diploma" ("The High School Dropout’s Economic Ripple Effect," Oct. 21). This does a disservice to the millions of Americans who have earned a GED credential and gone on to improve their lives and those of their families.

A traditional high school diploma remains the gold standard—and I would urge every student to work hard and stay in school. But what about the 1.2 million students who drop out of high school each year, and the more than 16 percent of Americans over the age of 18 without a high school diploma? The GED credential offers these individuals a powerful second chance.

A person with a GED credential has the opportunity to compete for employment where a high school credential is required. The credential also remains a vital gateway to pursue postsecondary education—whether it be a certificate program, an associate's degree, a four-year degree, or beyond.

I truly wish there were no need for the GED credential—but until this nation addresses the increasingly complex issues and factors affecting high dropout rates—it will continue to offer millions the promise of a better and brighter future.

Sylvia E. Robinson
Executive Director, GED Testing Service_®
Assistant Vice President, American Council on Education_®

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This page last updated on 11/19/2008