1. Bridging the Gap: GED and Accuplacer
Tessa McDonnell
Dean of Learner Services
Granite State College

2. GED Profiles: High school dropouts
Unforeseen circumstances
Lack of interest
Lack of motivation
Weak skills

3. Reasons to take GED Economic benefit Getting a job or a better job
Preparing for college
More motivated to do well
More employable
Less motivated – just pass

4. Nontraditional Adult Learner
Working
Has children
Out of formal education for a period of time
Often first generation

5. GED Recipients who Gain admission to college
Have equal or higher GPA than high school graduates
Take less credits per term/semester
Have a significantly higher drop out rate during the first year of attendance

6. Factors to Consider High school students - 400 hours of instruction
GED – 100 hours
GED = Non-traditional
All the demands of adult life
Anxiety
Lack of understanding of higher ed expectations

7. Study Results Comparison of GED and Accuplacer Assessments
Arithmetic and Algebra
Reading

8. Proactive Interventions
Caring
Freedom to Fail
Functional Support
Friendship
Fun

9. What Next?
Consider transitions
Academic Supports
Personal connections