1. www.SimpsonScarborough.com A Powerful Second Chance A program of the American Council on Education Transition Issues Facing GED Graduates February 4, 2008 Panelist: Sylvia E. Robinson Assistant Vice President, American Council on Education and Executive Director, General Educational Development Testing Service ™ ®

2. General Educational Development Testing Service™ 2 1942 – American Council on Education commissioned to develop assessment to measure outcomes of high school education 1947 –New York was first state to test civilians 1974 – GED high school equivalency credential becomes a powerful second chance in all 50 states GEDTS History

3. General Educational Development Testing Service™ 3 In 2006: 714,436 Candidates 419,354 Passed 28,756,849 Total Credentials Issued Since 1942

4. General Educational Development Testing Service™ 4 GED ® Testing Service Develops the tests Leases the tests Establishes minimum age requirement Establishes minimum passing score requirements States and Provinces Award the diploma/credential Establish compulsory school attendance age Establish locations and oversee official testing centers Determine testing fees The Private and Public Partnership of GEDTS

5. General Educational Development Testing Service™ 5 GED candidates who pass the 7 1/2 hour battery of five tests are awarded a credential that certifies attainment of high school- level academic knowledge and skills at a level that surpasses 40% of graduating high school seniors. What the GED Tests Measure

6. General Educational Development Testing Service™ 6 No, GED graduates are a diverse group Age Ethnicity Motivation Place of residence Level of formal education Is There a Typical GED Graduate?

7. General Educational Development Testing Service™ 7 Academic readiness Financial constraints Family and work responsibilities Social and emotional barriers Lack of information and inadequate support networks Challenges to Postsecondary Enrollment

8. General Educational Development Testing Service™ 8 Model programs for academic support Opportunities for financial assistance Enhanced family support and workplace education Effective counseling and advising systems Clear and accessible information resources Strategies for Success

9. General Educational Development Testing Service™ 9 Wrap-up Discussion and Questions Contact for further information: Christopher “CT” Turner Associate Director, Marketing and Public Relations GED Testing Service ™ email: christopher_turner@ace.nche.edu phone: 202/939.9720 website: www.gedtest.org