The General Educational Development (GED) test is a high school equivalency exam that measures knowledge and skills in the subjects typically taught in high school. The GED is designed for individuals who did not complete their high school education, but who wish to earn a credential that is equivalent to a high school diploma.
The GED program provides a second chance for individuals who may have dropped out of high school or who were unable to complete their education due to personal or financial reasons. With the GED credential, individuals can pursue higher education, better job opportunities, and greater economic stability.
The GED has a long and rich history, dating back to the early 1940s. Since its inception, the GED has undergone significant changes and expansions, and has become an important program for millions of individuals across the United States and around the world. In this article, we will explore the origins, development, and impact of the GED program, and discuss its ongoing relevance and importance in today’s educational landscape.
Origins and Early Development of the GED
The origins of the GED program can be traced back to World War II, when the military needed a way to assess the education and skills of its enlisted personnel. In 1942, the American Council on Education (ACE) developed the first version of the GED test, which was known as the “Army General Classification Test.”
After the war, the GED test was made available to civilians, and by the 1950s, it had become a recognized alternative to a traditional high school diploma. Over the years, the GED program has evolved and expanded to meet the changing needs of society and the workforce. Today, the GED is recognized in all 50 states and in many countries around the world, and it continues to serve as a pathway to education, employment, and personal growth for millions of individuals.
Expansion and Evolution of the GED Program
In the early years of the GED program, the test was only available to military personnel and veterans. However, by the 1960s, the GED had become a popular alternative for individuals who had dropped out of high school or who were unable to complete their education for other reasons.
In 1974, the GED program underwent a major revision, with the introduction of a new test that was aligned with modern educational standards and expectations. The new GED test was designed to assess not only basic knowledge and skills, but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and other higher-order abilities.
Over the years, the GED program has continued to evolve and expand, with new versions of the test and new resources and support services for test-takers. Today, the GED test is available in both paper-based and computer-based formats, and it covers four main subject areas: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies.
In addition to the GED test itself, the GED program also offers a range of resources and support services for test-takers, including study materials, practice tests, tutoring, and counseling. The GED Testing Service, which oversees the administration of the GED test, is committed to ensuring that the test remains relevant and effective in the years to come.
Recent Changes to the GED Test
In recent years, the GED test has undergone several significant changes aimed at improving the test’s relevance and effectiveness in assessing high school-level knowledge and skills. One of the most notable changes was the introduction of the computer-based version of the test in 2014. The new computer-based test offered several advantages over the paper-based version, including faster scoring and more flexible scheduling options for test-takers.
Another significant change to the GED test was the introduction of the revised test in 2014. The revised test was designed to align more closely with the Common Core State Standards, which are widely recognized as a set of rigorous and relevant educational standards for students in grades K-12. The revised GED test also placed a greater emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, reflecting the demands of the modern workplace and higher education.
More recently, the GED program has introduced a new scoring system that provides test-takers with a more detailed and personalized report of their performance on the test. The new scoring system breaks down test-takers’ scores into four different levels: below passing, passing, college-ready, and college-ready + credit. This new scoring system provides test-takers with a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, and it helps them better understand what they need to do to improve their skills and achieve their goals.
Impact and Significance of the GED Program
Since its inception in 1942, the GED program has had a profound impact on the lives of millions of Americans. The program has provided an opportunity for individuals who did not complete high school to earn a credential that is widely recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma. This credential can open doors to higher education, better-paying jobs, and increased opportunities for career advancement.
For many individuals, the GED program has been a critical step on the path to achieving their goals and realizing their full potential. According to the American Council on Education, which administers the GED program, more than 20 million individuals have earned a GED credential since the program’s inception. These individuals have gone on to pursue higher education, start successful careers, and make important contributions to their communities.
The GED program has also had a significant impact on society as a whole. By providing individuals with a second chance to earn a high school credential, the program has helped to create a more educated and skilled workforce, which is essential for economic growth and competitiveness. Additionally, the program has helped to reduce the social and economic costs associated with low levels of educational attainment, such as unemployment, poverty, and crime.
Overall, the GED program is a powerful tool for promoting educational equity and social mobility. It provides a second chance for individuals who may have faced significant barriers to completing high school, and it helps to create a more educated and prosperous society for all.
