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The GED, a Second Chance for You!

More than 860,000 adults take the GED Tests each year. According to the General Education Diploma Testing Service (GEDTS), those who obtain scores high enough to earn a GED diploma outperform at least 40% of today's high school seniors. GED graduates include Bill Cosby, Wendy's founder Dave Thomas, Delaware's Lieutenant Governor Ruth Ann Minner, U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell to name a few. One out of every seven people who graduate each year earns that diploma by passing the GED Tests. More than 95 percent of employers in the U.S. consider GED graduates the same as traditional high school graduates in regard to hiring, salary, and opportunity for advancement. The GED is widely accepted by most employers, colleges, universities, and branches of the armed forces.

The GED Tests How and Where to Prepare for the GED Exams What If a Person Does Not Pass the GED Test? GED Test Accommodations Graduation Ceremony Informacíon en Español

The GED Tests The content of the tests reflects the major academic outcomes of a four-year program of high school study. The new GED 2002 Series Tests also places greater emphasis on problem solving, critical thinking, workplace and higher education needs than the previous editions. Most questions are multiple choice, but there is a written essay as Part II of the Language Arts, Writing. The Mathematics Test is also in two parts with calculator use allowed on Part I. How and Where to Prepare for the GED Exams Each of the four Adult Learning Centers listed at the end provides FREE instruction and materials to help prepare you for the GED tests. Students 16 years of age or older who do not have a high school diploma, and who are not enrolled in high school, can attend the free pre-GED or GED classes, small group instruction, or tutoring through the Adult Basic Education Program. Classes, instruction, and student tests are available in English and Spanish. If you enroll in the Adult Basic Education GED program, you will be given study help, educational materials, and GED practice tests. After an initial orientation, an academic skills assessment will be given to recognize your educational levels, strengths, and weakness. With this information, a personalized study program will be developed or a recommendation may be made to begin part or all of the official GED testing. Practice GED tests are also given to help you become familiar and comfortable with testing. Students taking the GED in Spanish must also enroll in an ESL class to prepare for the English proficiency test. After you have progressed, you will be given another assessment and then, if ready, given an official practice test. El examen de GED (equivalencia de la escuela superior) también se puede tomar en su primer idioma. Los que toman los exámenes en español también tienen que pasar una prueba de inglés básico. Hay clases para el GED en español. Since many adults are busy and have responsibilities and demands placed upon them, the GED program provides you with the flexibility to plan your own study schedule and to progress at your own pace. Every student is provided with a variety of methods for learning which include: GED classes, individualized and small groups tutoring, computer assisted instruction, workbooks, and videotaped lessons. GED classes are offered throughout Doña Ana County, Deming, and Columbus for your convenience. Those interested may enroll at any time to begin self-paced studies with the help of tutors at any learning center or may attend classes offered each fall, spring, and summer semesters. All that is required is your time, energy, and desire to succeed. When you are ready to pass the official tests, Doña Ana Branch Community College may help pay for three official tests, subject to funding. Any learning center or NMSU Testing Center will provide information concerning test fees and procedure. Where to Test The official GED testing is conducted in the Las Cruces and Anthony area by the testing office at New Mexico State University. To pass the official test you will need to score a minimum of 410 on each section and 450 average on the complete battery (total of 2250 points out of 4000 points). For information about costs and testing times, call (505) 646-1921. How to Register for the Official GED Exams To register for the exams, students must first attended a test orientation session to fill out paperwork, and must provide two forms of identification, one which must be a government issued picture identification card, be 16 years of age (16 and 17 year olds must have permission from the school district and parents or guardian ) or older. After students pass the battery of official tests, they will be awarded a New Mexico High School Diploma (residents of other states or countries receive a transcript). To help lower the cost of the official testing, DABCC helps pay for three tests, subject to funding, for students enrolled in the ABE program who meet the criteria. What If a Person Does Not Pass the GED Test? Retesting will be allowed after a minimum of 60 days has passed since taking the original test. If you score a 400 on a particular test, which is close to the passing score of 410, and you need only 410 or less to acquire the 450 average (2250 total out of 4000 points), it is recommended that you review and study that subject, and then, try again as soon as you feel ready. If your score needs to be more than 410 to pass the battery, it is strongly suggested that you study at any Adult Basic Education learning center and/or enroll in a GED class. If your average is below 450, but you scored over 410 on each individual test, you may choose the test/tests to retake to increase your average. You can only attempt a particular test three times within a testing year. The scores are valid for three years from the initial test date. Once the complete battery is passed, it does not have to be taken again. GED Test Accommodations Students may take the GED tests in Spanish, in a large-print version, or to use colored transparencies without special permission. Other accommodations can be made for a person with documented disabilities. For more information call (505) 646-1921 in Las Cruces or (505) 546-8841 in Luna County. GED Graduation All students who complete the GED through the Adult Basic Education Program will be invited to participate in a cap and gown ceremony. Graduation takes place every May and December of each year. All official test scores need to be received approximately one month prior to graduation in order to participate in the ceremony. Those who miss the cutoff are eligible to attend the next graduation. Test 1: Language Arts, Writing (Part I -75 minutes, Part II - 45 minutes.. 50 questions) Both parts must be taken in one sitting. Part I: In the Language Arts, Writing Test, the examinee is tested on sentence structure, grammar and usage, mechanics, and organizational skills (transition within paragraphs, creating effective text divisions, topic sentences, and applying unity/coherence in writing). Homonyms, possessives, and contractions are tested in spelling. Commas will be tested only when they are used to eliminate confusion in writing. In addition to informational paragraphs, the test will include business communications such as letters, memos, meeting notes, e-mails, reports, executive summaries, and brochures/info-letters from a company; and How-to-Texts, documents that provide instructions or directions such as securing a job; writing a resume; dressing for success; preparing for an interview; balancing a checkbook; writing a speech; improving gas mileage, etc. These will be 200-300 words in length. All questions in this part are in a multiple choice format. Part II Essay - In the Language Arts Writing Test Part II, the examinee is required to write an essay in response to a given prompt.  Evaluation will include the appropriateness of the response to the given question, organization, development and details, conventions of Edited American English, and word choice. Test 2: Social Studies (70 minutes .. 50 questions) The content of this test includes history - United States and world, civics and government, geography, and economics. In some cases, there will be a combination of concepts from different social studies content areas. Some questions are based on graphic or visuals including photographic source material and analysis. There is at least one "practical" document such as voters' guide and tax forms. An excerpt is included from at least one of the following documents: U.S. Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Federalist Papers, and Landmark Supreme Court cases. Test 3: Science (80 minutes .. 50 questions) The National Science Education Content Standards (NSECS) will be used in physical, life, earth and space science. Physics and chemistry will be included in physical science. Comprehension, application, analysis, and evaluation have been integrated with the NSEC Standards. Questions include: (1) Environmental and health topics: recycling, heredity, disease prevention, pollution, and climate. (2) Science relevant to everyday life. (3) Fifty percent (50%) of the questions will be conceptual understanding, and fifty percent (50%) of the questions will be problem solving. Test 4: Language Arts, Reading (65 minutes .. 40 questions) The Language Arts, Reading content areas include literature and nonfiction prose. One of the literary text passages will include at least one comparison/contrast question. Other nonfiction passages will be business-related document such as information from an employee handbook or a memo. Added nonfiction prose passages will include an article, editorial, etc. about visual representation. Test 5: Mathematics (Each part - 45 minutes each) The Mathematics Test will be divided into two booklets; Part 1 permits the use of a scientific calculator (Casio fx -260 solar fraction calculator) which will be provided to the examinee. Sample questions will be provided at orientation to allow examinees an opportunity to practice using the calculator. Part 2 does not permit use of a calculator. Scores from each part will be combined for one score. Approximately 20% of the questions will be alternate format items (not multiple-choice) that will appear on both parts of the test. Multiple pieces of information will be given through graphics such as pie charts, bar graphs and tables requiring the examinee to access information from single sources. Percentage of content in each area will be Number Operations 20-30%, Measurement/Geometry 20-30%, Data Analysis/Statistics 20-30%, and Algebra/ Functions 20-30%. Other Services of Adult Basic Education (ABE) In addition to GED instruction and preparation, the Adult Basic Education Program at the Doña Ana Community College provides a FREE basic education to all adults 16 years of age and older. The educational programs include: English as a Second Language (ESL), U.S. Citizenship Preparation, Learn to Read Program, Tutorial Services, Family Literacy, and Computer Literacy. Practical living skills, work skills and study skills are integrated into the curriculum. Each year we help more than 5000 adults with their educational goals. Qualified, experienced teachers and tutors who understand the educational needs of adults are available to help you. In ABE, we understand that learning takes time, and we are willing to take the extra time to help you! Please ask for specific information about each of our education programs. SE HABLA ESPAÑOL. Informacíon en Español El examen de GED en español en el area de Las Cruces es administrado por el Servicio de Exámenes de la Universidad Estatal de Nuevo México (New Mexico State University Testing Services). Para obtener el diploma de preparatoria ("high school" o "escuela superior"), cada solicitante debe presentar dos formas de identificación (una de ellas tiene que ser la licencia de manejar u otra tarjeta de identificación de Nuevo México, o la cartilla del servicio militar), tener 17 años o más de edad y aprobar todas las pruebas. Las personas que no son residentes de Nuevo México no obtendrán el diploma, pero pueden tomar el exámen y recibir los resultados oficales. Para el horario de examenes y más información, Ilame al teléfono (505) 646 1921 o a uno de los centros de aprendizaje para adultos cuyas drecciones y tel6fonos aparecen al dorso. La instrucción y los materiales son gratuitos para ayudar a los estudiantes a prepararse a tomar el examen y están disponibles en varias localicades a través del condado. Además, ofrecemos clases, instrucción en pequeños grupos y asesoria en todos los centros de aprendizaje. Llamar para mayor información y horarios al teléfono (505) 527 7540. 1. Escritura consta de dos partes: la primera (55 preguntas, 75 minutos) 30% formas y usos gramaticales; 40% uso de verbos, uso de puntuación y letras mayúsculas, así como 30% de ortografía. La segunda parte está dedicada a la escritura y composici6n ensayo (45 minutos). 2. Estudios Sociales (64 preguntas, 85 minutos) 25% historia, 20% econo6a, 20% ciencias sociales, 15% geografia, 20% ciencias del comportamiento. 3. Ciencias (66 preguntas, 95 minutos) 50% biologia, 20% ciencias naturales, 15% química,15% física. 4. Literatura y Artes (45 preguntas, 65 minutos) 50% literatura clasica, 25% comentario literario y social, 25% literatura popular. 5. Matemáticas (56 preguntas, 90 minutos) 50% aritmética, 30% algebra, 20% geometria. 6. Inglés (90 preguntas, 1 hora y 20 minutos) consta de cuatro secciones: sinónimos, conversaciones escritas, vocabulario y lectura. Todas las pruebas deben de tomarse en un perlodo do dos semanas. Para obtener el diploma, se necesita un promedio de 45 puntos con una calificación mínima de 40 puntos. El total acumulado en las seis pruebas debe de ser de 270 o más. Si su resultado en algún examen es 39, Ud. necesita volver a tomar el examen. Le recomendamos que estudie en alguno de los centros de aprendizaje o que se registre en alguna de las clases de GED. Si su promedio es abajo de 45, pero Ud. obtiene una calificación arriba de 40 en cada una de las pruebas. Ud. tiene la oportunicad de volver a tomar el examen o exámenes y aumentar su promedio. Si usted se inscribe en el programa de Educación Básica para Adultos, se le dará ayuda para estudiar, materiales educativos y exámenes de GED para practicar. Al inicio se le hará un examen para identificar sus áreas fortalecidas y sus áreas débiles de aprendizaje, de tal manera que usted aprenda efectivamente. Cuando su instructor o asesor crea que usted está listo para tomar el examen otra vez, se le proporcionará un pre examen para determinar si requiere estudiar más para dicha prueba. Aunque no hay limite en el número de veces que una persona pueda presentar un examen especlfico, usted puede sólamente intentar tomar tres veces dicho examen en el periodo de un año de prueba. Las calificaciones son válicas por tres años a partir de la fecha del examen inicial. Una vez que se apruebe el grupo completo de exámenes, usted no tiene que tomarlos otra vez.