39 million American adults never earned a high school diploma. Throughout the country, there is a push to re-educate these adults so they can earn a GED and become eligible for higher-paying jobs and higher education. But many never try for their GED. Why? Each one has a reason. Each one thinks, "I can't." But the truth is, most people can get their GED. Here's a few reasons people think they can't get their GED...and why they're wrong.
"It's too hard."
Is the GED too difficult for adults without a high school diploma? The short answer is, no. Part of the problem is knowing what to study. The GED is a series of five tests in reading, writing, math, social studies, and science. Each test can be taken as many times as needed until they are passed. By taking time and focusing on one area of study at a time, a test-taker can work through each area of the GED. Students can find out what areas they need to work on by taking a pretest. Then, adult learners should find a study program that will fit their needs, in their community, in a bookstore, or online. By focusing study and sticking to a study plan, almost any adult can acquire the skills needed to pass the GED.
"Studying is boring."
A recent study supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation found the most high school dropouts leave school because they found school uninteresting, boring and not relevant to their lives. Most of these students had grade point averages of C or better and could have graduated. Traditional approaches like studying out of test-prep books can be frustrating for these learners. But there are more options today for how to study than ever before. Internet and software study programs allow students to study at their own pace, on their own time, and the best programs have entertaining, visual presentations. Discriminating adult students focus on what type of learning works best for them to find the right study method.
"I don't have time to go to classes."
Most people studying for the GED are adults, with adult responsibilities including a job, a spouse, and children. Going to classes takes time, but there are many options for studying at home at any pace. Making time for the GED doesn't need to involve a lot of driving or a set schedule. By setting aside a little bit of time each day to work toward their goal, anyone can complete their GED studying within their busy schedule. If you're managing your own study time, it's important to find a program that can keep you interested and motivated, so look into software or online programs that are visual and entertaining.
"I can't learn all the things I missed in four years of high school."
Because the GED is a high school equivalency exam, many test-takers expect that it will require all the knowledge taught in four years of high school. However, the GED focuses, not on memorization of facts, figures, and dates, but on fundamental skills: math skills, communication skills, and critical thinking skills. Test-takers need to focus their learning on how to think for the GED to acquire the fundamental problem solving, analysis, critical thinking, communications, and mathematics skills that are needed to pass. "Depending on their existing skill level," Ormsby states, "properly preparing for the GED can take weeks or months, not years."
"I don't need a GED."
Many undereducated adults have jobs, but most of them are underpaid and lack job security. The job market is growing more and more limited for people without high school diplomas. A worker who is suddenly faced with unemployment will find it difficult to find a new job, and a worker who wants to advance may find promotions blocked without a high school degree. In a competitive job market, employers continue to look for applicants with more education and qualifications. Without a high school diploma, the average income is about $18,000 per year. With one, it jumps to nearly $26,000-and if you go on to finish college, the average income leaps to about $44,000. Based on those figures, a GED is a necessity.
Author Info:
Michael W. Ormsby is the president of The GED Academy and oversees software and curriculum for adult learners and people with educational challenges. For more information, visit http://www.PassGED.com Michael can be contacted by email at: information@passGED.com or by telephone at 888-880-2164.