We are very excited to continue growing our GED reach while providing more and more students the opportunity to earn their high school equivalency and improve their future earning potential.

Montana – We appreciate the State of Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction, Elise Arntzen for helping us communicate that the GED will now be a high school equivalency exam option to qualifying individuals. Montana’s testing sites and official launch date are still being determined. For more information visit http://opi.mt.gov/

Missouri – We applaud Megan Wadley and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for making high school diplomas more accessible for people who have not received them yet. The state will offer free virtual and in-person classes in testing sites to be determined. Missouri Department of Corrections will also offer the GED test to its in-custody population. Please visit hse.mo.gov for more information.

Louisiana – We are happy to welcome the state back and its first of testing centers later this year! The GED will be offered at several testing sites and at the Louisiana Department of Corrections.

West Virginia – We are happy to have West Virginia join the GED family. GED test takers must enroll in an adult education program before scheduling to take the GED test.

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average individual will earn about $9,000 to $10,000 higher annual salary with a high school equivalency credential.

The diversity in our four new states is illustrated in the following table:

Information from data.census.gov

Welcome, Jane Bledsoe, GED Director of Product Management, who will share information on Accelerated Pathways with our network of educators and administrators.

Tell us about Accelerated Pathways. How can it work with the GED curriculum and what are the advantages for our learners?
Accelerated Pathways is a non-traditional, online college experience that offers a proven plan to earn an affordable online degree in less time. Students in our program can customize their college experience and save thousands of dollars. Once students have completed their GED credential, they can continue their lifelong learning by signing up to take college-level courses accepted by over 2,200 colleges and universities nationwide.

Question: What is Accelerated Pathways’ Bridge –to-College Program?
This is an ideal program for the GED learner because it allows learners who did not score “college ready” on their GED to earn college credit while gaining knowledge in core subjects. The flexibility of monthly start dates, online classes and assignments are other great advantages for GED learners.

Question: Why is it important for our educators and administrators to know about the Bridge to College Program?
The Bridge to College Program consists of three courses designed to prepare students for hybrid (combined remedial and traditional) college-level work: College Success, College Algebra, and English Composition I. All three of these courses will run in an instructor-led model so that learners have support from their instructors and coaches throughout. College Algebra and English Composition I are 16 weeks long. College Success is an 8-week, first-year experience course designed to prepare learners for the rigor of college-level coursework.

Where can educators, administrators, and learners find out more about Accelerated Pathways?
Visit Accelerated Pathways, or contact enrollment-ap@pearson.com or call (210) 318-4131.

Veterans Day occurs on November 11, 2023, and this National Day of Recognition was proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919.

To end the fighting of the First World War, as a prelude to peace negotiations, an agreement called the Armistice was created. Armistice comes from two words in Latin — sistere (to stand still or stop) plus arma (weapons) — and means to stop fighting, to put arms down. In 1954, the U.S. government legally changed the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day. This day marks a very poignant moment in our calendar year, brings with it a lot of emotion, and gives us the opportunity to show our gratitude for the sacrifices that military service members make to protect our freedoms. While those who lost their lives are also remembered, Veterans Day is dedicated to thanking and honoring everyone who served honorably in the military – in war or peace time. Learn more about this history of Veterans Day here.

The GED program has a parallel history in support of veterans. During World War II, the GED credential was created to make it easier for veterans to pick up where they left off with their plans for education, careers, and personal goals. In 1942, the United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) launched the GED. Soon enough, the American Council on Education® (ACE) was born, with the mission to “mobilize the higher education community to shape effective public policy and foster innovative, high-quality practice.” Hundreds of young soldiers were able to get their high school credentials and go on to college and jobs after fighting for the nation’s freedom. Several years later, in the 1950’s, civilians could also participate in the GED program. Read more about the history of the GED here or watch this video.

The next time you are out in the community and see a Veteran, get to know them by making small conversation with them – ease your way into a “thank you for your service.”

For additional information about Veteran’s Day, please visit:

United States Census Bureau: Veterans Day 2023: November 11 (census.gov)

USA Today: This organization is helping keep the promise to America’s veterans (usatoday.com)

Veterans Crisis Line: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Natalie started her GED® journey in South Dakota in 2017 and passed three of four GED tests, but then she got busy and put the last GED test on the back burner. Barb Unruh, Program Specialist with the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, learned about a new program by GED Testing Service for administrators to reach out to students who had passed three out of the four required courses. Barb reached out to Natalie to help her complete her GED credential in 2023.

Congratulations, Natalie on your accomplishment and inspiring example of determination. Here is Natalie’s story:

What was your motivation in getting your GED credential?
Well, my children. Also, I wanted to be a nurse, create a better future for my kids, and get this part of my life done.

What was the most challenging part of your GED journey?
The most challenging part of this journey was trying to stay on top of the studying and not give up. When I had bad days, I would look at my babies and think: “I can’t give up. I have to keep going for them, for they will need a promising future.”

What was the most rewarding part of your GED journey?
The most rewarding part was making good memories with people around the world, like from South Africa. People who were working hard for their GED, like I was. I joined a GED group on Facebook in 2017, and now it has more than 20,000 people in it. by some extraordinary people close to my heart. That is where I met Ms. Kate Buccigross Redman, a GED teacher in Arizona. She runs the group now, and she also has good material that helps many people worldwide.

I also met Ms. Linda Moore who was my GED online teacher and helped me with math. I would also like to thank Ms. Nanci, who works with Ms. Kate in the Light and Salt Learning group on Facebook. I joined this group because I was seeking help, and now it helps everyone accomplish their dreams.

Based on your path, what advice would you give GED learners?
Don’t give up…no matter what happens, try your best to keep going forward. I started my journey, which was challenging, but never gave up. So, you shouldn’t either. You got this!

What are your plans now that you have your GED credential?
I plan on trying college and going into a career in nursing. My priority is to find a better-paying job.

• Save the Date – COABE (Coalition on Adult Basic Education) conference, Mar 17 – 20, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Our GED^® President Vicki Greene will lead a panel on Tuesday, Mar 19, 2024. Join us!

• Happy Thanksgiving to our InSession community! We are thankful for all you do in support of our learners. As we take a hiatus until January 2024, we wish you all a healthy, joyous, and safe holiday season.

• Black Friday GED+™ Promotion
  Learners can save on the GED+ Study tool during our upcoming sale.

• 4 Days of Deals
  From Friday 11/24 to Monday 11/27, save $75 on the 4-subject bundle or get $15 off a single subject purchase when you buy GED+

• Black Friday GED+™ Promotion
  Learners can save on the GED+ Study tool during our upcoming sale.

• 4 Days of Deals
  From Friday 11/24 to Monday 11/27, save $75 on the 4-subject bundle or get $15 off a single subject purchase when you buy GED+