For Jessica M, getting her GED was super important; she wanted to prove to her kids that even though she made a mistake by leaving high school at a young age, it was still possible to change the future. Achieving her high school credential proved that nothing can stop her from accomplishing long-term goals for her career.

The GED program was convenient and easy to fit into a busy schedule. Jessica was grateful for another chance at education. Her prep materials were free, and she could attend classes when she had time. Jessica extended a special thank you to the teachers and staff at the Columbus, Nebraska community college location where she studies for the GED test. She shared her positive experience: “They are absolutely amazing people and care genuinely for each individual.”

Central Community College offers 37 career and technical programs with a focus on degree, diploma and certificate program that require two years of less to complete. The college also offers an academic transfer program for students who want to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree before transferring to a four-year college or university.

Jessica now has her GED diploma in hand, and is planning a career as a pharmaceutical technician. Her goal now is to graduate from college.

What three suggestions would you have for new GED Program Administrators or Educators new to GED Testing Service?

1. First and foremost, read the federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to GED and Adult Education to understand the rules, expectations, and connectivity of the programs. When you begin with a general understanding of the guidelines, you will make quantum leaps in connecting the laws to understanding the daily activities of staff who execute those requirements.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Take advantage of the deep and rich human resources in the GED and Adult Education Community. We are in this field because we are passionate about the learners we serve. You will find the us equally passionate to support or lean on others to achieve that goal. Engage and learn by participation in organizations at the national, state, and local level.

3. Get OUT of the office and as often as possible. Never let the bureaucratic issues bog you down to keep you from interacting with your “North Star,” the adult learner. It will keep you true to your mission!

Q. What is the most significant change you have seen during your tenure at GEDTS?

A. Let me begin by saying what has NOT changed in my 30+ year relationship with GED Testing Service: The focus has always been what’s best for the learner. With that, the most significant change I have enjoyed is how GED Testing Service has continued to ask “What’s best for the learner?” and expanded its investment to “What MORE can we do for the learner?” That question permeates every meeting, action, and decision we consider. When I first engaged with GED Testing Service (GEDTS) as State Director, GED Testing Service was all about the test. There was no engagement from GEDTS with the learner before or after the test. I have enjoyed GEDTS’ remarkable accomplishments in partnership with adult education stakeholders to support the learner in their test preparation, testing, and college and career choices after earning a credential.

Q. Please share one of your most rewarding memories during your time at GEDTS.

A. It is almost a trick question to be asked to pick one memory from my time at GEDTS! I will have to tell you two. We all know there is no happier, more emotional, more fantastic celebration than to attend an Adult Education Graduation. You understand why we do what we do because you see what it means to the adult learners we serve and their families. I was thrilled that in the first three months of his tenure, our President, Randy Trask, attended his first adult education graduation with me in New Orleans. My second rewarding memory is the privilege of engaging with the passionate, invested adult education community across the United States. I never fail to thank an audience for the privilege of being a part of their work and passion. It is true and not a comment I have ever made lightly.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the landscape of higher education, offering new opportunities and challenges for institutions, educators, and students alike. From personalized learning experiences to advanced research tools, AI’s potential to revolutionize traditional academic models is immense.

However, this transformation also raises critical questions about accessibility, ethics, and the evolving roles of educators.

To better understand the trajectory of AI in higher education, we sought insights from educators and industry experts. Their predictions provide a glimpse into a future where AI could redefine how knowledge is delivered, acquired, and applied. This article explores their visions, highlighting the innovations they foresee, the hurdles they anticipate, and the strategies they recommend for integrating AI responsibly and effectively into academic settings.

Matt Abbott, Professor, Des Moines Area Community College

“Similar to the initial opposition decades ago to calculator use in schools, the resistance to generative AI by educators will transition into acceptance as responsible use of AI in textbooks and the classroom becomes the norm. With appropriate guard rails in place, AI will be an important tool for helping students learn.”

Tiago Costa, Cloud and AI Architect, Microsoft

What major shifts do you see shaping the future of science education in 2025?

The year 2025 is set to transform science education by implementing AI-driven learning platforms. These platforms will dynamically adjust to the student’s interests and learning paces, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in education. Additionally, virtual labs and simulations will rise, enabling students to experiment with concepts without geographical constraints. This evolution will make high-quality STEM education more universally accessible.

With the progress of AI, human expertise will shift toward domains requiring creativity, ethical decision-making, and emotional intelligence. In the realms of AI and cloud technologies, humans will still play a critical role in designing, managing, and interpreting these systems. Artificial intelligence aims to augment human capabilities by automating routine tasks and providing deep insights. Nonetheless, human oversight will remain crucial to guarantee responsible and ethical use. The future is poised for a cooperative relationship where humans and machines address more complex issues together.

Nivaldo Tro, Chemistry author

What major shifts do you see shaping the future of science education in 2025? AI will make personalized learning even better than it is. However, we already have personalized learning in place with other digital technologies, many of which Pearson provides. So we will probably see some gains, but they will be marginal.

How do you see AI transforming the way people learn and develop skills over the next 3-5 years?

AI will give every student a personal tutor. This tutor will be able to answer questions and guide the student through solving problems. But again, we kind of have that already with tools we have developed over the last few years. Think of how mastering or the interactives that we have created guide students through problems. So again, I think we might see some gains, but I have yet to be convinced on this one.

We thank our educators and administrators for their support of the GED and for empowering their learners to pursue better opportunities through education. We appreciate West Virginia’s choice to offer GED testing exclusively and Utah’s approval of the GED Option Program in the state.

• GED & Me^TM Mobile App – Launched in June 2024, 100,000 downloads by year-end. Plus, 85% of those who downloaded the App have logged in and used it.

• GED Unplugged podcast – From the GED to a PhD to the Board of Directors was the most watched episode of the year with 1,075 views

• ‘GED practice test’ was the top-searched term in 2024, showing that students are eager to succeed.

Year-end is also the time for the #GEDWrapped! Let’s celebrate the milestones and the incredible impact you’ve had on your students’ journeys. Whether in the classroom or through encouragement, your role in supporting students’ dreams is vital to their success and has inspired them toward their GED goals. What’s your #GEDWrapped highlight this year? Share your top moments and let’s continue shaping bright futures together! Some of the highlights include:

• 148,000 students successfully credentialed in 2024,

• Social Studies was the most-passed subject

• GED Ready was the most popular study tool of the year.

For more information on #GEDWrapped for Educators or #GEDWrapped