Here are a few interesting facts about the GED test program:

The GED program has a strong connection to U.S. space exploration

The scientist and astronaut who has flown in the most shuttle missions, and the most time in space (Story Musgrave) was a GED grad. Also, a senior test engineer on the first space shuttle and engineer on the Gemini and Apollo space missions was a GED grad, and his daughter works at GED Testing Service as a State Relationship Manager today.

The GED program has the largest alumni group in the world

There have been more than 20 million GED graduates since its inception in 1942. Grads have gone on to every walk of life, including: Ambassadors, U.S. Surgeon Generals, world-famous athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs.

The GED test was given in almost 90 countries, outside of the U.S. in 2019

The most recent country to open a test center to serve GED students was Namibia. And most recently Pakistan approved the GED credential formally for acceptance into local universities.

More than 225 colleges and universities across the U.S. use the GED/ACE College Ready or + Credit score levels

These score levels allow GED grads to bypass placement exams, skip remedial education courses, and in some cases walk in to college with credits based on their GED scores.

We’re excited to announce a new tool for educators and others who help students sign up for GED.com accounts.

We have just launched the GED.com account demo site that allows you to sign up for a demo GED.com account.

Why is this helpful? If you’ve ever wanted to demonstrate for your classes the GED.com account set-up, you’ll know that it can be a pain to sign up for a new account that requires a unique email address each time. We know many of you have created Gmail accounts just to sign up for GED.com accounts.

In addition, most teachers have a GED.com account they use to see the system, receive email alerts, etc., but occasionally the GED.com account experience will change slightly for new test-takers and it impossible to see the new features/look without setting up a new account. This demo site erases most of these common annoyances.

How you can take advantage of the new GED.com account demo site in two easy steps:

Step 1: Navigate to the website link below.

https://demo.ged-cloud.com/login

*When you go to the site you may see a warning stating “Your connection is not private.” You will see this because it is a demo site and not a public-facing website. Please click the “Advanced” button and proceed, you should only have to do this once.

Step 2: Sign-up for a GED.com account—just like you would on GED.com.

A few things to remember:

• You can use a real or “fake” email account and password when you sign-up for a demo account
  • Example: You could use “newstudent123@gg.com” or “signmeup@123.com”. As long as the email address follows a standard email address format, they can type anything they want.
• You can sign up for accounts as many times as you want
  • Example: If you have three new classes you can demonstrate the account setup for each one.
• None of the demo accounts you set up are real

*You also have the option to log in with any student account you create. It is a good practice to use the same password for all the student accounts you create in the demo environment so you don’t have to worry about remembering it.

We hope that you enjoy this new tool and streamlined way for you to demonstrate to your students how to set up a GED.com account!

The 2020 Census is coming and adult educators have the opportunity to provide support and resources to help learners and their families prepare for the survey.

Why It’s Important/ Dispelling Myths

The goal of the census is to count every living person in the 50 states, District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Adult educators are in a unique position to inform their students about the importance of the effort (it is required by law), how to participate and how it will benefit them and their families.

By April 1, 2020 each home will receive an invitation to respond to a questionnaire—online, by phone or email. The 2020 Census will be the first year that responses will be accepted online and this is more reason why there are increased efforts to help people avoid scams and frauds.

You can help students become more comfortable with the census and what it will ask by sharing the actual set of questions available here: https://2020census.gov/en/about-questions.html

The questionnaire is confidential and the data is federally protected. Students will not be asked about their citizenship status and responses will not be used to identify individual homes or residents living in those homes.

Supporting Adult Learners

We do recognize that the Census collection process can be intimidating for learners, especially those with lower literacy skills.

The National Coalition for Literacy has created a webpage dedicated to providing Census 2020 resources that address some of the unique concerns of GED and English Language instructors. The webpage has links to a number of guides, program toolkits and related news.

Instructors can also incorporate Census data in classroom lessons by using available fact sheets and infographics. This may help students become more comfortable with how their responses will be used.

Census Jobs for Students

The Census Bureau is hiring thousands of people across the country to help with the collection efforts. This is a great opportunity for adult learners to earn extra income through a temporary job with flexible hours.

Recruitment has started and is expected to continue through February 2020. Census takers make up the greatest number of available positions with some availability with clerical jobs and supervisory and outreach positions.

The Census Bureau website has detailed information including qualifications for positions, pay rate by state and county, the application to apply and other frequently asked questions.

This month we’re highlighting our new GED Operations Manager Brent Gerken in our Q&A feature.

How long have you been working with GED Testing Service?

I joined the GED team on October 21, 2019.

What will you be doing in your role as GED Operations Manager?

The Technical Operations (Tech Ops) team plays a critical role within GED Testing Service. This team is involved in all facets of the company. This includes working with the State Relationship Managers in the field and jurisdiction Administrators—home and abroad. We also partner with our vendors and track analytics while working with development, computer and paper-based testing, Corrections, training, GEDWorks, and much more. My role on this team is to help resolve escalations, manage and improve processes, strengthen relationships and help ensure the team has what it needs to keep GED Testing Service running smoothly.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

For the first three weeks it’s been listening, asking lots of questions and applying what I learn to better understand all GED influencers and their roles.

What do you enjoy most about your job so far?

If being a part of a team that impacts the lives of so many people isn’t enough—it’s solving problems.

What kind of work did you do before coming to GED Testing Service?

Prior to GED Testing Service I worked for the Pearson Credential Management (PCM) division as a Technical Account Manager (TAM) for six years. Before that I worked 12 years at a healthcare reference laboratory that specializes in FDA-regulated testing.

Where is your hometown?

My roots and heart reside in Sac City, Iowa. It’s a small community of about 2,000 people with an abundance of personality and character. My graduating class size was only 40 students, but some of them I still consider my best friends today—which I think is rare.

Who is the best teacher you have ever had? Why?

All of my teachers throughout my life made an impact on me. My mother who was a 5th grade teacher (which made skipping homework difficult), my high school music teacher Mr. Rock who helped me discover and develop my natural talents and Mrs. Jones and Ms. Birkhofer who encouraged my creativity.

Who (or what) have been your strongest influences in life?

My parents, sister and my wife.

Favorite vacation destination?

So far the Grand Canyon but each year we explore a new vacation destination.

What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?

Spending quality time with my wife and five kids. I also enjoy playing softball, coaching youth sports, golfing, reading and watching movies.

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?

A water filter, an abundance of matches, and a sailboat with GPS and built-in mobile OnStar.

What are two things still on your bucket list?

Traveling and having lots of grandchildren.

GED Testing Service recently attended Lawson State Community College’s “GED and College Awareness Day.”

During the event GED State Relationship Manager Adora Beard shared information about the GED test program and how students can utilize Lawson State Community College’s Adult Education program to prepare for the test subjects.

Here’s a look at the top states for Corrections pass rates in 2018.

The 2018 national pass rate for Corrections rose to 80% in comparison to 78% in 2017. The 2018 national pass rate for GED testing was also 80%.

There are a number of states that surpassed both the national and Corrections pass rates including:

South Dakota 94%

Illinois 93%

Nebraska 93%

Nevada 90%

Oregon 90%

South Carolina 90%

Utah 90%

Minnesota 89%

North Dakota 88%

Colorado 87%

Delaware 87%

Idaho 87%

Thank you to our community of Corrections educators and staff that provide instruction and support to Corrections students!

GED.com has additional resources and information for Corrections educators available here.

Our latest webinar shared how cartoons can be used to help students understand Social Studies topics.

The webinar reviewed the basic elements of political cartoons, explored the role of political cartoons throughout U.S. history and reviewed strategies and activities to help students learn to interpret cartoons.

Cartoonists use several tools to convey their point of view including symbolism, captioning and labels, irony and exaggeration and analogies.

The webinar also reviews the Social Studies High Impact Indicators and how students can broaden and deepen their critical thinking skills and knowledge of government and history through lessons using political cartoons.

Instructors are given specific examples of cartoons and related lessons as well as information about additional sources for the cartoons.

The full webinar can be viewed here and additional materials including a workbook and analysis worksheets for students are available on GED.com

We hosted our recent International summit September 24th and 25th in Bangkok, Thailand.

During the two-day event GED Testing Service presented professional development and updates related to the GED test program, shared marketing and PR strategies and networked with our International partners and GED graduates.

We kicked off the summit with International GED graduates from our partner programs sharing their personal journeys to earning a GED credential. Each graduate spoke about the positive impact the credential has had on their life and how they have used it to pursue their college and career goals.

We also highlighted the accomplishment of the International program during our year-in-review presentation and that was followed by marketing tips and PR strategies to increase the visibility of the GED credential and adult education programs.

Professional development and teacher training sessions covered instructional tips and resources available to help prepare learners for the GED test subjects.

Partners also had the opportunity to participate in roundtable discussions with GED Testing Service and share the success of their individual programs.

Other conference topics included government relations and policy, data and research related to postsecondary outcomes, and tools programs can use to help manage student enrollment.

Presentations from the conference can be found here.

Thank you to all our partners who helped make this year’s event a success!

In this month’s Q&A feature we learn more about GED Testing Service’s new President Vicki Greene.

Tell us more about your background.

After graduating college as a Public Relations major, I was hoping to start a career in broadcasting. I had an internship with a newspaper and loved the idea of writing and telling people’s stories. After my internship ended, I needed to find a job with a salary. I interviewed for an entry-level project manager role with NCR (a global software provider). They were starting to roll-out cash registers that scanned barcodes and I managed large projects working with the sales and operations teams. I then moved into consulting for a large customer, managing their outsourced IT contract. I continued to love process improvement, leading teams and figuring out complex challenges.

I left Deluxe, the check printing company, back in 2012 to lead the technology and operations teams at GEDTS. It was a pivotal time, as we were transitioning from a paper test to a computer test. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with the GED team, with our states, adult educators, partners, and most of all our students—I love my job!

Where did you grow up and what was your family life like?

I grew up in a suburb of St. Paul, MN, as the oldest of four children. I have a sister that’s 18 months younger and two younger brothers. Both of my parents are from families with eight children, so we always had a lot of cousins, aunt and uncles visiting our house. I lived two houses down from my grandma and four houses away from my cousins.

We grew up on a lake so most of our summers were spent swimming, boating and being around our extended family. We were a very active family and enjoyed playing basketball, baseball/softball, golf or just being outside. My siblings and I were gifted with being quite tall and used it to our advantage when competing in sports.

Who have been your strongest influences in life?

My family is my main influence. They make sure I stay focused on what’s truly important. They are always there for me—when times are good and when times are tough. I have also had many influential leaders who have taught me strong life lessons on always making the right decisions even when they are tough. I am surrounded by influential members of the GED team as well. Every day I see passionate, driven, kind individuals who are truly focused on our learners and how to put them on the path of fulfilling dreams and aspirations.

What is a typical day like for you?

I am usually up by 5 am and start my day with a walk or a workout. After that I make lunches, start laundry, clean the kitchen and fire up my laptop. My work day is filled with a number of activities including meetings with the GED team, states, publishers and internal partners. I then commute home and attend my children’s soccer, volleyball, or basketball practices. The rest of my evening is filled with family time including dinner and homework and I start preparing for the next day before going to sleep.

What are some of your day-to-day activities as President?

I meet with the leadership team, conduct 1:1 meetings, and plan for the days and weeks ahead. The meeting topics include conferences, presentations, travel, budgets, priorities, 2020 planning and much more. I am very focused on how we can continually improve, grow and advance. Every day is different, challenging, exciting and fun!

What is your vision for the organization moving forward?

I want every employer to see the value in investing in their employee’s education. I want every adult who has had challenging circumstances to look at the GED as a pathway of changing directions to a brighter future. I want students to feel empowered to learn, grow and advance to earning their GED. My goal is to offer hope, and a future through education to those that may not feel that is possible.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love going on walks, bike rides, golfing, going out with friends, and most of all I love hanging out with my kids! We love to play basketball and golf. We also enjoy swimming, working out, and taking road trips. I appreciate any time I can be near the ocean with my kids and husband. We love just being together.

What are some organizations you belong to or activities you do outside of work?

I coach my daughter’s seventh grade basketball team and I have coached her team since she was in kindergarten. I love coaching and wish I had more time to do it. I coached my son’s basketball team and my older daughter’s volleyball team. I am also part of the Junior Achievement advisory board and the Creating IT Futures board.

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

Empathy. I know that I can’t always know what’s happening in someone’s life, but I know that everyone has something they are fighting against, working through or dealing with. Our work is only a portion of who we are and what we do, and it’s so important that we keep our work in perspective.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

Being a mom of three children doesn’t compare to anything else I have accomplished. Each child is so different, yet so incredible in their own way. I learn so much from them, and they teach me more than I will ever teach them. It’s my greatest joy watching them grow, I only wish I could slow down time.

What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

I love and highly recommend the current book I am reading, ‘Awakening Joy’ by James Baraz. The book focuses on many effective ways to have more happiness, love and inner peace—including how to change your mindset and thoughts about even the most challenging situations.

What is your favorite type of music?

I love country, 70’s and 80’s, and relaxing music.

If you could only eat one thing everyday what would it be?

If I could eat one thing, it would be chocolate.

“Student Authorized View” users in GEDPrep Connect jurisdictions, now have the ability to opt into receiving emails.

When you log in you will see a new “Admin” menu option where you can get to the page that lists the Prep Centers you are associated with, and from there you can opt into receiving emails for those locations.

Here is what the page looks likes for “Student Authorized View” users:

The National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) is excited to partner with the GED Testing Service at the 2019 Families Learning Conference Nov. 4-6 in Louisville, Kentucky.Packed with innovative thought leaders and some of the nation’s leading educational experts, this year’s conference promises to include many high points, among them a celebration of NCFL’s 30th anniversary of working to empower families across the country.

The 2019 Families Learning Conference will include approximately 100 different concurrent sessions taking place over the course of three days. Variety won’t be in short supply, as sessions will be offered in seven different content strands including Adult Education. GED Testing Service will present two sessions during the event.

On Monday, GED Testing Service’s Debi Faucette and Thomas Ross will present ‘Finding GED: Navigating the Search for Adult Literacy Services.’ In this session, attendees will learn tools and resources they can use to both locate and engage their learners in adult literacy services.

On Tuesday, Faucette will return to lead a facilitated discussion on the GED program itself. Attendees will review what they already know about the GED program and be able to ask questions in order to learn things they want to know about the GED. Both sessions will run for 75 minutes.

Those looking to interact with GED at the Families Learning Conference one-on-one will have that opportunity as well. All are invited to stop by the GED photo booth to take fun and memorable photos. The booth will be located in the Marriott Ballroom Foyer all day Tuesday and Wednesday. Attendees can stop by to get their photo taken and learn more about what GED Testing Service can do for their literacy program.

Finally, GED Testing Service President Vicki Greene will introduce an NCFL family learning student speaker on Wednesday at the Closing Brunch, the student will share their learning journey from high school dropout to GED grad.

The brunch will also include a keynote presentation from Marcus Shingles, former CEO of XPRIZE and an innovative thought leader and social impact-minded executive.

For many years, NCFL and GED Testing Service have served as strong partners in the adult literacy space. GED Testing Service continues to work toward the betterment of adult and family literacy through its sponsorship of the 2019 Families Learning Conference. This fall, hone your skills at serving the families in your community and join these two national organizations for three days of idea-sharing, inspiration, and fun. Both three-day rates and daily rates for the 2019 Families Learning Conference are available now. You can register for the event and learn more about the conference lineup here.

Brian Hancock is the Digital Communications Manager for the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL). He coordinates digital storytelling efforts to support NCFL’s mission of eradicating poverty through education solutions for families. Over the past 30 years, NCFL programming has empowered more than 4.5 million parents and children across the country.

Back-to-school season brings a mix of emotions and we’re marking the occasion with some online encouragement and a GED Flash™ promo to give them a boost.

Every day this month GED Testing Service will be sharing back-to-school anecdotes, study tips and time-saving tricks on our Twitter and Facebook pages.

We’re asking educators to help us motivate, inspire and even provide comic relief to new and returning GED students.

Share your favorite memes, motivational messages, life hacks and test prep tips using the hashtag #30Waysfor30Days. Be sure to tag @GEDTestingService in your post so we can see your message and we’ll share our favorites!

Here are some examples of what we’ve been sharing so far: