Celebrating Black History Month, Honoring Dr. Naomi Scales

In celebrating Black History Month in February, we highlight community leaders, especially the pioneers in the educational field. We are honored to be able to recognize Dr. Naomi Scales from the Alabama Community College System. Dr. Scales is Alabama’s longest-term adult education employee, with 56 years of service. She is currently an Adult Education Administrator for the Alabama Community College System, and her dedication to student success is unquestioned. Dr. Scales started in adult education in 1966 as she believed that “adult education makes a tremendous impact on individual lives and the lives of their families. We value Dr. Scales’ emphasis on lifelong learning.

Dr. Scales earned a Master of Education Degree from Alabama State University and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Administration and Higher Education from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Most importantly, she has always sought to set an enthusiastic example for her students and coworkers of how adult education can be. Her motto is to “pay it forward” and she feels that it’s easy to reach out and help somebody who might not have had the same opportunities as others.

Her inspiration includes community leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, who she believes set a foundation that has allowed her and others to build upon. During her tenure, Dr. Scales has seen her program grow and now offers opportunities and career pathways that didn’t exist when she started.

The Alabama Association for Public Continuing and Adult Education (ALAPCAE) is a non-profit organization that actively encourages young people to obtain their high school equivalency and continue pursuing higher educational goals. ALAPCAE has created a new High School Diploma Option scholarship and aptly named it the Dr. Naomi Scales scholarship, recognizing Dr. Scales as having been the catalyst behind the success of many students and adult education in Alabama. The legacy she has created will continue in perpetuity through the funding of this honorary scholarship.

We hope you enjoyed the holidays and have had a chance to rest and refresh. During 2023, we cherished the opportunity to meet with so many of you, our education partners and state administrators, at virtual meetings, in-person events, and our annual GED conference. On behalf of our team at the GED Testing Service, I wanted to thank each one of you, our adult education partners, for walking hand in hand with us in our mission to encourage progress through learning and improve the lives of learners through education, opportunities, and the empowerment that comes from accomplishing what we set out to do.

You may recall last October, here in InSession, I invited you to embrace the momentum and to end the year strong. We certainly did our best to do so and are proud to highlight some accomplishments:

• GED added six new states: Indiana, New Hampshire, Louisiana, Missouri, West Virginia, and Montana to the GED family
• Our GED marketing team highlighted their many accomplishments in this short video
• We received three graphic design awards – check out Graphic Design USA
• We supported initiatives and new products, including a Credly badge refresh, GED student handbook, new math practice product, science reference sheet, and accessibility work.
• Over 20,000 learners have completed the WithYouWithMe (WYWM) learning styles assessments; over 1,000 GED graduates have engaged in the WYWM apprenticeship program.

We urge you to note our award-winning infographics, the adult learner, and the GED Testing Service, as they allow us to share vital information in a more accessible, engaging way.

Here are some of the innovations we will introduce in 2024:

• A completely redesigned website, easier to navigate for educators and learners
• A mobile app that will make our content much more accessible to all students
• Official launch of the GED TestPrepped Coaching Program
• Job expos to provide a shared space for learners, educators, and employers to meet

We are so excited for the year ahead and the opportunities to serve our learners in a collaborative, synergistic way with you, our educator partners!

The GED Testing Service strives to empower learners to improve their lives through the GED credential. With over 21 million graduates and counting, we remain committed to helping students develop the skills needed for further study or to gaining access to wider career opportunities. When the GED was created in 1942, its sole purpose was to serve as a second chance opportunity for returning veterans. Today, many decades later, we continue to transform students’ lives in the US and around the world.

As you’ll see on our website: “We believe that everyone, no matter their creed, challenge, or circumstance, should have the opportunity to pursue the college and career of their dreams.” We stay true to this promise as the only high school equivalency program that is recognized by 97% of employers and colleges nationwide.

This belief resonates with the legacy that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left following his untimely passing. As we commemorate his birthday and MLK Day in the US, we should take a moment to reflect on the profound impact that he had on education equality and equal opportunities for all. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. provided a voice for national consciousness regarding opening doors for equal access to education and employment. His efforts were recognized and celebrated when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his nonviolent resistance to racial oppression and his advocacy for economic and social justice, as well as peace and human rights. His tireless efforts continue to inspire educators and policymakers to this day, as we all work towards ensuring that every student has access to a quality education.

Working in education, you directly impact students’ lives every day, regardless of where you work or the role you play. You are part of bringing quality education and a life-changing opportunity to someone’s life each day. This responsibility is not something that should be taken lightly, as we look toward honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy every day.

As we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, we invite all educators to take a moment to reflect on your contribution toward being a conscious contributor towards education equality. How will you contribute toward changing a student’s life?

Our Braille Services team ensures blind and visually impaired learners have the best experiences to learn and succeed during their GED journey.

We could not have picked a better success story to further celebrate MLK Day as an organization on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, with the mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YWCA of Southeast Wisconsin started in 1892 to offer resources to women and their families – from the first auto mechanics training for women in the 1920s to the first racially integrated cafeteria in the Midwest to today’s innovative and progressive initiatives.

Through this partnership, participants represent individuals who have been historically marginalized within Wisconsin’s traditional education systems. At YWCA SEW, the leadership strongly believes that genuine equity is realized when those most marginalized can access exceptional resources, leading to outcomes that nurture a future abundant with opportunities.

Jacob Gorges, Mission Program Director at the YWCA SEW, said “this collaboration has positively transformed the lives of nine families in Southeast Wisconsin. This mission was accomplished because of the partnership with GED Testing Service. Through the resources provided by GED Testing Service, the YWCA SEW delivered the highest level of GED products to 131 students.”

The GED Testing Service and YWCA staff members eagerly anticipate the continued progress toward a brighter future for all. The staff and students of YWCA SEW appreciate the collaboration with GED and look forward to the opportunity to work together to advance a more just society by expanding opportunities through equitable educational attainment.

The YWCA SEW gathered over 50 demographic touchpoints of all program participants. Some of the key demographics for the participants in this partnership were:

• 94% of program participants were people of color
• 79% self-identified as female
• 21% self-identified as male
• 73% were single parents

The GED Community Partnership Program was launched in late 2021 as part of the GED’s ongoing commitment to underserved and marginalized communities. The program aims to increase access while investing in community organizations that provide education, training, and other critical services.

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+