We’re offering multiple sessions covering GED program updates, professional development and the latest study tools at COABE’s annual conference.

Here’s a look at what we’re offering:

Addressing Students’ Struggles in Math, Part 1 – Computational Problem Solving
Presenters: Debi Faucette and Susan Pittman
Summary: The GED Testing Service™ has conducted extensive research to identify students’ knowledge and skills gaps in mathematical reasoning. This session will provide a content-based approach to understanding these skills gaps and how to address those issues in the classroom. Participants will explore: • specific skills and GED® indicators where students have the most difficulty. • reasons why students and test takers are having difficulty. • new ideas for addressing these knowledge and skills gaps.

Addressing Students’ Struggles in Math, Part 2 – Algebraic Problem Solving
Presenters: Susan Pittman and Debi Faucette
Summary: The GED Testing Service™ has conducted extensive research to identify students’ knowledge and skills gaps in mathematical reasoning. This session will provide a content-based approach to understanding these skills gaps and how to address those issues in the classroom. · • specific skills and GED® indicators in algebraic problem solving where students have the most difficulty. • reasons why students and test takers are having difficulty • new ideas for addressing these knowledge and skills gap.

Addressing Students’ Knowledge and Skills Gaps in Science and Social Studies
Presenters: Debi Faucette and Thomas Ross
Summary: The GED Testing Service™ has conducted extensive research to identify specific skills and content knowledge where students exhibit the greatest challenges. Adult educators have limited time to cover science and social studies content, so this session will focus on areas that provide the greatest return on their instructional investment. Participants will learn how to incorporate mini-lessons that help students build content while addressing their reading analysis and evaluation skills – essential to passing these tests.

Knowledge and Skills Gaps in Reasoning through Language Arts
Presenters: Susan Pittman and Jonna Forsyth
Summary: Some students have gaps in their knowledge and skills that may prevent them from being successful on the GED® Reasoning through Language Arts test. This session will focus on what the research tells us about skills gaps and what adult educators can do to include more coverage in these areas to better prepare students for the test. Instructors will explore sample items and identify the reasons why students struggle in these areas.

Committing to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belongingness in the Classroom and Beyond
Presenters: Danielle Wilson and Adora Beard
Summary: This presentation will share how GED Testing Service, adult ed programs, and partner organizations collaborate to create equitable learning opportunities for adult learners. In addition, this discussion will look at how community and national level organizations can further their commitment to and advocacy for historically marginalized learners, including those from Black, Latinx/Hispanic, and Indigenous communities.

Essential Tools and Resources for GED Student Success
Presenters: Brian Smith and Chris Blaisdell
Summary: In this session we will share the various resources available to educators. We will cover GED Manager, PrepConnect, GED Ready Direct, teaching tools, products, study materials for students, resources available and where to find them.

Growth Mindset + Grit = GED Success
Presenter: Susan Pittman
Summary: The past 18-months have presented endless challenges for adult learners. They’ve struggled with personal issues. Dreams have been put on hold. This session will focus on ways that teachers can help students overcome the emotional turmoil they have encountered and get restarted on the path to a high school credential. Today, students need more than academics in the classroom. They need social and emotional support that will help them persevere and build a growth mindset.

The Online Proctored GED® Test: How to Help Your Students Succeed
Presenters: Scott Salesses and Chris Blaisdell
Summary: Participants will get the latest information on the Online Proctored (OP) GED Test in order to help advise their students on the best method of GED testing for each individual. Attendees will receive key information to be in the best position to understand the OP testing experience and in turn guide their students to success.

You can still register for this year’s conference here: https://coabe.org/2022-coabe-national-conference/

We’ve added three new payment methods to improve the purchase process.

GED Testing Service is continually working to improve our offerings and meet the needs of adult educators. We know those of you with GED Manager access appreciate the ease of purchasing, sharing, and assigning GED Ready tests without voucher codes through GED Ready Direct. We added tiered pricing so you can take advantage of cost savings when stocking up on tests for your program.

We also heard you say that paying by credit card doesn’t always work for you, so we have added three new payment methods to GED Ready Direct. You can now pay via Check, ACH, or Pearson VUE Line of Credit when purchasing a minimum of 175 Ready tests. Since these GED Ready tests don’t expire, it may be time to stock up for your classroom!

More information about GED Ready and GED Ready Direct is available here: https://ged.com/faqs/ged-ready/

Our GED prep programs, and study tools are designed to help all learners succeed. The options cover a variety of needs to support adult learners and educators throughout the GED test journey.

GED Live
Details: Live teacher-led, interactive learning and GED preparation for students studying for the GED test.
Benefits & Features: Offers students convenient access to a live instructor through a computer, tablet or smartphone. Adult education programs can use it to incorporate online instruction into their curriculums. This is also helpful for independent learners, working adults or adults in more rural communities.
Target Test Subjects: All (Math, Science, RLA, Social Studies)
More information: https://ged.com/study/online-classes/

GED+
Details: An all-inclusive, flexible program that helps learners earn their GED credential. Includes a bilingual GED advisor to guide and motivate learners, access to English and Spanish study materials, GED Ready practice tests, access to online tutors for tough topics, and GED tests.
Benefits & Features: Educators can use this program to supplement instruction, helping learners that need additional assistance with one or more GED test subjects.
Target Test Subjects: All (Math, Science, RLA, Social Studies)
More information: https://ged.com/study/ged-plus/

Aztec Software’s Spanish GED Prep Series
Details: An interactive digital series written by Spanish instructors for Spanish learners and contextualized for the Spanish GED test. Aztec Software, the only preferred publisher partner for the Spanish GED test, designed this management system program allowing for data collection of student progress and evidence of student growth. You can monitor student learning in each academic area and individual sub-skill in addition to providing remediation plans to guide instruction.
Benefits & Features: Specifically developed for the Spanish GED test blueprint. Authentically developed in Spanish going beyond mere translation. Complete Spanish audio support. Digital delivery for access anytime, anyplace, and on any device, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. Scaffolded curriculum supporting targeted, self-paced instruction, and individualized learning plans. The series is also available to justice-involved/ supervised/ correctional communities through secure online or offline delivery.
Target Test Subjects: All Spanish GED test subjects (Math, Science, RLA, Social Studies)
More information: https://www.aztecsoftware.com/spanish-series/digital-learning/ged-series/ or email sales@aztecsoftware.com

GED Flash
Details: Online, interactive tool that functions like traditional flashcards, giving users the option to test their knowledge of GED test subjects with instant feedback. It offers thousands of practice questions in each of the four GED test subjects, and it was created to be easily used on students’ mobile devices.
Benefits & Features: Provides instant feedback on which questions students got right or wrong, giving the information they need to develop study plans and identify the skills they need to improve to pass the test. Questions are randomized and students have access to more than 6,000 practice items.
Target Test Subjects: All (Math, Science, RLA, Social Studies)
More information: https://ged.com/study/practice_questions/

Here’s a look at some of the employers, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare plans offering the GEDWorks benefit:

• KFC
• Taco Bell
• Murphy USA
• UCare
• Pizza Hut
• Stitch Fix
• Sheetz
• Total Wine & More
• Southeastern Grocers
• Charter Manufacturing
• The Cheesecake Factory
• The Carlstar Group
• Solid Comfort
• Manpower

Currently, more than 75 partners are offering the GEDWorks benefit. More information about the GEDWorks program and additional partners can be found on GEDWorks.com.

We expect additional health plan providers, non-profit organizations, and companies to join the ranks and offer the GEDWorks program as more partners commit to helping their employees and members pursue their professional, academic, and personal goals.

An overwhelming majority, 71% of GEDWorks participants, are more loyal to their employer because the GEDWorks program is offered. GEDWorks students are also 39% more likely to earn their diplomas than students who are pursuing a GED credential on their own. Students receive online GED study materials in English and Spanish throughout the program, practice tests, access to a bilingual personal advisor, connections to local adult education programs, and free GED tests.

Additional information about the GEDWorks program and GEDWorks success stories are available here.

News and updates for February 2022:

• Resources for NY GED Educators: A flyer about the GED test program is available for download to share with your students. You can also use this demo link to create an account that will show you the GED.com student account experience. *When you use the link, you will see a pink box with an error message, but you can proceed with setting up an account.*
• February Tuesdays for Teachers Webinar: Join us February 22nd at 3:30 ET/2:30 CT for Trends in Students’ Knowledge and Skills Gaps – Social Studies. This webinar will cover specific skills and GED indicators where students and test takers have the most challenges. Register today!

News and updates for February 2022:

• Resources for NY GED Educators: A flyer about the GED test program is available for download to share with your students. You can also use this demo link to create an account that will show you the GED.com student account experience. *When you use the link, you will see a pink box with an error message, but you can proceed with setting up an account.*
• February Tuesdays for Teachers Webinar: Join us February 22nd at 3:30 ET/2:30 CT for Trends in Students’ Knowledge and Skills Gaps – Social Studies. This webinar will cover specific skills and GED indicators where students and test takers have the most challenges. Register today!

News and updates for February 2022:

• Resources for NY GED Educators: A flyer about the GED test program is available for download to share with your students. You can also use this demo link to create an account that will show you the GED.com student account experience. *When you use the link, you will see a pink box with an error message, but you can proceed with setting up an account.*
• February Tuesdays for Teachers Webinar: Join us February 22nd at 3:30 ET/2:30 CT for Trends in Students’ Knowledge and Skills Gaps – Social Studies. This webinar will cover specific skills and GED indicators where students and test takers have the most challenges. Register today!

Now through March 15, GED+ vouchers can be purchased with a 10% discount using the promo code: GEDPLUSEDU

Our GED+ product is an all-inclusive, flexible program that helps learners earn their GED credential. Educators can use this program to supplement instruction, helping learners that need additional assistance with one or more GED test subjects. GED+ includes:

• A bilingual GED advisor to guide and motivate learners
• Access to English and Spanish study materials

• GED Ready practice tests
• Access to online tutors for tough topics
• GED tests

Our data shows that learners who go through the GED+ program are 2x as likely to earn their GED credential than those who study on their own. With GED+, the cost of the GED test and any retakes are covered until the learner earns a credential.

“The GED+ program gave me the confidence to pass! My fantastic advisor helped me get to my goal faster.” — CJ, GED+ Graduate

Educators can purchase vouchers with the 10% discount on behalf of learners using the promo code: GEDPLUSEDU

After purchasing the vouchers, educators can gift them to learners to access GED+ at no cost.

GED+ four-subject vouchers can be purchased here and one-subject vouchers can be purchased here.

The Online Proctored GED test continues to be a popular option for eligible students in participating states.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some test centers are still operating under limited capacity. This remote testing option provides many students with a flexible way to earn a credential.

Here are some tips to help your students prepare and succeed:

Let your students know that the Online Proctored (O.P.) GED® test is an option for them.

• State-by-state information about online testing is available here: https://ged.com/state-information-online-testing/
• Eligible students need to have a computer, webcam and internet, quiet and private workspace, a government-issued ID and ‘Green’ GED Ready score within the last 60 days.

All the information students need to know about the O.P. test is available on GED.com.

• Students can find information about eligibility, an overview of the testing process, exam rules, FAQs and more on our student online testing webpage.

Before test day students should practice with the Whiteboard tool to get comfortable before they test.

• Students can draw and write out math calculations using the online whiteboard.
• This video reviews how to use the whiteboard during testing.
• Students can learn more about how to use the Whiteboard tool and practice here: https://home.pearsonvue.com/onvue/whiteboard

Complete the online system check before scheduling—to make sure their equipment works properly.

• Students should do a system test to make sure their computer, webcam and internet connection meet the requirements for testing online.

The content on the O.P. test is the same content they would see when testing in person.

• Test questions, timing and scoring are the same as tests taken in person at authorized test centers.

Another important reminder: GED test vouchers need to be purchased specifically for OP testing; in-person test vouchers will not work for this testing option. Test vouchers for in-person and OP testing are available for purchase on GED Marketplace.

We’re excited about the work we’re doing to build pathways from credential to career for our learners.

Our placement in Pearson’s Workforce Skills Division gives us unique opportunities to help learners discover their talents and employers identify the investments they should make in their current and future workforce. The GED test program was created to help learners develop the academic skills needed to excel in postsecondary education and the workforce.

We have always prioritized preparing learners for the next step in their journey while allowing them to define what success looks like on an individual basis. The one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for our learners, yet we understand the need to share available options and how to pursue them. Under the Workforce Skills Division, we can create stronger pathways for GED graduates by utilizing platforms and programs designed to support career development.

Diagnose, Learn, and Certify

We’re exploring innovative ways to use data, research, and artificial intelligence (AI) to determine the future of work while providing learning opportunities and administering credentials. “Diagnose-learn-certify,” is a data-driven approach to pathways that identify a learner’s skills, matches them with in-demand career options that align with their strengths, offers learning opportunities, and provides certifications that demonstrate what they have learned.

Here’s an overview of our related organizations that focus on learners, organizations, or both:

Accelerated Pathways: A non-traditional, online college experience that offers flexibility when earning a Bachelor’s degree. Learners work with an academic counselor to develop a customized degree plan that fits their identified goals, budget, and schedule.

Credly: A digital credential platform that issues badges to learners that can be shared online as proof of certification and achievement. Badges link to the Credly website, where viewers can see all the details of a learner’s achievement with verification.

TalentLens: Assessments that predict the performance and suitability of a candidate at any level or position in an organization. These assessments include language proficiency for selection or placement into learning programs (Versant), cognitive ability and personality, and career assessment and coaching (Which Career for Me).

Faethm: A platform that uses AI-powered analytics to help organizations determine their workforce needs based on skills that are currently needed and others that will be in high demand in the future. It uses data to identify specific skills gaps across the workforce and how employers can help employees gain the skills needed to succeed.

The Path Forward

We envision a future where all GED graduates earn their credentials and immediately connect with postsecondary and career opportunities. GED graduates currently have the option to receive Credly badges to confirm that they have earned their GED credential. Graduates also actively enroll in the Accelerated Pathways program to explore what majors and degree programs are a good fit while saving money on coursework and eliminating some associated costs like campus fees. Through Faethm and TalentLens and our direct work with companies and organizations, we have the data and knowledge to help prepare learners to meet the demands of today and tomorrow’s workforce.

We’re excited about what’s to come for the GED test program, our learners, and the pathways we’re creating for their success.

–Vicki Greene, President of GED Testing Service/ SVP of Americas for Pearson’s Workforce Skills Division

News and updates for January 2022:

• New webinar: Join us on January 25th for this month’s Tuesdays for Teachers webinar, Taking the Angst Out of Scoring the GED® RLA Extended Response at 3:30 pm ET. This session will focus on using the Extended Response Scoring Tool and other strategies to help students improve their writing skills. Register today!
• Reminder: GED test vouchers need to be purchased specifically for in-person or OP testing and don’t work for both testing delivery methods. Test vouchers for in-person and OP testing are available for purchase on GED Marketplace.

News and updates for January 2022:

• New webinar: Join us on January 25th for this month’s Tuesdays for Teachers webinar, Taking the Angst Out of Scoring the GED® RLA Extended Response at 3:30 pm ET. This session will focus on using the Extended Response Scoring Tool and other strategies to help students improve their writing skills. Register today!
• Reminder: GED test vouchers need to be purchased specifically for in-person or OP testing and don’t work for both testing delivery methods. Test vouchers for in-person and OP testing are available for purchase on GED Marketplace.