GED Preparation

The program structure is designed to allow maximum flexibility for students. Students are invited to come for GED preparation on a drop-in basis any time we are open. This approach allows students to pursue their academic goals whenever their employment, childcare, transportation, and other circumstances allow. In addition, it also reduces the number of unmotivated students our program serves, since the students who make the repeated visits necessary for academic improvement are doing so with their personal goals, rather than an attendance requirement, in mind.

Classrooms are staffed by academic counselors and by volunteer study partners who work in shifts to ensure that help will be available for a student whenever he or she is able to attend. In contrast to the traditional, structured, teacher-led model, our classrooms a more akin to study halls in which multiple students may be studying different material at the same time, with study partners who “float” toward students who need help.  Each student has an individualized academic plan,which guides him or her through the GED preparation curricula available in the classrooms. Progress is monitored by regular administration of the PGED.

Duration of study varies widely. At one extreme, students who have great scores on their initial PGED test may be put on the “fast track.” These students are required to make at least three additional visits to the program before initiating the GED application process. This stipulation gives students the opportunity to demonstrate investment in the process; thereby, improving the likelihood they will show up on GED exam day and give staff and volunteers the opportunity to establish a relationships with students that will support them as they pursue post-GED goals.  At the other extreme, it is not unusual for it to take multiple years for students to pass the GED. Often in these cases, the student’s progress has been interrupted by multiple periods of non-attendance attributable to a myriad of reasons.

• In the last year, students attended 11,174 academic sessions – individual visits included either practice testing and/or studying.
• Academic sessions are facilitated by 4 staff and 20 volunteer study partners.
• In the last year, 535 students achieved GED-readiness.
• Of students who take the test, approximately 1/3 do so within 2 months of enrollment.  The remaining 2/3 vary widely in length of study.