I am a firm believer that we should do everything possible to bring people up rather than present additional barriers, but when I look at our population of test takers, I see such an enormous barrier in the job search arena.  It worries me a bit

From: technology-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Richard Sebastian
Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 11:19 AM
To: The Technology and Distance Learning Discussion List
Subject: [Technology 2407] Re: The *new* GED & Tech, could it drive tech expansion?

Kathleen:
That's a valid concern. Any new version of the test that is more rigorous than the previous version is always going to make it more difficult for test-takers . A significant change to the GED test, especially changes that orient the goals of the test forward toward college rather than backward to high school, will potentially leave even an even greater number of adults out in the cold.

Perhaps there can be a GED add-on--an additional, computer-based test that measures a test-taker's college-readiness. this test can be optional for adults who only need the credential for their job.

Richard Sebastian
Instructional Technology Specialist
Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center
Virginia Commonwealth University
3600 W. Broad St./ Suite 669
Richmond, VA 23230-4930
(804) 828-7537
On Wed, Oct 21, 2009 at 11:33 AM, Kathleen Kelly <kkelly at nationalable.org<mailto:kkelly at nationalable.org>> wrote:
My primary concern with this is that many of our ABE/GED students are older, very low skilled and only need the credential for employment, not post-secondary education.  Where does this leave them?

From: technology-bounces at nifl.gov<mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov> [mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov<mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov>] On Behalf Of Richard Sebastian
Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 10:16 AM

To: The Technology and Distance Learning Discussion List
Subject: [Technology 2405] Re: The *new* GED & Tech, could it drive tech expansion?

I don't know about the rest of you, but I find this announcement by GEDTS to be somewhat strange. These announced changes seem almost, well, impulsive.  In fact, after I read the first release, I briefly considered it to be a prank (The Yes Men?).  The FAQ<http://www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/ged/National_Needs_Announcement_FAQs.pdf%20> provided by the GEDTS seems to generate more questions than answers.

That said, once I accepted the announcement's legitimacy, I got excited, primarily because having a computer-based GED test that not only measures high school skills but also reflects the knowledge and skills test-takers will need for college might help spur the field of ABE to move towards technology integration and transitioning. It would, in my mind, give the credential more value and be of greater benefit to passers.

But then I read this sentence in the FAQ:
"GED Testing Service realizes that developing a more rigorous test, to prepare credential recipients for postsecondary education and careers that provide a sustainable living wage, will require investment in academic preparation programs and post-credential transition programs. Accordingly until support systems pre and post test are improved, GEDTS will not launch a more rigorous test."

If GEDTS is taking its cue from the field, then I imagine we are going to be stuck in a bit of a standoff. The easy way out for everyone would be to do nothing, unless some kind of federal mandate requires our field to move in this direction.

Who in ABE can provide the leadership and vision to prevent this from happening? Am I reading this correctly?

Richard Sebastian
Instructional Technology Specialist
Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center
Virginia Commonwealth University
3600 W. Broad St./ Suite 669
Richmond, VA 23230-4930
(804) 828-7537
On Tue, Oct 20, 2009 at 8:33 PM, Silver-Pacuilla, Heidi <HSilver-Pacuilla at air.org<mailto:HSilver-Pacuilla at air.org>> wrote:
Dear All - this is all so interesting. Thanks for your post, Kay.

Jason, you must know that many years ago VA leveraged the innovation of computerized testing in K-12 statewide, touting the reliability and speed/ease of scoring, to get computers and broadband in every school and tech literacy on every child's agenda.  The state legislature paid for the infrastructure as part of the state testing contract, rather than leaving it to individual districts. Altho state testing has not  been a fairy tale by any means, the "pipes" were put in so that districts could focus on using them for instructional content the other 179 days of the school calendar.

Might this computer based GED test on the near horizon drive some similar expansions in adult ed??  How could states and programs ensure that it does??

Intrigued -

Heidi Silver-Pacuilla
American Institutes for Research

From: technology-bounces at nifl.gov<mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov> [mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov<mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov>] On Behalf Of Combs, Kay
Sent: Saturday, October 17, 2009 9:50 AM
To: The Technology and Distance Learning Discussion List; The Technology and Distance Learning Discussion List
Subject: [Technology 2396] Re: The *new* GED & Tech

In the State of Kentucky, our Kentucky Adult Education folks purchased the computer-based official practice test several years ago for all of our centers in Kentucky.  Even though the current test is print-based, our students can take the OPT on the computer.

In our local program, we have strongly supported the computer-based test for our students to use for the computer-based OPT.  The test is self-directed.  As students begin one part of the test, the computer begins timing the test for each subject.  We do not have to set a timer ourselves.  This allows for more freedom of our staff and their time.  We just have one proctor for  our computer lab.  We provide instructions for our students prior to the test beginning and each part of the test has the instructions repeated as well.  If students feel like their typing skills are weak, they are given the option of writing the essay.  The huge advantage is that it is scored immediately by the software program as soon as the student is finished with each portion of the test!  We only have to score the essay.  In addition, you can print out exactly what test items were missed in each subject and this allows the students to know where they need concentrate on improving their skills if they need to prior to taking the actual GED test.

We ask our students prior to OPTing if they would like to do the print-based or computer-based assessment and 90% of our students want the computer-based test.

I think there will not be such a huge "technology" issue for the majority of the students in regard to the GED test being computerized.  Obviously, it will be our older students who may have the most problems.  I do think that with many of the students, it will be the fear that their "typing" skills are not as good as they would like to complete the Essay based on time limit.

I think field testing is the answer, but I do not see many issues as far as signficant changes in the GED classroom.  We should be integrating technology into our curriculum and classroom anyway.  This will just be one more reason to be more pro-active on the part of the encouraging our students to engage in learning and technology. This should be the case already.........how many employers now use the computer to complete their job applications?  Our students need to be able to understand how to use the computer to even do the basics such as obtain a job.

Kay Combs
Program Coordinator
Center for Lifelong Learning
Georgetown, KY  40324
502-570-8984
kay.combs at scott.kyschools.us<mailto:kay.combs at scott.kyschools.us>

________________________________
From: technology-bounces at nifl.gov<mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov> on behalf of Jason Keith Guard/AC/VCU
Sent: Thu 10/15/2009 4:03 PM
To: The Technology and Distance Learning Discussion List
Subject: [Technology 2389] Re: The *new* GED & Tech
The FAQ document released today by the GED Testing Service says that Computer Based Testing (CBT) with the GED will be piloted in 2010.  They will also begin field testing test items that will fill gaps between conventional wisdom concerning college/career-readiness and the current GED 2002 test series.

Thought on this? Will the test become more challenging? Will instruction need to integrate technology more seamlessly to adequately prepare testers for CBT? Will these development help expand GED credentialing or will adult learners be left behind by these developments?

I look forward to the discussion. Here is the document.

http://www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/ged/National_Needs_Announcement_FAQs.pdf

Jason Guard
GED Specialist
Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center
Virginia Commonwealth University
3600 West Broad Street, Suite 669
Richmond, VA  23230-4930
Phone:  1-800-237-0178 or  804-827-2635
Virginia GED Helpline: 1-877-376-9433
eLearn Virginia: 1-888-589-9003
Fax:  804-828-7539
Email: jkguard at vcu.edu<mailto:jkguard at vcu.edu>
Twitter: jkguard
www.valrc.org<http://www.valrc.org>
www.GEDVA.com<http://www.GEDVA.com>
www.elearnva.com<http://www.elearnva.com>
"Troy, Gail " <gtroy at nelson.k12.va.us<mailto:gtroy at nelson.k12.va.us>>
Sent by: technology-bounces at nifl.gov<mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov>

10/14/2009 05:18 PM
Please respond to
The Technology and Distance Learning Discussion List        <technology at nifl.gov<mailto:technology at nifl.gov>>


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[Technology 2387] Re: The *new* GED & Tech







I too wonder about that brief press release.

I believe that adding a test on-line to show digital literacy could be done and would be a great idea.

If the test is to be made more difficult, so that it is even more difficult than obtaining a high school diploma, (as you noted now 40% of graduating hs students could not pass) - ACE has a huge reality problem .

Gail Troy, M.Ed
Lead Teacher
Nelson County Adult GED



________________________________

From: technology-bounces at nifl.gov<mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov> [mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Jason Keith Guard/AC/VCU
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 1:42 PM
To: Technology at nifl.gov<mailto:Technology at nifl.gov>
Subject: [Technology 2386] The *new* GED & Tech

The GED Testing Service recently announced an apparent change in thinking about the content, purpose, and possibly method of delivery of the GED Test. (See their press release here:  http://www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/ged/news/National_Needs_Alter_Plans_for_GED_5th_Edition_100809.pdf).  Although roughly 40% percent of high school seniors cannot pass the GED test, the issue of the test's adequacy for certifying the skill levels of high school completers has long been at issue.

The press release describes the new GED as "a new, more comprehensive assessment program."  Two common areas of high school experience not addressed by the GED test are computer and digital literacy.  My questions depends on your interpretation of the GED Testing Service announcement, because some there appears to be a shift taking place regarding the GED. Should the new test be administered using computers? Should technology be added to the GED as a content area?  Would these changes help GEDTS frame the GED as gateway to college?  Would a more sophisticated GED test leave too many people behind who would otherwise have been able to pass the test?

Thanks for your consideration.  I look forward to sharing our respective speculation.

Jason Guard
GED Specialist
Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center
Virginia Commonwealth University
3600 West Broad Street, Suite 669
Richmond, VA  23230-4930
Phone:  1-800-237-0178 or  804-827-2635
Virginia GED Helpline: 1-877-376-9433
eLearn Virginia: 1-888-589-9003
Fax:  804-828-7539
Email: jkguard at vcu.edu<mailto:jkguard at vcu.edu>
Twitter: jkguard
www.valrc.org<http://www.valrc.org>
www.GEDVA.com<http://www.GEDVA.com>
www.elearnva.com<http://www.elearnva.com>----------------------------------------------------
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