Submitted by Jeanne Steffener, Tulalip Higher Ed
Have you been thinking about taking that leap and getting your GED? Well the back to school season is the perfect time for you to either begin or continue on your GED journey. Benefits of earning a GED? The overwhelming majority of employers in this country require a high school diploma. A GED diploma is accepted by employers just like a high school diploma.
The GED testing service introduced a new version of the test in 2014, with the goal of aligning the tests with the new Common Core curricula, which was adopted by most states to increase college and career readiness. Common Core standards place more weight on writing and content analysis. The test was originally developed back in 1942 for U.S. military personnel; the GED test gave an alternative option to those who had not completed their high school diploma. Although there have been regular updates, the last one occurred in 2014.
The new test shifts test taking from pencil and paper to computer format. Instead of five (5) sections, the test series was reduced to four (4) sections that evaluates students’ reasoning capabilities through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science and Social Studies. The Language Arts and Social Studies sections have been absorbed into the essay section with writing assignments in each area. The test is not necessarily more difficult but quizzes different skills.
So why are you taking the test and how is it going to help you in the future? A major component of the test requires students to show their critical thinking skills through writing that is convincing. So why is this important? Because employers require new employees to have the ability to think critically. Critical thinking is that ability to analyze and evaluate a problem arriving at a fact based solution.
Receiving your GED opens up many doors. You now have the opportunity to continue your education at an accredited trade school, college or university. In addition, having a GED paves the way for you to establish higher educational goals for your life.
You might have noticed when searching for a job that most employers are requiring at least a high school diploma or GED to apply for a job at their company. Studies have shown that persons with a GED diploma will earn about $400,000 more during their lifetime. This is a HUGE incentive.
Another big reason to secure your GED is that enormous sense of accomplishment that accompanies receiving a GED Diploma. Knowing that you were able to reach that goal gives you a giant boost to your self-esteem. With this piece of paper, your whole world opens up with new opportunities that would never have happened before receiving your GED. This new chapter in your life is going to be amazing because of your perseverance and willingness to reach for that brass ring.
Earning a GED is a generational investment. Educated parents generally want their children to become educated.
Therefore, if you want education to become the trend for your family, please contact Higher ED and we can assist you to pursue your education goals. Call us at 360-716-4888 or email us at highered@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov for more information.