Even an Ivy League Grad Can’t Pass the New GED

[pnwmom]

106. But the new GED test is not pre-tested for biased or misleading questions

and it has never been tested for scientific reliability -- unlike at least two other tests that other states are using which cover Common Core skills. And instead of costing students $30 a test, this private company is charging $120 a test -- too much for many students who need to re-test. So we allow them to charge a premium for a product that isn't proven to be reliable.

Why do you feel the need to defend a test designed by a private company, Pearson, that you're not even familiar with? Even though this untested test is now failing hundreds of thousands of students a year? Shouldn't you be asking questions about the reliability of that test when the results affect so many lives?

The article below compares the new GED to two other tests that cover common core and that other states are using instead. The new GED isn't the only option out there.

http://restoregedfairness.org/hiset-a-fairer-option

Educators write better tests the Wall Street Hedge Fund Managers

To begin with the University of Iowa College of Education has an excellent reputation for developing accurate, reliable and scientifically valid educational tests. This may not mean much to the general public or to political leaders. But it means a great deal to someone like me who has a degree in Science Education and believes in using the scientific method to design tests. By comparison, my experience with private for profit corporations is that they care very little about the scientific method. All they care about is maximizing short term profits.

Price is important when you have no money

The second factor is price. This is very important because most young adults who are taking these tests are either unemployed or working for a minimum wage. They simply cannot afford paying $120 for the first test and another $60 for a retest and another $60 for a practice test and another $200 for courses to prepare them to take or retake the test.

Not everyone has access to a computer

The third factor is is access. HiSET and TASC are can be taken the old fashioned way with paper and pencil while the GED is only available online. One may wonder why we still need a paper and pencil test. It is not merely that older people are not good with computers. It is also that many poor people do not have access to computers. They therefore may fail the test simply because they did not know how to use the computer. A “computer only” test therefore discriminates against the elderly and the poor.


Free Training and Free Practice Tests Increase Chances of Success

The fourth and very important factor is the availability of free practice tests and free training materials. The HiSET practice tests and training materials are much better than either those offered by the new GED or TASC. Having free access to better training materials will greatly increase the chances that students will pass the test.

SNIP