Robbinsdale Schools: GED Test Becomes More Difficult in 2014

Editor's Note: The following article was submitted by Tia Clasen, communications director for the .

Starting January 1, 2014 students seeking a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) will be faced with a more robust set of tests compared to the current GED tests. The most apparent change from the current GED tests is that the 2014 tests will be completely computer-based, with students answering questions and writing their essay on a keyboard.

Other large changes are slated for individual tests. Instead of the current five GED subject areas, 2014 students will complete tests in four areas: Literacy, Math, Science, and Social Studies.  Instead of answering a writing prompt about an idea or an aspect of one’s life, students will compose an analysis to a passage they read, citing evidence from the passage in their responses.

The math test will include word problems related to science and social studies, using a calculator on the computer screen. This is similar to what students use for the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) in elementary and secondary schools.  The science and social studies tests will include many more charts, graphs, and tables, and the social studies test will require students to write a second essay addressing a given prompt.

A few compelling reasons for the change in tests include a greater demand for higher skilled workers on the national level. With the direction of our domestic and global economy, GED and high school graduates are required to hold higher academic skills that will prepare them for success in post-secondary, career training, and the workforce. Furthermore,  computer-based testing (CBT) is faster and easier to facilitate. There are fewer errors when correcting CBT tests, and students receive their results quicker. 

“Now is the perfect time to get your GED before the process becomes more challenging,” stated Theresa Zingery, Director of the Robbinsdale Area Schools Adult Academic Program.

Students interested in pursuing their GED in order to finish before the more rigorous test should sign up to test as soon as possible. If students need assistance in preparing to pass the test, they should enroll now in GED classes through the Robbinsdale Area Schools Adult Academic Program. If students have already started the processes of earning a GED, they must finish before January 2014, before the new testing takes effect.

For more information about the GED or to register for GED classes, contact the Robbinsdale Area Schools Adult Academic Program at 763-504-8300. The Adult Academic Program is located at Winnetka Learning Center, 7940 55^th Avenue North in New Hope.