GED Testing
Timeline
To date, there have been four generations
of GED Tests: the original GED Tests released in 1942,
the 1978 series, the 1988 series, and the current series
released in 2002. While the academic content areas in which
candidates are assessed—English language arts (reading/writing),
social studies, science, and mathematics—have not changed,
the priorities and assumptions by which proficiency in
these areas is assessed have evolved. Since the GED Tests
assess academic skills and knowledge typically developed
in a four-year program of high school education, it is
of utmost importance to the GED Testing Service that
the GED Tests continue to evolve as secondary education
evolves.
1942 Series
The first generation of tests, developed in 1942, reflected
an industrial era, when a high school education was sufficient
for many jobs. By the time this series was retired in
1977, more than 40 percent of test-takers took the
tests for employment reasons—evidence that this level
of education qualified people for many entry-level
positions. During this period, 37 percent of test-takers
indicated plans for further study. Content knowledge
was assessed in a traditional manner. The English test
focused on the correctness and effectiveness of expression,
while success in social studies, science, and literature
depended on interpreting reading material.
1978 Series
By the mid-1970s, the closing cusp of the industrial
age, changes in secondary curricula and public attitudes
toward education made necessary a review of the GED
test specifications. As a result, a second generation
of tests was introduced in 1978. This series was characterized
by:
- A shift in emphasis from science
and social studies reading materials to a separate
reading test
- A transition away from recall of facts
toward application of conceptual knowledge and evaluation
of presented information
These tests retained an emphasis
on high school outcomes, but introduced real-life contexts
(such as work or home settings) and reading materials
(schedules, newspaper articles) relevant to adults.
1988 Series
The release of John Naisbitt’s Megatrends in 1982 characterized
a heightened awareness worldwide of the shift from
an industrial to an information society—one characterized
by a commonplace use of technology, global awareness,
and participatory democracy. As these changes affected
adults, the GED Testing Service initiated a five-year
review that drew on the expertise of professionals
from all sectors of adult education. Again affirming
the GED Tests’ academic content areas, the panel
recommended five changes:
- Addition of a direct writing
sample (essay)
- An increased emphasis on critical
thinking and problem-solving skills
- An increased reflection of
the diverse roles adults play in society
- Greater emphasis
on understanding the sources of societal change
- An increase
in contextual settings relevant to adults
In addition
to the changes in the GED Tests, there was also a shift
in candidates’ reasons for taking the tests. More than
65 percent of candidates said they are taking the tests
for entry into postsecondary education, while 30 percent
reported taking the tests for employment reasons.
2002 Series
Today, a high school diploma remains the primary
ticket to many entry-level jobs. In many cases,
it’s also the prerequisite for advancement in employment,
occupational training, and postsecondary education.
Change is indeed sweeping education and the workplace.
Content standards developed at the national and
jurisdictional level form the basis for the changes
that are part of the 2002 Series GED Tests.
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