Strategies for Helping Your Learners Complete the 2002 GED®: Approaches for Teachers and Administrators May 24, 2013
Nov 19, 2014
Strategies for Helping Your Learners Complete the 2002 GED®: Approaches for Teachers and Administrators
May 24, 2013
GED Closeout Strategies
What do we already know about the 2002 GED Close-out?
What do we already know about the 2002 GED Close-out?
• Ends in January 2014
• Test will morph from paper-based 2002 version to computer-
based 2014 version.
• Loss of scores for all who don’t finish
• Start on paper, end on paper – start on computer, end on
computer
• Only a handful of places to take the test
• Many testers are unaware of changes or its implications
• Ends in January 2014
• Test will morph from paper-based 2002 version to computer-
based 2014 version.
• Loss of scores for all who don’t finish
• Start on paper, end on paper – start on computer, end on
computer
• Only a handful of places to take the test
• Many testers are unaware of changes or its implications
GED Closeout Strategies
The Problem:The Problem:
• January 2014: We’re running out of time!
• Massive score loss by January 2014 !• 30,000 Statewide• 7,000 in Philadelphia• THOUSANDS more
• anticipated to attempt testing for the first time in Summer/ Fall 2013, joining the 7,000 “high-risk” testers in Philadelphia
• January 2014: We’re running out of time!
• Massive score loss by January 2014 !• 30,000 Statewide• 7,000 in Philadelphia• THOUSANDS more
• anticipated to attempt testing for the first time in Summer/ Fall 2013, joining the 7,000 “high-risk” testers in Philadelphia
GED Closeout Strategies
The Goal:The Goal:
Conversion from GED PREP Centers
To
GED COMPLETION Centers
Conversion from GED PREP Centers
To
GED COMPLETION Centers
GED Closeout Strategies
What’s The Difference? PROGRAM DESIGNWhat’s The Difference? PROGRAM DESIGN
PREP Center Design
1. Open Enrollment
2. Finds advanced students by happenstance
3. Uses TABE Test for leveling and placement
4. Instruction focuses on general skill gain
5. Teaches same general material to all students in a particular class level
6. Waits for post-testing to determine GED Readiness
PREP Center Design
1. Open Enrollment
2. Finds advanced students by happenstance
3. Uses TABE Test for leveling and placement
4. Instruction focuses on general skill gain
5. Teaches same general material to all students in a particular class level
6. Waits for post-testing to determine GED Readiness
COMPLETION Center Design
1. Managed Enrollment2. Recruits and targets test-ready students3. Uses Official GED Practice Test for
leveling and placement4. Instruction focuses on targeted skill
deficiencies needed for passing test (*FMQ data)
5. Uses targeted individualized instruction based on Practice Testing performance data
6. Actively, and frequently does follow-up practice testing + accepts teacher recommendations for performance
COMPLETION Center Design
1. Managed Enrollment2. Recruits and targets test-ready students3. Uses Official GED Practice Test for
leveling and placement4. Instruction focuses on targeted skill
deficiencies needed for passing test (*FMQ data)
5. Uses targeted individualized instruction based on Practice Testing performance data
6. Actively, and frequently does follow-up practice testing + accepts teacher recommendations for performance
GED Closeout Strategies
What’s The Difference? STAFF EXPERTISEWhat’s The Difference? STAFF EXPERTISE
PREP Center Staff
1.Instructors have never taken, or are unfamiliar
with the official GED Practice test
2.Instructors rely on the TABE to assess student
aptitude + gains to predict GED readiness
3.Has imperfect knowledge of GED scoring
process and how to explain it.
4.Has imperfect knowledge of GED Registration
Process and Requirements (The W’s)
5.Is unfamiliar / has never completed a
GED123.com registration with a learner
6.Does not track or coach learners after they are
deemed “test-ready” or begin testing
PREP Center Staff
1.Instructors have never taken, or are unfamiliar
with the official GED Practice test
2.Instructors rely on the TABE to assess student
aptitude + gains to predict GED readiness
3.Has imperfect knowledge of GED scoring
process and how to explain it.
4.Has imperfect knowledge of GED Registration
Process and Requirements (The W’s)
5.Is unfamiliar / has never completed a
GED123.com registration with a learner
6.Does not track or coach learners after they are
deemed “test-ready” or begin testing
COMPLETION Center Staff
1.Taken, and analyzed one or more GED
Practice Tests (*site GED Tagging Data)
2.GED Practice tests early, frequently, and
aggressively to determine GED readiness.
3.Thoroughly understands and can articulate
scoring process to students
4.Can quote registration requirements,
regulations, fees, locations, etc…
5.Efficient at registering learners on GED123,
utilized for score tracking, has time for it!
6.Coaches learners THROUGH test completion,
not just up to point of testing
COMPLETION Center Staff
1.Taken, and analyzed one or more GED
Practice Tests (*site GED Tagging Data)
2.GED Practice tests early, frequently, and
aggressively to determine GED readiness.
3.Thoroughly understands and can articulate
scoring process to students
4.Can quote registration requirements,
regulations, fees, locations, etc…
5.Efficient at registering learners on GED123,
utilized for score tracking, has time for it!
6.Coaches learners THROUGH test completion,
not just up to point of testing
GED Closeout Strategies
The Strategy:The Strategy:
What is a Fast Tracker?
• Needs little-to-no formal instruction in order to pass the GED• Has passed TWO or more Official tests with a reasonably high
average• Official Score average allows for minimum scoring in final
subjects (ie: 410 in Math to pass overall GED)• Exceptionally high Reading Scores on Practice or Official Test • Held to high expectations!
What is a Fast Tracker?
• Needs little-to-no formal instruction in order to pass the GED• Has passed TWO or more Official tests with a reasonably high
average• Official Score average allows for minimum scoring in final
subjects (ie: 410 in Math to pass overall GED)• Exceptionally high Reading Scores on Practice or Official Test • Held to high expectations!
GED Closeout Strategies
The Strategy:The Strategy:
How do I recruit / identify / generate Fast Trackers?
• GED Practice Test at orientation, not TABE• Outreach to “High-Risk” Testers in your network
• Free GED Practice Testing Events• On-Deck Testing Events (*see On Deck slide)• Yes, teach to the test !• Take risks with borderline students, be ready to coach if they
do not pass
How do I recruit / identify / generate Fast Trackers?
• GED Practice Test at orientation, not TABE• Outreach to “High-Risk” Testers in your network
• Free GED Practice Testing Events• On-Deck Testing Events (*see On Deck slide)• Yes, teach to the test !• Take risks with borderline students, be ready to coach if they
do not pass
Advantages to On-Deck Strategy:Immediate identification of Fast Trackers for expedited GED registration and testingSifts through waiting list to identify Fast Trackers who are hidden amongst intermediate and low-level studentsMinimized waitlist time for allImmediate engagement w/ center staff and programming while waiting for orientation
GED Practice Testing
Low / Intermediate
Levels
Low / Intermediate
Levels
FAST TRACKLevel
GED Registration and
Testing
Orientation OR
Continued Waitlist
Orientation OR
Continued Waitlist
“ON DECK”WaitlistOR
Walk-In
WaitlistOR
Walk-In
GED Closeout Strategies
Congreso’s On-Deck Strategy
GED Closeout Strategies
The Strategy:The Strategy:
So what does a Fast Track student actually do? (1 of 2)
• Minimum of 2 Practice Tests in each subject
• 1 at Orientation, 1 afterwards, average the scores
• (PROPERLY!!) Creates a GED123.com account with staff
• Obtains Identification + money needed for testing
• Undergoes targeted tutoring / instruction and test prep skills• FMQ’s, identify bad habits• Test taking strategies• “Game plan” to graduation
So what does a Fast Track student actually do? (1 of 2)
• Minimum of 2 Practice Tests in each subject
• 1 at Orientation, 1 afterwards, average the scores
• (PROPERLY!!) Creates a GED123.com account with staff
• Obtains Identification + money needed for testing
• Undergoes targeted tutoring / instruction and test prep skills• FMQ’s, identify bad habits• Test taking strategies• “Game plan” to graduation
GED Closeout Strategies
The Strategy:The Strategy:
So what does a Fast Track student actually do? (2 of 2)
• Attends minimum of 1 day a week throughout testing• Tutoring, coaching, score review, next-test-strategy
• May be Fast Track for Reading-based subjects, but takes class for Math
• Writes essays and practices “Framing” various topics• Practices completing tests for Time• “What to know about the day of testing”
So what does a Fast Track student actually do? (2 of 2)
• Attends minimum of 1 day a week throughout testing• Tutoring, coaching, score review, next-test-strategy
• May be Fast Track for Reading-based subjects, but takes class for Math
• Writes essays and practices “Framing” various topics• Practices completing tests for Time• “What to know about the day of testing”
GED Closeout Strategies
Writing Test Strategy:Writing Test Strategy:#
Correct Rating
2Rating
2.5Rating
3Rating
3.5Rating
4
14 (56%) 410 460 490 530 580
13 400 450 490 520 580
12 400 450 480 520 570
11 390 440 480 510 570
10 390 440 470 510 560
9 380 430 460 500 550
8 (32%) 380 410 460 490 540
7 370 400 450 480 540
6 370 400 440 480 530
5 360 390 430 470 520
4 340 380 410 450 500
3 300 340 370 410 460
2 (8%) 250 290 320 360 410
1 220 260 290 330 380
Average Increase
Per Essay Rating:
40.4 Points!
GED Closeout Strategies
FMQ Strategy:FMQ Strategy:PC
MATH
Question
#LO JT GS LP JF NZ MR OO JD GZ KJ AG EN JM JEM WM RR JM AZ LAST
NAMELASTNAME
LASTNAME
LASTNAME
LASTNAME
AMTWRONG %
1 I C I C C I C I C I C C C C C C C I I 7 37%
2 C I I C C C C C C I C C C C C C C C C 3 16%
3 I C C I C C I I I C I I I C C I C C I 10 53%
4 I C C C C C C C C C I C C C C C C C C 2 11%
5 C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C I C C C 1 5%
6 I C C C I C C C C C C I C I I C C C C 5 26%
7 C C C C C C C I I C I I C C I C C C I 6 32%
8 C I C C C c C I C C c I C C C C C C C 3 16%
9 c c c C c C C I C C C C C C C C C I C 2 11%
10 I I C I I I C I I C I I I I I I I I I 16 84%
11 I I I I I C I I I C I I C I C C C C C 11 58%
12 C I C I I I C C I C C I I I I C C I C 10 53%
13 I C I C C C I I C C I C C C C C C C I 6 32%
14 I C C C C C C C C C C I C C C C C I C 3 16%
15 I C C C C C I C C C C I C C C C C C C 3 16%
16 C C C C I C C I C I I I C C C C C C C 5 26%
17 C C C C C C C C I C I I C C C I C C I 5 26%
18 I I C I I C I I I I I I I I I I C I I 16 84%
19 C I I C I I C I I C I I I C C I I C I 12 63%
20 C C C C C I I C C I I I C C I I I C C 8 42%
21 I C C C C I I C I I I C C C C C C I C 7 37%
22 I C C C I C C C C C I I C C C C C C C 4 21%
23 I C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 1 5%
24 C C I I C C C C I C I I I C C C C C I 7 37%
25 C C I I I C I C I I I I I I C I I C C 12 63%TOTAL MISSED
QUESTIONS 13 7 7 7 9 6 8 11 11 7 15 17 7 6 6 8 4 7 9 0 0 0 0 0
START TEACHING THIS
START TEACHING THIS
STOP TEACHING THIS
STOP TEACHING THIS
GED Closeout Strategies
“GED Tags”“GED Tags”
#10) Body Mass Index (BMI) can be defined as:
BMI = (705)(w) h²
Where w is a person’s weight in pounds and h is the person’s height in inches. If Elaine is 60 inches tall and weighs 108 pounds, what is her Body Mass Index?
Mark your answers in the grid on your answer sheet.
TAGS:
Order of operations, multi-stepSubstitution for variable(s) *see reverse order!Squaring a numberFilling out answers on the score gridEtc…
“GED Tags” - Example“GED Tags” - ExampleQUESTION
# Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division DecimalsComparing and
Ordering Numbers
Square Root Exchange Rates
1 x x x x2 x x x x3 x x 4 x x x 5 6 7 x 8 9 x x x x
10 x x 11 x x 12 x x 13 x x x x 14 x x 15 x x x x 16 x 17 x 18 x 19 20 x x 21 22 23 24 25 x x
TOTAL PC: 4 6 10 8 6 4 1 2
GED Closeout Strategies
GED “Tagging” Graphs – MathGED “Tagging” Graphs – Math
410 out of 800 = 51%Algebra + Multi-Step
Problems = 68% of the test!
GED Closeout Strategies
GED “Tagging” Graphs – WritingGED “Tagging” Graphs – Writing
GED Closeout Strategies
Testing Center Observations:Testing Center Observations:
•Practice Tests are only HALF the length. Students get worn out !• TIP: Before official testing, have students take 2 Practice Tests
back to back in order to get a feel for a real test. Average the two scores together.
•Back-to-Back Testing = Fatigue• 2 per day recommended, 3 max• 3 consecutive sessions = 4 hours +
•Stop leaving blanks!• Teach students “timing strategy”• 10 minute warning only, erasable pens take more time
•Writing 5 paragraph essay !!•Math Hand-written Answer Boxes•GED 123 problems, ID on day of test
•Practice Tests are only HALF the length. Students get worn out !• TIP: Before official testing, have students take 2 Practice Tests
back to back in order to get a feel for a real test. Average the two scores together.
•Back-to-Back Testing = Fatigue• 2 per day recommended, 3 max• 3 consecutive sessions = 4 hours +
•Stop leaving blanks!• Teach students “timing strategy”• 10 minute warning only, erasable pens take more time
•Writing 5 paragraph essay !!•Math Hand-written Answer Boxes•GED 123 problems, ID on day of test
GED Closeout Strategies
The GED Testing Center Reality:The GED Testing Center Reality:Too many testers, not enough slotsToo many testers, not enough slots
temple 1199 ccp congreso 5th?Per week 225 225 200 50 0
Per Month 900 900 800 200 0Per Next 6 months 5400 5400 4800 1200 0
GRAND TOTAL OF SLOTS POSSIBLE
16,800
Slots NEEDED for 7,000 People to
Finish7K x Need 1 7K x Need 2 7K x Need 3 7K x Need 4 7K x Need 5 7K x Need 6 7K x Need 7
7000 14000 21000 28000 35000 42000 49000
Slots NEEDED for 10,000 People to
Finish10K x Need 1 10K x Need 2 10K x Need 3 10K x Need 4 10K x Need 5 10K x Need 6 10K x Need 7
10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 60000 70000
GED Closeout Strategies
• Test Re-ordering Situation• Can purchase Full Batteries only
• Bottleneck in Fall / Winter 2013• Again, Too many testers, not enough slots• Test Centers will run out of Booklets before January• More testers will attempt, as January approaches
• Students should plan to PASS all 5 subjects by
November to be safe.• Don’t leave Math for last !!
• Test Re-ordering Situation• Can purchase Full Batteries only
• Bottleneck in Fall / Winter 2013• Again, Too many testers, not enough slots• Test Centers will run out of Booklets before January• More testers will attempt, as January approaches
• Students should plan to PASS all 5 subjects by
November to be safe.• Don’t leave Math for last !!
The GED Testing Center Reality:The GED Testing Center Reality:
GED Closeout Strategies
21
SummaryTesting Centers
Work with Literacy ProvidersPreserve Available Math and Writing TestsSpecial Testing Dates
Testing Centers
Work with Literacy ProvidersPreserve Available Math and Writing TestsSpecial Testing Dates
Instructors
Teach to the test!Data-driven instructionBecome GED-process Experts
Instructors
Teach to the test!Data-driven instructionBecome GED-process Experts
Administrators
Creative Program DesignTemp Shift Toward 2013 CloseoutEmpower Instructors to help w/ closeout!
Administrators
Creative Program DesignTemp Shift Toward 2013 CloseoutEmpower Instructors to help w/ closeout!
Students
Instructors
Testing Centers
Students
Practice Test often, multiple versionsRealistic Expectations: Am I 2002 or 2014?Don’t wait to get started!!
Students
Practice Test often, multiple versionsRealistic Expectations: Am I 2002 or 2014?Don’t wait to get started!!
GED Closeout Strategies
• Where is your center in regards to:
• The spectrum of GED Prep vs. GED Completion?
• Staff expertise around GED Completion?• Program Design to create Completion
Capacity?
• Where is your center in regards to:
• The spectrum of GED Prep vs. GED Completion?
• Staff expertise around GED Completion?• Program Design to create Completion
Capacity?
Questions for Reflection:Questions for Reflection:
GED Closeout Strategies
• What can your center start implementing• This week?• In a month?• In 2 months?
• What resources do you need?
• What staff will be responsible?
• What does success look like?
• What can your center start implementing• This week?• In a month?• In 2 months?
• What resources do you need?
• What staff will be responsible?
• What does success look like?
Action Plan:Action Plan:
GED Closeout Strategies
Feedback and QuestionsFeedback and Questions