The General Equivalency Diploma, also known as the General Educational Development (GED) test, has been administered for over 70 years, but in the state of Indiana, the test is getting a makeover.
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD), the agency that now runs the program, has decided to provide a new high school equivalency assessment that will replace the test currently in use.
The new test, called the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), is said to better meet employer demand and is also more affordable and accessible to Hoosiers.
“Next year, GED is going to all computer based testing and is actually almost doubling in price. Where this becomes an issue is that a lot of our providers would not be able to provide the test and do the related adult education programs when the GED test changes. They just don’t have the resources or technology,” said Joe Frank, spokesperson for the DWD.
The new exam will continue to be offered in both paper and computer-based formats, ensuring Indiana’s current network of providers, including correctional facilities, will not be disrupted. It will also be available in English and Spanish, Braille, and audio versions for the visually impaired.
In addition to making this an easy transition, the agency is striving for TASC to become a robust exam credential and one that employers, including the military, will view as a true high school equivalency. Frank said this isn’t to suggest that the current GED is outdated. TASC is a more college and career focused test so that when students complete the exam, they are prepared to enter a post secondary education program or directly into a high-skilled job.
Frank added that unfortunately, many employers unfairly stigmatized those who received GED certification. He hopes employers will see TASC as a laborious test and a true college and workforce preparation assessment. In fact, TASC will be aligned to College and Career Readiness Standards over the next few years and will gradually increase in rigor to better meet industry demand.
An expert panel of stakeholders from the Indiana Department of Correction, the Indiana Department of Education, Ivy Tech and the Indiana Association of Adult Continuing Educators helped the DWD evaluate a variety of proposals and selected CTB/McGraw-Hill as the test provider.
“The TASC exam exceeded our expectations and we look forward to implementing the assessment in our prisons,” said Douglas Garrison, chief communications officer for the Indiana Department of Correction.
Due to the changes in the GED program, many states are changing tests. The state of New York has been using the CTB/McGraw-Hill issued test and Indiana is using their experience as a guide.
Although the company has been selected, Frank said TASC curriculum is not completely in place yet. However, according to DWD’s website, scores of those looking to take the test will expire if they don’t finish and pass the test before the end of the year. Indiana providers will begin utilizing the test in January 2014.
Many are in favor of TASC yet the ultimate goal for many Indiana educators and employers is to increase high school graduation rates so that students can receive a general diploma or one of three Core 40 diplomas.
“The department recently established an outreach division that works with schools throughout the state to provide resources they need to deal with issues, including graduation rates,” said Daniel Altman, press secretary for the Indiana Department of Education.
For more information on TASC, visit In.gov/dwd/adulted.htm.
