GED stands for "General Education Development." Unions and Trade Schools often will not accept a homeschool diploma or even an unfinished community college program transcript, and so will require their applicants to have passed the GED test. Some states require that a homeschool parent have at least a GED before they may commence homeschooling their children or teenagers. Those looking into a high school competency test for other reasons may want to consider a high school diploma program instead. The GED has a "drop-out" stigma attached, and so is not always in your best interest. It may actually be harder to fulfill dreams with a GED than with even a high school diploma from an unaccredited high school!
The
GED Option
My daughters both recently passed the GED tests--even though
we unschooled and used no formal curriculum. By Karen Kirkwood,
HEM J/A 06.
Homeschooled Diploma or GED
How will my child's homeschooled high school years end? Answering this question early in your homeschooling career will help keep you on track when you hit the high school years and people begin to question your choices yet again! The following information was taken from the HomeschoolChristian.com message boards.
Should
homeschoolers take the GED?
Obtaining a GED isn't always in everyone's best interest; check
with places of interest, such as candidate colleges, workplaces,
or the military to be sure that having a GED will help, rather
than hurt your child. From HERO of Oklahoma FAQ.
Should a Homeschooler take the GED?
Since homeschoolers are some of the brightest and most academically gifted students in the country, don't demean yourself by stooping to the level of the GED. From the Home School College Counselor.
Why Homeschoolers Will Not Take the GED
There are many people under the impression (including a few colleges) that a homeschoolers should take the GED exam to prove they know enough to graduate from homeschooling. Most homeschoolers consider this an insult. By A. Hermitt.
General Educational
Development GED Testing Service
The official site of the GED testing service. This is a test
for those 18 or older who need this test to prove they have mastered
high school subjects.
Are testing accommodations available for candidates with special needs?
Adult learners with special needs may apply for special testing accommodations if they can document that they are capable of passing the GED Tests but are prevented from doing so because of a disabling condition. Though this is from a Kansas site, the information should hold true in other states, too. Check at GED testing centers well ahead of the test date.
GEDonline
A continuing adult education website dedicated to helping you
prepare online for the GED High School Equivalency Diploma Test.
GED
Online Course
Our course is heavily focused on "self-help." We have
provided the resources and the tools. The rest is up to
you.
GED Practice
Gedpractice.com is a free service provided by Steck-Vaughn. By
answering GED practice questions and getting feedback, you will
develop a feel for the kind of reading, thinking, and problem-solving
skills you will need to pass the GED test.
GED Test Review
Like many of you, I was staring at limited funding and the overwhelming
task before me to pass the GED test. I have created this website
to help fellow classmates overcome the challenge of the GED test.