GED Programs Face Overcrowding
By Michael Ormsby
During the recent economic downturn, many adult Americans without their high school diploma have realized the necessity of a GED in today’s job market. Throughout the country, GED programs have seen an increase in learners looking to earn a GED and increase their job opportunities. This has caused a problem in many areas, because with over 39 million adult Americans lacking a high school degree, GED programs aren’t large enough to fill the real need for GED diplomas.
Becky Atwood, coordinator of adult education and literacy for the Cape Girardeau School District in Missouri, faced a waiting list of more than 100 potential students last year. Though the waiting list cleared, now it is back to 80. A waiting list can be discouraging for students looking to earn a GED, and reaching each individual student is a problem. The school district has started using orientations to prepare students for GED preparation and to ask for a commitment from learners. The focus is on finding the students willing to stick with the program, who will get the most benefit from it.
When the economy slows down, demand for GED programs and job preparation increases, but at the same time, funding for these programs often remains tight, or gets even tighter because of budget cuts. When The GED Academy was first formed, it recognized that there is a greater need for GED preparation than the current adult education infrastructure can handle. Technology provides one option for both adult education programs and individual learners to expand GED preparation. The GED Academy Prep Program is an online study-at-home program that offers individualized help for students at different learning levels. Software programs like the GED Academy Prep Program can be used by individuals or implemented by adult education programs to expand their capacity.
Adult learners often find it difficult to make the commitment to go to GED classes and get a diploma. Waiting lists, problems with money, problems with transportation and child care, or simply fear and lack of self-confidence can stand in the way. The more programs are available, and the more flexible they are to fit with adult learners’ lifestyles and learning needs, the more people will be able to earn a GED, raising the overall level of education in the U.S.
To learn more about The GED Academy Prep Program, visit: www.passGED.com Read more about the Cape Girardeau School District adult education program here.
Michael Ormsby is the president of The GED Academy and oversees software and curriculum for adult learners and people with educational challenges. For more information, visit passGED.com. Michael can be contacted by telephone at 800-460-8150.
