General Education Development
Natalie Calleja natalie.calleja@riroe.k12.il.us
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Important Links: How Do I Register For the GED? |
The General Educational Development (GED) Tests can give you the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency certificate...a credential recognized as a key to employment opportunities, advancement, further education, and financial rewards. The information below answers many of the questions you may have about the GED Tests, the keys to your future...
Adults may apply to the Regional Superintendent of Schools Office in their county of residence provided they meet one of the following criteria:
Note: If an individual is of school age and has been enrolled in a public, private, or a home school setting in the last 12 months, they must present a withdrawal letter from the last school enrolled before taking the GED test. Exceptions An individual may be eligible to take the GED Test at 16 years of age only if they meet the following criteria:
How Should I Prepare for the Tests? Local school districts and community colleges offer adult education programs free of charge which provide the instruction you need for the tests. You can discuss with the adult education teachers whether you need to study for all the tests or if you only need to brush up on your skills in a few areas. Of all the GED examinees, approximately 20% do not formally prepare for the tests at all. The instructor of these programs will discuss your options and determine if you must take GED courses before you tak the GED Tests. Reexamination In addition to the five GED Tests, Illinois residents are required to satisfactorily pass an examination on American patriotism and the principles of representative government as enunciated in the American Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America, and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, as well as on the proper use and display of the American Flag as provided by Section 27-3 of The School Code of Illinois. To order one copy of the study guide for the Constitution of the United States and the State of Illinois, send a money order for $5.90 made payable to R.O.E. with your name and address and whether you want the English or the Spanish version of the Study Guide to Rock Island County Regional Office of Education, 3430 Avenue of the Cities, Moline, IL 61265 or you may come to our office and pick up a copy for $3.00.
History The General Educational Development (GED) Tests began in 1942 with the development of a battery of tests for U.S. Military personnel who had not completed their high school studies. The tests provied an opportunity to demonstrate that these persons had achieved learning outcomes usually associated with a high school diploma. Because of this program, many persons were able to qualify for jobs and pursue postsecondary education upon discharge from military service. Today, the tests are used in all fifty states, in the US territories, and in many Canadian provinces. Approximatley 800,000 adults take the tests annually, with nearly two-thirds qualifying for a credential in accordance with the criteria established by their states or provinces. Over the years, the GED Tests have provided personal satisfaction as well a professional and academic opportunities for millions of adults who, for many reasons, were unable to complete their formal high school studies. It should be clearly understood that the GED Tests can in no way take the place of a regular high school education. The tests are not means to an education, but are designed to appraise the educational development of applicants who have not completed their formal high school education. The GED now serves Spanish-speaking and French-speaking candidates as well as those who speak English. The five tests are offered in braille, in large print, and on audiocassettes. Many adult education programs in Illinois provide instruction to assist individuals in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the GED. In brief, the GED Testing Program has offered millions of adults a second chance by enabling them to demonstrate that they have many of the skills they would have acquired had the been able to remain in high school. Legal Basis Section 2-3.34 of The School Code of Illinois, as amended, and Section 3-15.12, as amended authorized the Program for the Issuance of High School Equivalency Certificates. Illinois Law authorized the Illinois State Board of Education to make rules necessary to carry into efficient and uniform effect the provisions for the issuance of High School Equivalency Certificates in the State. The law requires the Regional Superintendent of Schools of each county/counties to administer the High School Equivalency Testing Program. The American Council on Education also makes recommendations to the State Board of Education relative to the policies and procedures for the administration of the GED Testing Program. Recognized Illinois high schools are not authorized to issue a GED credential. To register for the GED Tests in Rock Island County you must fall under one of the rquirements (above) and be a resident in Rock Island County.
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