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If you have been thinking of getting your GED, this information is for you. In January of 2014 the GED will have an overhaul and reflect the expectations of 21st Century careers and higher education. Be warned - it will be much more rigorous and difficult to pass!

The current GED has 5 parts (language arts, writing, math, social studies and science) all of which are multiple choice except the 45 minute essay. Part of the math test allows the use of a calculator. The 2014 GED will eliminate the writing test but embed writing into 3 of the other tests. There will be several written responses, a 25-minute essay in the social studies test and a 45-minute essay in the language arts test.

Also moving into the digital age, the new test will be totally done on the computer meaning that keyboarding and computer knowledge will be essential. This enables a variety of response types in addition to multiple choice and written responses. The questions will involve more high level thinking skills: analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating, reasoning, interpreting and applying both text-based and graphic information. The math test turns its focus to more algebra, geometry and functions.

If the above information isn't enough to get you moving now, here's another fact. The 2014 GED will be a lot more expensive!

You have about 15 months to prepare for and pass the GED if you want to avoid the 2014 version. At the Northland Area Family Service Center in Remer we have Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes to help you with this. Please call 566-3636 for more information or to register.[[In-content Ad]]

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