Why Homeschoolers Will Not Take the GED
A-Z Homeschooling: GED
What is the GED?
Also called Tests of General Educational Development, GED exams consist of five tests, which a student must pass to certify that they have American or Canadian high school level skills. The student taking the test must score higher than 40% of graduating high school seniors nationwide. Yes, this test is taken on a curve and a person who passes the GED only has to do better than 40% or people.
Who needs the GED?
The GED test was created to help World War II veterans return to civilian life. Wikipedia says the reasons for taking the GED are "recipients not having received a high school diploma include immigration to the United States or Canada; homeschooling; and leaving high school early due to a lack of interest, the inability to pass required courses, mandatory achievement tests, the need to work, or personal problems." Most homeschoolers would beg to differ with that statement, because homeschooling is not a good reason to take the test.
The GED carries with it a certain stigma.
While some people might think that it is the same as a high school diploma, it is a known fact that the test is far easier than it should be. After all, if it were hard enough, would someone who dropped out of school in the 10th grade be able to take it and pass with little preparation? I think not. The GED test is widely associated with a test high school dropouts take. In fact, actor/ comedian Chris Rock refers to it as a "Good Enough Diploma". Many would agree. No one looks down on adults who decide to go back many years after leaving school, and take the test to prove their skill. Still, homeschoolers who have worked hard for 12 years feel they there is no reason they should be forced to take a test they could have passed after 9 or 10 years of study to prove they are smart enough for work or college. There are many other ways to show that they are well educated.
Published by A. Hermitt
Andrea Hermitt is an artist by nature and an educator by necessity. As a homeschooling mom of 10 years, she stays current in all things educational, and cutting edge to help her homeschool her children, and... View profile
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12 Comments
Post a CommentCheck out my article explaining how everyone lies about what happens next after graduating
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/800087/high_school_graduates_everyone_lies.html?cat=9
well to quote A.Hermitt "A high school diploma is nothing but a piece of paper."and really thats all it is
Ima Dreamer, you are right, there are some local colleges... In New York especially that won't accept anything but the GED, but there are enough colleges around the country that do accept homeschool portfolios that all these colleges do is miss out on Homeschooled Students. Their Loss!
Thanks for the comment.
I'm for homeschoolers 100%! I've seen some great results with children who came out of the public school system and into the homeschool and it was what they needed in order to succeed. We have a great public school system where I live but not everyone is blessed to have that. In many areas, even around here, public schools are plain dangerous and the students will be the first to say so. I have actually had public school students tell me that they would give anything to have the opportunity to be homeschooled, but with that I also know that with any good thing there are some that have to take it and create bad. I have seen kids pulled out of the public school by an angry parent and pushed into a 'homeschool' without the structure that homeschooling takes and the children are ruined. But enough of that, I just wanted to let you know that in this area our homeschoolers aren't allowed in the colleges without taking the GED first. Their homeschool diplomas are not recognized. We en
Jennifer, all of the questions you are asking can be found in the numerous articles I have written on AC, as well as articles written by others. In short, yes, no one has to believe that homeschoolers really homeschooled, but since homeschooling is a right granted by LAW, they may run into discrimination issues. Now if they hire someone, and they are not educated, it will be quickly evident. Yes, mostly Christian companies look for homeschooling (but not all). Still homeschooling is hardly relegated to only conservative Christians. In my state, I would gather they account for one half of the population.
Sounds like a lot of hoops to jump through for proof. For example, say someone has a kid who drops out, or flunks out, of high school. Couldn't that parent just get a 'homeschool' diploma and sign it? Or is there something you have to provide in order to get one of these diplomas?
Now, this might not be the case, but it was my first reaction....you say Chick Filet looks for homeschoolers....Chick Filet is known, openly, as a Christian based organization. I get the impression that the majority of homeschoolers are serious Christians. Am I off?
I got distracted while answering that question... the "Chick Filet" is in the middle because it is one of the many companies that actually seeks homeschoolers to hire
These days, many companies that require a high school diploma will also accept a parent signed homeschool diploma. In fact, there are a number of companies that purposely seek homeschoolers for emplyees. Chick Filet Those that question the homeschool diploma will use job references and level of skill. A homeschooler who has no plans to go to college will know this and prepare accordingly. Those who are unsure of their own skill level might take the GED, but this is rare. In cases where an employer has decided not to hire a homeschooler because of lack of diploma the HSLDA has intervened and the person is often hired.
ok, but say a homeschooler doesn't go to college and just wants to enter the workforce. many companies require a high school diploma. what does the homeschooler do then, just say they have it and explain later?
Well, not exactly nothing but a piece of paper. Many people work hard for that piece of paper that says "this person has completed enough coursework to graduate highschool". Still that does not mean people who don't have that paper have not completed that course work and more.