ARCHIVE FOR THE GED

An article in today’s San Francisco Chronicle confirmed what we suspected: that education prevents crime.

The piece by Jill Tucker, entitled "Fewer dropouts could cut crime, save tax dollars ", is based upon research findings released last week by the California Dropout Research Project.

The bottom line is that as tough as times may be for people during this economic downturn, things may be even tougher for dropouts. Dropouts generally earn less money than graduates, they have fewer job options, and they are commonly overlooked with regard to promotions.

These factors could easily lead to frustration and dissatisfaction with life in general. And some may turn to crime.

There are many reasons that compel students to leave school - work, marriage, joining the military, boredom, learning problems, peer difficulties, apathy.

But there is hope for those in this situation. Many finish school by studying and passing the GED test, which is usually treated by employers and higher education institutions as the equivalent of a high school diploma. So those holding a GED certificate are eligible to apply for jobs that require a high school diploma; and they may also enroll in college.

Popular online GED preparation programs are a godsend for those who do not have the luxury of cutting job hours to attend on-campus classes. And after receiving the GED certificate, online degree programs are a great way to continue to move forward and  earn a college diploma as well.

Crime may be prevalent in a higher percentage of high school dropouts; but the remedy for that is simple: Students should stay in school at least through high school graduation.

And if it is too late for that, passing the GED test is the next best thing.

online GED , crime , college , dropout , GED prep , high school , job , online degrees , online degree program

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In times past, high school dropouts had little hope of ever receiving a high school diploma. Once they left high school, they also left formal education for good — without pomp or circumstance.

But technology has brought new hope for these ex-students.

The rising exodus of teens from secondary school has alarm bells ringing all over the education community, initiating an urgent call for intervention to stop the tidal wave of students who prematurely walk down high school hallways for the last time.

In California, at least 120,000 young people a year become “high school dropouts”, with over a million students in the U.S. falling into this category annually.

According to a 2006 report for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one-third of all public high students fail to graduate from high school each year. And among Hispanics, African-Americans, and Native Americans, that percentage rises to one-half.

These figures represent a “silent epidemic“, according to U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings. She also mentions that 15% of the U.S. high schools produce over 50% of the dropouts.

And what causes dropouts to “drop out”?

• The public high schools with the highest number of dropouts — the 15% mentioned by Secretary Spellings — are generally substandard. Buildings are run-down, hallways are littered, desks are chipped and school books are outdated. In order to receive an education, students often face obstacles like routine violence and overtaxed teachers who struggle to educate their students in an unpleasant, hostile environment.

• Often, students do not understand the relevance of a high school diploma until they leave school. If school is unpleasant and there is little educational encouragement at home, students have no incentive to hang in there and finish their coursework. Once they are out in the real world, dropouts encounter obstacles in finding a satisfying career. Since a high school diploma is a prerequisite for most well-paying jobs, dropouts run into limitless roadblocks in their quest to make a living.

• Teen pregnancy, apathy, and inadequate reading or math skills make it difficult for others to complete high school.

On the whole, dropouts earn significantly less money and end up with a lower standard of living than high school graduates.

However, many adult learners eventually earn the equivalent of a high school diploma by passing the General Education Development test (GED), signaling a new beginning and better life for themselves and their families.

Adult education programs and online GED preparation courses can be found at local community centers, junior colleges and private online schools. And the flexibility of computer learning makes it possible for full-time workers to study on their own schedule.

When they are ready, students must take the GED test at an approved GED test center. In fact, students should beware of GED testing offered online. There is no valid online GED test; it is a scam.

Passing the GED or receiving a high school diploma opens the doors to enrolling in college, job promotions, increased income and a sense of accomplishment.

Still, the easiest thing for current students to do is to remain in school in the first place.

adult education, adult learners, African Americans, career, high school diploma, high school dropout, jobs, new beginning, online GED, online schools, standard of living, teachers, teens

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