COLUMBIA – South Carolina’s GED test program reached a new milestone in 2008, recording its highest-ever passing rate and continuing a trend that’s boosted the number of successful test-takers by more than half since 2002.

The Palmetto State’s passing rate of 73.1 percent matched the national average for the first time and was 4.3 percentage points higher than the previous year.  The nation’s average gain in passing rates was one-and-a-half points.  Six states recorded drops from the previous year, according to the 2008 GED Statistical Report.

The General Educational Development (GED) tests are a group of five multiple choice tests designed to measure the general knowledge and thinking skills needed to receive a high school diploma.  The South Carolina Department of Education issues an equivalency diploma to those who pass all five tests with an average score of 450 – for a total of 2250 – and a minimum score of 410 on each exam.

“Our adult education programs and GED tests make it possible for thousands of people to earn a high school credential, pursue higher education or better job opportunities, achieve their personal goals or enlist in the military,” said State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex.  “Passing the GED not only improves their lives, but also benefits the communities where they live and work.”

South Carolina had 6,644 GED passers last year, a 56 percent increase from the 4,251 who were successful in 2002.  The state’s passing rate now ranks 32nd among the 50 states and District of Columbia.  Iowa has the highest rate at 99 percent, while New York is last at 59.7 percent. South Carolina’s number of passers – 6,644 – ranks 27th nationally.  

The state’s growing GED success coincides with the 2002 release of a new version of the separate tests in writing, reading, social studies science and mathematics.  The tests can be taken all at one time, which requires seven hours, or split with two parts on one day and the remainder taken two weeks later.

Rex said several factors contribute to the state’s higher passing rates, but a key ingredient is the quality of the adult education staff’s training that includes a GED Academy with 45 hours of professional development and four regional training centers in Florence, Sumter, Summerville and Easley.  Eight hundred adult education teachers have completed the academy.

Rex credited other education programs such as Family Literacy and Even Start that not only help parents and children improve their reading skills, but also encourage parents to enroll in adult ed and earn high school credentials.  South Carolina – like other states – has seen an uptick in GED interest during the nation’s recent economic woes.

“A sputtering economy leads people to rethink their educational options and makes the GED more attractive,” Rex said.  “People without jobs or those seeking better, more secure jobs are looking to get a high school diploma.  They know it will help them find work."

Nationwide, 737,233 adults took the GED in 2008, a 6 percent increase over the previous year, the GED Statistical Report said.  Nearly 60 percent of candidates indicated that they tested for educational reasons, with 50 percent also listing employment as a motivation.

David Stout, director of the State Department of Education’s Office of Adult Education, said initiatives such as the Young Adult Program (17-21 years of age) have allowed adult ed programs to expand their offerings for those interested in GED diplomas.  Partnerships with other state agencies and with local school districts ensure that citizens from teens to seniors will have access to quality adult education services.

GED testing currently is staffed and coordinated from Columbia, but Rex said the SDE plans a new initiative to set up five stand-alone test centers at adult education facilities in Florence District One, Dorchester District Two, Greenville County School District, Richland District One in Columbia and York District Three in Rock Hill.

“These will be full-service centers complete with testing materials and staff,” Rex said.  “We’d like to add another 15 centers within two years to increase GED access statewide.  Our goal is that no South Carolinian would be more than 30 minutes from a test center and the opportunity to earn an equivalency diploma.”

The SDE also plans to push legislation that would aid test candidates by paying the $80 GED fee.  The benefit would be available to adult education students who earn qualifying scores on GED practice exams. Similar legislation failed to win approval in the last legislative session.

“This incentive has an estimated cost of about $400,000, but it would boost our passing rate because the more candidates are familiar with the tests, the more likely they are to do well,” Rex said.  “Practice testing also identifies academic strengths or weaknesses that need to be addressed.”           

Rex believes that South Carolina’s GED candidates and adult education students exemplify both the concept and practice of public school choice.

“These students of all ages are making the choice to further their education, the choice of where and when to learn – either in classrooms, on line or both – and are choosing to face the challenge of overcoming difficulties to reach academic goals,” Rex said. “Their common story is one of inspiration and perseverance.”