Passage rate for students at Fayetteville Adult Education Center is 92%!

Recent data from GED Testing Service indicates that the passage rate for adult learners attending GED preparation classes at the Fayetteville Adult Education Center was 92% during 2014. Adult learners preparing for the GED test at Fayetteville Adult Education also surpassed the statewide average score on each of the four GED tests last year.

“The GED test changed in 2014 and is now aligned to college and career readiness standards for adult learners. It is definitely a more rigorous test and measures skills necessary for success in today’s workplace and college,” said Dr. David Deggs, director of Adult Education for Fayetteville Public Schools.

The GED test changed from a paper-based version to a computer-based version in January 2014. The 2014 test was normed against graduating high school seniors in 2013. The last version of the GED test was released in 2002.

“We are very proud of the work of our adult learners and the dedication they have put toward preparing for the GED test and earning their Arkansas High School diploma. They have proven that hard work and determination pay off,” said Deggs. Deggs did note that the number of test-takers in Fayetteville is down nearly 45%.

“Although the numbers are down among those taking and passing the GED test in Arkansas, the passage rate continues to be very high,” said Janice Hanlon, Arkansas GED Administrator with the Arkansas Department of Career Education. “We attribute this success to our excellent adult education centers located throughout the state. The instructors are trained to help students go from where they are academically to where they need to be in order to pass the GED test.”

Deggs hopes that students will not be discouraged by the new GED test and will commit to working toward their goal of earning an Arkansas High School diploma. “Our faculty are committed to working with students to prepare for the GED test. Students need to commit to attending classes and working with a teacher,” said Deggs.

Fayetteville Adult Education continues to offer free GED testing to help students meet their goal of earning an Arkansas High School diploma. The cost of the GED test is mostly subsidized by the Arkansas Department of Career Education. A local scholarship has been set up to cover the remainder of the costs which amounts to approximately $20. “We are thankful to our community members who made donations to support GED testing in Fayetteville. It is an investment in the future of our adult learners and our community,” said Deggs.