High school equivalency test just got tougher

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer

Come January, all those seeking their GED (General Educational Development) diplomas signifying they've passed high school, will have to study harder. It's already too late to sneak in under the wire and take the current, less difficult, test.

"We're not testing over the holidays," said Gary Takaki, principal of Windward Community School based at Kalaheo High School. About 1,200 people got their diplomas from Windward last year.

The new test, which goes into effect Jan. 1, is more difficult, a little more expensive and requires a scientific calculator for the math section.

Testing ended yesterday for the current GED, which is based on a competency level of completing 10th grade and five months of 11th grade.

The new test calls for a competency level of 11th grade plus five months of 12th grade, and costs $5 more to take.

"Those developing the tests say it's harder," said Takaki. "But it meets the standards now."

For those who failed one or more of the subject exams, there will be no carryover into the new year, said Stephen Miyasato, state education specialist for adult basic education. People will be required to take all of the tests again under the new, tougher, testing levels.

"We've been advertising this change for a year and a half," said Miyasato. "In the fall of 2000, we were already sending letters out to those who didn't complete the test."

Last year, 1,918 people received their GEDs, approximately two-thirds of those who took the exams. Because of an extensive advertising campaign to get the word out that the exam was changing, it's estimated numbers rose this year, but there are no overall tallies. Eleven community schools for adults offer programs to increase literacy and help people return successfully to the work force.

At Kaimuki Community School for Adults, Principal Gerald Sato saw a one-third increase over previous years.

"Usually we have roughly 200 people a year," said Sato. "But we've had around 260, closer to 300 this year."

Maui, too, saw an increase from usual levels of 60 or 80 people seeking their GEDs annually to around 200 who took the test during the year.

Beginning in January, it will cost $55 — up from $50 — to take the series of five exams in five subjects: writing, reading, mathematics, social studies and science.

But the refresher courses to bone-up are still the best deal in town.

"The preparation classes are free," said Takaki. They are generally scheduled two nights a week throughout the community, often in the evenings. The only charge is for the textbook, which will also be going up from $15 to about $18 or $20.

Schools for adults are available throughout the community. Call one in your area for more information on when preparation classes are scheduled. The first sets of exams on the new tests will begin around April. Usually four are given over the course of a year, in April, July, October and December.

Beverly Creamer may be reached at 525-8013 or bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com.