Results from two studies provided strong evidence for the validity of the HiSET® tests, thereby demonstrating that HiSET is a well-developed battery of tests with passing and college and career readiness (CCR) standards that, when met, provide a pathway to postsecondary education, better employment opportunities and wages, and a better quality of…

The number of people attempting and passing the GED has plummeted. The Ohio economy is tough on low-wage workers with limited formal education. Without a high school diploma, it is virtually impossible to get a family-supporting job. But the GED has become a barricade, blocking Ohio workers from career goals, instead of a launching pad. Employers…

The number of people attempting and passing the GED has plummeted. The Ohio economy is tough on low-wage workers with limited formal education. Without a high school diploma, it is virtually impossible to get a family-supporting job. But the GED has become a barricade, blocking Ohio workers from career goals, instead of a launching pad. Employers…

I survey the evidence on patterns in U.S. high school graduation rates over the period 1970-2010 and report the results of new research conducted to fill in holes in the evidence. I begin by pointing out the strengths and limitations of existing data sources. I then describe six striking patterns in graduation rates. They include stagnation over…

The relationship between educational attainment and economic outcomes is shaped by a variety of educational experiences, including field of training, length of time spent in school, and level of attainment. This report explores the relationship between educational attainment, field of training, and eventual occupation and earnings. The report also…

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth--Mother and Children and Washington State Family Income studies showed that secondary dropouts, General Educational Development (GED) recipients, and secondary graduates cannot be distinguished by hours of work. All three groups earned the same in the Washington sample; in the other sample,…

A literature review explored the differences between the high school diploma and GED (General Educational Development) credentials and the value of receiving one in comparison to the other. The study found that GED recipients and high school seniors who take the five tests constituting the GED score similarly, but that test achievement does not…

For high school dropouts who last attempted the General Educational Development (GED) test in Florida and New York in 1989-1990, earnings of those without GEDs, least-skilled GED holders, and highest-skilled GED holders were compared. Higher GED scores were associated with higher earnings, except for white males. These earnings differences were as…

Rebuts Cameron and Heckman's conclusion that the General Educational Development (GED) Test is too easy and irrelevant to employers by arguing that their sample was unrepresentative, credible evidence of ease is lacking, and there is no evidence that traditional high school curricula meet employers' needs. Also presents noneconomic and other…

Education often entails choices about field of study, alternative credentials, and the time to start and complete studies beyond high school. This report explores issues related to school completion and degrees, fields of training, occupations pursued, and earnings obtained. It also examines the education and earnings of people who obtain a…

Human capital investment, in the form of education and training, is the key to improving labor market outcomes for high school leavers. GED certification provides an opportunity for education and training, but is no substitute for it. The GED credential is only a starting point. GED holders are not equivalent to high school graduates. (MLH)

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth for 1979 through 1991 are used to demonstrate that acquisition of the General Educational Development (GED) credential is associated with an increase in the rate of wage growth for male high school dropouts. (SLD)

A study used the National Longitudinal Surveys of Labor Force Experience Youth Cohort to determine the labor market consequences for young people of acquiring a General Educational Development (GED) degree in 1985. Three major consequences of receiving a GED were examined: labor force participation, employment status, and hourly wages. The…

A study was conducted to determine whether the General Educational Development (GED) Test credential was acceptable to employers in hiring and promoting employees. Major employers in the Denver Metropolitan area were surveyed to determine (1) whether or not there are policies regarding GED credentials versus high school diplomas in governing the…

Designed for use by General Educational Development (GED) program teachers in GED classrooms, this set of learning materials provide learners with practice in graph and chart reading, calculation, analyzing information, and writing, while they examine the labor market, role of higher education, and economic impact of the GED. Unit 1, The Labor…