October 2011

A Better Braille Test

The Braille version of the GED^® tests has been upgraded. GED Testing Service is excited to announce a new version of Braille GED^® tests that reflect the current best practices in Braille documents and uses the most recent updates to the Braille code. The newly revised Braille test offers visually-impaired students increased access to raised tactile graphics that better represent many of the images in the GED^® test.

A raised tactile graphic is used to convey non-textual information, like graphs, diagrams, and charts. Enhancing tactile graphics helps to improve the test-taker experience and ability to perform on the test.

“A description can be adequate at times, but for many students, ‘seeing’ the diagrams hands-on can make the process much smoother,” said Kathleen McGillivray, consultant on the project and director of Disability Services at Hamline University. “It’s critical for blind students to access the same information as their sighted peers, whenever possible.”

GED Testing Service worked in partnership with McGillivray and Minnesota’s Volunteer Braille Services to create a revised version of the GED^® tests. The new version of the Braille tests help test-takers answer more exam questions independently, and is more consistent with what’s being used in school textbooks today. Check out our press release on the new Braille test.

New On-Demand Training Tool for Examiners

GED Testing Service created a new training tool that saves testing centers time and money when it comes to training new examiners on the current testing program. The program, On-Demand Training for Examiners, consists of four computer modules that examiners can take whenever and wherever it is most convenient.

“Currently, jurisdictions primarily train new examiners and new chief examiners face to face,” said Martha Bozman, operations director at GED Testing Service. “The On-Demand training can extend, reinforce, or replace portions of the current face-to-face training.”

Bozman hosted breakout sessions at the GED Administrators’ Conference in July and more recent WebEx sessions to explain the ins and outs of the On-Demand Training modules to GED Administrators™. She said adult educators are already showing an interest.

“As of now, we have our first individual registrants in our work queue and three jurisdictions have asked us about getting a file with the course in order to host it themselves,” Bozman said.

The first module is the longest. It covers the basics of test administration and security for examiners. Topics include:

·      Eligibility to take the tests

·      Registration procedures

·      Allowable identification forms

·      How IDs should be checked

·      Other basic key information

The second module assumes face-to-face training with the jurisdiction’s administrator and provides written resource material the examiner should review prior to the training.

The third module covers accommodations request forms, and what examiners should know about the accommodation exceptions so they can explain to candidates what steps are necessary.

Lastly, the fourth module is specific to GED Chief Examiners™ and covers their job responsibilities, like receipt, inventory of secure materials, etc.

Each module has assessments throughout so content understanding can be checked.

Interested the On-Demand Training for Examiners? Contact Krystle Whitaker, program coordinator at GED Testing Service, at krystle.whitaker@GEDtestingservice.com to enroll in the training program.

Protecting the Brand at the 2011 National Trademark Expo

Adult learners have enough to worry about when preparing for the GED^® tests that distinguishing between a real test and a fake one shouldn’t even be a concern. That’s why GED Testing Service spent two days at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office’s 2011 National Trademark Expo this past month, discussing the trademark issues facing the GED^® test and raising awareness of the brand’s marks.

While educating the test-taker is an important step in combating fraud, many of the battles are legal ones.

“This expo is an important part of our larger efforts to promote and protect the GED^® trademark and educate the thousands of test-takers who take the GED^® test each year how to identify genuine GED^® goods and services,” said Stephanie Foster, trademark attorney for GED Testing Service.

The opportunity to speak with decision makers about the GED^® trademark, and explain the effort being made to protect the mark is beneficial to both parties. Many trademark employees are pleased to learn more about the GED^® test and GED Testing Service^® trademarks. Passing this information along helps strengthen our brand at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and in the public.

“The event is unique because it brings experts from trademark law and the general public together to learn about how to recognize and protect legitimate trademarks,” Foster said.

The testing service plans to return next year for its third annual showing.

 

By The Numbers

What is Public Perception of the Test?

A new study indicates high awareness of the GED^® testing program among Americans, as well as respect for the program’s accomplishments. The 43^rd annual poll The Public’s Attitudes Toward their Public Schools (Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup 2011) reports what Americans are saying about education today, and the data is favorable when the attention is turned to the GED^® test.

3 out of 4
Three out of every four Americans consider the GED^® credential a path to greater readiness for the future.

67 percent         
Percentage of Americans that know someone who earned a high school equivalency diploma by passing the GED^® test.

Check out the full report and highlights.