GED Exam Setting: Overview

While adults have several pathways to achieve high school credentials, the GED exam remains a popular option. Let’s spend some time reviewing the GED performance context, which will help us as we design our lessons for our learners.

The GED tests are taken on a computer at an authorized regional testing center. Learners taking a GED exam are assessed in one of four subjects. Please take a moment to review each of the following links to see the focus of these exams. This review will help you narrow the focus of your lesson in Module 2.

• Math – Quantitative & algebraic problem solving
• Science – Life science, physical science, earth and space science
• Social Studies – Civics and government, U.S. history, economics, geography and the world
• Reasoning Through Language Arts – Ability to read closely, write clearly, and edit and understand written text.

Test Length

Part of performance context is the duration of each assessment. As you design your lesson, you need to consider how your instruction and assessments will prepare your learners for the performance context of the ext, including the time allotted for the student to complete the test questions. The following outlines the time test takers have to complete each section of the exam:

• Math – 115 minutes
• Science – 90 minutes
• Social Studies – 90 minutes
• Reasoning Through Language Arts – 150 minutes

Question Types

All four exams use one of six different types of questions. As you design your lesson, you should consider whether or not your assessment activities reflect the types of questions your learners will encounter within the performance context.

On the GED exam, the question types include:

• Multiple choice
• Drag and drop
• Hot spot (select an area)
• Fill in the blank
• Short answer
• Extended response

Exam Costs & Procedures

The exam and preparation costs are also an important performance context consideration. For many of our learners, the cost of preparation materials, instructional support, and the exam fees are a significant burden. It is important for you as the designer to appreciate the costs and procedures associated with preparing for the exam, taking the exam(s), and possibly re-testing. Knowing these factors helps you understand the performance context as you design your lesson. Here is an example of the local GED testing center rules and requirements in the State of Illinois where students:

• Pay $30 for each of the four subject modules (4 x $30 = $120)
• Can retake a test at a discount if they don’t pass
• Can take advantage of special promotions.