GED does not mean diploma and employers are aware of the difference between a high school diploma and a GED. The D in GED does not mean diploma. The D in GED means GED means General Education Development. When GED participants pass the GED test, they are given a certificate which is often erroneously called a degree or a diploma (Donohou, 2008; Hartwig & Sitlington, 2008).

Is a General Education Development certificate the same as a private school high school diploma?

In general, a private school education is viewed as superior to a GED. How would you like it if all your doctor studied was how to pass a 200 question test. Would you feel safe with a doctor that only knew how to pass one test? Well, that is the difference between a learner who studies for the GED test and a private school educated student. Nuevo Choice offers private schooling through its distance education program. Our private school offers different types of assessments, not just one test.

Is a General Education Development certificate the same as a public school issued high school diploma?

The GED and high school diploma are not the same; however, times are changing. In Texas, they are the same. There is a strong movement in Texas and other states to promote the GED as better than a high school diploma. The GED is a test and a certificate means that the participant passed the test in each subject area. The same learners might not pass the state exit Test (such as TAKS) in each subject area. When students are taught to take a test, the subject matter is by necessity watered down. Changes in public education are forcing students to drop out of high school because of teaching to the test and the inability to pass state exams. The GED is rapidly becoming the education of choice among those who plan to attend community colleges or technical schools.

Can a person join the military with a GED certificate?

Yes.

Can a person with a GED go to college?

Yes.

How do employers view a regular high school diploma compared to other certificates?

Through our satellite program, we offer a standard high school diploma through our private school. Hartwig and Sitlington (2008) studied how employers viewed job hunters who held certificates and GED certificates. Certificates of completion needed to be specialized in the career area the graduate would work. Research by Hartwig and Sittlington (2008) revealed the employers:

1. Want to know more about job seekers past job history and personal characteristics.

2. Prefer job seekers who have diplomas in an area related to the job. If job seekers do not have and occupational certificate, they will consider a GED applicant.

3. stereotype a person with a GED, indicating that they would hire him or her for an unskilled labor position. (p. 12) 4. Prefer a GED to a certificate of achievement or a certificate of attendance.

How can Nuevo Choice help someone who holds a GED?

Nuevo Choice gives job seekers new choices in developing workplace skills. Employers want to know that the holder of a General Education Development certificate is able to do the work their business requires, has good work ethics, a great attitude and good hygiene. The GED signals to the employer that the job seeker had problems in high school. Nuevo Choice helps job seekers identify the skills necessary to achieve their career goals. Nuevo Choice helps job seekers strengthen their GED with sessions that adds weight to the GED. Documentation that you attended one or more sessions tell the employer  I can do the work if you just give me a chance!

Sessions include: Basic Keyboarding, Dress for Success, Attitude Counts, Ethics 101, Job Seeking Skills, Overcoming the GED Stereotype and Transition from GED to College.

These sessions are offered online which is helpful for job seekers who are working fulltime but are trying to move up in their careers.

Can a person who holds a GED also earn a high school diploma?

Yes.

Most of the time, a learner can attend local community colleges which strengthens their GED. Sometimes a learner strongly desires a high school diploma for personal or career reasons.

Our Intake Specialist will work with you to design a high school completion program for you. Donohue (2008) is the CEO and President of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.

Donohue (2008) erroneously called a GED a degree. Donohue said that  one size fits all education is one of the causes of high school dropouts.

You can take high school courses to finish your high school diploma.

If you plan to attend college, your high school courses can be college preparatory to get you ready for college.

Do you have a list of GED providers?

The Texas Education Agency has a list of GED providers found at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/ged

Remember, no matter what high school document you earn, you can achieve your career goals through hard work and perseverance. Never give up.

Donohue, N. (2008, Spring). Adult education: from a terminal degree to lifelong learning. New England Journal of Higher Education, 22(5), 22-23. Retrieved June 8, 2008, from EBSCOhost database.

Hartwig, R., & Sitlington, P. (2008, Summer). Employer perspectives on high school diploma options for adolescents with disabilities. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 19(1), 5-14. Retrieved June 8, 2008, from EBSCOhost database.