2014 GED® Test Basics • 4 test subjects: Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA), Science, Social
Studies and Mathematical Reasoning
• Students must score 150 in all 4 test subjects to earn their GED® credential
• Students don’t have to take all 4 test at once
• Delivered on computer (currently 18 testing locations)
• Available in both English and Spanish
• Approximately 8 hours for all 4 test subjects
• 4 writing components (known as “constructed response” items)
• Scores Reported in the Enhanced Score Report, available in student’s MyGED™ account
GED® Registration Updates • Registration reminders:
• Counseling
• 60 day waiting period (new for no-shows)
• Proper Spelling/Capitalization
• Various emails
• Home school policy and procedures
• Original letter of intent from district
• Identity and Residency
• Can be mutually exclusive
Reasoning Through Language Arts 150 minutes
Section 1 (35 minutes*) tests all content
Section 2 (45 minutes) is the Extended Response portion of the test
Student Break (10 minutes)
Section 3 (60 minutes*) tests all content
*The time allotted for sections 1 and 3 may vary slightly, but the total test time will always be 150 minutes.
Reasoning Through Language Arts 150 minutes • Featured text is 75% informational (nonfiction) and 25% literary
(fiction)
• Text ranges in complexity and varies from 400-900 words in length
• Measures the test taker’s:
• ability to read closely, write clearly, and edit and understand written English
• ability to understand, interpret, and answer questions based on text
• ability to use evidence to support an argument
• understanding of basic English skills at a level needed to succeed in college or a job
Science 90 minutes
• Has no breaks
• Includes 2 short answer questions that take about 10 minutes per question to write
• Allows the use of a TI-30XS calculator
• Measures the test taker’s:
• knowledge of life science (40%), physical science (40%), and Earth and space science (20%)
• ability to read, understand, and interpret science-related texts
• problem-solving abilities in science-related situations
Social Studies 90 minutes
• Is 2 parts with no break
• Part 2 of the test is one essay that the test taker will have 25 minutes to write
• Allows the use of a TI-30XS calculator
• Measures the test taker’s:
• knowledge of civics and government (50%), U.S. history (20%), economics (15%), and geography and the world (15%)
• ability to read, understand, and interpret social studies-related texts
• problem-solving abilities in social studies-related situations
Mathematical Reasoning 115 minutes
• Is 2 parts with no break
• Does not allow the calculator on the first 5 questions
• Allows the use of a TI-30XS calculator for the remaining questions
• Calculator guide & math formulas are provided
• Measures the test taker’s:
• quantitative problem-solving abilities (45%)
• algebraic problem-solving abilities (55%)
Connecticut Statistics
5500 • Accounts created in GED.com
2800 • GED Ready™ Tests
2000 • GED® Tests
578 Test Takers
360 Completers
147 Passers
Connecticut GED® Test Information
Sources of Information
MyGED™
GED Testing Service
CSDE
ATDN
MyGED™ dashboard at GED.com • Take the GED Ready™: The Official Practice Test
• Schedule GED® test(s) and retests
• Request accommodations
• Check scores
• Find study tools
• Find local adult education programs to prepare
• Purchase the GED Ready™
• View and print the Enhanced Score Report
• Locate a testing center
• Read test tips
• Access to college and career information
o FAQs
o Accommodations
o Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs)
o Analysis of Most Missed Items
o GED® Training Courses - RLA & Math
o 2014 Computer-Based Test Tutorial (English & Spanish)
o Online typing tutorials and games
o Math Formulas and AE Symbol Tool Explanation
o Calculator Reference Guide
o Extended Response Answer Guidelines (English & Spanish)
o AE Symbol Tool for Spanish Writing
o Constructed Response: Extended Response Resource Guide and Scoring Tools
o GED Ready Extended Response, Short Answer Prompts and Source Texts
How to Use Performance Level Descriptors in the Classroom
The Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs) explain the skills your students must demonstrate to score in each of the possible performance levels on the GED® test and GED Ready™. Try these helpful tips for using the PLDs in your classroom to prepare students for the test:
Tip 1: Use PLDs to assess your student's current skill level • Identify where to focus in order to develop the skills students need to move to the
next performance level
Tip 2: Use PLDs to determine when your students are ready to test • Determine if a student should take GED Ready™ or the GED® test • Use with the Enhanced Score Report's personalized study plan to create a plan for
developing student skills
How to Use Performance Level Descriptors in the Classroom (cont.) • Tip 3: Use PLDs to shape learning activities
• Set learning objectives in your classroom based on the PLDs
• Determine if you need to adjust how you're approaching the content
• Work one-on-one with students to help develop needed skills Tip 4: Use PLDs to add perspective to lesson plans
• Determine how prepared your students are and create lesson plans accordingly
• Identify the gaps in your students’ skills and develop focused lesson plans to address those gaps
