GED

Knox & Schuyler Counties
Northeast Missouri Caring Communities

Core Result: Youth ready to enter work force
Benchmark: GED by age 25
Students moving on to post-secondary
education, the military, or the workforce.

 

February 2002

Objective
To increase GED pass rate for all persons enrolled at the Knox/Schuyler site from 0% in 1999 to 50% in 2001.

To achieve at least a 75% success rate for the GED diploma students who enter post-secondary education, the military or the workforce.

Target: High school dropouts, enrollment of 40 students annually from Knox, Schuyler and neighboring counties.

History
Knox/Schuyler Counties together over the past 5 years have averaged 11 high school dropouts each year.

Clark, Lewis, Putnam & Scotland counties, over the same time frame, adds another 36 dropouts each year.

In the past, the goal was to enroll 12 students annually. Past success rate was on average one student passing the GED each year.

Strategies
The overarching approach was to assure that our process was student centered, met their needs, and had results.

• Customer driven: GED preparation study sessions offered in each county three times weekly (morning, afternoon, and evening) at a total of five different locations.
• Awareness and promotion: Flyers were widely posted and distributed. Ads were placed in local newspapers. High school principals and guidance counselors were asked to refer students.
• Student centered: Interested students were interviewed and given diagnostic tests. Once enrolled, they were full partners in the preparation of individualized self-study plans, addressing the specific needs of each student. Students completed assignments at home and attended study sessions to get feedback and receive personal instruction. Their work was self-paced with emphasis only in weak academic areas. Students worked in an atmosphere of total support and encouragement. Family, friends, and other community members were asked to help build confidence and positive attitudes toward the GED test. All study materials were provided. If needed, transportation to the GED test center was arranged. Upon successful completion of the GED test, students were offered information about further education and training.

Results -- Better then Expected

Community Results:

• Of those enrolled, 77% attempted the GED test and 72% passed the GED, or 94% who took the test received their GED.
• 100% who passed the GED entered post-secondary, education, military, or workforce.

State of Missouri comparison (preliminary data):

• Of all students enrolled at a GED site, 12% attempted the GED test and 10% passed, or 78.9% who took the test received their GED.
• Of those with academic skills of least the 9th grade level, 27% attempted the GED, 25% passed the GED, or 91.8% who took the test received their GED.

2001 Results

 

Knox/Schuyler Counties	Under 25	25 and Older
% Passed GED	83%	56%
Enrolled	24	18
Passed	20	10
Dropped	4	6
Continue GED Studies		2
% Dropped	17%	33%
Entered post-secondary	3	3
Entered workforce	15	10
% Passed GED in post-secondary	15%	30%
% Passed GED in workforce	75%	100%

 

 

Other Counties	Under 25	25 and Older
% Passed GED	69%	83%
Enrolled	13	6
Passed	9	5
Dropped	3	1
Adult Literacy Student	1
% Dropped	23%	17%
Entered post-secondary	3
Entered workforce	5	6
% Passed GED in post-secondary	33%
% Passed GED in workforce	56%	100%

Funding/Return on Investment
This redesigned GED program began in September 2000 with a DESE Grant. Other funds contributing to this program to date include: Caring Communities Dollars, in-kind of community donations and participant fees.

Prorated expenses of all funds from 9/2000-1/2002 reflects the following:

• Participant cost of $734.39 (all enrolled)
• Participant cost of only those who passed the GED is $1,011.83

Prorated expenses of state funds (grant or Caring Communities dollars) from 9/2000-1/2002:

• Per participant cost $645.79
• Participant cost of only those who passed GED is $889.75
Noteworthy
• Partners in the two counties played a key role in the success of the program. They provided the facilities for study sessions, referred students, publicized the program and gave continuous encouragement. These include the principals and guidance counselors at the Knox R-1 and Schuyler R-1 High Schools, the staff at the Farm Bureau Insurance Office in Edina, the administrator at Downing City Hall, and the staff at the Schuyler County Library.
• As the number of successful students grew, other organizations and agencies in northeast Missouri referred individuals to the program. These include Division of Family Services, Northeast Missouri Community Action Agency, Department of Corrections, Parents’ Fair Share, Crosspointe Residential Care Facility, and the Testing Center at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa.
• Although study sessions were held in Knox and Schuyler Counties, individuals from Adair, Clark, Lewis, Putnam, and Scotland Counties joined the program.

Barriers / Road Blocks
The cumbersome and time-consuming GED test application process in Missouri, along with limited availability of testing (monthly) at the closest test center (Truman State University in Kirksville), led all students in the program to take the GED test at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa. Recommend consideration of a decentralized GED testing structure for Missouri, similar to those found in adjoining states, with community colleges accepting applications, administering tests more frequently, and issuing results.