What’s New? Preparing for the 2014 GED® Test

March16, 2014

Why did the GED change?• To keep up with the current and future standards

of high school graduates. • To align with college and career readiness

standards.• To ensure GED recipients are prepared for post-

secondary education and the workplace.

What’s new in 2014?• There are changes in the delivery, educational

framework, and content.• Scores for the current GED Tests DID NOT transfer to

the 2014 GED. • The GED Testing Service (GEDTS) has set the cost of

the GED at $120. • There are 4 sections: Reasoning through Language

Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Mathematical Reasoning.

• 7 1/2 Hours of testing time• Reasoning through Language Arts: 150 minutes• Mathematical reasoning: 115 minutes• Science: 90 minutes• Social Studies: 90 minutes

Delivery• Computer-based• Expanded types of answer formats: multiple

choice, drop-down menu, fill in the blank, drag and drop, hot spots, short answer, extended response

• A virtual calculator is available: Texas Instruments TI-30 XS

• An erasable note board is available

Educational Framework• Webb’s Depth of Knowledge vs. Bloom’s

Taxonomy• DOK measures the cognitive complexity of a task,

not difficulty• Listing U.S. Presidents in order – difficulty of task is

dependent on the knowledge of the person recalling the list. However, recalling memorized information is not a cognitive complex task.

• Is not a hierarchy• There are 4 levels of the DOK model.• The verb alone does not determine DOK level; the

context determines complexity• The 2014 GED will assess the first 3 DOK levels

with 80% of the questions in levels 2 and 3.

Bloom’s Taxonomy

Reasoning through Language Arts

• Assessment of reading and writing skills are integrated.• The focus is now on three skill areas:

• The ability to read closely• The ability to write clearly• The ability to edit and understand the use of standard written

English in context

• 75% of the reading will be informational texts; 25% will be literature.

• The reading selections are 450-900 words long.• One 45-minute extended response item included in

response types.• The writing rubric is based on three elements: analysis

of arguments and use of evidence, development of ideas and structure, and clarity and command of standard English conventions.

Social Studies• Focus is on four areas: civics and government

(50%), U.S. history (20%), economics (15%), and geography and the world (15%).

• Within these four areas, the themes that are emphasized are: development of modern liberties and democracy and dynamic responses in societal systems.

• One 25-minute extended response item included.• 80% of questions are at the DOK levels 2 and 3.• 50% of the items will be presented in item

scenarios with a single stimulus (reading, graphs, or both) for 2 to 3 items.

Science• Focus on three content areas: life science (40%),

physical science (40%), and Earth and space science (20%)

• Within these three content areas, the themes that are emphasized are: Human Health and Living Systems and Energy and Related Systems.

• 80% of questions will be at a DOK level 2 or 3.• 50% of the items will be presented in item

scenarios with a single stimulus (reading, graphs, or both) for 2 to 3 items.

• Short answer items included.

Mathematical Reasoning• Focused on 2 areas:• Quantitative problem solving - 45% of the test• Algebraic problem solving - 55% of the test

• 50% of questions will be at a DOK Level 2. • There are 2 sections - one with the virtual

calculator available, one without.

How do I help my student prepare for the 2014 GED?

• If you have access to a computer, teach your students some basic computer skills: use a mouse, type at a reasonable rate, cut and paste, click and drag, etc.

• Use a wide variety of reading context in lessons• Use longer reading passages• Use more complex reading passages that are level-appropriate• Include U.S. founding documents and “the Great American

Conversation” items • Teach content - basic science knowledge, important periods in

American history, algebraic problem-solving• Teach academic vocabulary• Teach study skills and assign homework that requires some

studying• Use open-ended questions• Have students explain their answers

References/Resources• www.gedtestingservice.com• Click on ‘Educators’ to get to the Assessment Guide for

Educators, professional development webinars, and the Teacher’s Guide PD series.

• http://svesd.net/files/DOK_Question_Stems.pdf• www.newreaderspress.com/downloads/New2014Te

stQuickGuide.pdf

• www.nwlincs.org/nwlincsweb/EITCMath.htm • Adult education math instructional materials

• www.how-to-study.com• Study skills

• http://literacynet.org/cnnsf/archives.html#cnn• www.ode.state.or.us/wma/teachlearn/commoncore

/ela-appendix-b.pdf