GED and Online Diplomas
The US Department of Labor estimates that 90 percent of high wage jobs in the next decade will require post secondary education. Now more than ever, if you want a job that pays well you need a high school diploma and a college education.
Dr. Robert Balfanz, Ph. D, of John Hopkins University has gone on record stating, "Simply put, the word has changed and there is no work for high school dropouts".
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that "High School graduates earn nearly $9,000 more a year than those without "diplomas."
Though the number of drop out students has hit record highs in the last few years, this does not mean that those who do drop out are without hope. With online High School Diploma and GED programs, children and even adults who left the education system years ago can turn their lives around for the best. No matter your reasons for leaving or how long ago you left, online school is the answer to getting your life back on track.
What is GED? GED stands for General Educational Development.
Its a test that consists of five parts:
Language Arts, Writing
Language Arts, Reading
Social Studies
Science
Mathematics
GED tests can only be taken at an official testing center but there are roughly 3,400 of them in the United States. You can find a testing center online at the American Council of Education website (www.acenet.edu). Since the GED program started in 1942 over 17 million people have earned their GED credentials. The GED is accepted by 98% of colleges and universities in the United States.
Although the test itself can only be taken in person, you can prepare for the test online. Sites like www.passged.com allow you to take practice GED tests. You can use GED prep sites to brush up on your test taking skills and even work with private tutors.
Another option is obtaining an Online High School Diploma. You can receive this through a Private Online High School or an Online Charter School.
Private Online High Schools are independently run and not regulated by the government. Like brick and mortar private schools. They create their own learning curriculum but it"s normally not too far distant from a public school curriculum. Tuition at a private online high school usually runs a little higher much like it"s "real"; world counterpart.
Online Charter Schools on the other hand are publicly funded but still have a little more freedom from the government than public schools. For the money, online charter schools are your best bet. You can even find some schools that will provide you your own computer equipment. Not every state offers an online charter school. The best way to find out is to check with www.uscharterschools.org If your state is not listed with US Charter schools, your state does not have a charter school at this time.
When searching for an online virtual school you will want to be sure that the school you choose is accredited. Sad to report, there are sites out there that are not accredited and only out to scam you for your money. Don"t just take someone"s word for it that a school is accredited. Do a little background checking on school"s you are unfamiliar with, especially if their prices seem to good to be true. You can also check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) to avoid a "diploma scam".
A great place to start background checking your school of choice is with one of the six regional accreditors. These agencies are recognized by the United States Department of Education:
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
NEASC handles schools in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Connecticut in the US as well as Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA)
The NCA handles schools in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Navajo Nation, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA)
The MSA handles schools in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Central America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS)
The SACS handles schools in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Latin America.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
The WASC handles schools in California, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Palau, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, Marshall Islands, and other Australasian locations.
Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU)
The NWCCU handles schools in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
You can also check out if an online school is accredited by searching the United States Department of Education Database at: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx
The important thing to remember is that however you do it, getting your Diploma or GED can only benefit you in life. A high school diploma is an important step towards achieving success and financial stability. Not to mention that a good education is it"s own reward.