Post on 31-Mar-2023
Running Head: HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER
High School Credentials for the Adult Learner: Alternative Pathways to High School Completion
Marlana Schnell
A capstone defense submitted to the graduate faculty
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Major: Education (Education Leadership and Policy Studies)
Community College Leadership
Program of Study Committee:
Major Professor Jan Friedel
Larry H. Ebbers
Frankie Laanan
Soko Starobin
Jan Westerman-Beatty
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 2
Abstract
For almost seventy years, the only option available to adult students seeking a high school
equivalency was the General Equivalency Development exam, the GED. Students who leave
high school without a diploma or equivalent face an uphill battle in obtaining employment,
entering the armed forces or entering college programs. The state of Iowa is interested in
identifying options to earning this credential, outside of three tests currently available.
This literature review and state high school equivalency information covers every state, and
is a tool to inform policy decisions considered by the state of Iowa.
Federal funding for adult education is trending downward, and states must make difficult
budget decisions. At the same time, the need for increasing options for completion of high
school equivalency is at an all-time high. President Obama’s College Completion Agenda and
workforce skills shortages are driving the push for more completers. For students enrolling in
adult basic education, the decision to enter diploma programs is fraught with multiple obstacles.
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 3
High School Credentials for the Adult Learner
Alternative Pathways to High School Completion
Recent data indicates that nearly 39 million adults in the United States do not have a high
school diploma. According to the US Census Bureau (2012) over 223,688 Iowans’ over eighteen
do not have a high school credential. Individuals lacking a high school equivalency diploma face
the highest unemployment rates and the lowest annual wages as compared to all education level
groups. (Census Bureau, 2012). Iowa Department of Education, Division of Community
Colleges is in the unique position of changing the landscape in Iowa for adult students seeking a
high school credential. Iowa Administrative Code 260C-1 designates Iowa community colleges
as the provider of education and support for adults over the age of 18, in need of a credential.
History and changes for high school equivalency
Iowa was the birthplace of the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) (NPR & WAMU,
2013). In the 1940’s, Everet Franklin Lindquist was a professor and researcher at University of
Iowa. He served as an advisor to the United States Armed Forces Institute and to the American
Council on Education (ACE). Lindquist played a major role in formulating policies with respect
to granting academic credit for general educational growth during military service. These
policies resulted in the development of the General Educational Development Test (GED).
Lindquist oversaw the creation of the initial forms of the GED, modeled after the Iowa Test of
Educational Development.
In 1959 Lindquist and Ted McCarrel, registrar at the University of Iowa, cofounded the
American College Testing Program (ACT) as an alternative to the College Entrance Examination
Board. Lindquist was personally responsible for the design and development of the early editions
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 4
of the ACT tests. All of these tests continue to be the standard requirement for college admission
in the early twenty-first century.
The first generation of GED tests, developed in 1942, reflected an industrial era when a
high school education was sufficient for many jobs. Initially, completing GED tests provided a
credential to those entering or leaving the military, specifically, World War II era veterans.
(GED, Testing, & Service, 2013). The GED covers five subject areas, language arts- comprised
of two separate reading and writing tests, social studies, science, and mathematics. Taking the
GED test was initially limited to soldiers and adults over the age of 18. Eventually, many states
authorized the test in lieu of high school completion for students 16 and over, who dropped out
of traditional high school. Oversight of the GED was originally provided by the American
Council on Education (ACE) and ACE implemented significant changes in test design, 1978,
1988 and 2002. The test grew more applicable to real-life and the developers provided greater
emphasis on inclusive language that reflected the more diverse pool of test takers. ACE added
writing samples and developed questions that demonstrated critical thinking and problem solving
skills. (GED et al., 2013) The biggest change, however, occurred in 2011, when the American
Council on Education (ACE) and Pearson VUE joined to create a new public-private partnership
known as the GED Testing Service that drives the future direction, design, and delivery of the
GED® testing program. Nearly 800,000 GED Tests are taken each year, and in 2011, more than
453,000 individuals were awarded their high school credential. (NPR & WAMU, 2013; Pearson,
2013; Sieben, 2011). The public-private venture doubled the price of the GED from $60 per
assessment to $120. GED/Pearson VUE defends the higher price by providing a comprehensive
suite of services, such as transcripts and practice tests that purport to offer more value. (Elmer,
2013). Also compelling the shift in price is the transformation of the GED to conform to K-12
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 5
common-core standards for the subject areas. While ACE touted the shift as a necessary step in
improve the GED and provide better service to students in common core knowledge areas, the
announcement sparked a national dialogue regarding the costs, options, and validity, of general
testing for high school equivalency. (Fain, 2013) ACE also eliminated the paper and pencil
exams and required complete transition to computerized testing and scoring. The changes shook
the foundation for education providers that depend on this service to remediate high school
dropouts. The announcement spurred competition in this arena for the first time in United States
history.
For clarity sake, a brief description of the two test alternatives follows, because education
leaders across the nation first had to consider the testing options. (Fain, 2013) The Iowa
Department of Education opened a competitive-bidding process to review the options. In
addition to GED, two other testing platforms surfaced, the High School Equivalency Test
(HiSET), and Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC). (Fain, 2013) One assumption of
this research is that there are viable options to earn a high school equivalency outside of the three
tests in the United States that are replicable. Furthermore, the client does not have an interest in
research focused on the newly emerging competitors for GED.
The HiSET exam was developed and promoted by Education Testing Service, ETS (2013) in
Iowa City, Iowa. ETS developed and administers the Graduate Record Examination, (GRE), and
Advanced Placement, (AP), tests nationwide, so there is a great deal of name recognition and
credibility about the organization. The HiSET test is modular, so that students can take test
subjects separately, and HiSET covers the same subject areas as GED; mathematics, reading and
writing (referred to as language arts) social studies and science. The HiSET offers pencil and
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 6
paper exams, English and Spanish versions and the cost per test administration for both the
paper- and computer-delivered versions is $50 for the full battery and $15 for a single subtest.
CTB/McGraw Hill (2013) developed the Test Assessing Secondary Completion, (TASC),
which too, covers the core five subjects. (Hill, 2013). According to McGraw Hill, TASC looks
like GED, claiming to measure examinees' levels of achievement and readiness for college and
the workforce as outlined by the Common Core State Standards1. This exam is also available in
English and Spanish. The vendor advertises immediate scoring for computer-based tests while
paper-based and writing tests scores are available through mailing to CTB/McGraw-Hill. The
price for this exam is set at $54.00, in January 2014, which includes materials and scoring.
Upon completion of the competitive bidding process, Iowa Department of Education chose
the HiSET, based on the price, the availability of paper-pencil testing materials, and the support
for an Iowa-operated enterprise.
Ultimately, this project represents a response to Iowa education leaders who are interested in
offering multiple pathways to demonstrate high school proficiency, in order to increase the
number of completers.(Skills2Compete, 2013) The report intends to provide:
1. Complete review of literature regarding options for basic education and literacy as it
relates to high school completion for adults ages eighteen and over.
2. Discover high school completion options used in the United States, outside of traditional
assessments (GED or HiSET or TASC) and develop a table to provide as much detail as
1 The state-led effort to develop the Common Core State Standards launched in 2009 by state leaders, including
governors and state commissioners of education from 48 states, two territories and the District of Columbia, through
their membership in the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of
Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). State school chiefs and governors recognized the value of consistent, real-
world learning goals and launched this effort to ensure all students, regardless of where they live, are graduating
high school prepared for college, career, and life. http://www.corestandards.org/about-the-standards/development-
process/
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 7
possible, such as costs, staffing requirements, training requirements, issuing authority,
contact information, methodology and outcomes.
3. Prepare materials to present to designated officials, representatives, and task force,
regarding these topic issues and reporting to Department of Education.
Problem Statement
The adult education system faces monumental financial and policy challenges, just when
higher education and credentials are becoming more important than ever for individuals and the
economy. (M. Foster, McLendon, L. , 2012; Strawn, 2007).
According to Iowa’s state Administrative Code, 260C.1, community colleges are the
authorized provider of secondary credentials for adults in Iowa. (IDOE, 2013). Most students in
Iowa successfully receive a high school diploma, given the 92% graduation rate reported by the
state.(Chronicle.com, 2014). All 50 states calculate graduation rates in the same manner, a result
of a National Governors Association agreement in 2009. The first report from all 50 states started
reporting the same way occurred in 2010-2011, where 26 states reported lower graduation rates
and 24 states reported unchanged or increased rates, compared to their prior reporting practices.
(Chronicle.com, 2014).
Unfortunately, according to (Ryder, 2013) if a student drops out of high school, the chance
that he will complete an equivalency exam is extremely low. Research suggests students need an
average at least 100 hours of instruction to advance a grade level and 110 hours to move up one
level in English ability. (Strawn, 2007). Conversely, Strawn (2007) also reports that most
students who enroll in adult basic education courses complete less than fifty hours of adult basic
education before dropping out. In the GED Testing Service annual report for 2012, data indicates
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 8
only .8% of eligible Iowa dropouts actually passed a GED test. This demonstrates need for
alternatives for this population. It also begs the question: why do not more students participate in
programs to increase their education attainment. When less than one percent of the population
participates in the only available option, institutions need to consider different options.
Numerous researchers report that students who do not complete a high school equivalency are at
great risk of never completing any educational program. (Strawn, 2007) (Ryder, 2013).
One benefit of completing a high school credential widely reported is the increase in lifetime
wages. Additionally, students who successfully complete a high school equivalency report
increased enrollment and persistence in postsecondary education. States also benefit from the
increased tax revenues, reductions in request for state and federal assistance programs and
increased education outcomes for future generations of students. Human capital theorist would
agree in the generational gain for families who seek higher education. (J. J. Heckman, J. E.
Humphries, & N. S. Mader, 2010; Ryder, 2013; Strawn, 2007).
Iowa joins many states and countries around the world in the need for building and
maintaining an educated workforce. According to a policy report presented by Iowa
Skills2Compete Coalition, by 2020, 85 percent of jobs in Iowa’s labor market will require a high
school diploma or equivalency and beyond, demonstrating a robust demand for skilled workers.
The Skills2Compete Coalition is a statewide partnership of Iowa’s business, community,
education, legislative, and workforce development leaders that serve as a voice for skills and
build policymaker support for state policies that grow Iowa’s economy by investing in its
workforce. (Skills2Compete, 2013).
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 9
This work coincides well with President Obama’s ambitious agenda to encourage states and
institutions to increase the level of college completers across the United States. The
administration announced the 2020 College Completion Agenda, committed to increasing the
number of community college students completing a degree or other credential by 50% upwards
of 5 million students by the year 2020(Whitehouse.gov, 2013). The reality is that the United
States lags as compared to many industrialized nations in the global market for education
achievement. National and state economies stand to improve with an educated workforce.
(Assistance, 2012; 2013). Additionally, employers are already facing a skills shortage that has
the potential to reach endemic proportions. (Manpower, 2013).
A study by Federal Reserve economists examined the factors contributing to greater state
prosperity over a 65-year period and found that a state’s high school and college attainment rates
were important factors in explaining its per capita income growth relative to other states between
1939 and 2004 (Bauer, Schweitzer, & Shane, 2006). The authors reflect on a states “knowledge
stock,” or the proportion of the population with at least a high school degree, the proportion of
the state’s population with at least a bachelor’s degree, and the stock of patents held by people or
businesses in the state.
A state’s stock of knowledge is the main factor explaining its relative level of per capita
personal income. If state policymakers want to improve their state’s economic performance,
then they should concentrate on effective ways of boosting their stock of knowledge.
Ultimately, to grow Iowa’s knowledge stock, we must increase the number of high school
graduates. The problem statement is two-fold. Iowa needs more students to earn a high school
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 10
equivalency diploma, for all of the aforementioned reasons, and adult basic education providers
need to identify multiple effective pathways to motivate students to completion.
Literature Review
Providing multiple options to complete a high school credential can pave the way for more
students to attend postsecondary education. In conducting this review of literature, the objective
is to identify options that work and that effectively move students toward completing a high
school credential. In order to serve this population, practitioners and funders need to understand
what is lacking in programs and how the existing programs can be improved.
Unfortunately, the majority of high school dropouts in the United States do not earn a high
school equivalency diploma, even over the long run. While longitudinal studies that track adult
education student outcomes over several years are rare, those studies that do exist reveal that
most adult education participants do not participate beyond a few months and typically 70
percent or more do not earn a GED (Bos, Scrivener, Snipes, & G., 2002). In Iowa, among
11,675 Iowa high school dropouts who enrolled in the General Education Development (GED)
preparation program during the 2003-04 fiscal years, less than a third (31.5 percent or 3,680)
earned a GED by the end of the 2009 fiscal year. Just 12.9 percent of them (1,504) went on to
enroll in community college, and only 2 percent (229) completed a community college credential
by the end of June 2010. (Bos et al., 2002);(Ryder, 2013).
Profiling needs of the adult basic education student
Adult secondary education focuses on the courses and curriculum designed to remediate
students who did not complete a high school education or have completed a diploma but need
remediation that is not credit bearing or college-level, in one or more areas to achieve academic
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 11
success. (Ryder, 2013) Generally students are seeking assistance to pass tests, GED in the past
and now HiSET, in Iowa. Some non-native students need English language remediation,
regardless of the level of education they received in their country of origin, as the language
barrier is one that prohibits them from moving forward in their goals of higher education or
employment in the United States.
This paper will focus on serving adults that seek a high school diploma or equivalency.
Many of the recent research articles define the end goal as transition to postsecondary
institutions. (Ryder, 2013; Strawn, 2007; Tighe, Barnes, Connor, & Steadman, 2013)Most of the
research conducted with adult learners focuses on literacy or numeracy gains, teaching strategies
and attempts to improve persistence or retention. (Ritt, 2008; TEAL, 2011)
Students seeking adult education generally have one of two goals in mind, employment
or high school completion. A 2003 national survey of adult learners conducted by the GED
Testing Service found that 44 percent had “high school completion” as a goal and that another 34
percent were seeking “a better job.” Among those taking the GED test in 2010, 30 percent were
taking the test for “employment” goals, while 66 percent had the goal of “further education.” (T.
S. GED, 2013).
At the same time, adult students face multiple barriers to success. Adult learning theorist
and researcher, Patricia Cross (1981), categorized three clusters of barriers that typically play a
critical role in adult learners’ participation or non-participation in educational programs. Since
these are widely accepted and minimally modified throughout the literature, these three clusters
helped to inform and organize the content of this study. (Cross, 1981).
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 12
Institutional barriers, consisting of those systemic barriers typically created by the
educational institutions themselves—geographic inaccessibility, “red tape,” credit
transfer issues, ineffective teaching, educational costs, and others.
Situational barriers, comprised of barriers in home and life situations—lack of family
support, lack of childcare, illness, lack of transport, pregnancy, and others.
Dispositional barriers, referring to individual perceptions as developed through
experiences, which, in this case, influence participants’ views of formal education. These
can create, for instance, concerns over the ability to succeed in education, distrust of
teachers/administrators, concern over large classes, doubts about the real value or
relevance of formal education, and others.
Through this grouping, policy makers and leaders can adjust their focus based on the
student or institutional needs.
Institutional Barriers
Funds are tight, and federal funding for adult basic education decreased steadily over the
past four years. In 2010, Adult Education-Basic Grants to all states were at an all-time high of
$628,221,000.00, and by 2013, the Department of Education awarded only $563,954,515. This
represents a decrease in federal funding of $64,266,485 (or 10%.) (Ed.gov, 2013). Iowa’s piece
of the federal pie was $3,639,113 in 2010 decreasing to $3,511,118 by 2013, a difference of
nearly $128,000 (almost 4%). These lost funds might equal reduction in force of two or three
full-time teachers in a basic education program. Conversely, that reduction could mean fewer
hours of classes offered at several institutions across the state.
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 13
Do increases in funding equate to better outcomes for students? The answer, according to
most researchers, is yes, especially in higher education. Research conducted by Wolff, Baumol,
& Saini, (2014) contends that America funds education at a rate higher than most comparable
nations, with significantly lower outcomes in primary and secondary school cognitive testing.
Wolff, et.al (2014) also points out that while America puts forth a great deal of funding into the
education of its citizenry, the funding does not grow at the same rate at which the growth is seen
in other sectors of society. In fact, after a thorough review, the Wolff, et.al, (2014) points out that
the United States is increasing funding for education at one of the slower paces observed around
the world. Human capital theorists maintain that higher investments in education result in
increased benefits to the society. (Becker, 1975) Economists tend to agree; based on recent
literature and research on endogenous growth theory, modest investments by governments in
education can revive or encourage development of a society’s economy. Public spending on
higher education has a positive and significant effect on increasing college enrollment.
Unfortunately, investment in primary and secondary education does not show the same effect for
college enrollment. (Yang & McCall, 2014)The economy fluctuated wildly during that (2010-
2013) period, in fact, real estate prices went up, community college enrollment went down,
(NSCRC, 2014), unemployment went down, the cost of living increased significantly. The
impact on programs that serve students who are at the lowest education levels is unknown, as
national and state data on enrollment for ABE programs is scarce.
Assessment needs
Every adult participates in an assessment before embarking in a high school equivalency
program in Iowa. Literacy and numeracy assessments, (CASAs in Iowa) assist instructors in
determining placement for adult education. Community colleges also use other assessment tools
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 14
for college enrollment like COMPASS, while workforce centers might use the Test of Adult
Basic Education (TABE). These assessments serve a specific purpose, as the student and the
instructor need to know where to begin class work. Assessments cost money for the community
colleges that administer them. A quick look at the 2014 CASAS catalog itemizes 100 answer
sheets for $58.00, 10 different level tests for reading, each costing $75.00 for a packet of 25 tests
(which are reusable, since students use the answer sheets) and 8 different level tests for math,
also costing $75.00 each for a set of 25. There is a writing assessment requirement, for which
CASAS details a starter kit for $360.00. There are also costs for manuals and training for the
assessor. Totaling costs for this assessment tool kit in a general testing center at a community
college reveals expenses of over $2000.00. Some of those materials are reusable, but others
reflect costs that only serve the first 100 students. In addition, there are the cost of infrastructure,
facilities, staff, and equipment. GED Testing Service (2012) reported over 5200 students tested
for GED in Iowa, 2012. It is likely that thousands more students entered the doors of Iowa’s
forty-two testing centers and took CASAS at a significant cost to the state and the institutions
that serve these students. Assessment is necessary and the expenditure is necessary. In addition,
students entering testing centers complete the TOPSPro assessment, which is an intake tool
providing necessary demographic data so that the state can monitor the number of students
engaging in adult education assessments and have a benchmark with which to determine growth
and needs. TOPSPro is a tool that ensures Iowa receives funding for serving its students. State
administrators submit the data to the National Reporting System, (NRS) to prove eligibility to
receive the Adult Education Basic Grants from the US Department of Education. (IDOE, 2013)
Obviously, a quality literacy assessment is a very important tool for administrators and
providers of adult education, but another type of assessment arose in the literature: should
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 15
programs focus on assessing cognitive (literacy and numeracy skills) or noncognitive (softer
skills, life skills, ability to persist) functioning? Cross (1981) refers to students facing
dispositional barriers, mentioned earlier in this review. Noncognitive skills , sometimes referred
to as soft skills, include those personality traits, persistence, motivation and charm that matter for
success in life.(J. Heckman, 2010). Dispositional barriers have similar characteristics to the
description of noncognitive skills. Much research in the last twenty years indicates a need to
focus on noncognitive development for nontraditional students. Sedlacek (2004) builds a case
for assessing noncognitive skills because these skills are not academic (cognitive) and they are
not assessable through commonly administered cognitive tests such as CASA’s, COMPASS,
TABE or SAT. Additionally, students who completed GED’s do not perform in earnings and
educational pursuits any better than their counterparts who never finished a diploma. According
to research conducted by Heckman et al., (2010)
GED (recipients) fail to perform at the level of high school graduates. We show that
noncognitive deficits, such as lack of persistence, low self-esteem, low self-efficacy, and
high propensity for risky behavior explain the lack of success for many GEDs.
Heckman conducted research specifically on GED students and the correlated economic
gains or losses through acquiring this credential. He claims that GED completers score
comparable to their high school diploma counterparts in cognitive ability. However, the GED
completers do not have the same social outcomes as high school completers. This begs the
question: If the GED student had the same academic skills, why is he not reaping the same social
benefits as the high school completers? Terminal GEDs and uncredentialed dropouts have nearly
identical distributions of noncognitive ability while high school graduates demonstrate
significantly higher levels of noncognitive attributes. (Heckman, 2010) Much of Heckman’s
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 16
work provides in-depth analysis of the noncognitive attributes of those high school and GED
completers. His research is important to this review since so many students who need adult
education do not pursue it. Is the high school dropout that avoids education opportunity a by-
product of institutional barriers, extensive academic needs or lack of noncognitive skills (or a
combination of all three?) Research on noncognitive traits holds that social investments in the
development of noncognitive factors yield high payoffs in improved educational outcomes as
well as reduced racial or ethnic and gender disparities in school performance and educational
attainment.((Farrington et al., 2012); (J. Heckman, 2010)). While developing or possessing
noncognitive characteristics is useful for all students, they are particularly critical for
nontraditional students, since standardized tests and prior grades provide only a limited view of
their potential. (Sedlacek, 2004)writes, "Traditional tests do not give us information on a range
of attributes that are crucial to those who have not been socialized in traditional ways." (p. 141)
Adults seeking high school credentials are not traditional students. Sedlacek advises an
evaluation in eight critical areas: (see Table 1. Appendix I) these areas illustrate what is
important in assessing noncognitive traits as administrators consider options to assist
nontraditional students in the development of skills for education endeavors.
Methodology
The empirical framework for this study draws upon the “perfect timing” of rapid changes
in the structure and dissemination of information in the United States since GED privatized in
2011. (T. S. GED, 2013) Upon announcement of the change, purveyors of the GED had to notify
the student population and those that utilize the assessments of the changes forthcoming and all
states had to evaluate their decision to keep the GED test in its newer form or to adopt other
options. The author went to every state website for high school completion, (workforce
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 17
development offices, departments of education, or combination therein) and scrutinized each of
those offices to see if they had notified students of the impending changes. One hundred percent
of the fifty states reported that GED had changed and/or that the state was adopting new options.
In some cases, (i.e., HI, MA, WI) there were options for students prior to the GED
announcement, and it was still evident that the state had updated their contacts and information.
Some states, (i.e., HI, NJ, and WA) documented the changes in memos that were public
documents accessible on the web. Because this change affects every state of the union, this was a
rare opportunity to document how the states responded to this change. Documentation of their
response is included in Appendix 2 and when state offices did not have extensive office
information, they were contacted by phone to verify state leads or changes in leadership.
The initial document and information yielded almost fifty pages of excel spreadsheets
which was cumbersome to review and difficult to print. The author narrowed the descriptions of
the high school options to condense the document, while keeping the extensive detailed
information on file, should readers require more information than provided in the appendix, the
information is available from the author, just as a qualitative researcher would keep his/her
transcripts from interviews with study participants.
Promising Practices a Scan of the 50 States
Adult basic and secondary education has not changed very much in over fifty years.
Teaching theory continues to change through the years, but achieving a high school equivalency
diploma has not changed (Broadus, 2013). GED, serving as the only option for fifty years,
experienced continuing growth in both participation and numbers of completers. (Sieben, 2011)
Recent efforts to create a more dynamic experience for students seeking adult education include
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 18
more classroom participation and less self-directed work. Unfortunately, little research is
available on programs that are utilizing noncognitive assessments to determine fit for high school
equivalency options.
The information available on individual States’ adult education web sites indicate that
adult education providers are moving toward increasing advising and mentoring with their
students. Education for adults is beginning to shift. Few states offer a menu of options for the
adult learner, but more states are moving in that direction than witnessed in the past.(Future,
2013; Robert Balfanz, 2009) GED held a monopoly for adult high school equivalency in
America for almost 70 years. Even before ACT announced its intention to change structure and
funding, organizations around the country were beginning to look at this population as having
untapped potential. (Rumberger & Lamb, 2003; Skills2Compete, 2013)The prediction of a
baby-boomer workforce coming into retirement age sent workforce strategists, business and
education leaders into problem-solving mode. Evaluating state and regional policy as it
pertained to prospective employees led a direct path to the hundreds of thousands of Iowans who
do not possess a high school credential. In recent years, the focus on workforce needs and
economic needs appears to be driving change in adult education.
Included in Appendix 2 is a scan of all 50 states with their respective testing, alternative
programs and contact information. Some strategies are too new to document without
longitudinal data or research to verify outcomes. Some of the most promising strategies show
potential because they integrate interventions grounded in existing research. It is with this lens
that the author reviews several alternatives.
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 19
The most common option observed in the States are adult high school equivalency
programs that become centers for adult basic and secondary education, equivalency assessments
(GED, HiSET and TASC) and classes, English as a Second Language (ESL/ESOL) and other
continuing education or workforce offerings. Most fall under the administrative umbrella of
state departments of education, while departments of workforce development operate others.
Notably, three states (Indiana, Maryland, and Texas) moved their adult education from
“department of education” to “departments of labor or workforce development” in the last five
years. This is probably due to the receipt of funds funneled through federal Department of Labor-
Workforce Investment Act funds, which assist in funding remedial education as a part of
workforce development, provided to States since 1998. Students that demonstrate eligibility can
use this funding to support obtaining a high school credential. According to the Act: “(1) Adult
education. The term “adult education” means services or instruction below the postsecondary
level for individuals--
(A) “who have attained 16 years of age,
(B) who are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under State law;
and
(C) who
(i) lack sufficient mastery of basic educational skills to enable the individuals to
function effectively in society;
(ii) do not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and have not
achieved an equivalent level of education; or
(iii) are unable to speak, read, or write the English language.”
In 2013, Iowa received $3,365,888 for adult activities funding from WIA (Department
of Labor) and $4,479,610 in funding for dislocated workers. These are considered Title I funds.
Fifteen state workforce regions manage the federal funds received by Iowa Department of
Workforce Development. It appears that in the states where the adult education function has
moved to department of workforce or labor, the states have effectively combined administration
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 20
of Title I and Title II funds. According to “An Analysis of Adult Education (Title II) Provisions
in WIA Reauthorization Proposals” CLASP report in (2012),
Collaboration between workforce and adult education partners is difficult, and they have
few strong incentives to work together. Even when state and local partners take great
strides to collaborate, they encounter significant barriers. These include different and
conflicting performance measures … (and) lack of unified state plans requiring
collaboration.
Most states promote testing with GED and some have switched to HiSET and/or TASC,
and provide free or low-fee remedial course work as a means to obtaining the secondary
credential.
Many states also provide coursework and testing to obtain an adult high school diploma;
CA, CT, DE, FL, HI, IL, IN, IA, ME, MA, MI, MS, OR, NV, NC, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA,
WA, are among them. Often operated by community colleges, these centers provide a one-stop
shop atmosphere, assessing the students’ academic needs and referring to the appropriately
leveled courses for the student skill levels. Most charge tuition, yet others, such as ME, TN and
VT, reportedly offers free high school level courses to adults seeking a diploma. This option
works well for students who have already earned significant credits. In many cases, including
Iowa, the course offerings at community colleges are available year-round, but the adult students
pay tuition. Some states, like CA, IN, MA, NJ and SC, still require completion of state-mandated
exit exams after completion of high school level coursework. In Iowa, students enroll in high
school completion courses; Kirkwood, Iowa Lakes and Des Moines Area Community Colleges
(DMACC) offer these, designed as independent study courses. The cost in Iowa, however, can be
prohibitive, adult high school course tuition at DMACC starts at $100 per credit. A student
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 21
without financial means might avoid this option even if the individual only needed five credits
($500) to complete. That expense helps cover the administrative work of evaluating transcripts
and offering instruction, but the student pays considerably for the class, books and any necessary
fees. Unfortunately, this disincentive prohibits many students from seeking a high school
diploma and opting for the much less expensive testing option through GED or HiSET, etc. The
states that offer free courses are often using Department of Labor Workforce Investment Act
(WIA), Title II funds, designed to assist nontraditional students in obtaining an alternative high
school diploma. (Appendix 2)
Several states, CT, DC, HI, MD, MA, MN, NY, RI, UT, VA, VT, and WI are offering
adult high school equivalency diplomas that combine credits with work experience, life
experiences, and other competency-based measures to earn the credential. The detail for each
state option is in the all-state scan. (Appendix 2). Some are opting to use the model designed by
CASAs called National Equivalency Diploma Program (NEDP). The program is self-paced,
flexible and has no timed tests. Students meet weekly with assessors to demonstrate high school
level abilities by applying them in simulated, real-life situations. This program is for self-
directed adult students who are comfortable working independently at home for several hours a
week. The program takes an average of three to twelve months to complete and yields a high
school diploma, which can lead to college, advanced job training, or military service. Costs are
more for those that administer this program; the assessment costs are $100 for all assessments
and site fees are $850 per year. Staff costs may increase temporarily due to the learning curve
that learning a new system entails, and research indicates the caseload for an advisor to student is
about 1:6 on average. This is more expensive to operate than the traditional testing program, as
most adult education classes in Iowa average 1:15. Data on outcomes is largely unavailable, as
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 22
this program rolled out nationally in 2012. The research to provide options is clear and states are
attempting to administer programs that provide a more balanced approach to competency-based
learning and assessment. The benefit to students can be significant, Maryland, for example,
charges $200.00 to students who select this option.
Of those mentioned above that are creating competency-based diploma options, HI, MA,
VT, VA, WA and WI have created their own individual hybrid competency-based options.
Hawaii’s program, referred to as Competency Based Community School Diploma (CBCS)
promotes two phases, the academic and the career phase as follows: (Hawaii Department of
Education website, 2013)
Academic — Phase 1
1. Students must attend classes regularly. Each student must be present at a minimum of
75 percent of the total number of class sessions for each unit in order to fulfill this
requirement.
2. Students must complete the required number of student tasks before taking the Unit
Test in any of the five knowledge areas.
3. Students must score 70 percent or better on the Unit Test in order to pass each unit.
4. Students must score 70 percent or better on the CBHSDP Mastery Test as the final
requirement to pass Phase I.
Career — Phase 2
The student must decide before the end of the first unit, which of the career choices
he/she intends to pursue.
1. Advanced Academic: The student must be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary
school.
2. Occupational/Vocational: Employment: The student must be gainfully employed on a
regular basis for not less than 100 hours over a period of at least three months. A letter
verifying employment must be submitted to the school.
◦ Obtain or possess a marketable skill: The student must submit a state license, certificate
of completion or other official document indicating that he has a marketable skill or is
enrolled in an acceptable training program.
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 23
3. Home Management: After passing the Mastery Test, the student must demonstrate to a
Board of Examiners, by means of an oral examination, whether he has acquired the skills
necessary to manage a household effectively (including nutrition, first aid, personal
hygiene and good health practices, family care, household legal issues, etc.).
4. Life Management: Upon passing the Mastery test, the student must pass an oral
interview administered by a panel of examiners demonstrating that she possesses the
ability and skills to manage her life (including issues involving, health, consumer
economics, time management, anger management, goal setting, etc.).
Wisconsin, has been offering hybrid diploma options for the longest period. The state
statute that provides this system provides a waiver for adult pathways to a regular diploma.2 A
school board may grant a high school diploma to a pupil who has not satisfied the credit
requirements if the student is enrolled in an alternative education program and demonstrates a
level of proficiency in the subject’s credit areas.
Competency Based
Project Based
GED Option #2
Conversion of HSED to a regular diploma
This provides Wisconsin Department of Education the flexibility to create ways for the
student to demonstrate competency. There is extensive documentation and regulation behind the
options that Wisconsin provides, all of which is available through the state website, but would be
too lengthy to add to this review.
Additionally in Washington State, officials are creating a high school equivalency
program that is competency-based for adult learners 21 and older who do not have a GED or
high school diploma called “HS21+”. Adults demonstrate competencies in reading, writing and
2 See (Wisconsin State Statute) §118.15 (1) (b) (c) (d) Stats. For complete description, (d) A school board may grant
a high school diploma to a pupil who has not satisfied the requirements under par. (a) If all of the following apply: 1.
the pupil was enrolled in an alternative education program, as defined in s. 115.28 (7) (e) 1.2. The school board
determines that the pupil has demonstrated a level of proficiency in the subjects listed in par. (a) Equivalent to that
which he or she would have attained if he or she had satisfied the requirements under par. (a).
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 24
math contextualized in science, history, government, occupational studies and digital literacy.
Many options are available to demonstrate competency: high school and college transcript
credits, work, life, military experience, prior learning portfolio, credit for testing, etc. This
program intends to expand HS completion options already offered by community and technical
colleges to include a comprehensive approach that aligns with adult learning styles and includes
competency-based assessments that demonstrate the academic, career and personal competencies
needed in further education/training and/or employment. Students are eligible for basic skills
tuition, $25.00 per quarter. This work is newly emerging; the proposal to begin work on HS21+
in Washington began in 2013 and is still in the construction phase. Washington State Board of
Community and Technical Colleges developed a google site to store their education rubrics and
work plans. (https://sites.google.com/site/adulthighschooldiploma/)
Texas is also in the process of building a hybrid adult high school diploma, in addition to
an Industry Certification Charter School Pilot Program for adults ages 19-50. Texas SB 1142 by
Sen. Robert Duncan creates a drop out recovery pilot program for adults ages 19 to 50. The
program will allow adults up to age 50 to obtain a high school diploma while pursuing career and
technical education in a high-demand occupation. At the end of the 2013 legislative session,
Texas announced passage of SB 307 establishing a new adult education advisory committee to
develop a statewide strategy for improving student transitions to postsecondary education and
career and technical education training. There is a great deal of change expected as Governor
Rick Perry, TX, moved authority of adult education from the Texas Education Agency to the
Texas Workforce Commission in the fall of 2013.
Many states are offering distance learning or online remediation and coursework to
provide around the clock services to nontraditional students, (FL, IL, KS, MI, MD, NE, NC and
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 25
OK, TX). Costs vary in each state and online offerings are stronger in some states than others.
Unfortunately, providers recognize that with the changes in testing assessments in the last 12
months, much of the online assistance offered by previous providers is outdated and not revised
to reflect the new assessments. Iowa does not have an adult basic education online offering since
changing from GED to HiSET. Texas, however, and other states that have maintained their
agreements with GED, have increased their online offerings and even developed entire high
school completion options online. One would expect decreased overhead when offering online
courses, as there is a decrease in the need for numbers of teachers, physical location, and even
materials costs, via online websites. However, a high school education with University of Texas
(UT) Online High School can be an expensive option for adult students looking to complete a
diploma. In Texas, traditional high schools are publicly funded based on student daily
attendance. UT does not receive public funding and is funded through the course tuition that
students pay. An estimated cost for a student entering as a ninth grader without any high school
credits is $9,000 plus textbooks and some additional fees, such as lab kits, when enrolling in
science courses. For students that do not have a financial problem paying those fees for services,
students over the age of 21 can register from any city, state, or country. The UTHS is similar to
Texas public schools in that, students must satisfy the same graduation requirements (number of
credits, courses, and Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills exam) before a diploma is
issued.
Another strategy that states promote are scholarships and incentive-based, such as New
Mexico, West Virginia and Wyoming: where they offer scholarships to attend in-state two-year
or four-year universities upon successful completion of high school equivalency.
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 26
In Pennsylvania and Washington State, earning college credits can earn a student a high
school diploma. Pennsylvania requires at least 30 approved credits from an accredited college,
and in Washington State, those that earn an associate degree can request to receive a high school
diploma, even if they have not otherwise met the high school graduation requirement. This might
work well for non-natives who come to the country to complete higher education options.
According to federal guidelines for financial aid, this too, would be difficult for students from
poverty, as they would have to finance their entire degree on their own. Current federal policy is
such that students are not eligible for federal financial aid without completing a high school
credential.
Construct the alternatives
Given the state’s general interest in student success and the workforce development and
economic underpinnings that tie higher education with improved earnings for the individual and
improved outcomes in the economy at large, the theoretical framework used to explore the data
falls under human capital theory. Earnings are influenced by many factors other than education,
including experience, compensating wage differentials for job characteristics or employee
benefit levels, and luck. Those who make educational investments expect a return, in terms of
either money or utility, and they will not invest if the expected returns are too low (Heckman,
et.al, 2010; Becker, 2009). Tinto, Bandera and Beder all write extensively with regard to adult
persistence in higher education. Persistence theory for adult learners – a theory from the higher
education literature used to explain how adult learners decide to enroll in and finish a college
program or choose to stop-out or dropout of postsecondary education, will be a lens with which
to examine the efficacy of alternatives from the perspective of the participants therein.
Considering the state has a stake in improving outcomes for the participants of adult education,
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 27
focus on the relationships between students’ backgrounds, academic performance, personal
circumstances, goals, and satisfaction and their intent to persist to completion or leave will be an
integral piece of determining successful program options.
While we know that more students need to complete their diploma and more options are
necessary, the question remains, which options are the best for the state of Iowa? Because the
options described are so new, there is minimal information available to the outcomes they yield.
As noted, it might behoove administrators to consider additional assessments to promote fit and
functionality for students. Completion of a GED has historically yielded less positive outcomes
than completion of a high school diploma. (J. Heckman, J. Humphries, & N. Mader, 2010).
Individuals’ lack of noncognitive skills is a predictor of problems with persistence and
completion. State administrators and education leaders should discuss the value of adding
noncognitive assessments to better place students seeking a secondary credential. The bulk of
options available in the US are of these five categories:
Testing-GED, HiSET or TASC, already exists in Iowa
High school completion- already exists in Iowa; but pricey and largely independent
study. This option requires completion of necessary high school classes to complete all
necessary requirements of high school to earn a diploma.
Hybrid Diploma options-blending work experience, college courses, life experiences and
coursework and assessments to demonstrate competency of skills and applies toward a
diploma. (two states offer diploma for college credit)
Incentives to complete-state sponsored scholarships and career certifications as a result of
high school completion
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 28
Online high school-national vendors available, students would have to work with
community college system in Iowa or local school districts and work independently
One problem exists in Iowa that is different from most states in the Union. In Iowa, state
administrative code dictates that school or school districts must require the following as part of
its graduation requirements: 1) one-half unit of United States government, 2) one unit of
American History, and 3) student participation in physical education for one-eighth unit in each
semester of enrollment in high school. Further, each district shall include four years of English
and language arts, three years of mathematics, three years of science, and three years of social
science. Any additional graduation credits or units are locally determined. Criteria established
for early graduation are locally determined. Every district in Iowa can calculate credits
differently, so evaluation of transcripts varies across the state. (IADOE, 2014)
It might be necessary for the state of Iowa to develop a statewide measure for completion
that would be acceptable for community colleges or districts to approve necessary coursework or
competencies for completion. Even at community colleges, the diploma requirements differ
vastly; DMACC’s high school completion webpage promotes these requirements.
English
Math
Science
American Government
US History
Electives
6 semester credits
3 semester credits
2 semester credits
1 semester credit
2 semester credits
18 semester credits
Total 32 semester credits
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 29
Conversely, Iowa Lakes Community College advertises these requirements on their High
School Diploma webpage:
An initial step in providing a statewide diploma option could be the development of a
high school equivalency policy uniformly accepted by providers. The simple illustration above
merely illustrates the difference between two community colleges. The differences among
individual high school districts in the state of Iowa add to the confusion of this design challenge.
Des Moines Public Schools, for example, requires a student to complete 23 credits for
graduation. Why does Iowa Lakes require 13 more credits for a diploma than the largest high
school district in the state?
Beyond the agreement with diploma requirements lie costs for programs. In most cases,
States do not mandate fees and tuition. Districts and regions look at the multiple options and base
their decisions on funding streams available at any given time. For students, costs are undeniably
inconsistent. Throughout the literature review, research determined that dropouts, adults without
a high school credential, are paid the least, and experience the highest unemployment rates
observed across the nation. Students in high school equivalency programs are the most likely to
be penniless and without resources from which to draw upon, whether they need childcare,
transportation or the fees for taking an assessment or class. (Brock, 2010; Cunham & Heckman,
Communications (may include speech)
Math
Science
American Government
US History
Electives
8 semester credits
4 semester credits
4 semester credits
1 semester credit
2 semester credits
17 semester credits
Total 36 semester credits
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 30
2007). Alternatively, research has also justified returns on investments of education. (J. J.
Heckman et al., 2010). In Iowa and many states, there remains a huge disconnect between the
need for education options and the accessibility of those options to students who have no
resources. To do so, this work indicates that we need to start by helping the student identify those
situational and dispositional barriers, evaluating and assessing strengths and weaknesses on a
cognitive and noncognitive basis; then addressing the institutional barriers, to include cost,
access to options, and policy or rules and regulations, that make options more difficult to attain.
The state might start by considering a pilot program of the National Equivalency
Diploma Program, (NEDP). Previously discussed in this review, this high school completion
program is available from CASAS. The state of Iowa already has a relationship with this vendor
as the primary provider of assessment tools for adult education throughout the state. The state
might decide instead to develop administrative rules about what constitutes high school
equivalency and competency-based assessments, similar to Hawaii, Texas or Washington
borrowing significantly from their experience and processes. If the state of Iowa has an interest
in promoting a competency-based diploma without starting from scratch, the existing program
provided by CASAS might be a good place to start. A needs assessment could determine the best
region for pilot and study the process to analyze costs, effectiveness and outcomes.
Another simple, inexpensive and currently unavailable in Iowa is to increase the number
of students who have a diploma is to consider the college credits completion option, such as the
one in Pennsylvania. Students who have 30 or more college credits are able to apply for a state-
issued equivalency diploma. The student has already demonstrated the ability to successfully
complete college-level work and after a year of work (assuming 30 credits is the near equivalent
of two full time semesters of college), the student demonstrates competency of first year of
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 31
college, ready to move into the second year. Pennsylvania education system awards the student
for work of a high school graduate, but a mandated state assessment could clarify this to be
certain. This option costs the least to implement yet, would only apply to a small percentage of
the diploma-seeking population.
The field of adult education is changing, and with it, financing and tuition policies are shifting
to meet new priorities. (M. Foster & McLendon, 2012) States should ensure that policies support,
rather than discourage, programs that expand economic opportunity to lower-skilled adult
students and English language learners. Iowa’s youth are neither enrolled in school nor
participating in the labor market –they are neither accumulating human capital in school or
college nor accumulating labor market skills by working. (Belfield, Levin, & Rosen, 2012).
Implications of Policy alternatives and need for future study
The reality is that it does cost more to state budgets to assist adults lacking a high school
credential in terms of staff, resources, effort, and the longer term pay-off is excruciating slow.
(i.e., higher individual wages, increased tax revenues, decrease in crime and decrease in
dependence on social service/federal and state programs.)(Bos et al., 2002; Broadus, 2013;
Ryder, 2013). However, the research indicates that the returns on the investment are worth it.
Policy-makers, institutions and practitioners, tend to react to immediate needs rather than
promote policy or change that proactively responds to issues deeply entrenched in the culture of
poverty. (Kraaykamp & Eijck, 2010) Current trends are based on the knowledge that America
needs a skilled workforce to compete in a global economy. At a time when many states are
decreasing funds to adult literacy, Iowa joins several states that are actually increasing their
investment. (Skills2Compete, 2012) The state will need to determine if it is feasible to create a
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 32
more unified message about high school credentials. Even if it is not possible at the K-12 district
level, community colleges might be able to agree on those courses and elective credits that would
be appropriate for a high school credential.
Ultimately, it takes a collective interest, among policy makers, education systems, public
welfare interests and workforce and economic interests all moving in concert to garner attention
and funding for issues that yield so few immediate gains, but do reap long term benefits.
There are some limitations to this work, for example, most of the research to date, about
assessment strategies and promising practices, has a focus of completion of the GED as the end
goal. The literature is limited in demonstrating best practices in delivery of education that has
alternative testing or credit-bearing potential. Whether an adult high school diploma or work-
based learning experience leads to the credential, most of these are so new to the field of adult
education, little research exists to explore all of the outcomes and ramifications.
The notion of assessing noncognitive abilities begs the question of what interventions go
into place when educators are aware of deficiencies. While Heckman’s work (2010) was
effective in implementing strategies in early childhood education models, little quantitative
research is available that describes effective interventions for adult learners. This area demands
greater emphasis and research.
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 33
Glossary
Adult Education, Adult Basic Education and Adult Secondary Education (AE, ABE and ASE):
Adult Education is the umbrella term for education that does not lead to a terminal degree or
certificate, or is remedial in nature. ABE Programs and services target adults functioning below
the ninth grade level based on an approved assessment. ASE serves adults who function above
the ninth grade level and seek to remediate for purposes of diploma or certification.
Adult High School Diploma: An option that enables an adult no longer enrolled in public
education to complete the required courses/activities to earn an Adult High School diploma, with
the local high school scheduling classes and determining course requirements in accordance with
standards established by the state.
Adult Secondary Education (ASE): Programs and services that target adults functioning at or
above the ninth grade level based on an approved assessment
Assessment: Methods of measuring learner progress, including state approved assessments, non-
approved testing, staff evaluation, and self-reporting of learners.
Basic skills: refer to remedial reading, writing, mathematics, or other skills typically below the
level necessary to complete a high school equivalency. Students participate in an assessment
initially, to start improving basic skills. Iowa utilizes a base assessment tool, Comprehensive
Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) to determine need and starting point of education.
All data regarding involvement and progress is reported in “Tracking of Programs and Students”
(TOPS) system. CASA's is administered in conjunction with enrollment for HiSET, as well.
CASAS- Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System, the assessment used in Iowa to
determine baseline cognitive abilities in order to place an adult student in remedial coursework,
toward high school completion or simply to improve reading/literacy or numeracy skills.
Improvement (or lack of) is necessary for institutions to receive federal funding for their adult
basic education programs. Students take the CASAs prior to enrolling in adult education,
English as a Second Language coursework or to complete GED or HiSET testing.
Disadvantaged Adults—Low-income and hard-to-serve adults who demonstrate basic skills
deficiency below the eighth-grade level. Adult education provides basic skills training,
preparation for the General Educational Development (GED) test, preparation toward earning a
high school diploma, and job skills training opportunities.
Distance Learning: The learner is matched with a teacher, tutor, or volunteer with whom he/she
has regular interaction with regard to the content of the distance-learning curriculum, and who
provides support throughout the distance learning experience.
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 34
English as a Second Language (ESL): These classes and programs target those limited English
proficient learners who have a focus on improving English communication skills in the
instructional areas of speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
External Diploma Program (EDP): A program developed for adults, 21 and above, who have not
had recent schooling or test taking experience but now have acquired high school level academic
skills in other than curriculum-based programs. It is an adult applied-performance, competency-
based assessment program that awards an adult high school diploma to skilled adults who have
acquired many of their high school level abilities in a series of simulations that parallel job and
life situations.
Nontraditional Student: Most commonly, these are students over the age of 25 seeking
postsecondary college enrollment. In this work, the nontraditional student will have attributes of
lacking a high school credential, dependence on public funds for financial assistance, or faces
difficulty in class times and locations designed for traditional students. In a frequently cited
definition used by the National Center for Education Statistics, a student is nontraditional if he or
she exhibits any of the following characteristics:
delays enrollment into postsecondary education
attends part-time and is financially independent of parents
works full-time while enrolled
has dependents other than a spouse
is a single parent
lacks a standard high school diploma
Post-secondary education or training: The learner enters another education or training program,
such as a community college, trade school, a four-year college, or university.
Tests of high school equivalency- Instruments provided to students in order to assess high school
equivalency. Three are currently available in the United States, GED, TASC, and HiSET, all of
which cover five subject areas, (math, reading, writing, science and social science).
Workplace literacy programs: A program designed to improve the literacy skills needed to
perform a job and it is at least partly under the auspices of an employer.
HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 35
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HIGH SCHOOL CREDENTIALS FOR THE ADULT LEARNER 40
Appendix 1
Table 1
Description of Noncognitive Variables
Variable No. Variable Name
1 Positive Self-Concept
Demonstrates confidence, strength of character, determination, and
independence.
2 Realistic Self-Appraisal
Recognizes and accepts any strengths and deficiencies, especially academic,
and works hard at self-development. Recognizes need to broaden his/her
individuality.
3 Understands and Knows How to Handle Racism (the System)
Exhibits a realistic view of the system based upon personal experience of
racism. Committed to improving the existing system. Takes an assertive
approach to dealing with existing wrongs, but is not hostile to society, nor is a
"cop-out." Able to handle racist system.
4 Prefers Long-Range to Short-Term or Immediate Needs
Able to respond to deferred gratification, plans and sets goals.
5 Availability of Strong Support Person
Seeks and takes advantage of a strong support network or has someone to turn
to in a crisis or for encouragement.
6 Successful Leadership Experience
Demonstrates strong leadership in any area of his/her background (e.g.
church, sports, non-educational groups, gang leader, etc.).
7 Demonstrated Community Service
Participates and is involved in his/her community.
8 Knowledge Acquired in or about a Field
Acquires knowledge in a sustained and/or culturally related way in any field.
Note. Adapted from: (Sedlacek, 2008). Using noncognitive variables in K-12 and higher education. In University of Michigan summit on
college outreach and academic success: Summary report from meetings at the School of Education, August 11-12, 2008. (pp. 35-42).
Ann Arbor, Michigan.