GED 2014 Math..... A Good Starting Point

My continued understanding of the new GED 2014 series test is………

This week I begin my journey into the realm of the new GED 2014 Math Test.  Am I a little nervous?  Yes... you could say that.  But as I have been researching and talking with colleagues, I realize that I do have a starting point.  There is a place I can start... and there are a lot of resources on the web I can go to.

For starters, I will still need to assess and see what my students understand and what they don't when it comes to the mathematical reasoning.  For me, I use the TABE test. I consider that test a starting point.  I will still need to talk with the student, see how much math they THINK they use in their everyday life, and also what their mathematical comfort level is.

Because the new GED math test is on the computer and a calculator can be used for the majority of the test, I will need to get my students using both of those tools.  The calculator is obvious and the easiest to incorporate.  Even though there will be some problems (I am hearing 3??) at the beginning of the test where the calculator will not be allowed, I will encourage students to use the calculator whenever they are doing math.  That does not mean that they may practice a problem or two in class to get the general concept of how to do a particular skill.... just that they need to be comfortable using the tools that will be allowed on the test.  For example, I will teach students the concept of multiplying mixed numbers and perhaps practice a couple, but then I will demonstrate how to solve the problem on the calculator.  Of course, they will be using the TI30XS calculator.  For an online video on how to use this calculator, check out GED Testing Service Resources. 

Students also need to get comfortable using the computer.  For math, I will have them access and use resources such as Worksheetsdirect, Learningtrends, Kahn Academy, and a great GED Math Blog.  The math blog features GED math problems in both English and Spanish.

GED Math Help

All great resources.  Check them out.

3 Things Learners Need to Know About the New GED Test

My continued understanding of the new GED 2014 series test is………

I have been teaching adults to pass the GED® tests since 1995 and have seen two revisions, one in 1998 and another in 2002.  Soon, beginning in January 2014, I shall be teaching to the new computer based GED® test.

I recently attended the Wisconsin 2013 GED/HSED and Adult Literacy Conference.  It was just what I needed to jump start my preparation for this new test.  While the new 2014 GED® test will be different from the 2002 GED® test in many ways, one thing remains the same.  Completing the GED® continues to create opportunities for success.

There are many things I learned while at the conference.  Three of them include:

1.  Learners will need to be comfortable with the new calculator, Texas 30XS.  There will be a calculator reference sheet available on most of the GED® Mathematical Reasoning Test.  I was able to practice using the Texas 30XS calculator during one of the sessions, and while not too difficult to learn, I do think students will need repetition to feel at ease.  There are tutorials and lesson plans on the TEXAS Instruments site that will help when planning lessons.  In addition, the GED Testing Service has a great TI 30XS Demonstration Video.

2.  Learners will need to be comfortable with the keyboard.  At one point during the conference I was told that the recommendation was that learners should be able to type at a speed of 35wpm.  One site you might want to check out is powertyping .com.  This site offers typing lessons as well as games that your students can use as they develop their typing skills.

3.  Learners need to know basic math for the new 2014 GED® math test, but it is not directly assessed on the new 2014 GED® Test.  The new test has 45% Quantitative Problem Solving and 55% Algebraic Problem Solving.  For more information, you may want to check out gedtestingservice.com

Check out this fun math activity.  This would be a great opening activity for a math class.

 

     Regardless of what number is chosen, the answer is always 5. 

1.       Think of a number.

2.       Double it.

3.       Add ten.

4.       Divide it by 2

5.       Subtract your original number.

6.       Your answer should be 5.

GED 2014 Test | Highlights... cont.

My continued understanding of the new GED 2014 series test is………

1. Individuals will need to take all four of the GED tests at an approved Pearson Vue Testing Center.
2. The total testing time (all four tests) is 7 hours.
3. The breakdown of the tests is as follows:  Science 1 hr 15 min, Social Studies 1 hr 30 min, Mathematical Reasoning 1 hr 15 min, and Reasoning Through Language Arts 3 hr.
4. Individuals will not have to take the tests at the same time, but can take them one at a time.
5. For the Mathematical Reasoning test, there will be an on-screen scientific calculator.  Hand held calculators will not be allowed.
6. Scratch paper will not be allowed.  Rather individuals will be able to use small white boards and on screen highlighting.
7. Tests are not adaptive:  Questions do not change in difficulty based on individuals responses.
8. Within a test, Individuals will be able to move back and forth between problems/questions and problems can be marked so that an individual can go back to complete them.
9. An on-screen formula sheet will be provided for the Mathematical Reasoning test.

2014 GED Test Sampler

So..... I received information awhile back on the new GED 2014 computer based test which included sample questions, called "2014 GED Test Item Samplers".

I would recommend that every GED instructor download, view, and actually take the sample tests.  They are quite different from our current version of GED tests and will challenge everyone who teaches GED on how to think and teach differently.

Ideas......please comment so that we can all learn together.

It will be an adventure!

GED 2014 Test Name Changes

My understanding of the new GED 2014 series test is………

That the test names have been slightly changed.  They are:

Reasoning through Language Arts

Science

Mathematical Reasoning

Social Studies

Also, the GED Testing Service has put out sample items for the new series.  Check them out!.

Sample Test items for the the new 2014 GED Series

GED Math Series 2014 | One not Two Parts

My understanding of the new GED 2014 series math test is………

I recently learned of another difference between the current 2002 series GED math test and the upcoming new 2014 series math test.

As you know, the current 2002 series math test is is two parts; part one is with a calculator and part two is without a calculator.

With the new series of GED starting in 2014, the math portion will have one part.  There will still be some without calculator questions.  Those questions will be found at the front of the test and once completed the remainder of the test can be taken with the use of the calculator.

As stated in a reply  back to me from the GED Testing Service Facebook......

 

For more information, check out www.GEDtestingservice.com. Lots of information and good downloads.

GED Math Series 2014 | Multiple Choice Questions

My understanding of the new GED 2014 series math test is………

The multiple choice (MC) GED Mathematics test items will be similar, yet different from the 2002 series.  One difference is that currently in the 2002 series, the multiple choice items have 5 choices.  With the new 2014 series, the GED Mathematics Test will have 4 answer choices, not 5.

Multiple choice items can be used to measure proficiency in every area of the new math assessment targets.   From a teaching perspective, it means that as I prepare students for the math test there needs to be adequate examples on how the multiple choice items can and might be used

For more information, check out www.GEDtestingservice.com.  Lots of information and good downloads.

GED Mathematics Test 2014 | Item Types

My understanding of the new GED 2014 series math test is………

With the new GED test 2014, there will be new item types in the GED Mathematics test.  These item types can be summarized as multiple choice items, an assortment of technology-enhanced items, and close items.

Regardless of the type of item (problem), they will be designed to assess the skills of the GED mathematics assessment targets.   They will be designed so that each item can act individually or as part of a group (scenario).

The technology-enhanced items will include multiple select (the test-taker will identify two or three correct responses), fill-in-the-blank, cloze (used to select the correct math vocabulary or numeral value), hot spot (graphic items where test-takers can plot points on coordinate grids and number lines), and drag and drop.

For more information, check out www.GEDtestingservice.com

Computerized Testing Available in Kansas city

There is now computerized testing at one center in Kansas City.  Interesting video.

Questions About the New GEDcbt?

Have a question regarding the new GEDcbt?  The GED Testing Service site has a "Join us" link that will allow you to ask questions relating to the new GED computerized testing.

GEDcbt.org is a wonderful website that is loaded with information on the new GED tests.

I especially like the PDF on the GED implementation project.

Check it out.

For help to pass the GED tests, check out worksheetsdirect.com

New GEDcbt Test Pricing

To my knowledge, pricing for the new GEDcbt has not yet been determined.... but there continues a lot of discussion and concern among interested parties.

Currently, pricing for current paper-bassed GED tests can vary from state to state.  That will continue when the computer based testing comes to fruition. 

My biggest concern is for the individual who needs to get their GED for a job..... but does not have the money or the computer skills to do so.

Thoughts?

The New GEDcbt- Four Tests rather than Five

From what I am hearing the new GEDcbt Test will have four tests...rather than five.  There will be a Math, Science, and Social Studies test.  Reading and Writing will be combined into one test.

Another thing that I recently heard was that the Social Studies test will have a written response.  Reading and Writing will be combined into one test that would also have a written response.

The tests will be computer based.  Paper tests will be available... but only for individuals with special accommodations.

**Check out www.gedcbt.org for further information on the new GEDcbt Tests.

The New GED cbt (Computer-Based Test)

There has been alot of talk lately that the GED is going to be offered on the computer.  It is true the GED will soon be offered via computer! 

Information on the GEDcbt Test can be found at the official GED website, www.GEDcbt.org

There are many concerns and MANY questions regarding the implementation of this new GED and the process.

I hope to answer a few of those questions in this blog.