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.

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!