With an increase in homeschooling, there has been an increase of wondering if parents can decide if a homeschooled child under 18 get GED. This is certainly an important question because there are a number of factors that go into this decision. It can be a complicated process and involve a variety of decisions made by both the child and their parents.
In this article, we’ll explore some questions and answers that could help parents learn more about the process of deciding if a home-schooled child should get a GED.
What is GED?
GED stands for General Education Development or GED tests. It’s a series of tests that are offered by the American Council on Education to measure the academic skills and knowledge of adults of non-traditional students who have not completed their high school education.
The GED exam covers five subject areas: writing, reading, math, science, and social studies. GED scores are used to determine if a student is eligible for college admission or other benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Allowing a Homeschooled Child to get a GED?
There are several potential benefits to providing a home-schooled child with the opportunity to take a GED. One of the most important advantages of a GED is that it can provide the child with a pathway to higher education.
In some states, GED scores are an accepted form of proof that the student has reached an educational level equal to or greater than what is normally expected for high school graduation. This can help the student get into a college or university. A GED may also provide an additional academic credential that will enhance a student’s resume and their job prospects.
In addition, having a GED could provide a student with access to specific job training opportunities as well as specialized certification programs. Finally, it can also provide a child with the confidence and self-esteem that comes with having completed a challenging academic course of study.
What Are the Disadvantages of Allowing a Homeschooled Child to get a GED?
In addition to the potential benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages to allowing a home-schooled child to get a GED. One of the main concerns is that instead of focusing on developing the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful transition to college or a career, the GED might cause the student to become less motivated to finish their homeschooling coursework.
In addition, if the GED test is used as proof of educational attainment for college admission or job training, there is the potential for the GED score to be given more weight than the other elements of the student’s homeschooling program. A GED score alone does not provide employers, admissions officers or other important decision makers with the context or supplemental information that may be necessary to provide the student with the best possible chance for success. Finally, the process of preparing for a GED can be overwhelming and stressful for a parent and child, both financially and emotionally.
Not only will there be the cost of registration and studying materials, but also the challenge of finding an appropriate study program that can provide the necessary instruction and practice tests. If the child is not adequately prepared, the time and effort may be wasted.
Can Parents Legally Decide if their Child Should Take the GED Exam?
Whether parents can legally decide that their child should pursue a GED depends on the laws of their state. Each state has its own regulations regarding homeschooling and the rights of parents to determine the academic pathways for their children.
In some states, parents may be required to obtain permission from their local school district before allowing their children to take the GED. For this reason, it’s important for parents to familiarize themselves with the laws of their state before making any major decisions about their child’s education.
What are Some Alternatives to Taking the GED Exam?
While the GED exam is a popular option for older homeschooled students, it’s not the only way for them to prove their academic proficiency. For example, a homeschooled child may be able to pursue a diploma through an accredited independent study program or through a consortium of homeschooling parents, as some states allow parents to create their own school district.
There are also now numerous online courses and programs that offer a variety of certifications and qualifications to demonstrate academic aptitude.
When is the Ideal Time for a Student to Take the GED Exam?
When it comes to the ideal time for a student to take the GED exam, it will ultimately depend on the student’s educational background and preparation level. Students who already have a strong foundation in each subject area and who have mastered the subject material may be ready to begin taking the GED test earlier than those who need additional time to prepare.
It’s important to note that the GED exam is not intended to be taken lightly and should only be pursued if the student is fully prepared and ready for the challenge.
What Resources Are Available for Preparing for the GED Exam?
Fortunately, there are numerous resources available that can help with GED exam preparation. Online course materials and practice exams are available on a number of websites, as are books and other resources.
Many schools and libraries have local resources and experienced instructors that can provide guidance and instruction. Parents should also investigate if there are any classes offered in their area. These classes may offer more personalized instruction, as well as moral support and help with staying motivated throughout the process.
What Are the Content Areas Tested on the GED Exam?
The GED exam is divided into five sections, each of which tests different content areas. These sections include Reasoning Through Language Arts (which tests reading, grammar, and writing skills); Mathematical Reasoning (which tests basic mathematics, data analysis, and problem solving); Science (which tests knowledge of science concepts and scientific inquiry); Social Studies (which tests knowledge of history, geography, economics, civics, and government); and Interdisciplinary Test of Academic Knowledge (which tests understanding of academic content across all four of the other sections).
Are There Age Restrictions to Taking the GED Exam?
Yes, most states have age restrictions on taking the GED exam. In most cases, a student must be at least 16 years old in order to take the GED. This is because the test is intended to measure the academic proficiency of adults who are able to make autonomous decisions about their educational paths.
However, in some cases, the age requirement can be waived. For example, if the student has already demonstrated their academic proficiency by earning college credits or a postsecondary certificate, or if the state allows students to pursue alternative pathways for graduation.
It’s important for parents to understand the laws of their state regarding age requirements and any potential waivers.
Conclusion
Deciding if a homeschooled child under 18 should get a GED can be an important and complicated decision. Many parents have to consider a variety of factors, such as the potential benefits and drawbacks of a GED, their legal rights to decide for their child, the age requirements, and the available resources.
It is important to understand the laws of your state and to be aware of the alternatives available to your child. With the right information and careful consideration, parents can make an informed decision that allows their child to pursue their educational goals.