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Fewer Arizonans Taking GED Tests

computer keyboard
(Photo by Sky Schaudt - KJZZ)
In 2014, the GED exams were updated. Now they are completely computerized and no longer all multiple choice.

Fewer Arizonans got their High School Equivalency diploma last year. In 2014, fewer than 2,300 people passed the GED tests, which is roughly 80 percent less than previous years. That’s partially due to a new format.

In 2014, the GED exams were updated. Now they are completely computerized and no longer all multiple choice. Sheryl Hart with the Arizona Department of Education said when the GED exams were restructured in 1988 and 2002 there was a similar trend.

“The year of the new implementations saw a significant decrease in testing volume," she said. "Not to the degree we saw in 2014, so it was a much, much more significant decrease.”

Hart said the new test is perceived to be more difficult. Also new, people must get a passing score on each subject test instead of an average passing score. 

 

Alexandra Olgin was a Senior Field Correspondent at KJZZ from 2013 to 2016.