Changes to the GED More High School Equivalency Exam Options

Changes to the GED & More High School Equivalency Exam Options In 2014 the GED exam was overhauled for the first time since 2002. Since the change, the National GED Testing Service saw a significant decrease in graduates. As a reaction to the decrease in grads, many states began researching and implementing alternative equivalency exams. The numbers were nothing to sneer at. Whereas in 2012 401,388 people passed the GED test, only 58,524 passed it in 2014. Some reports said that even high school graduates couldn’t pass the new GED. Changes included computer only administration, and more writing and critical thinking components. Designed to mirror high school curriculum changes and to mimic the skills required in a changing workforce, the GED was due for an update. Since the government created the GED in 1942 for the young men and women returning from World War II, the test has been updated five times. The upgrades usually result in drops in participation the following year, as test takers elect to wait until they have a better handle on what the new test will look alike before signing up. Some see this latest update as an unnecessary barrier for people who are already at a disadvantage. By increasing the test’s difficulty, increasing the cost, and requiring computers, they say people who are already struggling are being put at a disadvantage. Proponents for the changes to the test argue that the changes were needed in order to keep it relevant for employers who rely on the GED to measure skills comparable to those a high school graduate would have. In today’s technological world, it’s rare to find a workplace that isn’t mostly digitized. Alternative high school equivalency exams include the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) or the TASC. Those opposed to the difficulty level of the GED say that the HiSET and TASC are fairer to students and less expensive. The alternative tests were actually created in the face of concerns that the GED was becoming more profit driven. Some say that it’s good to have alternatives but others argue that the increase in options may confuse test takers and may defeat the purpose of standardization inherent in the GED. In many states, the response to the more difficult GED was to lower the score needed to pass the test. In Michigan and 32 other states, the passing score for the GED was lowered from 150 to 145. The change was recommended by the GED Testing Service after the changes were implemented and fewer people started passing (and taking) their exam. In 2015, the exam had a 73% pass rate. Aside from the lower passing score requirement, in some states, test takers with scores between 165 and 174 are categories as ready to enter credit-bearing college courses and those who receive a score between 175 and 200 qualify for up to ten hours of college credit. These changes demonstrate an effort by the GED Testing Centre and local governments to improve the GED program while also attempting to stay relevant in a world where high school dropouts are finding they have increasing options.

Retrospective Analysis of a Change in the Psychiatric ICU Essay

Retrospective Analysis of a Change in the Psychiatric ICU - Essay Example There are several change management theories that have been proposed and almost all theories concur, that the success and failure of any change is related to the people factor. It is largely the emotional reactions of people involved in the change process that needs to be managed. Partnership, participation and commitment of staff responsible to implement new processes becomes critical, else any plan is likely to fail. Change management also emphasizes that people's fears need to be managed and trust needs to be built hence communication becomes critical. Researchers have highlighted that involving staff in the planning of change, facilitating communication between departments and backing of senior management can go a long way in ensuring desired outcomes. Any new idea or change in existing practice, is often met with resistance by people who are involved in such transformations. Disruption in expectation is considered as loss of control (cited by, Brck, 2002). Resistance could be higher if people are not given clarity on the goals of new processes and the benefits that one hopes to achieve by implementing the change (Doppler and Lauterburg, 2000). The reaction is triggered by the psychological need for security and predictability. Fear of the unknown holds people back from embracing any change in process or structure. As noted by (Block, 1981, p. 113), "typical forms of resistance, or better symptoms of resistance, beside the most obvious form of attacking, are: Silence, debating unimportant things, staying away, coming to late to meetings, flooding with detail, intrigues, rumours etc...".This can be counter productive as has been proven by Kotter (1995) who shows that two thirds of the changes end in failure. Theorists agree that resistance is a natural reaction to change which need not be explained away with logic or ignored, it needs to be dealt with as soon as it encountered, acknowledging that people are humans with a bundle of emotions that need to be tackled. It therefore becomes important to elicit people's responses to change and address their concerns. The techniques available to change leaders for combating resistance abound in literature. Being participative (Coch & French, 1948, 512-532), using transition management (Ackerman, 1982, P. 46-66), making use of political diagnostic tools (Cobb, 1986, p.482-496), following an one to one approach (Coghlan, 1993), fostering a learning organization (Garratt, 1994), using the seven keys for successful change (Carr, 1994,55-58), or working as transformational leaders (Parry, 1996) are all helpful starting points for change leaders. The task however is challenging since it involves complex emotions. However, it is also true that when peo ple are asked to participate and their ideas respected, their commitment to the change process will increase (Armenakis & Bedeian, 1999).Final success can well depend on the maturity of change leaders (McClelland, 1975). It is also worth pointing out as noted by Chapman (2005), "certain types of people - the reliable/dependable/steady/habitual/process-oriented types - often find change very unsettling. People who welcome change are not generally

Statistics for clinical therapist Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Statistics for clinical therapist - Essay Example Such studies do emphasize the implicit need for getting a public opinion on the Health care services. Scholars like Gilhooly, Murray and Berkely (1991) have suggested how negative perceptions were present within the public suggesting that individuals themselves may be less likely to accept such care if offered. Their findings were uncovered during exploratory interviews and suggest that lack of public awareness, and awareness within the medical profession, may reduce the likelihood of patients accessing these services. The survey research was inspired by several research works in Glasgow and adjoining areas. The report of the findings of the first national survey in Scotland on public knowledge and understanding of palliative care in 2003 revealed certain interesting results such as the relation between income and choice of health services, importance of advice and support for patients etc. The surveyed participants are local natives of Glasgow. To get an accurate opinion on the issues that are related to the NHS the surveyed population will consist of respondents spreading over the age range of 20-50 years. The respondents would consist of an equal number or men and women so that the results are not gender biased. A gender biased research data is of little use in the formulation of policies or new interventions in health research. The research study also looked into several other parameters that impinge on the study. These include the economic status and occupation of the respondent. The status and occupation is likely to enable the formation of different opinion amongst the citizens in Glasgow. The survey was conducted with a questionnaire that contained only close ended questions. The respondents were selected on the basis of convenience sampling. The questionnaire is provided in the appendix. The results obtained from the survey are detailed here sequentially: c.1. The respondents were equal number of men and women. Out of a sample size of 400 respondents, there were 199 men and 201 women. c.2. the Age varied between 20-25 years as follows: 10 percent respondents . 20-22 yrs old 10 percent respondents . 23-25 yrs old 10 percent respondents . 26-28 yrs old 10 percent respondents . 29-31 yrs old 10 percent respondents . 32-34 yrs old 10 percent respondents . 35-37 yrs old 10 percent respondents . 38-40 yrs old 10 percent respondents . 41-43 yrs old 10 percent respondents . 44-46 yrs old 10 percent respondents . 47-50 yrs old c.3. About 50 percent of the respondents were students while the remaining 50 percent were the members