GED?

jhmomofmany · #1 December 1st, 2011, 02:32 PM

Do you or would you plan to have your child(ren) get a GED? Why or why not?

Discuss.

Frackel · #2 December 1st, 2011, 04:10 PM

Nope, won't need to. They'll get a diploma.

Miguels mommy · #3 December 1st, 2011, 04:16 PM

Do you or would you plan to have your child(ren) get a GED?

I got my GED, I do not want my son to get his GED unless he does not get his an associate. I feel Home school students work much harder on their education than most students. I do not feel Miguel should be subject to the stereo type that happens with the GED.

Butter · #4 December 2nd, 2011, 04:33 AM

I have a GED. My kids can get one if they want, but they almost definitely won't have to. Times have changed for homeschoolers. When I was homeschooled and wanted to go to college full time they were SO confused because I was "too young" and hadn't finished high school. So I met with the Dean of the college and he said I could take one class per semester until fall of 1996 (the semester after I would have finished with high school) OR I could get my GED and then I'd be welcome to take as many classes a semester as I wanted. I got my GED.

Now things are different. The very same college has a whole page on their website on admittance for homeschoolers. No GED is required.

jhmomofmany · #5 December 2nd, 2011, 11:41 AM

The reason I ask is because we've almost always unschooled, and the oldest will be turning 17 in six months and I'm FREAKING OUT that he's going to be a legal adult in less than two years. We were kinda thinking of using the GED prep to "round out" or finish off his high school years- give him some idea of what he needs to do if he wants to go to college. I don't know if it's just him, or because he's a boy, or because we've messed up... but he doesn't currently have ANY plans for what he wants to do in the future. Just reading here and there on the internet, apparently there is a lot of debate as to whether homeschoolers should get a GED. At this point, we don't even know if he is college-bound. I'm frustrated at the lack of opportunity in our area, but maybe that's a different subject.

Frackel · #6 December 2nd, 2011, 12:47 PM

I don't think there's ever a need to rush off to college, or rush off to anything to be honest(once you finish high school that is). Or even have plans to do either, lol. Especially when you're a teen. Going out and joining the work force for a while, so you can make those decisions about your future, imo, is a great idea. So many kids go off to college because they think they have to, or they think it's simply the next step they're supposed to take. Yet so many of them really aren't ready for it. In fact some aren't really all that ready for the work force-but if you ask me this is just as valuable as a good education(especially for teens). In some cases, even more valuable, because they aren't ready to continue their education yet.
I love the fact that we have the ability to get a GED in this country, so please don't take anything I have to say here as a bash against them, because it's not. It's a wonderful thing that can afford people many opportunities they may not otherwise have. It's also a very valuable tool, or can be anyway. But I have to admit that I've seen it and my 13 yr old can pass it with no problems. But she is in no way, shape, or form, ready for college, nor will she be any time soon, lol. So I wouldn't use the GED as a gauge for whether or not someone is ready for college. It's not just the educational aspects you have to consider. It used to be more difficult to pass the GED than it is now. Even my 10 yr old can do a great deal of the work on it(the math slows her down, nothing else does). It's the very core basics. Also while the GED can often be what some need to get into college, it doesn't necessarily mean they're going to do ok when they get there(academically that is).

Your son is only just going on 17, he very well may not feel like he's ready for college, or even the world for that matter(despite what some teens may "say", they quite often actually feel a bit more indifferent about the subject, lol). I wouldn't be in a rush, if he's not. He's got plenty of time to decide what he wants to do and where he wants to go with his life. Sometimes the world can be a very intimidating place. Heck it is for me, and I'm not a teen, lol. I know it's our job to push them to do their best, set high goals and work to achieve them. But sometimes, when they get older, we have to give them the reigns and see where they go with it, imo. That's not to say you're pushing him to make a decision NOW or something. But there might be a reason why he really has no plans. Those reasons can change at the drop of a hat too, lol.
The GED material won't likely take him very long, if you guys decide to go that route. Barring any learning difficulties it most likely won't take more than a few months at most. That's assuming you drag it out a bit, or let him go at his own pace.(and assuming you do what basically amounts to course work/classes, all of it, and not just part). Most people take far less to complete the course work though. I think around here most people take about 1-2 months max to complete the course(s), depending on where they go and what classes they take(and when). So you've got plenty of time to decide on that too, really.

I don't think you've done anything wrong, or that it's just because he's a boy or anything like that. I actually commend him for telling you that he has no plans. I find that's a good thing, personally. Even though I want my kids to be fully prepared for the world before they head out into it, I would want to know if they really weren't ready yet, too. It never hurts to guide them, and give them as much info as we possibly can on all the possibilities before them, of course. I bet you'll find that he'll come to a place where he's ready to make a decision one way or another in due time, though. Then you guys can work together on creating a great "plan of attack"

mom2many2010 · #7 December 2nd, 2011, 06:55 PM

I allowed my oldest DD (not my oldest) at 16 1/2 drop out of school and get her GED. She was always a really good student, math has always been her weak point but writing is her strongest (as shown by a perfect score on her big paper in college). It was not an easy choice for me. I didn't understand why my once great student was no longer caring about her grades. With much thought we decided to let her do it with some ground rules in place...ie college and supporting herself.

She did take the test but during the pre-GED test the administrator told her that "she knew why my DD didn't like school anymore". My DD asked "Why?" the lady said "Cause you were bored". My DD took the test and scored high enough to enter just about any 4 year college she wanted. That was a boost for her, while she didn't start college right away, she did go and is doing amazing well.

I think sometimes we have to figure out what will work for our child. Not what we perceive as necessary, sometimes following their lead will lead them on the path they want to head down.

Miguels mommy · #8 December 2nd, 2011, 07:04 PM

Other options to college or until college
Ameri corps Dorm setting
Job corps
peace corps
community Trade school

I think it's more important to be supportive and have a time line of when you want him to be self reliant.

jhmomofmany · #9 December 3rd, 2011, 03:59 PM

Thanks for the ideas.

Like I said, we aren't sure that any of the kids will go to college- we certainly couldn't pay for it, so if they want it, they will have to figure out how to make it happen for themselves. Neither DH nor I are college-educated, so maybe that makes me more likely to think they could get along okay without it.

We just thought maybe getting a GED would be a good goal for him to work toward. He has not progressed much, if any, academically lately and I know much of the material would prove challenging. I thought it might be a way to show him what other kids about his age are expected to know. Whether or not he ever got the certificate, the prep might be interesting for him or might reveal areas he may want to study on his own.

BensMom · #10 December 4th, 2011, 08:08 AM

My mom has been a GED teacher for 25 years, so my opinion is based on that.

I think you should have him go to a community college to talk to their GED department. They will probably have a workforce department and can tell him what he needs and which directions he could go. You could also have him take the practice GED for himself just to see where his weak areas are. They offer classes that specifically help with problem areas. You don't have to attend all day like you would a traditional school. You'll show up, get personalized attention, and spend the rest of your time at your job or whatever. There might be an age restriction (18) on the classes, or he may have to formally "drop out" of school, but really, the GED stigma isn't what it used to be. It's something that allows people to get a job that those under 18 without a diploma can't get (like manufacturing, etc.).

When you talk to a GED administrator, you're not under any obligation to take the test. Just make an appointment to discuss the options and implications. That's all.

clouise · #11 January 8th, 2012, 07:30 PM

I'm just lurking here, but I wanted to throw out a thought. The military is no longer accepting the GED for enlistment, so if that is even a possibility for him I would make sure he gets an actual diploma. I'd hate for my kid to do something that would limit their options.

Butter · #12 January 9th, 2012, 05:35 AM

The military has special rules for homeschoolers. A momma-made diploma declaring them finished with high school is all they need.

in_mommy · #13 January 10th, 2012, 09:48 PM

If I were you I would not keep Job Corps as an option for anything based on my first hand knowledge of what goes at the one near me. They accept anyone between certain ages but they also get sent people from inner cities mostly who are facing the judge, not for the 1st or even 2nd time mind you, and are facing a fairly good amount of jail time. So they are given a choice of jail or Job Corps and of course they bring the bad behavior with them.

jhmomofmany · #14 January 14th, 2012, 08:18 PM

hey, thanks for all the thoughtful replies.

The idea of using the GED for study material is out the window, for now at least. I'm just not sure what to do. To say that I am burnt out is so much understatement at this point... We are just going to keep using what we have for the main subjects (language arts and math), keep unschooling the rest. DH is out of work again, so exploring other options for curriculum isn't possible right now anyway.

KeriMomof2 · #15 February 5th, 2012, 05:15 PM

I do not think it matters! What ever they get they'll get... The important thing is they learn what they need to suceed, not what type of paper that says they did...

JMO

Frackel · #16 February 5th, 2012, 08:14 PM

If financial difficulty is stopping you(and I understand that completely, trust me, that is the prime reason the kids and I went the route we did), I would look into an electronic school. At least for now, you know all the basics will be covered. The best part is, it's 100% free. There may be more accountability (depending on the program you use) than some people would like but this is one of the best, if not the best, options for people who simply cannot shell out money for a curriculum.
You can piece part one together too, for free, but it's not always as easy as it sounds.
With online schooling, everything is typically planned out for you(though some programs still offer a LOT of leniency, like the program we use, despite what others may say, offers way more room for accommodating and changing things up). This route is particularly helpful for older students, pre-teens, teens, even young adults, because it leaves them in total control-yet still gives them the basics they need to succeed and makes them become accountable for their own education at the same time. A great way to help instill a sense of not only accomplishment but responsibility. When they feel more in control of what's going on, in a comfortable environment, they will likely have an easier time. Plus, you'll be there to assist along the way. While there are some "deadlines" in place(as in, certain things need to be done during certain grades) there is no real huge pressure to make sure you get finished in each and every subject, each and every year. At least that's been my experience, and from talking to people who have used these methods for years. You can still go up in a grade level in say Math, or Science, even if your Language Arts isn't quite ready for the next grade level. This is especially helpful for kids who struggle with certain things and may need more time to find their groove. Not to mention the online(and usually by phone) assistance available from the programs are usually VERY well set up, if you do need help with something.
I would truthfully look more into it before knocking it off the plate entirely.
You will get ALL of the supplies you need(except thins like pencils, paper, and stuff of course, lol). You'll likely also get a computer for your child(ren).

We use K12-and I can't say enough good things about it. But there is another one available in this state ecot, think that's the name, I've heard good things about it too. Most states have at least one, many states have several. K12 allows you to buy the curriculum or go via the virtual school and get the curriculum and all supplies(printer, computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, headset, etc..) for free.
Sometimes even your local school district will have electronic classes too. Ours does, but I opted not to go that route because I don't like this district, and never will.