Atlanta, GA—The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) has announced the Career Plus High School Equivalency (HSE) pilot, an exciting new program for out-of-school youth and adults without a high school diploma to earn a state-issued high school equivalency credential in Georgia.
The Career Plus HSE pilot will allow students to combine previously earned credits from high school, completed portions of the GED® exam, and technical college credit to earn a high school equivalency credential from a participating adult education provider. The program is designed to provide students with the flexibility to fill gaps from previous high school or adult education classes with technical college courses designed specifically for the pilot.
Since 1946, passing the GED® exam was the only way to earn a high school equivalency credential in Georgia. In 2014, many other states began offering alternatives such as additional standardized tests and credit-based pathways to provide more options for their students. “Adult education is an important part of TCSG’s mission and it’s become increasingly important to provide these students with the skills needed for success in today’s marketplace,” said TCSG Commissioner, Greg Dozier. “By providing Adult Education students with a variety of options to earn a high school equivalency credential, we are helping them realize their full potential while developing a skilled workforce for Georgia.”
Beginning in early 2020, five of Georgia’s technical colleges will participate in the inaugural Career Plus HSE pilot: Albany Technical College, Athens Technical College, Central Georgia Technical College, Columbus Technical College, and Savannah Technical College.
In addition to the Career Plus HSE pilot, TCSG’s Office of Adult Education will also begin offering a second standardized test—the HiSET®. The HiSET® is a nationally-recognized standardized test developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) that is aligned with the College and Career Ready Standards for Adult Education. Twenty-three states already offer the HiSET® as an option to earn a high school equivalency credential. Students can prepare for both the GED® and HiSET® by attending free exam prep classes at one of TCSG’s 31 adult education providers throughout the state.
“Georgia has long been recognized as leader in Adult Education and I’m encouraged that we are providing innovative and flexible opportunities that will increase the number of Georgians with a high school equivalency credential,” said Assistant Commissioner of Adult Education, Dr. Cayanna Good. “We understand that busy, hardworking adults require flexibility in the pursuit of their educational goals. I’m hopeful that, through the Career Plus HSE pilot and by offering an additional testing option, we will meet the needs of our students and the workforce needs of our state.”
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The 22 colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) are Georgia’s top resource for skilled workers. TCSG offers world-class training in 600 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs to students who are trained on state-of-the-art equipment by instructors who are experts in their fields. The system also houses Georgia’s Office of Adult Education, which promotes and provides adult literacy and education programs, including the GED testing program, throughout the state. In addition, TCSG partners with companies through Quick Start, the nation’s top customized workforce training program, and through its individual colleges, who work with local industry to provide workforce and training solutions. For more information, visit TCSG.edu.
CONTACT:
Mark D’Alessio404-679-1617
mdalessio@tcsg.edu
