Oregon's GED Program

For those who don’t know, Oregon has an educational program called the GED Program. It allows individuals an opportunity to earn a GED Credential. A GED Credential is equivalent to a high school diploma in Oregon for those who can’t finish high school, and it stands for General Education Development.

A GED increases the chances of finding work and allows people to be hired easier than those without a high school diploma. The main difference between a GED and a high school diploma is a high school diploma shows the student has successfully completed all of the required courses in a regular classroom setting. A GED is 5 exams that show that the person has a high school graduate's level of knowledge. However,  it is not an easier way out of school. It’s not a magic shortcut, but rather, it’s for those who actually need it. My grandfather was one of the many people that worked for and helped the GED program here in Oregon. I want to dedicate this article to him and his years in the workforce helping people get educated. 

General facts include: 

 You must be 18 years of age to take the GED test in Oregon. You do not need to prove you are an Oregon resident to take the test. For those testing in-person at a Testing Center: no, you’re not required to take the GED Ready practice test before taking the official GED test. For those testing on the Online Exam: Yes, you're required to take the GED Ready practice test before taking the official GED test online. Do I need to take a GED class or receive instruction from a local prep center before I take the test? No, Oregon doesn’t require you to prepare for the GED test in an adult education classroom. The closest testing center is in a different state. Can I take the test there? Some states allow people who don’t live there to take the GED test and others don’t. You’ll need to check the residency requirement for the state that you’re interested to test in. A GED is a great way to have a better chance of being hired if you don't have a high school diploma. 

A description of my grandfather's years in the workforce:

 David Price Moore started working in adult basic skills education at Metropolitan State College in the early 1970’s helping skill deficient students acquire their General Equivalency Diploma (GED). From 1990-1996 while employed at Community College of Aurora, he developed, taught and managed workplace literacy programs that included teaching GED classes to adults in businesses like Samsonite, General Motors and Sky Chefs.

While working for the Kansa Department of Education from 1997-2002, Moore approved and had oversight responsibility for basic skills courses associated with GED programs in the 16  public community colleges in Kansas.

 During his employment at the Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development in Oregon, from 2004-2018, Moore transitioned the adult basic skills courses in the state’s community colleges to align with the new and current GED test. Throughout his career he has supported or taught in basic skills programs that promoted the completion of the high school equivalency diploma, and helped countless teens take steps towards their future. 

Authors Note:

I wrote this article for my grandfather’s birthday. He has been one of my biggest role models to this very day. Not only did he work in the G. E. D. program he also made my childhood the best it could have ever been. Without my grandfather, I don’t know how I would be dressed or what Radio station I would be listening to! Thank you, papa, for all the great memories as we look to the future! I want to wish you a very happy birthday!

Your grandson,

Sebastian Files