HSE is an option for adult learners seeking a high school diploma to demonstrate their knowledge and skills which would have been acquired in the high school curriculum. Upon passing a HSE test, they earn an equivalency credential. In Virginia, it is called a certificate.

In Virginia, adult education programs offer HSE programming in three formats: GED® preparation, National External Diploma Program (NEDP) facilitation, and Spanish HSE preparation. 

GED^® Preparation

GED^® Website: This website provides essential information about the test to both learners and instructors. It also provides professional development and guides for educators. Learners use this website to schedule their tests, access their scores and testing information, and request a transcript.

GED^® Virginia: This website provides specific information about GED^® testing in Virginia.

Accommodations for GED^® Test Takers: This 2024 Progress article from the VDOE Adult Education Team highlights resources and FAQs available on the GED Testing Service^® (GEDTS) Accommodations webpage to help test takers and their advocates navigate the accommodations request process.

Sample GED^® Lesson Plans: Florida’s adult education instructor handbook includes sample lesson plans focused on the 2014 series GED^® test and address writing in different subject areas.

Bootcamp 2.0: Access the archived presentation from the March 13, 2024, Bootcamp 2.0 presentation. Math bootcamps are designed to help motivate and prepare adult learners who need to pass the GED^® math subject test.

Access the Bootcamp 2.0 presentation video here.

Just One To Go Toolkit: Designed to assist Virginia adult education and GED^® programs in outreach efforts, this toolkit includes sample social media messages, poster and flyer templates, GED 1 2Go logo files, and more. The campaign targets adults who have passed three GED^® subject tests and need only one more passing more score in order to obtain their high school equivalency. Programs are encouraged to customize materials and integrate the Just 1 2Go messaging as part of their ongoing outreach and recruitment efforts.

NEDP Facilitation

The National External Diploma Program (NEDP) is a competency-based, applied performance assessment system leading to an Adult High School Diploma. Administered by trained local or regional adult education program staff, the blended assessment evaluates the reading, writing, math, digital literacy, and workforce readiness skills of participants in life and work contexts.

NEDP CASAS Website: This website provides more information about the NEDP and its role in adult education.

National External Diploma Program in Virginia Guidelines: This document provides information on NEDP policies and practices in Virginia.

10 Important Things to Know about the NEDP: This article, written by Virginia’s CASAS NEDP trainer,  expands on common knowledge known about the NEDP and dives into important characteristics of the NEDP program, exam and facilitation. 

What They Don’t Tell You in NEDP Training: This article is an interview of three NEDP practitioners that sheds light on important aspects of the NEDP learned through years of experience.

NEDP Pre-screening and NEDP Writing Tutorial in Canvas Commons: These short online modules are optional resources that NEDP programs can use during the pre-screening and diagnostics phases. The Canvas Commons courses can be downloaded for free use (but will require some customization, e.g. local contact info). The pre-screening covers an overview of NEDP, reflection on whether NEDP is a good fit for the student, SMART goals, and growth mindset.

Spanish HSE Preparation

VALRC’s Spanish HSE Resource: This webpage provides information and guidance on various aspects of Spanish HSE preparation, including instruction. 

For more resources related to reading instruction, please search VALRC’s high school equivalency (HSE) resource bank.