Should Texas use the new GED?

In 2014, the GED high school equivalency test went through significant changes. Now administered by Pearson, the British education company that manages most standardized tests, the new GED is said to be more challenging, expensive, and is computerized versus in paper format. This has caused a bit of controversy in the education landscape of Texas.

Some states have abandoned the new GED for other high school equivalency measures. Currently, the Texas State Board of Education is considering other alternatives and is expected to make a decision in 2016.

I believe that the changes to the GED are justified and that Texas should use the new test as its high school equivalency exam. According to the GED Testing Service, the updates to the exam were necessary in order to align with employer expectations and the new Common Core high school standards. The GED had not been changed in more than 10 years prior to the release of the 2014 changes. High school academics have certainly changed over the course of 10 years. The GED needed to be current to keep up with employer and societal expectations.

“The 2014 GED® program ensures that an adult’s high school equivalency credential signifies he or she has the skills and knowledge necessary to take the next critical steps in their life,” says the GED Testing Service’s website. They state that the knowledge one needs to pass the test is the same that they need to pass present-day high school.

If the point of the GED is to ensure an individual is at a high school level so that they're successful in the workforce, I absolutely believe these changes are justified. In addition to the difficulty level, there is also controversy about it now being computerized since this poses a whole new challenge to low-income individuals who may not be tech savvy. My thoughts on this: if one were to complete high school, they definitely would have basic knowledge of using a computer. Knowing the basics of using a computer is a part of staying current in the modern workforce, regardless of the field one is in.

While I do understand the new challenges that test takers and literacy programs will face, it’s crucial that we are educating people and setting them up for success long-term. More preparation and improving basic knowledge of computers can only help, not hinder, long-term success in the workforce.

Save Lives -- Eliminate Distractions While Driving

I am writing in response to the blog “Texting and driving…it can wait” by the author of the One Star Two Stripes political blog. I 100% agree with this post that that the use of hand-held devices while driving should be banned – ASAP – statewide. Effective as of January 1, 2015, Austin was the first city to pass the ban on texting while driving citywide. There are a number of city ordinances on phone usage while driving in Texas, but none to this extent.

I was shocked to in “Texting and Driving…” that looking away for 5 seconds while driving is equivalent to driving the entire length of a football field! That really helps to create a visual of the distance we drive while just looking away from the road for a few seconds (which is not even enough time to write one text message).   

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, one in five crashes is due to driver distraction. TX DoT also reported that 100,825 car accidents – and 468 deaths - in 2014 were related to distracted driving. There’s no doubt that cell phone usage is one of the top distractions while driving, and that many roads would be safer – and lives saved – if the state prohibited use of cell phones while driving statewide.

Within 6 months of the law being in effect, I was pulled over and received a hefty $220 ticket for cell phone usage. I had barely touched my phone while driving that day, but was unfortunate enough to be in the eyes of a policeman during those two seconds. As unfortunate as the fine was, I actually believe that it was a fortunate occurrence, as it now has me question every time I pick up my phone in the car. I still often see people on the roads in Austin with their phones to their ears, and hope that cops make their way around to everyone violating this new law. It really does take punishment to counteract this nasty habit the majority of us do without question every time we’re in the car. I hope Texas enacts this law statewide ASAP.