Summary of Research Findings on the Military General Educational Development Program.

Abstract

Abstract : This report summarizes and integrates the findings of research studies dealing with the military General Educational Development (GED) program. The major areas covered include: (1) the field conduct of the GED PROGRAM, (2) characteristics of GED program participants, (3) a comparison of the utility of the GED certificate with that of the high school diploma both in-service and post-service, and (4) the impact of attaining a GED certificate. The findings show that GED program participants had lower average aptitude scores than high school diploma holders, but higher ones than non-participant non-graduates. A higher proportion of certificate holders planned service careers in comparison with their peers. They had higher pay grade at separation than non-certificate holders but lower ones than diploma holders. The GED certificate was regarded less highly than the high school diploma, but was perceived to have considerable value in both in-service and post-service environments. This was particularly true in-service where the certificate was accepted officially as meeting the requirements for a secondary education credential. The impact of receiving a certificate was reported to be favorable by both certificate holders and non-certificate holders. The major effects of receiving a certificate were seen as increased confidence in personal ability and increased feelings of general well-being. (Author)