My 7-year-old is doing many things I never did in school at that age, so I knew I needed to go back to school, said Baugh.  She added that the greatest benefit from the pursuit of furthering her education may be her involvement with her children's studies. She feels that her education will allow her to assist her children in their studies more easily.  

The instructor at the Career Center, Cassie Snow, said that many people lacking a high school diploma seek to take the steps leading to the GED test, but often do not have the self-confidence to initiate the process. She said that after acquiring their GED, people feel a sense of accomplishment.  I think most students sort of feel that they've completed some unfinished business, said Snow.

The instructor encourages many people to initiate the steps to acquiring a GED in the weeks to come because beginning next year the test requirements will become more difficult. Less multiple choice, restrictions on calculator use and the addition of higher level thinking skills will be added to the test. Snow also pointed out that a high school diploma or the GED is required in today's workforce.  Now most people don't take people without the GED or a diploma, said Snow.

Snow said that at present students must wait six weeks after failing the GED test to take the test again with a note of recommendation from the instructor.  However, she said that beginning Oct. 1 the six week waiting period will be suspended, but will be reinstated at the beginning of next year. Snow added that normally an individual may only take the test three times within a year, but this year students may take the test four times if needed. 

Baugh agrees with Snow that self-confidence hinders taking those initial steps to acquiring the GED.  Self in doubt of accomplishing what could be is a big reason why people don?t try to get their GED, said Baugh. Baugh plans to continue her education in college after she passes the GED test. She hopes to major in business and possibly own an establishment one day.

GED classes are offered free through various local outlets including the
IMPACT Learning Center at the old Page Elementary Cafeteria in Scottsboro, the Jackson County Career Center in the Scottsboro Plaza, the Michael Scott Learning Center in Stevenson, North Sand Mountain High School on Highway 71, Northeast Alabama Community College on Highway 35 and at Skyline High School. Enrollments are accepted at any time and withdrawal from classes may occur at any time. The Northeast Alabama Adult Education Program Office may be contacted at 638-2957.



Article reprinted here with permission of The Daily Sentinel of Scottsboro, Alabama.