GED Training for One and All

I’ve shared with you about the scramble our student have been making to get their GED before the end of 2013.  Out of 10 students, 2 tested with enough points to earn their GED.

What does that mean for the other  students?  Only that they must start over from scratch, but online.

Yet the plot thickens!  Two of the tests, Reading and Writing, have been combined.  Instead of one essay on a topic of your choosing, now there are multiple essays on specific current events.

Also, because of the versatility of online testing.  There is considerably less multiple choice.

What does that mean for ROP tutors?  We need to learn how to teach to the new tests, yes.  However, we also need to add basic training on how to test using a computer, both keyboard and mouse skills.

We will need to provide more computer skill practice time for those student without a      computer at home.

Needless to say, we’re training our trainers as well as the courageous students that are diving right into reaching, no stretching for their goals, too.

If you are as curious as I was, you can get more of the facts and even a practice test at the new website: www.gedtestingservice.com

God has been good providing tutors, each with a particular strength, whether in Math, English, etc.  Eager students, striving to learn can be an addictive high for those who enjoy helping others learn.

Learning to Stretch

I was just enjoying my coffee at a business meeting when I overheard, “If they’re coming to this country they should learn the language.  They just bunch up in places around town & make their kids translate all the time.”

I wanted to confront and correct him and all those other 'more offensive then helpful' impulses that course through my mind at times.

It holds truth, from one perspective, but no attempt at understanding; at least from my point of view.

I remember the year my oldest niece decided to move to Berlin because it was so much cheaper than New York, where she had been renting.

She shared with me about how, half way through the day, she was exhausted from trying to learn new German words & phrases and translating her own thoughts out of English.

ESL student refugees from our community 

 stepping forward to help us reach their neighbors for Thanksgiving

How she had found some restaurants and shops that spoke English & how that made her feel understood and closer to home for a bit.

I walk through my community of refugees and immigrants seeing them work hard to learn the language and favor the shops that make adjusting easier for awhile.

I come into ROP and find myself saying a greeting maybe 20 or 30 times. Encouraging students’ attempts to ask, “Good morning! How are you?” and practice, practice, practice.

I find myself asking God to make me less judgmental of those who don’t see.  I’d rather be a light that encourages others to really see people and reach out to understand each other.