This new GED program is an accelerated program offered to Bell County students who are at risk of dropping out. Dale Hoskins is the instructor for the 12 to 14 week program. Hoskins' enthusiasm is apparent as he prepares for the ceremony that will recognize five of his students for passing their GED. Hoskins, who taught for 10 years at Bell County High School, instructs students in the different areas tested on the GED. The students attend 15 hours a week and study for the language arts reading and writing, mathematics, social studies, and science portions of the GED.
Since its beginning in December, 2005, the GED program helped these five students complete instructional classes and pass all the required parts of the GED. These students will now go on to pursue opportunities they would not have had without the program.
“In order to get a job, go to a vocational school, or enlist in the military, a person has to have at least a GED. Now these students can go on to do some of these things. One of the five students, Curtis Lawson, plans to attend the adult vocational school next term. Another student plans to attend classes at Southeast Community College, and student Michael Saylor has enlisted in the U.S. Army. “Many of these students would have dropped out if it weren't for this program,” explains Hoskins.
Michael Saylor, one of the students who completed the program, leaves next week for the U.S. Army's basic training. Saylor explains, “If I hadn't been in this program, I probably would have dropped out of school and gotten a dead end job. Now I am enlisting in the Army, which I really wanted to do. I couldn't have done this without the program. I would definitely recommend the program to students who are thinking about dropping out of school.”
The program is in its first year, and growing. “We are planning to triple our enrollment for the next class,” remarks Hoskins. The program's staff recruits the students from a list, provided by Bell County High School, of potential drop-out students. The members of the staff then attempt to contact the students and offer this program to them. However, “many of our students also come from the Recovery Program,” says Hoskins. According to Hoskins, “students must be at least two grade levels behind in school to qualify for the program.” The program is free for Bell County students. Bell County school system pays for all materials and fees for the students who participate in the GED program.
The GED program began when Bell County Superintendent George Thompson presented the idea to the Bell County School Board.
“I wanted to address the drop out rate in our county and this program was the perfect way to do that,” says Thompson.
According to Thompson, the GED program is one of only 17 programs offered in the state of Kentucky.
“This program is a drop out intervention program for our most at risk students. It really meets the needs of our kids,” explains Thompson.
In his presentation of the certificates, Mr. Thompson tells the students who have stuck with it and passed their GED to “keep your eye on the ball. Although a diploma is vital, you must go beyond that.” Mr. Thompson remarks that he is very proud of the students in this program and their success.
Now that the first class has passed their GED, they are set for a bright new future and the same opportunities that all high school seniors will have at the end of this school year. Bell County's new GED program not only helped these students pass the GED it also gave them the renewed confidence they will need for future success.
For further information on the program, contact the Bell County Recovery and Day Treatment Center at (606) 337-0957.
Alison Manning is a Correspondent for the Daily News. She can be reached via e-mail at amanning@middlesborodailynews.com.
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