Are GED educational programs a result of mass denial, stupidity, politics, or what?

Question

After teaching college courses, I got a job in a GED program offered through a college. As a trained researcher (and using common sense), I discovered the following from the most reputable educational research studies: 1% of people who finish their GED ever get an Associate's degree (not even a B.A.); there is virtually no economic benefit for those who get a GED even five years after they've got it. It might make people feel some self-esteem but the self-esteem is gone after two months. These facts have been known for 20 years. Everyone who works in this program acts rah-rah with a 'you can do it' attitude, and the students are not told the GED by itself is basically worthless. When I showed the staff the research, they called me a cynic, or just laughed. Are they brainwashed, deluded, in a state of denial, fools, or just want to save their asses? I feel like I'm in a 1950's sci-fi movie. Is this par for the course (pun intended)?

By the way, regarding college teachers who teach in GED programs, and the statement that the bulk of them don't have Ph.D.'s. I do have a Ph.D. from a highly ranked university; I left my full-time position because I thought I could make a difference in the lives of the 'disadvantaged.' I quit; Friday is my last day. I guess I'm just naive. My grandfather came to the U.S. many years ago at the age of 16. The only English word he knew was "banana." He received a full scholarship from Columbia University, became a language teacher (six languages--Latin, Russian, English, French, German, Italian, ); and a literary translator. I guess he was a bad model to base by expectations on.

Answer 1

I sincerely believe that the dumbing down of teachers, including tenure and relaxed credential programs, as well as bonus for teachers who take university classes (so they won't have as much evening time for their students), plus 40 student class size ~~~ was all designed to lower the over all quality of teachers and educational standards of this country.

Why??? So we would have a 47% drop out rate in schools and have a larger pool of ignorant workers from which to draw.

Why??? So the USA can better compete with third word countries ~~~ lower salary wise.

The GED program is set up by politicians so it looks like they care, when they're the reason behind the whole mess.

Why??? Because the industrial/military complex of the USA owns the politicians.

President Dwight Eisenhower warned us about this way back in the early 1950's. When he said trouble will not comefrom abroad but from our own military/industrial complex. (Not an exact quote, but close).

Answer 2

No offense, but college teachers who tackle GED classes are more likely "just want[ing] to save their asses." I say "teachers" because it is unlikely these people are "professors" with Doctorate Degrees.

The GED is a political initiative--plain and simple. It is a vehicle to give otherwise non-high school degree people a sense of accomplishment. it can prove useful only if a high school degree or equivalent degree (GED) is required--such as enlistment in the US Army.

Just think of all the goofing off, truancy, and pain-in-the-***(ness) many of your students caused for their teachers from grades k-12. When all is said and done, they can focus for six months and still get a high school diploma.

Enjoy the job....

Answer 3

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Answer 4

It's a way for districts to cover their asses and not have these students, most of whom would not graduate, count against their drop out rate. The same way many districts shuffle low performing students into SPED classes so they won't have to take a state mandated test.