In Texas the cost of the GED test has tripled in some areas, reports The Texas Observer. To combat the rising test price, Board of Education members approved two new testing options for Texans seeking their state high school equivalency certificates.
The price hike came after the for-profit education publisher Pearson turned the traditional paper-and-pencil test into a computer-based exam. After Pearson increased the price, the number of GED test-takers dropped by almost 45 percent. On Friday, the mostly Republican education board approved two new vendors and tests. Specific contracts have yet to be awarded to the test companies.
Critics complained that the new tests are not required to adhere to Texas education standards. But one board member pointed out that the GED was never measured against Texas education standards, either. Both new test options will offer computer and paper versions of their exams.