About 11,000 people across New Jersey get their GEDs every year, passing the national Test of General Educational Development, which is recognized as the equivalent of a high school diploma. About 100 schools throughout the state offer free classes preparing students of all ages for the diploma they never got. At Gloucester County College in Sewell, there are usually about 20 students at any time working at their own pace on their GED during the daily daytime classes. Classes are also offered at night, there and at schools throughout the region. At GCC, new students are enrolled every two weeks.
Some students are there only a month or two, some attend classes for eight months.
She was working on sample questions on cell membranes in the science skill book the other day. Her eyes were glazing over as she pondered pinocytosis and phagocytosis and direct absorption of cells. Here you just have to read out of books all day,'' she said. I didn't like waking up,'' she said. Many people think that it's a simple task, getting a GED certificate, said Carmelita Acciola, head of Adult Basic Education Programs for Gloucester County College.