General Educational Development (GED) diplomas are often seen as equivalent to high school diplomas, but are they really? General Educational Development (GED) tests are a group of five subject tests which, when passed, certify that the test taker has American or Canadian high school-level academic skills. People with GED diplomas are able to receive jobs that require high school diplomas and begin their college education, just like a traditional high school diploma. In the aspects of receiving entry level jobs and apply for college, GED diplomas do contribute the same benefits as high school diplomas.
I personally think that high school diplomas provide a higher quality education compared to GEDs. Going to high school allows students to interact with their peers, teachers, and other authority figures that are in the school environment. These interactions provide practice for students for real world interactions for interviews for jobs and college. Additionally in high school, students can partake in extra circular activities. Sports, clubs, and organizations around high school allow for students to have a well-rounded personality. High school doesn’t only provide five classes and/or subjects, like the GEDs require.
To receive a high school diploma, students have to acquire so many credits. These credits have to be from more than five subjects. In Charles County, you need math, English, government, physical education, fine arts, technology, and foreign language credits to graduate. Requiring a broad selection of required courses, supports students in having a well-rounded education.
High school students are required to follow a daily schedule which includes starting school, each class period, and time management for homework assignments. Having this schedule forces high school students to manage their time and learn to not procrastinate. The majority of GED classes and tests are taken online and are completed on the time that the student chooses. Attending high school and receiving a high school diploma teaches more time management skills and requires a strict permanent schedule they have to follow. GED diplomas do not require skills like time management, which is a necessary skill for life outside of school.
Overall, I believe that receiving a high school diploma requires more effort and a wider variety of skills compared to receiving a GED diploma. GED diplomas can still provide students an alternate option, but high school diplomas allow for students to have a more well-rounded education and a better idea of how to balance multiple subjects/clubs at once.
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