Supporting Your Mother's Education Path: Courses vs. GED

My mother wants to get her high school diploma, but I believe she can benefit more from taking a variety of high school courses rather than just preparing for a GED exam. This article explores the educational paths available, the benefits of each, and the best approach to help her achieve her goals.

Option 1: GED Exam Prep

Public schools typically do not accept individuals who have reached the state’s school leaving age, usually 20-21. However, your mother may be able to take courses online or in a private adult high school. While enrolling in a full high school courseload could take a significant amount of time, the General Educational Development (GED) test is designed specifically for individuals like your mother.

The GED is a valuable certification that can open up many doors for her. It is accepted by most employers and colleges, similar to a traditional high school diploma. Additionally, many community colleges offer GED preparation programs, which means community colleges are a great resource to explore. Start by calling your local community college to see what options are available and whether they have resources to evaluate her English proficiency.

Option 2: Enrolling in High School Courses

On the other hand, if you want to replicate a regular high school curriculum, there are some considerations. This would involve enrolling in a broader range of courses that cover different subjects, such as math, science, literature, and more. This approach can be more time-consuming and may not be the most efficient path.

However, if your mother is interested in a more comprehensive educational experience, enrolling in high school courses could be beneficial. This would allow her to explore different subjects and potentially improve her overall knowledge and skills. But, given the time and effort required, it might be worth considering whether the GED is a more suitable option.

Evaluating English Proficiency

Your mother’s native language being different from English is a significant factor. Ensuring that she can understand the lessons well is crucial. Many community colleges offer English as a Second Language (ESL) programs with qualified teachers. These resources can help her improve her English skills, which is essential for success in any educational program.

Conclusion and Encouragement

Firstly, congratulations to your mother on her decision to pursue her high school diploma. It is a significant achievement, and you should be proud of her. To help her succeed, it is important to ensure that her English is up to a level where she can understand the lessons effectively. Encourage her to participate in an ESL program if needed. This will help her gain the skills and confidence necessary to perform well in any educational program.

It is important to avoid discouraging her by saying "don’t do" but instead support her by explaining that finding the right language course first is crucial for success. Talk to immigrant associations to find additional support. They often have specialists and resources to help immigrants like your mother gain the training and support she needs.

Next Steps

Here are some actionable steps:

Call your local community college to inquire about GED preparation and ESL programs. Visit the community college website to gather more information. Consider your mother’s interest and discuss the pros and cons of both options with her. Encourage her to participate in an ESL program to improve her language skills.

Supporting your mother’s education journey is a commendable effort. With the right resources and encouragement, she can achieve her goals and improve her future opportunities.