High School Equivalency (HSE) in New York State: The Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC)
New York State’s New HSE Test: The Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC)
As of January 1, 2014, a new, computer-based, Common Cored-aligned GED test has replaced the paper-based test that was used from 2002 to 2013. Due to the dramatic nature of the changes to the new GED test, New York State (NYS) elected to replace the GED test with the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) from CTB/McGraw Hill. The following information details the NYS plan for implementing the TASC:
Paper-based or Computer-based?
Test administration?
What about the content?
Who pays for the TASC In New York State?
What pathways to a High School Equivalency Diploma exist in NYS?
While it was common for GED test passers to say, “I got my GED” in the past, this was actually never the case. Before 2014, test takers passed the GED to “get” or be granted a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). Now they need to pass the TASC in order to be granted a HSED. While passing the GED was historically the most popular route to a HSED before 2014, NYS has and will continue to provide three pathways to a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED):
1. Pass the TASC assessment
2. Successfully complete 24 college credits
3. Successfully complete the National External Diploma Program (NEDP)
NYS is exploring the option of adding additional pathways to the HSED by 2017.
For more information about the TASC, please visit the New York City High School Equivalency Forum.
As of January 1, 2014, a new, computer-based, Common Cored-aligned GED test has replaced the paper-based test that was used from 2002 to 2013. Due to the dramatic nature of the changes to the new GED test, New York State (NYS) elected to replace the GED test with the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) from CTB/McGraw Hill. The following information details the NYS plan for implementing the TASC:
Paper-based or Computer-based?
- Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the TASC will be phased-in, with up to 20% of tests computer-based in 2014, up to 40% of tests computer-based in 2015, up to 60% of tests computer-based in 2016, and up to 100% CBT in 2017. NYS and CTB/McGraw Hill have stated that there will always be a paper-based version.
- Test centers may offer paper-based tests only, computer-based tests only, or both, but every candidate will be offered the test in the format they require.
- Computer-Based Tests will use the TABE Online platform.
Test administration?
- NYS testing centers remain the same.
- Development, printing, scoring, and transfer of TASC scores to the New York State Education Department (SED) will all be done by CTB/McGraw Hill. CTB/McGraw Hill is also responsible for secure shipping and downloading of test materials to the existing 269 SED approved testing centers.
- CTB/McGraw Hill will manage the testing accommodations process.
What about the content?
- All content is aligned to the K-12 Common Core State Standards, the Office of Vocational and Adult Education’s College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education, the K-12 Next Generation Science Standards, and national K-12 standards for Social Studies. The TASC is expected to be fully aligned to the Common Core by 2017.
- The test is composed of five subtest sections: 1) English Language Arts Reading, 2) English Language Arts Writing, 3) Mathematics, 4) Science, and 5) Social Studies.
- All test items will be aligned to Norman Webb’s Depth of Knowledge (DOK) framework for rigor and cognitive complexity. In 2014, test items consisted mostly of DOK levels 1 and 2, with a limited number of level 3 items. Text complexity will increase in 2015 and again in 2016, with increasing emphasis on DOK levels 2 and 3 and limited emphasis on levels 1 and 4. In 2014, the test used multiple-choice items in Reading, Science, and Social Studies, complemented by gridded response items in Math, and an argumentative or informative essay in Writing. Constructed-response (short answer) and technology enhanced items (i.e., hot spot) will be added in 2015 and 2016.
- The TASC is available in English and Spanish. The TASC will not be available in French.
- Braille, large print and audio versions for the visually impaired are also available.
Who pays for the TASC In New York State?
- There is a law in New York State that requires that test takers not be charged to take HSE exams. Therefore, the TASC is free to test takers; the cost is paid for by the New York State Education Department.
- Test Takers are allowed two free retakes per calendar year.
What pathways to a High School Equivalency Diploma exist in NYS?
While it was common for GED test passers to say, “I got my GED” in the past, this was actually never the case. Before 2014, test takers passed the GED to “get” or be granted a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). Now they need to pass the TASC in order to be granted a HSED. While passing the GED was historically the most popular route to a HSED before 2014, NYS has and will continue to provide three pathways to a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED):
1. Pass the TASC assessment
2. Successfully complete 24 college credits
3. Successfully complete the National External Diploma Program (NEDP)
NYS is exploring the option of adding additional pathways to the HSED by 2017.
For more information about the TASC, please visit the New York City High School Equivalency Forum.