Providing an Alternative for GED Students

         The return of cool fall weather means that classrooms are busy again including those at a unique program offered by the Social Development Commission (SDC).

          Fall class sessions for the agency’s Competency Based Diploma Program are being held for more than 100 adult men and women who are seeking to earn a high school equivalency diploma.  The agency is the only state-licensed provider in Milwaukee County for this service which provides an alternative way of earning a high school diploma for adults with special learning challenges.

          The Competency Based Diploma program is designed for adults who have tried unsuccessfully to earn their high school diploma through a traditional GED program.  For many, the program provides the last way of earning their high school diploma.  An example that illustrates this is of "William".  The Milwaukee area father tried several times to go back to a GED classroom to earn his diploma but failed because of the extreme anxiety he suffered whenever he was faced with a test.  William was eventually referred to SDC’s Competency Based Diploma Program where he was able to successfully complete the coursework and earn his diploma.  This provided the boost he needed to improve his educational background and prospects for professional advancement.

          SDC has seen an increased demand recently for the Competency Based Diploma services.  The past school year saw the largest number of graduates from the SDC programs in recent memory and the current school year continues that upward trend.  The agency has increased its classes for the program to meet the increased demand. 

          To learn more about SDC’s GED and HSED classes as well as the Competency Based Diploma Program, visit the SDC agency website at www.cr-sdc.org/index/Programs--Services/Education--Training/Competency-Based-Diploma-Program.htm. The site includes a link for the online referral form that is needed to be made by an adult education professional in applying for the next round of classes at SDC.