How To
The National External Diploma Program is a complete system that enables adults and out-of-school youth to demonstrate the knowledge and skills commensurate with a high school education through demonstration of mastery of a series of competencies expected of high school graduates. This manual contains the criteria for evaluating that an adult has demonstrated the specific competencies expected of high school graduates. Each competency is demonstrated in the context of a life and/or work situation to ensure that the measured skills are relevant to adult learners and applicable to their lives. The manual provides procedures and guidelines regarding the demonstration of these competencies in the Diagnostic and Generalized Assessment phases of the program.
The NEDP was created to provide eligible adults and out-of-school youth with an alternative method of demonstrating the knowledge and skills they possess and employ. The need for an alternative process arose when it became clear that traditional methods of testing were not always appropriate or adequate for adults with testing anxiety or those who had been out of school for many years.
The NEDP is an assessment system that differs from traditional high school credentialing programs by
• assessing an adult’s knowledge and skills according to standardized criteria rather than by comparing the client to other adults or group
• using a variety of testing methods, including simulations, portfolios, research projects, hands-on demonstrations, and oral interviews
• recognizing and rewarding the knowledge and skills achieved through practical life experiences
• giving credit for what an adult knows and can do while allowing the client to learn and acquire new skills while in the program
• respecting a participant’s ability to choose their own learning resources
• sharing information about assessment content and expectation
• encouraging participant responsibility and active engagement
• allowing a participant to complete assessment tasks at their own pace
• not requiring classroom seat-time
• ensuring a level of anonymity
• issuing a high school diploma or equivalent from a local or state diploma-granting institution
These and other factors often make the NEDP attractive to adults and out-of-school youth, many of whom are employed, seeking employment, and/or enrolled in a training program.
In order to participate in the NEDP, an individual must demonstrate academic readiness for high school level work. This is done through a assessments at the Adult Education Provider.
NEDP participants work with an Advisor/Assessor who administers assessments and evaluates progress in achieving requirements. This program is ideal for the adult who has life experience and is a motivated, independent learner.