Thee Column

A high school diploma. Whether it’s meaningful or not is your own trip, but I think you’ll have to agree that it’s often an essential ingredient in getting a job or going to college in this bizarre country we inhabit.

If you’re a dropout and have been putting aside the idea of going back because of the hassles involved then read on brothers and sisters, it’s a whole lot easier than you’d think.

The easiest way of getting a degree is by taking a GED (General Educational Development) test. This test determines whether you have attained the equivalent knowledge of an average high school grad. If you pass you’re given a GED high school equivalency degree, which is perfect for most job or college entrance requirements.

The test is given by the Detroit Board of Education and many other school systems throughout the state and is relatively simple. In Detroit, the majority of those taking the test pass it the first time. The test or at least the Detroit version of it is divided into five parts, English Grammar, Social Studies, Science, Literature, and Math with equal credit for each.

There is a possible score of 75 on each part with a minimum overall average of 45 required with not less than 35 on any one part in order to pass the whole test. If you pass some, but not all parts of the test you’re only required to repeat the parts you failed. To take the test in Detroit you must be at least 18 years old and out of full time school for at least 6 months.

There is no charge if you’re a Detroit resident or if you have attended school in the city at any time. Otherwise it’s $5.00. Most companies consider a GED the same as a high school diploma. Some colleges and community colleges accept GED holders without even requiring an entrance exam if the overall average is high enough, usually around 55.

The test takes an average of six to ten hours, divided between 1 or 2 days as you go at your own rate. For an appointment to take the test or for further information contact the guidance department, Detroit Board of Education 833–7900, extension 2420.

Their office is located at 8721 John Lodge in the Herman Keifer Hospital complex, also the home of the Detroit Social Hygiene (clap clap) Clinic. At present it takes 4 to 6 weeks to get a test appointment so if you’re interested a call now might be wise.

The other primary educational alternative is the adult education programs in the Detroit schools. The programs are divided into two divisions, the day and night schools. The day program is located at the Dancy Adult Day School, 770 East Grand Blvd. at Mack, telephone number 923–3540. It’s set up on a progressive basis where you go at your own rate and pass classes as slow or fast as you want.

Dancy offers almost all of the classes available in any Detroit high school, and is free to any Detroit resident 18 or older. The night school program is housed in 17 Detroit high schools. These are: Cass, Central, Chadsey, Cody, Denby, Ford Kettering, King, MacKenzie, Mumford, Norther, Northwestern, Osborn, Pershing, Redford, Southwestern and Western. This is also free to Detroit residents, with a minimum age of 16.

Both the day and night schools grant regular Detroit high school diplomas, good for the earlier mentioned reasons. Further information can be obtained by contacting any of the schools mentioned, or by calling Albert McGregor, assistant director of the program at 833–7900 extension 2711.

If you want to get further into the phone trip I ran last issue get thoroughly stoned and call 867–1171. Incredible!