We request approval to increase testing fees for the General Education Development (GED) Test effective January 2009. The cost of an initial full battery test will increase from $45 to $70; a re-take writing test will increase from $10 to $16; and the re-take in math, reading, science, or social studies will increase from $9 to $14. Forty percent (40%) of the fee will be used to pay the Department of Education (DOE) testing fee and the remaining sixty (60%) will be used to cover District administrative costs.

Since 1946, the GED Testing Program has provided low cost testing services to those adults who wish to establish the credentials of a high school diploma. In an effort to keep testing fees affordable, this is the first increase in cost since 1998 and is due to a fee increase imposed by the DOE in October 2008. In addition, the increased fees will assist our District in offsetting the cost of testing for students enrolled in Youth Service Programs due to the discontinuation of fee payment by the Department of Juvenile Justice.

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum, * Align financial resources to support the district’s strategic goals, * Demonstrate best financial practices

Applicants for testing pay $28 for the Florida Department of Education fee and $42 for District expenses in administering the GED Test. These fees cover all direct and indirect expenses of administering the GED test.