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Students often ask, “How will I know when I’m ready to take the official test for my high school equivalency credential?” The answer is in finding a test prep program that measures readiness over completion.
Working through all suggested lessons and completing all review sections is important. But taking regular, timed practice tests is essential to know when you are truly ready to take on the official exam.
Continue reading “Are You Ready?”
In both the reading and social studies section of the GED, HiSET, and TASC, students will be asked to reflect on the author’s purpose. What is the central idea of a given passage? What evidence does the writer use to support a claim? Is there obvious bias in the author’s tone?
Authors write for different purposes. If you are aware of why the author wrote something, you can better understand the text and how it’s useful to you. To find the purpose, look at the big picture and details. Not sure what that means? Let us show you!
Continue reading “Author’s Purpose”
In response to the changing needs of 2020, the use of Zoom and other online communication platforms has skyrocketed. As we attempt to navigate new ways to exchange information, there will be trial and error. What have we learned so far? Here’s a quick list of considerations to make if you are studying, interviewing, or conversing online.
Continue reading “The Zoom Boom”
When faced with a new or complex reading passage, one of the biggest obstacles for students is finding meaning in an unknown or unfamiliar word. While Siri, Alexa, or Google can instantly provide the definitions of tricky words in everyday life, these “tech advisors” are not available on test day! So what can you do when you run into a difficult word or phrase?
Continue reading “Decoding Unfamiliar Words”
Did you know that Essential Education has free study guides specifically designed to address key aspects of the GED, HiSET, and TASC?
Our top educational designers created these subject-based outlines to specifically meet the unique needs of those preparing for their high school equivalency exams. The guides are full of helpful tools and resources, including FREE downloadable chapters from some of our popular Essential Skills workbooks.
Continue reading “Study Guide Freebies”
Note-taking isn’t a super popular study habit. Many students have endured some truly negative experiences with this skill, making them resistant to use what could prove to be an invaluable tool. In general, there are two different approaches to note-taking instruction that can cause student frustration.
Continue reading “Make Note Taking Work for You!”
When beginning to read a text for study or testing, understanding the source and perspective of the passage can be extremely helpful. Whether you are reading fiction, non-fiction, historical, or scientific writings, understanding who wrote the work and why is crucial to critical thinking. Examining these concepts more closely is a terrific tool for reading success.
Continue reading “Source and Perspective”
Reading is always most effective when you read with purpose. Approaching a text with a certain mindset, or what you tell yourself to expect when you read, will put your brain on high-alert. When you know what you seek, it will be easier to find!
Attacking math-based texts with a math mindset is vital to critically thinking and working through problems. In large part, this means getting familiar with mathematical sub-sections, terms, and concepts. Here are a few you will need to know for your GED, HiSET or TASC exams.
Continue reading “Math Mindset”
Are you looking for a great way to enhance your study efforts? Consider adding one of our Essential Skills workbooks to your current routine.
These resources are jam-packed with further instruction, additional practice problems, and countless skill-boosting tools. As a bonus, if you are a subscribed Essential Education student, the workbooks are fully aligned to your personal lessons and learning plans. Just follow the notations in your Homeroom for additional workbook practice.
Continue reading “Workbooks Work!”
Get to know Jen Denton: your resident student success coach at Essential Education!
Jen has helped students in their educational efforts for over 20 years. After obtaining her Master’s in Multicultural Education from National University in San Diego, Jen began her teaching career in Indio, CA. Here she had the unique opportunity to serve a diverse group of elementary-aged students during the day, and teach English as a second language to many of their parents and neighbors in the evenings.
Jen moved to the East Coast in 2005, where she continued her work as a classroom teacher, family advisor, and school administrator. She has had the pleasure of partnering with students from 4 to 74 years of age, coast to coast! Jen continues that service with Essential Education, as she provides hard-working students (like you) with the skills and resources they need to succeed in study, work, and life.
Connect with Jen and Essential Education’s growing community of students in an upcoming live coaching session soon. Sign up today!
