The story is familiar: A father dropped out of school years ago, in order to work. He's been working ever since, and now he's got kids himself. He wants them to stay in school, and to value education. To set an example for his children, he decides to go back to school and earn his GED. It's a story we hear at the GED Academy from many parents, both mothers and fathers. Only this father is a little different: actor Christian Slater. The star of ABC's new show "The Forgotten," where he plays an ex-cop who investigates unsolved cases of unidentified bodies, appeared as a guest on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in January, 2010 and discussed his GED. He has been working since he was nine years old, and was motivated to get his GED in order to show his children that education was important. After earning the GED, Slater began to work with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation "Get Schooled" program, which grapples with the issue of high school dropouts in the U.S. Over 39 million American adults don't have a high school diploma or GED. Many of these adults dropped out of school to go to work or to care for their families. The changing economy makes it important for former dropouts to earn a GED, and perhaps even more important for their children to earn a high school diploma and go on to college. Education opens up more possibilities for the future, something every parent wants for their children. Earning a GED can be a life-changing experience, for both parents and their children. Children who see their parents working on a GED often work harder in school and become more involved in learning. And parents who decide to get a GED as an example for their children often experience a new-found self-esteem and pride at earning a high school diploma, even after many years have passed. The GED does not need to be difficult. Many people can pass the exam with a little bit of preparation, especially if instruction is targeted to their individual needs. The rewards for passing can go beyond just being eligible for more jobs and higher education, including intangible benefits for both GED earners and their families.
Michael Ormsby is the president of
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About the Author:
Michael Ormsby is the president of The GED Academy and oversees software and curriculum for adult learners and people with educational challenges. For more information, visit http://www.passGED.com . Michael can be contacted by email at: information@passGED.com or by telephone at 800-460-8150.