Training Module 04 — GED Preparation & Academic Support
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MODULE 04 Life Skills & Program Workshops

GED Preparation & Academic Support

Study sessions, practice tests, test registration support, and connection to local GED testing centers. Facilitated by volunteer tutors and academic coaches.

Ongoing Sessions
10–20 Participants
Ages 16–24
5 Subject Areas
Module 04 · AMB Training
GED Preparation &
Academic Support
Helping AMB participants earn their GED, access community college, and build the academic foundation needed for long-term success.
5 Subject Areas
Math · Reading · Writing · Science · Social Studies
10–20 Youth
Per study session
Volunteer Tutors
Trained academic coaches
Why It Matters
The GED Changes Everything
A GED credential opens doors that a lack of a high school diploma permanently closes — jobs, college, military service, and more.
  • Employment — Most jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent. GED removes that barrier immediately.
  • Community College — GED qualifies participants for enrollment at any community college with FAFSA financial aid eligibility.
  • Trade & Vocational Programs — Welding, HVAC, electrical, plumbing — all require GED or equivalent credential.
  • Military Service — All branches of the U.S. military accept GED holders for enlistment.
  • Self-Confidence — Completing the GED is a transformative achievement that builds belief in what's possible next.
What's On The GED Test
5 Subject Areas to Master
The GED test covers five subjects. Each is a separate exam. Participants can test one subject at a time.
Mathematical Reasoning
Algebra, geometry, data analysis — 115 min
Reasoning Through Language Arts
Reading comprehension, extended response — 150 min
Science
Life, physical, earth science — 90 min
Social Studies
Civics, U.S. history, economics, geography — 70 min
Weekly Session Structure
How to Run Each Study Session
0:00–0:15
Check-In & AssessmentReview each participant's progress since last session. Identify which subjects need most attention.
0:15–0:45
Targeted InstructionFocus on one or two subject areas. Tutors deliver mini-lessons on weak areas identified in practice tests.
0:45–1:15
Practice Test BlockParticipants complete 20–30 practice questions from GED prep materials. Tutors circulate and assist.
1:15–1:30
Review & FeedbackGo over practice answers as a group. Explain common mistakes. Reinforce test-taking strategies.
1:30–1:45
Goal Setting & Next StepsEach participant writes one homework goal. Confirm next session date and any test registration deadlines.
Subject Deep Dive · Math
Mathematical Reasoning Tips
Math is the most challenging subject for most participants. Use these facilitation approaches to build confidence.
Facilitator Tips
Start with Basic ArithmeticMany participants need to rebuild number sense before tackling algebra. Use Khan Academy free resources.
Allow Calculator UseThe GED math test allows a TI-30XS calculator for Part 2. Make sure participants practice with it regularly.
Real-World ProblemsFrame math in everyday contexts — budgeting, measurements, interest rates. Makes it immediately relevant.
Key Topics
Basic OperationsFractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, order of operations
AlgebraEquations, inequalities, functions, polynomials, quadratics
GeometryArea, perimeter, volume, the Pythagorean theorem, coordinate plane
Data AnalysisMean, median, mode, interpreting graphs, basic statistics
Subject Deep Dive · Language Arts
Reading & Writing Success
The Language Arts section tests both reading comprehension and extended written response. Both require practice.
Reading Strategy
Always read the questions before reading the passage. This tells you exactly what information to look for.
Extended Response
The essay requires 45 minutes. Use the first 5 minutes to outline. Aim for 4–6 paragraphs with a clear thesis and evidence.
Vocabulary Building
Use context clues, prefix/suffix knowledge. Practice 10 new academic words per session using flashcards or apps.
Grammar Rules
Focus on subject-verb agreement, comma usage, run-on sentences, and paragraph transitions — the most tested items.
Evidence-Based Writing
All GED writing responses must cite evidence from provided passages. Practice identifying and quoting textual evidence.
Practice Resources
GED.com official practice tests. Khan Academy RLA module. GED Ready test ($6) predicts real score with high accuracy.
Test Readiness
Test-Taking Strategies That Work
Share these proven strategies with participants before they register for their first official GED subject test.
  • Use the GED Ready Test First — This $6 official practice test predicts your real score. Only register for the official test when GED Ready says you're "Likely to Pass."
  • Test One Subject at a Time — Don't try to test all four subjects at once. Focus on the easiest one first to build momentum.
  • Flag & Move On — If you don't know an answer, flag it and move on. Come back with fresh eyes. Never leave a question blank.
  • Time Management — Practice with a timer. Know exactly how many minutes per question you have and keep pace.
  • Day-Before Routine — No cramming the night before. Light review, good sleep, healthy meal the morning of the test.
Registration & Testing Centers
How to Register for the GED
Guide participants through the registration process step by step. Facilitators should walk through this on a device during the session.
Step 1: Create Account
Go to GED.com — create a free account with name, email, and date of birth
Step 2: Find Test Center
Search by zip code for the nearest Pearson VUE authorized GED testing center
Step 3: Schedule Exam
Choose subject, date, and time — cost is $30 per subject in most states
Step 4: Bring ID
Valid government-issued photo ID required on test day. No phone use permitted.
Note: Some states offer free or reduced-cost GED testing. Check your state's adult education office for fee waivers.
Resources & Next Steps
After the GED — What's Next?
The GED is a stepping stone. Connect every graduate to the next opportunity and track outcomes in AMB's case management system.
Community College
Enroll, apply for FAFSA, explore 2-year degrees and trade programs
Vocational Training
Trade school, apprenticeships, HVAC, electrical, welding, CDL licensing
Employment Upgrade
Return to Module 03 — Employment & Job Readiness — with new credential
Case Management
Log GED pass date, subject scores, and next enrollment steps in AMB system
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GED Prep Academic Support Math & Reading Volunteer Tutors Required for facilitators

What You'll Cover

  • Why the GED changes life outcomes
  • All 5 GED subject areas explained
  • Running effective study sessions
  • Math & Language Arts strategies
  • Test-taking strategies that work
  • GED registration step by step

Session Timer

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Current Segment
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Facilitated By

Volunteer Tutors & Academic Coaches
Association of Midnight Basketball
Academic Support Component  ·  MBL Program™

Facilitator Guide — Full Workshop Reference
Ongoing
Session Frequency
10–20
Participants
5
GED Subjects
$30
Per Subject Test
145
Min. Passing Score
16–24
Target Age Range
Materials Checklist
Prepare before the study session — click items to mark complete
GED Official Practice tests (printed or tablet access to GED.com)
TI-30XS calculators (one per participant for math sessions)
Whiteboard or flip chart for group instruction
GED.com account setup guide (printed step-by-step handout)
Local GED testing center list with addresses and hours
Pencils, scratch paper for each participant
Volunteer tutor roster (confirmed attendance for this session)
Participant progress tracking sheet (from last session)
Khan Academy printed reference cards (optional — free resource)
Community college enrollment brochures for follow-up motivation
Session Segments — Step-by-Step Guide
1
Check-In & Individual Assessment
0:00–0:15

Begin every session by reviewing each participant's progress. Use their tracking sheet from the previous session to identify gaps and set the focus for today.

  • Greet participants by name and distribute tracking sheets
  • Ask: "What subject did you practice since last session?"
  • Review any practice test scores from previous week
  • Identify today's focus subject(s) based on lowest scores
  • Set a personal goal: "By end of session I want to understand _____"
Facilitator Tip: Celebrate even small improvements. A participant who went from 40% to 52% on math practice has made real progress. Recognition builds retention.
2
Targeted Instruction Block
0:15–0:45

The instruction block is the heart of each study session. Tutors deliver focused mini-lessons on the week's target topics.

  • Assign 1–2 volunteer tutors per 4–5 participants for small-group instruction
  • Use whiteboard to demonstrate math concepts step by step
  • For Reading: distribute a short passage and model close reading
  • For Writing: show a sample essay response and score it together
  • Encourage questions — normalize not knowing as part of the process
Resource: Khan Academy (khanacademy.org) has free GED prep videos for every subject. Consider screen-sharing a 5-minute video to open each topic.
3
Practice Test Block
0:45–1:15

Participants complete a timed practice test set. Use official GED practice questions or GED.com's free test prep materials.

  • Distribute 20–30 practice questions matching the session's subject focus
  • Set a timer — simulate real test conditions
  • Remind participants: flag difficult questions and return to them
  • Tutors circulate quietly — only help if participant is completely stuck
  • Collect completed papers for scoring and tracking
4
Review, Feedback & Test Strategies
1:15–1:30

Group review turns missed questions into lasting learning. Always frame corrections constructively.

  • Go over the 5–7 most commonly missed questions as a group
  • Explain the reasoning behind each correct answer
  • Reinforce test-taking strategies: elimination, educated guessing, flagging
  • Record individual scores on the participant tracking sheet
  • Identify who is approaching "Likely to Pass" threshold on GED Ready
5
Goal Setting & Next Session Prep
1:30–1:45

End every session with a written commitment. Participants who write down goals are significantly more likely to follow through.

  • Each participant writes: "Before next session I will practice _____ for _____ minutes"
  • Confirm next session date, time, and location
  • For participants near ready: walk through GED.com registration on their phone
  • Remind those who have passed a subject: celebrate and keep going!
  • Log attendance and scores in AMB case management before you leave
Track Progress: Record each participant's practice scores in the AMB case management system. Progress tracking data is required for grant compliance and annual impact reporting.
Academic Partners & Resources

Leverage these free and low-cost resources to support your GED study sessions. Connect passing participants immediately to their next educational opportunity.

GED.com
Official GED testing site. Free study materials, GED Ready practice test ($6), scheduling, and official score transcripts. Go here first.
Khan Academy
100% free online lessons aligned to GED test topics. Math, reading, science, and social studies. Works on phone or tablet. AMB-recommended resource.
Community College
Most community colleges offer free adult education and GED prep classes. Connect graduates directly to enrollment offices and FAFSA guidance.
AMB Case Management
Log each participant's GED study attendance, practice scores, subject test dates, and final GED pass date. Required for impact reporting.
Fee Waivers: Many states offer free GED testing to income-eligible individuals. Check with your state's adult education office or workforce development department to see if fee waivers are available in your area.
Module 04 Complete

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