Government Distributes GED Preparation Books to Public Libraries

More Nova Scotians will have access to the materials they need to further their education thanks to the distribution of 113 new General Education Development (GED) preparation books to public libraries across the province.

The Department of Labour and Workforce Development partnered with the province's public libraries to increase the number of GED preparation books in library collections. Now, GED support is available to Nova Scotians, wherever they live, in both French and English.

"Government's continued partnership with the public library system has provided many Nova Scotians with free educational resources that support a culture of life-long learning in this province," said Labour and Workforce Development Minister Marilyn More. "This is another example of government's support for making education and training available for all Nova Scotians."

About 1,000 Nova Scotians write the GED tests every year. It is an internationally standardized high-school equivalency test that has been offered in the province since 1969. The GED is a series of five tests -- language arts, reading, writing, mathematics, social studies and science -- typically written over a two-day period. The majority of tests are multiple choice, and there is one written essay.

To write the GED, you must be 19 or older on testing day, not have a high school diploma and have been out of school for more than a year.

"The province's libraries are the knowledge centres of a community," said provincial librarian Jennifer Evans. "This resource helps our libraries support the continuing education of Nova Scotians."

Before the new books, there were only 37 GED prep books available across the province, with none in French. Now, 130 English, and 20 French books are available for borrow; a savings of up to $40 for the student.

"Government is working hard to maintain and build an educated and skilled workforce in this province, and we hope more Nova Scotians will take advantage of programming, like the GED, to help us achieve that goal," said Ms. More.

The Nova Scotia High School Graduation diploma for adults, offered through the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning, is another option for adults who have not graduated from high school.

For more information about educational options for adults visit www.goNSSAL.ca .