East Tennessee Public Television

ETPtv HELPS ADULTS OBTAIN HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

 There are lots of reasons to finish your high school education. Do you need a job—or a better job? Would you like to go to college or to vocational school? Would you like to join the military? Do you want to set an example for your children? Would you like to feel better about yourself?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then East Tennessee Public Television (ETPtv) is the place for you! On Sunday, February 4, the PBS station begins a new session of GED, the television series that helps an adult receive an accredited high school diploma. Participants don’t have to enroll in high school, attend classes and submit assignments. They are able to watch the lessons in their own home and work at their own pace.

The series consists of documentary-style programs that give students a chance to learn from real-world experts who make the GED subjects come to life. Each session involves watching 39 30-minute programs on ETPtv and completing lessons in three workbooks. At the end of the studies, participants take the GED exam at an area test center. Adults who pass the GED exam receive a certificate that is universally accepted as the equivalent to a high school diploma.

ETPtv General Manager Teresa James states “Our mission is to provide life-long learning opportunities to the people of East Tennessee. Statistically we know that unemployment for a person who does not graduate from high school is 8%, twice the state average, and those employed will earn (on average) $9,227 compared to $17,747 for those with high school diploma and $38,661 for those with a college degree. We are pleased to be able to bring this learning opportunity to our viewers and hope many will be able to have a better life.”

Frank Miller, director of educational services at ETPtv, tells viewers not to worry about how long they’ve been out of school. “The keys to passing the test are life experience, preparation and being able to read well,” said Miller. “Most of the information needed to answer the questions is right on the test,” he said.

The new GED session begins Sunday, February 4 on ETPtv. One episode airs from 12:30-1:00 p.m. and another follows from 1:00-1:30 p.m. A set of three workbooks is available free-of-charge from ETPtv. Interested adults can pick up the workbooks up weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The station is located at 1611 East Magnolia Avenue in Knoxville. Enclosed with the workbooks is a list of test centers located throughout East Tennessee.

For more information, please call Frank Miller at (800) 595-0220 ext. 240 or (865) 595-0240.

Click here to see GED 2008 Schedule