There has been a significant drop in the number of people receiving a GED diploma in Kentucky since a new, more rigorous version of the test was implemented.
According to the Associated Press, data from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education shows there were 1,663 GED diplomas awarded in the 2015 fiscal year. That's a 77 percent decline from 2014 and an 81 percent drop from 2013, which was the last full year the old version of the test was used. The new test, which is geared toward preparing students for post-secondary education and the workplace, requires higher level math, science, reading comprehension and computer skills.
Testing company Pearson says the GED was changed in response to employers, colleges and the military, who complained the test didn't accurately reflect student preparedness.