The S.C. Department of Education announced Thursday that 73 percent of South Carolinians passed the GED test, meeting the national pass rate for the first time in S.C. history.

This year's passing rate was an increase from 68.8 percent in 2008.

South Carolina is now ranked 32nd among the 50 states when it comes to the GED passing rates, according to the state Department of Education.

In a press release, state Education Superintendent Jim Rex said there were several factors that led to the state's highest-ever GED pass rate, including the Family Literacy and Even Start programs, which, according to Rex, not only helps children and parents improve their reading skills, but it encourages parents to enroll in adult education classes.

But Rex added that the key to GED pass rate increase was the quality of the state's adult education staff training. This includes 45 hours of professional development at a GED academy and four regional training centers in Florence, Summerville, Sumter and Easley. According to the state Department of Education, 800 teachers have completed the academy.

Rex said South Carolina, along with other states, has seen in increase in adult education enrollment and the GED test, something that could be attributed to the nation's economic problems.

"A sputtering economy leads people to rethink their educational options and makes the GED more attractive," Rex said in a statement from the state Department of Education. "People without jobs or those seeking better, more secure jobs are looking to get a high school diploma. They know it will help them find work."

The GED test, which quizzes students in math, science, social studies and English, and requires students to write an essay, is required for those entering the military and for college applicants who don't have high school diplomas. Also, some employers now require applicants to have a high school diploma or a GED.

Source: examiner.com