For adult educators, helping students navigate the journey to earning their high school equivalency (HSE) credential can be very rewarding. But it’s also a path filled with challenges, both for students and for the educators guiding them. One of the most common questions students embarking on this journey have is, “How long is this going to take?”
The answer is that there is no set answer. But there are things we can do to make the process feel less daunting.
Students can approach the HSE process with a sense of urgency—understandably so. Many are eager to get their HSE credential to increase job opportunities, for example. It’s important to understand the reason an individual is seeking their HSE. But just as important is to help students slow down to process the task at hand and to remember that the timeline for success can look different for everyone. Then set up a plan.
Some students may reach their goal quickly, while others may need more time. The key is to help them see this not as a rigid deadline but as a timeline—a flexible, evolving journey where they are in control, with support available every step of the way.
Shifting the Focus: From Deadline to Timeline
One of the first things we can tell students is that the goal of earning an HSE is not a deadline to be met, but a timeline to follow. Timelines are adaptable—they can be adjusted, revised, and customized to fit the unique needs of each learner. It’s crucial that students understand this distinction to reduce stress of a time limit and to stay focused on the process.
Our role as educators is to help students chart their own path, supporting them as they take one step at a time toward achieving their goal. We can provide the best tools and resources, but it’s ultimately their journey to navigate.
Setting SMART Goals for Success
To keep students on their relative timeline, help them set clear, achievable goals. Using the SMART goal method, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely, is effective. This method helps break down the broad objective of earning an HSE into manageable, bite-sized goals.
For instance, a student’s overarching goal might be to earn their GED® or HiSET® credential. But that’s a huge goal that might feel impossible to achieve in their timeline. Instead, encourage students to remember why they want to earn their HSE and how they can break that down into smaller, measurable steps. These steps could include:
- Taking a pretest or practice test to determine the skills they need to study most
- Completing a unit of study on a particular subject
- Achieving a specific score on a practice test
When students can measure their progress, they can stay motivated as they move forward. The key here is to keep the goals realistic and achievable within a reasonable timeframe, which leads to a sense of accomplishment and forward momentum.
The Power of Focusing on One Subject at a Time
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to preparing for HSE exams. Some students may prefer to focus on one subject at a time, while others might be comfortable studying multiple subjects simultaneously. Math and reading tend to be the most time-consuming sections of the test and might be a good place for many students to start. For many students, building a solid foundation in these areas early on gives them the confidence and skills they need to tackle the rest of the subjects within their timeline. Other students may want to start with science or social studies to see progress toward their end goal more quickly.
It’s important to meet students where they are. If a student feels more comfortable starting with science or social studies, be flexible and let them take the lead. Focusing on the subject they find least challenging first can be beneficial, as it allows students to gain confidence quickly.
The most important thing is to have that conversation with each student. Every learner is unique, and understanding their preferences, strengths, and challenges will help guide their success.
Building a Supportive Community
Providing a sense of community and support in your program is critical for student success. Many adult learners face obstacles that go beyond the classroom—whether it’s balancing family life, work, or other personal challenges. For these students, having a strong support system in place can make all the difference and keep them motivated and on track.
Whether it’s acknowledging and celebrating progress on a practice test or simply recognizing the effort put into studying, positive reinforcement fosters confidence and a growth mindset.
Handling Setbacks and Staying Resilient
Inevitably, some students will face setbacks along the way that will change their timeline. It could be a failed practice test, a missed study session, or a poor score on a section of the HSE exam. In these moments, it’s essential to support students in reframing their experience.
If a student doesn’t pass a section of the test, contact them as soon as possible—usually the next day. This is crucial. Give them time to process their disappointment, but don’t let too much time pass before reframing the situation. Instead of focusing on failure, focus on the opportunity to review what they missed and try again. The fact that they were ready to take the test the first time means they’re still ready to succeed on the next try.
Setbacks are part of a journey and not a sign of defeat. It’s an opportunity to reassess, revise, and grow.
At the end of the day, the HSE journey is not just about passing a test; it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. By helping students set realistic goals and timelines, offering support, and reframing setbacks, we can help them prepare for and complete the journey to earning an HSE credential and the opportunities that await them.
New GED Series from New Readers Press
We offer a range of online and print HSE prep materials through ProLiteracy New Readers Press to help students confidently achieve their goals. Our new, comprehensive GED® Test Mastery series will be released next month!
Learn more aboutGED Test Mastery
This blog is a recap of a Teacher Training Plus workshop titled “How Long is This Going to Take?” Helping Students Navigate Each Step of Their HSE Journey, presented by Kara Kraweic.