This is Steve Ember with the VOA Special English EducationReport.

Another school year is nearing an end in the United States.Students are preparing for their final examinations in the comingweeks. Those in their last year of high school are planning fortheir graduation ceremonies and parties.

But not all young people graduate from high school. The resultsof their decision to leave school early may follow them throughouttheir lives. Students who leave are not likely to be as successfulin life as those who finish at least high school.

Since the nineteen-forties, students who do not complete highschool have had another choice. This is a certificate called theG.E.D. G.E.D. is short for General Educational Development. Peoplewho have earned a G.E.D. can get admitted to college and continuetheir education.

To earn a G.E.D., students mustpass five examinations. These are in writing, social studies,science, reading and mathematics. Testing officials say a person whopasses the test is at the same level as sixty percent of graduatinghigh school students. This is in the level of ability to read,write, work with numbers and understand information.

Each year, more than five-hundred-thousand people take the G.E.D.examinations. About seventy percent pass. But research has shownthat only about eleven percent of G.E.D. holders complete a year ormore of higher education.

Some critics say earning a G.E.D. is not as good as completinghigh school. They say the test does not force people to study theway they have to in order to graduate. Critics say this is onereason G.E.D. holders generally do not stay in college.

They also say the possibility of taking the G.E.D. test makes iteasier for students to leave high school early. Critics argue thatthe easier it is to take the test, the higher the rate of studentsleaving school.

Testing officials have made changes in recent years designed tomake the exams more difficult. And both critics and supporters ofthe G.E.D. agree that it performs a valuable service for those whocan go on to complete college. Successful G.E.D. holders include theactor Bill Cosby, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell and DelawareGovernor Ruth Ann Minner.

This VOA Special English Education Report was written by NancySteinbach. This is Steve Ember.