Researching this issue of Field Notes clarified, for me, the range of options adult and out-of-school-youth have for obtaining a high school credential in Massachusetts. I now have a better understanding of the differences and similarities among External Diploma Programs (EDP), Adult Diploma Programs (ADP), General Education Diploma (GED), and evening high schools. I hope the collections of articles here offers a clear understanding of these programs to readers, as well.

Further, my understanding of Massachusetts Education Reform, especially how it affects adults seeking a high school credential, has deepened as a result of putting this issue together. As we know, ed reform in Massachusetts has superseded local decision making and evaluation in K-12 schools with state-mandated high-stakes standardized testing, number of hours in class, and other policies. Because adult diploma programs are linked to the public schools that issue the diplomas, they, too, are subject to the policies of Mass. ed reform. For a fuller picture of these issues, please see the article on page 9.

In another policy arena, Tom Mechem from the Massachusetts Department of Education clarifies the Òone-year ruleÓ on retesting for GED and updates us on what's happening as this rule is reconsidered. From a classroom perspective, Sandy Little explores the concept of Òdeclarative knowledgeÓ in teaching GED, and offers creative possibilities for building studentsÕ scaffold of prior knowledge to increase their chances of success in the reading section of the test. Sandy also offers practical test-taking tips for students. Karin Chao interviews Stephen Hanley about the the EDP program at WAITT House, and students who successfully completed the ADP program at Cambridge Community Learning Center gave permission to publish their ADP essays.

Even if our current students aren't ready to go for a high school credential, we'd all do well to understand the big picture of adult basic education, one that includes this giant step. Our level 1 ESOL students today may be our EDP candidates in a few years. The more we know, the better we can counsel students about choices down the path.

Lenore Balliro is the editor of Field Notes. She can be reached by phone at 617-482-9485 or by e-mail at: lballiro@worlded.org