As chief examiner of the GED Testing Center in Wadena, Dick Twete has seen firsthand how attaining the high school equivalency diploma can change a person's life.
"The GED test offers people a second chance at attending college or pursuing a career," Twete said. "It really opens doors for them."
This summer, Twete retired as the chief examiner of the GED Testing Program located at the M State campus in Wadena. Retired social worker Allan Lynk trained under Twete and is now the new chief examiner.
"It's been a very rewarding experience to see how people accomplish their goal," Twete said. "I've met a lot of nice people."
The GED is the legal equivalent of a high school diploma. If a person drops out of high school, they have the opportunity to obtain a certificate good enough for a high school education. The GED test covers reading and writing skills, math skills, and knowledge on basic science and social studies subjects.
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"When people drop out of school, there might have been many things going on in their lives," Twete said. While graduation rates in the area are high, there are people who do drop out of school. "There are numerous reasons why people drop out," Twete added.
Lynk said it doesn't matter the reason a person drops out, what matters is they can always go back to school.
"It is not too late and you should never stop learning," he said.
Twete started as GED testing administrator in spring 1998. Prior to that, he served as the counselor at Minnesota State Community and Technical College -- Wadena for 17 years. In all, Twete has dedicated 43 years of his life in the education field -- serving as an elementary and secondary teacher, counselor and coach. Twete also spent many years as a high school sports official.
Lynk trained under Twete for about a month this summer, learning how to administer the test. However, Lynk had worked as a GED tutor so was familiar with the program. He also spent 20 years as a social worker in Wadena.
The GED testing program is housed under the Adult Basic Education program, which is operated and supported by Wadena-Deer Creek School District.
"Individualized instruction is provided by GED tutors who give students that extra push they may need," said Sharon Brincefield, ABE director.
GED tests cannot be taken online and are offered only at official GED testing centers, such as Wadena's. Furthermore, a person must be 16 years of age to test, but those under 18 years of age must have parental permission.
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If you'd like more information on the GED program, call the Adult Basic Education office at (218) 632-2450.
