cindylevesque

My son Ethan has expressed a desire to take some college classes here
and there starting next year, so I asked my accountant if the cost of
these classes could be a deduction. He did some research and it can
only be considered a deduction if its a post secondary education and
that if he got his GED than we could. My question, "is there an age
requirement to get your GED in the State of Maine?" Ethan is only 13
almost 14. Does anyone know where I could go to get information on
this? I'm not sure if Ethan will even want to get his GED, but I
would like to be armed with the information if he does decide this is
an option he'd like to take. Also, if you get your GED than you
wouldn't get a diploma and there might be some options he would be
limiting himself with if he gets a GED. Lots to think about. I
would appreciate any information anyone has on this subject. This is
all new ground for us.

Thanks, Cindy

soggyboysmom

> My question, "is there an age
> requirement to get your GED in the State of Maine?" Ethan is only
> 13 almost 14. Does anyone know where I could go to get information
> on this?
Dept of Education most likely. Try googling "GED Maine" and you'll
probably hit something useful.

> Also, if you get your GED than you wouldn't get a diploma and
> there might be some options he would be limiting himself with if
> he gets a GED.
When you homeschool period you aren't handed an "official" diploma
of any sort. He graduates when you (and he) agree that he is
graduated. How would having a GED be any more limiting than just
homeschooling? And, no, I'm not saying homeschooling is limiting but
if there's a presumption that a GED is "limiting" then wouldn't
homeschooling, where no diploma is issued at all, be just
as "limiting" if not moreso?

Syndi

Maine GED Testing Policy

Title – Maine High School Equivalency Diploma

Minimum Score Requirements – A standard score of 410 on each test and
an overall average of 450 for all five tests.

Minimum Age for Testing – 18 years old (a 17 year old may test if
they have been out of school for one year or have an "Immediate Need"
as defined by the State).

Minimum Age for Credential - Same as the minimum age for testing

Residency Requirements – There is no residency requirement for
testing. Candidates must have taken at least one of the five tests
at a Maine GED Testing Center in order to be awarded the Maine High
School Equivalency Diploma.

Requirements for Retesting – There is no state mandated waiting
period for retesting, however, local testing centers may impose
restrictions based on local school board approved policies.

Application Procedure – Candidates will need to contact the local
testing center concerning specific application procedures and testing
schedules.

Transcript Policy – GED records are treated as confidential materials
at both the state and local level. Information can only be released
to the diploma recipient personally or to others upon presentation of
a properly signed "Request for Release of Information". Requests for
duplicate transcripts and/or diplomas should be made to the GED
Office, Maine Department of Education.

Fees – GED Preparation classes and/or tutoring – No fee for Maine
residents.
Testing – No fees for Maine residents.
Transcripts (original & duplicate) – No fee for Maine
residents.
Diplomas – Original – No fee
Duplicates - $3.00 fee for each duplicate (check or money order made
out to the Treasure State of Maine).

Other Requirements and/or Restrictions – All candidates for GED
testing must first take/pass the GED Pre-Test or provide similar
evidence (to the satisfaction of the local Chief Examiner) of being
prepared to test. Local testing centers may impose additional
requirements concerning age waivers, initial testing, and retesting
through local school board policies.

Maine GED Administrator – J. Andrew McMahan, Maine GED Administrator,
Maine Department of Education, 23 State House Station, Augusta, Maine
04333-0023. Telephone: 207-624-6752.