RCSO graduates 19 in GED class on The Murfreesboro Post

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RCSO graduates 19 in GED class

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Posted: Monday, May 16, 2011 3:58 pm

Nineteen inmates graduated Wednesday after earning their GED during classes this spring at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.

The Rutherford County Board of Education provides educators who teach the GED program at the jail. Deputy Arthal Minter coordinates the GED program at the jail.

More than 500 inmates have earned their GED in the past 10 years while incarcerated at the jail and Rutherford County Correctional Work Center.

During graduation, Joe Russell, chief deputy of administration, told the graduates they spent their time wisely while incarcerated to improve their education.

“Nobody can take that away from you,” Russell said in challenging the students to use their education.

GED teacher Rodney Hayes spoke in behalf of teacher Maria Worley and Tammy Carman of the Tennessee Technology Center who administers the GED testing.

“You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets,” Hayes said.

Hayes urged the graduates to work hard, keep trying and ignore the naysayers.

“Let your reach exceed your grasp,” Hayes said.

Detection Lt. Chris Deal, who supervises the center programs, said GED tests are demanding. Each student must pass five tests including math, science, reading, writing and social studies. The tests last 7-1/2 hours and measure skills in communication, information processing, problem solving and critical thinking.

“Many people think that the GED is an easy test, however, they are wrong,” Deal said. “If I was to go to any high school today and give the test to high school seniors, 40 percent would not pass.”

Deal hopes the graduates will use their GED as a step stone to improve their lives.

“I feel that it is important that even though you did not graduate from a traditional high school that you let others know that receiving a GED has no limitations in life or furthering your education,” Deal said. “Remember, shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

Tagged under RCSO, Schools

Member Opinions:

By: cmac on 5/16/11
Congratulations to those who worked for and earned their GED in an effort to move on in this complex world.