A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

Educational and Labor Market Performance of GED Recipients - February 1998

Preface

Often it is hard to tell what conclusions can be drawn from education research studies, because the studies on a given subject have not been examined systematically as a body of research. Analyses conducted at different times with different populations and different research methods often yield apparently inconsistent conclusions about the same subject. Given ambiguous research findings, advocates of one position or another may promote those that support their views, while ignoring or minimizing contrary findings. In such circumstances, researchers, policy makers, and practitioners, such as teachers and administrators, may lack the comprehensive, balanced, objective information they need. While many good syntheses of education research have been produced over the years, many topics have not yet been covered.

In response to this need, the National Library of Education (NLE) has undertaken a series of research syntheses on issues of public concern in education. Based on published literature identified through traditional bibliographic searches, ERIC, and other Internet sources, and on unpublished Ph.D. dissertations and research reports available to NLE, the syntheses are designed to be empirical, even-handed, and as comprehensive as possible.

This study of the performance of General Educational Development (GED) recipients is the first synthesis in the series. The result of a great deal of careful research, it should be especially useful to those concerned with the education of adults and out-of-school youth.

We look forward to the new research syntheses to be provided in the future.

Blane Dessy
Executive Director
National Library of Education

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[Title page]

[Acknowledgments]