DMACC’s free high school equivalency tests give students an alternative environment to thrive

Jaeden Lust did not enjoy the environment of high school. Even when she tried a virtual campus setting offered by the state’s largest public school district, the 18-year-old grew tired of the tediousness of being glued to a screen for eight hours. To her, it was no different than staying in classrooms for the same time each day.

However, there was one kind of learning environment that resonated with Lust, and after five months of course work taken at her leisure she will be receiving her official diploma from the High School Equivalency Test, or HiSET, this year. The flexible schedule and encouraging staff made it the perfect fit for Lust.

“The ladies definitely didn’t make it feel like school,” Lust told Newton News. “They were super, super supportive. If I did not as good as I should have on something, they always said, ‘Oh my gosh you did so great!’ It was really good. I always tell my mom how much I miss them.”

Those ladies she is referring to are the instructors of the HiSET & Academic Achievement Center at DMACC Newton Campus. Deborah Rose has been an adjunct instructor of the program for a little over three years now. She joined the team soon after her retirement from Newton Community School District in 2022.

Teaching HiSET is “the most fulfilling job” Rose has ever had. She said it is amazing to watch someone who was anxious and scared about starting the program finish with newfound self-confidence and pride. Instructors of HiSET get to see that transformation up close.

“It’s also fulfilling to watch students I had in class in middle school or high school come to the HiSET program with new motivation that allows them to be successful,” Rose said. “I love watching our students realize that just because they weren’t successful in high school doesn’t mean they’re not smart.”

There are many reasons why someone is not successful in a traditional high school setting, Rose added, but instructors are fortunate enough to be able to work with students individually and at their own pace. This is in large part why Lust enjoyed the program so much.

From the time she was 14 years old, Lust has had some kind job; at times she has juggled multiple jobs. During her tenure with HiSET she had up to three jobs at one time: waitressing at Texas Roadhouse, taking care of kids at a daycare and nannying for families. HiSET gave her the option of taking night classes.

As she got closer to completing the program, she found herself taking days off from work to concentrate on her classes and finish the HiSET tests needed to earn her High School Equivalency Diploma, or HSED. There are five tests covering writing, science, math, literature and arts and social studies.

Each test is taken one at a time and in any order, so long as writing and math are not last. Lust tackled three of the five tests in a single month.

Diplomas are distributed to students on their graduating year, which means Lust will officially get her diploma this coming year. She cannot wait to have the physical diploma in her hands. At the end of her tests she received a cap and tassel and got her name on a wall of fame.

“I felt so great because they were so happy for me,” Lust said. “(My instructors) gave me a hug and told me how good I did. It was great.”

WHAT IS THE HISET PROGRAM?

HiSET first replaced the General Educational Development, or GED, test in 2014.

To be eligible for the HiSET program — which is offered at DMACC at no cost — all one needs is a government-issued Real ID with the star in the corner.

Other requirements are needed depending on the age of the person enrolling in the program. For instance, an 18-year-old needs to have an official statement from their high school confirming they are no longer enrolled, and possibly a copy of their most recent high school transcript for verification of graduation date.

Meanwhile, 17-year-olds do the same thing but must also present a note of consent from a parent or guardian, except for those who are married, divorced or have a dependent. For 16-year-olds, all they have to provide is a copy of their court order. Homeschoolers also need a letter from a parent.

Following the orientation, students must attend classes. The program does allow flexibility in the length of time it takes to complete it. In addition to the five main subjects, students will be learning test taking skills. Some students will earn their high school equivalency in a few months while others might take a few years.

Before they take the official state tests, students must take the half-length practice test in each subject. It is up to both the student and instructor to determine whether they are ready to take these qualifying tests. Official state tests are all multiple choice, including one essay for the writing test.

DMACC NEWTON CAMPUS HAS SEEN GREAT SUCCESS

Since January, about 30 students have graduated from the HiSET program at DMACC Newton Campus. Amy Pettit, the campus’ coordinator of the Academic Achievement Center, Testing Center and HiSET, said two HiSET graduation ceremonies are held each year in Ankeny. One is coming up soon.

Enrollment in the program varies from person to person. Students are anywhere between 16 years old to 50 years old when they start. Pettit said HiSET instructors in Newton can start working with students at any given time so long as DMACC is not on a break.

“Is there a start date? We will start when you walk in,” Pettit said.

HiSET students regularly have class 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, but there is also an evening program 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Pettit said students are given pre-tests in reading and math in order to give the instructors a better idea of where to begin their teaching. Individuals who are highly motivated or have dropped out recently can probably finish the program and its tests within one to two months, Pettit added.

“On the opposite side it could take you a year or two years — it depends,” she said. “Our main task is to keep people motivated, to keep them coming in. The more you come in and the more you make it a priority, the faster you’ll go through.”

Obtaining the diploma means a lot. Pettit said one of the main reasons people take the HiSET is for job advancement. The integrity of the diploma is high.

“This changes the way people feel about themselves,” she said. “They can see themselves as capable, hardworking and intelligent. This can also change their family. If they have children and they show their children that getting an education is important, their children are going to see that. Or siblings will see that.”

It can have a ripple effect. Generational change. A real impact.

“So many jobs need a high school degree, and this will open so many doors,” Pettit said. “It can even open up a door for somebody to continue on at a higher ed and continue going to college.”

THE PROGRAM CAN BE LIFE-CHANGING

For some people, Rose said getting their HSED can be “life-changing” and can open up many more opportunities for success. Rose has seen several success stories these past three years. One of the most memorable was seeing a young mother committed to completing HiSET before her fourth child was born.

“She showed up consistently and got it done shortly before the birth,” Rose said. “Her tenacity and grit were inspiring.”

Deciding to drop out of high school was a somewhat difficult decision for Lust. She knew she didn’t like school, but she also knew her parents wanted her to finish. There was a lot of back-and-forth debate for a straight month, she said. Getting hip surgery after a soccer injury all but sealed the deal.

“It was going to the best thing for me,” Lust said of her decision to drop out. “…Literally the day before my surgery my dad said, ‘You’re officially dropped out.’”

From there it was finding the right alternative. Lust is proud to have finished her HiSET and recommends it to anyone struggling with the traditional high school setting. She would do it again in a heartbeat. It was a good experience, she said. She never felt belittled and she always felt like her teachers had her back.

“They never ever made me feel less than or feel dumb for how many questions I was asking or how long I was doing to take something,” Lust said. “They patted me on the back for everything I did … They showed authority but they didn’t want to pressure you to do something you didn’t want to do.”