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One down, three to go. That’s how Codey Shafer of unit Forest 2 feels about the four exams he needs to pass to earn his GED diploma. Thanks to the Supported Education Department, this opportunity is now available for Oregon State Hospital patients, free of charge.

“Getting my GED will help me possibly do stuff in the future like become a neuroscientist or engineer,” Shafer said. “Neuroscientists like to figure out how things work with the brain. I like stuff like that. I’d like to do something on the brink of discovery.”

In the past, OSH patients took the paper and pencil version of the GED exams. That changed in 2014 when new computerized versions of the tests were launched. As a result, OSH patients had to take the tests in the community – and not everyone had the privileges to leave the hospital.

Working together, employees in the Vocational and Educational Services Department knew they could do more for their patients. So they submitted an application for OSH to become a testing center. They had a staff member become a certified test administrator, and they worked with Information Technology to upgrade their computers. Supported Education teachers developed an education plan to help students prepare for their GED exams.

Now, students like Shafer are destined to go far. Not only did he score in the 98th percentile on his mathematic reasoning exam, he is also eligible to earn three college credits. He’s gearing up to take his language arts exam next.

“As a teacher, it’s a really great feeling when someone accomplishes something they can carry with them,” said Jonathan Bellino, an instructor who worked with Shafer on the Junction City campus. “It means a lot to help someone achieve a life goal.”

To take a GED exam, patients first work with their treatment team to get a referral. Then they meet with a Supported Education instructor. Together, they determine their current academic level and create an education plan. 

For more information, contact GED proctor Doug Anderson at 503-947-2856 or any Supported Education teacher on the Salem or Junction City campuses.