NEDP: The Third Pathway to a NYS High School Equivalency Diploma

On May 17, 2016, the New York State Board of Regents approved an amendment to Commissioner's Regulation (CR) 100.7 that adds the National External Diploma Program (NEDP) as a third pathway to a New York State High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma and lowers from age 21 to age 18, the age at which a candidate may be eligible to enroll in NEDP.  Beginning September 1, 2016, Boards of Education will no longer award the local HSE diploma under CR 100.8 as all HSE diplomas will now be awarded by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

The NEDP, administrated through Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) is a complete assessment program that allows adults to demonstrate transferable skills for which a New York State HSE diploma may be awarded. NEDP, aligned to the College and Career Readiness Standards, is a competency-based, applied performance assessment system that expects adults to demonstrate their ability in a series of simulations that parallel job and life situations. Participants demonstrate mastery of eight competency areas by completing multiple performance tasks, validating knowledge and technology skills. Advisors and Assessors work with students to help direct them toward the instruction needed to demonstrate mastery of competencies required through existing community resources. In addition, each student must fulfill an individual competency.

As with all Distance Learning programs, NEDP candidates should be ready to take upon the self-direction of learning with enthusiasm and dedication. Minimal entry requirements for NEDP include the completion of the requisite CASAS Diagnostic Assessments at a 9^th grade level equivalency.