What is the External Diploma Program?

The External Diploma Program, or EDP is a self-paced, competency-based system for a motivated individual who has left the public school system to earn a high school diploma.  This significantly differs from the better-known GED in that there is no “test” or “exam”, per se, with the EDP.  All individuals (called “clients”) enrolled in this program must achieve 100% of 65 generalized competencies in a variety of topics, including Communication, Computation, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Consumer Awareness, Scientific Awareness, Occupational Preparedness, and Technological Awareness.  There are four methods of verification of these competencies:

•             Occupational verification

•             Special skills assessment

•             Advanced academic assessment

•             Certified training documentation

Beginning in July, 2006 the rights to the National External Diploma Program was purchased by the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS), who is in the process of reviewing and updating  all of the generalized competencies.  CASAS will also be computerizing the assessment and diagnostic data related to the program.

The WV Department of Education processes and issues High School diplomas for individuals enrolled at Cabell County or the James Rumsey Technical Institute who have met all of the 65 competencies.  Kanawha and Monongalia Counties issue their own diplomas to EDP clients who have met all of the requirements as set by the National External Diploma Program.

EDP Sites/ Contact person:

• Cabell County  (Herb Rothwell)

• James Rumsey Technical Institute  (Jill Weekley)

• Kanawha County  (Marsha Washington; Laura Wilcox)

• Monongalia County  (Debra Williams) 

For further information on the EDP, you may contact any of the four sites named above or:

Edward Hicks

WV Dept. of Education

1900 Kanawha Boulevard, E.  Room B-230

Charleston, WV  25305-0030

Phone: (304) 558-2959

E-mail:  ehicks@access.k12.wv.us

West Virginia
Department of Education
Building 6, Room 230
1900 Kanawha Blvd. E.
Charleston, WV  26501
Phone: (304) 558-0280
Fax:  (304) 558-3946

ABE Hotline 
1-800-642-2670

Questions regarding this site may be directed to the
ABE Technology Coordinator

Any questions regarding the ABE Program in West Virginia
may be directed to:

Debbie Varner, Assistant Director
Office of Adult Education and Workforce Development
(304) 558-0280

Copyright 1999-2008

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