A law that will go into effect in 2017 will give the chance for those who are homeless to take the high school equivalency test for free.
Regional Superintendent Jill Reis said the law will provide regional superintendents and the Illinois Community College Board the right to grant waivers for the test if the person can prove he or she is homeless.
Reis said the waivers could open doors for many people.
Although Reis couldn’t estimate the number who might be able to use the waivers because the regional office of education does not ask those taking the test about their residence status, she said she knows this is something needed.
“Anything we can do to help people continue their education is a good thing,” Reis said. “A high school diploma lead to more opportunities, opportunities for better jobs and better lives.”
To get a waiver, an applicant must be homeless, 24 years old or younger and participate in a preparation class.
The regional office of education will help people find a preparation program before testing, which will help them learn the material and tell them when they can take the test.
“Some people only need a few sessions, while others need more help,” Reis said. “They won’t be released to take the test until they are ready. We want to be good stewards of the money.”
Reis said there are still some questions about the law being worked out before the waivers can be given.
Matt Berry, spokesman for the Illinois Community College Board, said questions about the waiver process and funding are being discussed.
The High School Equivalency Test is administered by a private company and that firm hasn’t waived its fee, despite the approaching law. The Illinois Community College Board doesn’t have the funding to cover the testing fees without a change, Berry said.
The board is working with the company to find a solution, which could involve setting a number for how many waivers can be given out each year. The application process still must be created as well, Berry said.
This will be the first year the waivers will be available, and Berry said the board hopes to gain a better understanding of their need.
“It’s very hard to get a number of people who need this service,” Berry said. “This first year is going to be a test year to see how it’ll work and how many students we are talking about.”
