For Immediate Release: June 16, 2021
CHARLESTON, W.VA. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) will transition to a new vendor for high school equivalency (HSE) services for the 2021-2022 school year and students currently pursuing their diploma will not be adversely affected. This is in response to the current vendor, Data Recognition Corporation, notifying the Department that it is discontinuing HSE support nationally.
The HSE exam is available to students, ages 16 and older, who have officially withdrawn from school, and those in alternative pathways. The current test, the Test Assessing Secondary Completion™ (TASC), is supported by the WVDE Office of Career Technical and Adult Education. There were 1,400 HSE diplomas awarded last year.
The state has issued a request for quotation (RFQ) with the goal of having a new vendor in place by late summer or early fall. Students currently in the process will be able to continue without interruption and will have through December 2022 to earn their high school equivalency diploma by combining scores from the TASC test with scores from the new vendor’s test.
“We are committed to facilitating a smooth and efficient course of instruction for all learners affected by the change in HSE providers,” said State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch. “We are proud of those who understand the importance of education and are committed to earning their HSE diploma. The Department assures these students that their progress will not be hindered or negatively affected.”
For media inquiries, contact Christy Day, West Virginia Department of Education Office of Communications, at 304-558-2699 or Christy.Day@k12.wv.us.