High School Equivalency Assessment Content Areas
The assessment evaluates knowledge and skills generally associated with a high school curriculum. It is designed to measure proficiency in core academic areas, indicating readiness for post-secondary education, training programs, and employment opportunities.
Reasoning Through Language Arts
This section measures reading comprehension, grammar, writing skills, and the ability to analyze and synthesize information from various texts. Emphasis is placed on understanding the purpose and structure of different types of writing, including informational texts, arguments, and narratives.
- Reading for Meaning: Assessing the ability to understand explicit and implicit meanings, make inferences, and draw conclusions.
- Identifying and Using Evidence: Evaluating the support provided for claims in texts and arguments.
- Grammar and Language Usage: Demonstrating proficiency in standard English grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
- Writing Essay: Composing a well-organized and developed argumentative essay based on provided source materials.
Mathematical Reasoning
This section evaluates quantitative and algebraic problem-solving skills, focusing on real-world applications. Proficiency in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis is assessed.
- Number Sense and Operations: Demonstrating understanding of number systems, including integers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
- Algebraic Problem Solving: Solving equations and inequalities, working with linear functions, and interpreting graphs.
- Geometric Measurement and Reasoning: Calculating area, perimeter, and volume, applying geometric principles, and using coordinate geometry.
- Data Analysis and Probability: Interpreting data presented in tables, charts, and graphs; calculating probabilities; and understanding statistical measures.
Science
This section assesses scientific reasoning skills and understanding of core scientific concepts across physical science, life science, and earth and space science. Emphasis is placed on scientific inquiry, data interpretation, and drawing conclusions based on evidence.
- Life Science: Covering topics such as cells, genetics, evolution, ecosystems, and human biology.
- Physical Science: Covering topics such as matter, energy, motion, forces, and chemical reactions.
- Earth and Space Science: Covering topics such as Earth's systems, weather, climate, geology, and astronomy.
- Scientific Practices: Applying scientific methods, designing experiments, interpreting data, and drawing conclusions.
Social Studies
This section evaluates understanding of key concepts and historical events in civics and government, U.S. history, economics, and geography. Emphasis is placed on analyzing primary and secondary sources, interpreting data, and understanding historical and contemporary issues.
- Civics and Government: Covering topics such as the U.S. Constitution, branches of government, political processes, and civic responsibilities.
- U.S. History: Covering key historical events, periods, and figures in American history, from pre-colonial times to the present.
- Economics: Covering basic economic principles, such as supply and demand, market structures, and economic systems.
- Geography and the World: Covering topics such as physical geography, human geography, global issues, and international relations.