Do you have a goal for the summer? Something you want to learn? We're here to say, "You can do it."

And here's some help:

• Make your goals SMAART
• Remember that are what you think
• Know that you can create the life you want

Have fun out there!

Sometimes it's easier to express ourselves using someone else's language. That's why quotations are so popular. Include one in your graduation or thank you card this spring. We have a few collections that will get your wheels turning. Just what is it you want to say?

• Inspirational Quotations for the Teacher of Adults
• Inspirational Quotations for Adult Students, No. 1
• Inspirational Quotations for Adult Students, No. 2
• 5 Quotations on Writing
• Quotations on Literacy
• Quotations from Herbert Spencer

My newsletter this week featured a blog I wrote about an email Nicole Chestang, executive vice president of the GED Testing Service, sent recently saying that states are not dropping the GED test.

I heard from David Adcock, GED program coordinator at Heritage College in Little Rock, pointing out that some states are seeking alternatives to the GED Testing Service. He cited an article written by Heather Hollingsworth of the Associated Press and published in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

"According to this article," Adcock says, "three states have made the change and others, such as California, are looking to do the same. It further states that 40 states have formed a "working group" to consider what is available.

"Two companies, McGaw-Hill and Educational Testing Service, have products that are available to take the place of the GED. Those are McGraw-Hill's 'TASC' and ETS's 'HiSet'."

In Arkansas, Adcock says, "there were two bills passed in the recent legislature that could have an effect on the GED program. House bill 2201 provides for the Dept. of Career Education to charge fees for the GED test and other assessments.

"Currently, as I'm sure you're aware, there is no charge for the GED in Arkansas. The other bill, HB 2134 provides for one free "assessment" per student.

"Because of the demographic that is most effected by all of these changes that are coming to the GED program, cost and technology may very well have a very profound affect."

The GED test is scheduled to change significantly in 2014, including becoming computer based. Watch for more news about GED very soon.

About the GED

Understanding the hero's journey won't help you with grammar or spelling, but it will help you get a better grade in composition and all aspects of literature.

Do you know the elements of a satisfying story? Do you recognize archetypes? They're in every memorable, successful story, from the Simpsons to the Wizard of Oz.

Understand the hero's journey, and I can almost promise you will get a better English grade: The Hero's Journey