What does adult education offer in the US context? CAE 213 Introduction to Adult Education

How? US Funded Adult Education 1.AEFLA (1998) American Education and Family Literacy Act – A major source of federal support for adult basic education and literacy programs. 2.OVAE The US Department of Education’s Office of Vocational and Adult Education 3. NRS National Reporting System

The purpose of AEFLA (1998) To assist adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency To assist adults who are parents to obtain the educational skills necessary to become full partners in the educational development of their children To assist adults in the completion of a secondary school education

The providers of AEFLA (1998) Local education agencies Community colleges Community-based organizations Volunteer literacy organizations Welfare agencies (TANF = Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) One Stop Career Centers – work in partnership with these and other work training programs

What? US Funded Adult Education 1.Adult Basic Education (ABE) – instruction in basic skills designed for adults functioning at the lower literacy levels to just below the secondary level. 2.Adult Secondary Education (ASE) – instruction for adults whose literacy skills are at approximately the high school level and who are seeking to pass the General Education Develop (GED) tests. 3.English Literacy (EL) – instruction for adults who seek to improve their literacy and competence in English.

Who is using US funded AE? 2,581,281 in ABE (39 %) = 1,017,231 ASE (16 %) = 421,301 EL (44 %) = 1,142,749

Who is using US funded AE? AmerIndAsianBlackHispanicPac IslanWhite 1%7%20%43%1%27% EmployedUnemployPub AssistCorr FacilitOther Inst. 37.5%35.5%10.5%10%? %? %

Which states are using US funded AE? Florida82,451 California50,976 North Carolina19,245 Georgia18,115 Puerto Rico 15,229

What are the NRS indicators? Three core indicators 1.Demonstrated improvements in the literacy skill levels in reading, writing, and speaking English; numeracy; problem solving; English language acquisition; and other literacy skills. 2.Placement in, retention in, or completion of postsecondary education; training; unsubsidized employment; or career advancement 3.Receipt of a secondary school diploma or a recognized equivalent

What are the NRS indicators? Five outcome measures 1.Educational gain (standardized assessment) [TABE, CASAS, BEST 2.High School completion 3.Entered Postsecondary Education 4.Entered Employment 5.Retained Employment

What has happened since 2005? Reduction in national education funding Funding is now linked toward documenting improvement through standardized testing Funding has been funneled toward computer based programs Many Adult Education programs have found outside funding via private organizations or they have closed.