SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today lauded the accomplishments of the state's Adult Education system as it celebrates California Adult Education Week (March 17-21, 2003).

"During the last year, adult schools in our state helped more than a million students, many of whom are the hardest to reach and most in need of adult basic education," O'Connell said. "By having this opportunity to improve their educational level, job skills, and family literacy, these adults are given a new opportunity for a quality job and improved future."

All Californians are invited to participate in their local free and low-cost adult education programs. Day, evening, and weekend courses, and online opportunities for adult learners open doors and deliver success.

Adult learners include those who are seeking a high school diploma, improved English skills, employment, citizenship, civic participation, improved parenting skills, as well as leisure pursuits and personal growth.

California's Adult Education system includes 387 adult schools at hundreds of sites that during the school year of 2001-02 served 1.1 million students. These students included about 500,000 English as a Second Language and citizenship students. Nearly 400,000 students attended programs for developing basic literacy skills, obtaining a GED, earning a high school diploma, and gaining vocational education skills. Adult Education also serves more than 32,000 developmentally disabled adults.

For more information on the California Department of Education's (CDE) Adult Education system, please link to: Adult Education - Specialized Programs.