December 29, 2008
State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Announces
Development of Adult Education Initiative
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today invited school districts to apply for assistance from the newly formed Adult Basic Education (ABE) Initiative for Student Success, designed to lift the academic achievement of students over the age of 18.
"Earning a high school diploma is a critical achievement no matter what age you are," O'Connell said. "Adult education allows adults to seek broader employment opportunities that will support a brighter future for themselves and their families. The Adult Basic Education Initiative will help schools improve adult education services. Many adults seeking to earn a diploma and learn critical skills needed to succeed in the workplace will benefit from this important program."
A review by the U.S. Department of Education resulted in recommendations to improve California's adult education system. The recommendations were based on input from focus groups comprised of adult education teachers and administrators. As a result, the California Department of Education (CDE) developed the ABE Initiative that sets goals for improvement within the next three years.
The goal of the ABE Initiative is to increase the learning gains of adult students, and improve the strength and effectiveness of adult education programs throughout the state. School districts with adult education programs may apply for technical and resource assistance from the CDE. The assistance does not include any funding. The deadline to apply is January 16, 2009.
Once accepted into the ABE Initiative, school districts will receive guidance on:
- Identifying their adult education program's strengths and challenges;
- Developing and implementing a work plan to improve services;
- Professional development in evidence-based reading instruction;
- Technology in the classroom; and
- Measuring and analyzing student learning gains.
In addition, adult education students will be provided assessment, placement, goal-setting, counseling, and follow-up services. The goal of providing these services is to help students earn a high school diploma, acquire a self-sustaining job, prepare for citizenship and civic participation, learn healthy habits, develop effective parenting skills, and go to college.
The CDE developed the ABE Initiative for several reasons. National reports on adult literacy, including America's Perfect Storm and Reach Higher America, cite serious literacy deficits in the adult population and call for more effective adult education programs. The 2000 U.S. Census found that the number of Californians with less than a high school education increased by 11 percent, and the number with the less than a ninth grade education grew by 17 percent from the prior Census. Also, federal Workforce Investment Act Title II indicators show California's ABE programs declined in the past several years. Those indicators measure how adult students perform in reading, writing, mathematics, earning a diploma, and going on to higher education.
For more information on ABE and an application to participate in the Adult Basic Education Initiative for Student Success, please contact the CDE, Adult Education Office at 916-322-2175 and ask to speak to your regional consultant.
