Sunday, December 20, 2009

Claudia Grossi: Adult Education program deserves a better fate - Santa Cruz Sentinel


Claudia Grossi: Adult Education program deserves a better fate - Santa Cruz Sentinel:

"For a number of years, adult education funds have been kept separate from the regular K-12 funding sources, and adult education has 'paid it own way.' Traditionally the adult school has been funded by an ADA average daily attendance formula by the state and has also received federal grant monies based on goal attainment and special programs. In a sense, Adult Education has been a form of the original 'charter school' design that is now being so loudly acclaimed by our governor and president.

The charter of adult education dates back into the 19th century when in a land of immigrants it became obvious that the best way to unite this country was to have all people speaking the English language and understanding the principles and opportunities of citizenship. Over the years, the opportunities surrounding upgrading vocational skills and job readiness have been assumed by adult educators, as has been enrichment for the older population all at no cost to the student and reimbursed by the state and remediation and second chances for the many young adults who have dropped out/kicked out of high school."