New Report Identifies State Policies for Educating the Adult

State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO) has issuing a report identifying state policies for educating adult learners. The study notes that many adults understand the importance of pursing degrees and certification in order to advance in one’ career or find employment.

Workforce Contact: Christopher Mazzeo
Education Policy Studies by Justin Wellner NGA Center for Best Practices

Almost half of the U.S. adult population is participating in formal education and this trend continues to rise. Yet, there remains a large gap, as millions of adults who need instruction are not seeking out courses or training. For instance, nationwide, only three million of the forty million adults at the lowest level of literacy are receiving any instruction.

One strategy to assist in attaining these goals is to develop statewide databases. The databases should track enrollment activity of students, enabling states to analyze where adult students enroll, the types of classes they take, and their experiences in these courses. Another strategy is to restructure courses into smaller type competency-based learning models. By focusing on competencies as opposed to subjects, the courses will appeal more to learning gaps that adults seek to improve.

Related Links:

* Adult Learners and State Policy Report http://www.sheeo.org/workfrce/CAEL%20paper.pdf

http://www.nga.org/center/frontAndCenter/1,1188,C_FRONT_CENTER%5ED_5663,00.html