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ACPS Adult Education Program Update - Jan. 5, 2012

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The future of Adult Education in Alexandria must focus on improving and expanding our support of an increasingly diverse adult population. Just as the demands and expectations for K-12 education have increased and changed in this still emerging 21st Century, so must the structure and substance of adult education change to reflect the employment and educational needs of adult learners. We have much to be proud of in our adult education over the past 40 years. It is upon this strong foundation that we must continue to move ahead. Our conversation and push for change is not to close "our school," or to eliminate jobs, or driven by limited financial resources. Our goal is always to provide the very best education we can for those we serve.

Adult Education Data for 2010-2011

The core of Adult Education in ACPS includes three key areas:

• English Language Learners (396 of 571 total enrollment)
• Adult Basic Education (72 of 571 total enrollment)
• Adult Secondary Education (103 of 571 total enrollment)

Of the 571 enrolled in the Adult Education programs in 2010-11, 215 were employed, 89 were unemployed (in the Labor Force), and 267 were unemployed (not in the Labor Force). 384 of the 571 enrolled were 25 or older. Of the 571 enrolled in our Adult Education programs in 2010-11, 201 completed the level of program (35%), 131 separated before completion, and 191 completed one level and advanced to at least the following level. Included in our Adult Education program is the opportunity to receive a GED certificate. Of the 168 students enrolled in GED programs in 2010-11, 101 exited the program, with 56 receiving a GED.

Not Just a Challenge for ACPS

Embedded in this data are the human stories of individuals in our city who care about their education, who work hard, who are proud of their successes. In spite of many challenges, a poor economy with high unemployment rates, and for many with language barriers, our adult education participants inspire us with their perseverance for and their understanding of the importance of education. We wish to support and expand our adult learners. Yet, two questions have clearly emerged in the community dialogue over the past month:

1. With the recognition of the need for continual improvement, what is the best model in Alexandria for Adult Education? Not only must we resolve where we place programs throughout the city to be nearest to the adult learners, but we also must develop approaches which meet the future job and literacy needs of our adults.
2. Given the central core of ACPS' responsibility is to its K-12 students, with the goal of assuring that each of them receives a high school diploma which well prepares them for college, career, and life, what is the role of the city and other agencies in supporting adult education learners?

Tentative Timeline for Adult Education Transition

December 2011 - February 2012: Brief Board and community on concept and get input from community

• December 17, 2011 - Community Meeting at TC/MH campus
• January 5, 2012 - Invitation to briefing with Randy Stamper, Director-Adult Education and Literacy Programs - State of VA
• January, 2012 - Second Community Meeting (TBA)
• January - February, 2012 - Continued exploration of other adult education in other divisions and communities
• February 2012 - Pending Board review and proposal approval

December 2011- June 2012 - we will keep all programs running as is through the end of this school year, June 30, 2012

In July 2012, based on the program approved by the board we will begin to transition and integrate adult learning programs into our Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Centers.