The Case for Investment in Adult Basic Education :: ProLiteracy

The Case for Investment in Adult Basic Education

ProLiteracy Blog: 3.29.2017 by Jennifer Paulding

There is a significant connection between participation in adult basic skills programs and increased employment and income levels, high school equivalency and postsecondary education attainment, and civic participation. This return on investment, however, remains mostly unknown to policy makers, funders, and the general public.

ProLiteracy’s new white paper, The Case for Investment in Adult Basic Education, is based on a 10-year research study conducted by Dr. Stephen Reder, Professor Emeritus of Applied Linguistics at Portland State University. Dr. Reder found substantial evidence proving that involvement in adult basic skills programs has a positive return on investment related to improving an adult’s life. It has been concluded that low adult literacy has a huge adverse effect on the employability and earnings of American adults, and on our nation’s economic and social well-being. This research provides a strong case for the need to increase investment in adult education through federal and state policies, private foundations, and individual donors.

Thirty-six million adults in the United States have low-literacy skills, reading at or below a third-grade level.¹ Forty-three percent of adults living in poverty have limited literacy skills.²  Historically, there has been little research to demonstrate the positive impact on adults, jobs, and future generations, as well as the return on investment that adult literacy skills programs realize. However, research conducted by Dr. Stephen Reder provides a new opportunity to demonstrate for stakeholders the positive outcomes that adult basic skills (ABS) programs can have on an individual’s life, career, and income.

Dr. Reder’s research examined the correlation between participation in adult basic skills programs and later increases in income, literacy levels, high school equivalency attainment, postsecondary education engagement, and civic participation/voting activity.

The study findings showed a positive outcome for individuals in four of these five areas:

1.  individuals participating in an ABS program showed a dramatic increase in income over time, especially those participating for 100 or more hours

2.  participants were more likely to go on to obtain a high school equivalency credential, especially those participating for 100 or more hours

3.  program participants were more likely to pursue secondary education and received more credits than nonparticipants

4.  program participants were more likely to develop improved literacy proficiency over time, especially those participating for 100 or more hours

This research provides a strong case for an increased investment in adults and adult education. These outcomes directly impact all Americans in that they contribute to a healthy economy, increase employment, reduce public assistance, and lower health care costs.  READ MORE @