Make It Easier, Not Harder, For Adults To Access Education via The Hour

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Make It Easier, Not Harder, For Adults To Access Education

The Hour: 4.05.2019

It’s an age-old story. It’s virtually everyone’s story, whether we go back one generation or 12: An immigrant comes to America in search of a better life. He does not know the language. He has neither money nor work. What he does have is a name — someone from home who’s been here longer, who helps him find a bed in a crowded apartment, and a job washing dishes at a diner. It’s far from his apartment and it pays next to nothing, but he can eat there. It’s a start.

He catches a break: The other dishwasher quits, so now he can work double shifts. Still, there’s only so far he can go without English. He learns a few words, not enough. Then someone tells him about English as a Second Language. The classroom is far from both home and work, but he goes. He’s getting by on four hours’ sleep and one meal a day, but he’s learning English now. He’s on his way.

There are other classes, of course — GED, high school diploma — and other narratives. Most adult learners have school-age children. Many resume their educations to be better role models, or to be able to help their kids with their schoolwork.

The teaching of English as a second language dates back to the rise of the British Empire and the expansion of trade routes in the late 15th century, though immigrants didn’t need to know English until the Naturalization Act of 1906 made it a requirement.

The influx of foreign-born citizens in the modern age has overwhelmed the system. America’s publicly funded adult education system can only serve about 2 million young and older adults a year. Waiting lists are common in all 50 states.  READ MORE >>

Adult Education

Adult Education & Literacy Facts & Figures, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education

State Profiles of the Adult Education Target Population, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education

Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, National Reporting System, Office of Vocational and Adult Education ( to 1997)

2018: Adult Education Facts 2018, World Education

2007: Adult Education in America: A First Look at Results from the Adult Education Program and Learner Surveys, ETS Adult Education Program Study Report