adult basic education initiative: california adult education adult education office california...
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Adult Basic Education Initiative:
California Adult Education
Adult Education Office
California Department of Education
Why Now? Why ABE?
Federal site review in 2001 and in 2008 recommended ABE program improvement
ABE performance has declined in past two years Public reports for the past several years have called
for improved adult education programs Number of Californians with less than high school
education has increased by 11 percent; number with less than a 9th grade education grown by 17 percent (2000 U.S. Census)
Adult Population without a high school diploma
California’s Literacy Need
Low Literacy Level-Low Earnings
Lower Literacy-Higher Poverty
“America’s Perfect Storm”
Inadequate literacy and numeracy skills among student and adult populations
Shift in the demographic profile powered by immigration
Evolution of the economy and nation’s job structure, requiring higher skills
“Half of America’s adults lack literacy skills needed for the 21st century.”
1973 1989 2004 % Change
ALL $27,618 $22,852 $20,700 -25
Education
<12 yrs, no diploma 22,686 15,998 16,000 -30
HS diploma/GED 30,819 22,854 21,000 -32
13-15 years 28,018 26,756 25,000 -9
Bachelor’s degree 35,390 36,565 35,000 -1
Master’s or higher 40,826 38,088 45,000 10
Note: Earnings for men 20 – 29 years. Wages are in 2004 dollars.
Decreased Earnings
“Reach Higher, America”
High school dropout rates are staggering Low literacy in burgeoning prison population Large and growing English language and literacy
need Focus on needs of the unemployed, low-skilled
works, immigrants, parents with low skills, dropouts, and grads not ready for college
Redefine the fundamentals of adult education
Report of the National Commission on Adult Literacy, June 2008www.nationalcommissiononadultliteracy.org/report.html
Scope of the ABE Initiative
Eighteen month initiative Statewide focus on ABE and transitions Coordinated efforts of CDE, field, and
leadership projects Based on data, research, and best practices
ABE Initiative Goals
Improve student learning outcomes Improve student transitions into and out of
ABE programs Improve quality of classroom instruction Improve support for ABE students Increase enrollment of ABE students
Desired Outcomes
Student Level – Increased enrollment of under-represented
populations– Improved student learning outcomes
Agency Level– Improved quality of classroom instruction– Improved student transitions
State Level – Established state-level partnerships
ABE Initiative Resources
Targeted technical assistance Customized state, agency, class and student level
data and analysis Research-based study circles and other professional
development activities Networking opportunities Access to ABE specific curriculum and instruction
resources