This input is in regard to what should be a priority for adult education. California has had ten mandated for apportionment areas which include the areas noted by Charles Ratliff as well as parent education, older adults, adults with disabilities, health and safety, and home economics. Over the years, these mandated areas have allowed adult education programs to be flexible in addressing the educational needs of adults in their communities. Not every adult education program offers classes in each of the mandated areas; however, the ability to respond to local requests in a timely fashion within the mandated areas and also with fee based community classes has benefitted both the adult students and the communities. Local school districts have been able to work with their adult education programs to address changing needs such as family literacy,new K-12 requirements information for parents, where to send disabled students aging out of the K-12 who do not want to attend the community college, special populations who have been under educated such as homeless adults and CalWorks parents needing short term training or education. The key benefits for adult education programs in the local community include flexibility and responsiveness, accessibility for students, and collaborative programs which benefit multi-generations of adults and school children.
Posted as a reply to:
SB 823 - Adult Education by Charles Ratliff 
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