While it certainly would be desirable to expand adult education services throughout the state, neither the Master Plan nor SB 823 call for redirecting funds from existing programs to create new programs. That said, we can expect to see the Adult Education Task Force and the Select Committee on Adult Education address the issue of demand versus access for these very important services, as well as provide input into the priority areas that were identified in both the Master Plan and SB 823.
In terms of access to services, the comments from Matthew Scelza about volunteer services were quite compelling, and he hit the nail on the head with the statement "The question is how to create a spectrum of service providers who are qualified, aware of each other's strengths, and comfortable working together." He went on to say "The ultimate measure of success is whether adults are receiving the services they need, when they need them." As you know, the Master Plan emphasizes the need for community partnerships, and many adult education providers have been active participants in fostering partnerships that benefit their students. It just makes sense to collaborate to ensure that students are receiving both the primary services, and the 'wrap-around services,' necessary to reach their full potential.
As Senator Karnette pointed out earlier, the intent is not to reduce the ten existing adult education programs to three, but rather to prioritize services based on the greatest need.
The valuable input provided in this dialogue will be shared with the Task Force and Committee members to help inform their deliberations, and will certainly serve as a great resource in the process of amending SB 823.
Posted as a reply to:
SB 823 by Rudy Kastelic
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