[AAACE-NLA] Changing the end point of adult education

[Cynthia Zafft]

Art and Others:

I don't think putting adult literacy programs into community college is
the same as CAAL's idea of "building linkages" to support
transition...at least, I hope it's not.  In the summary section of
CAAL's final report, especially beginning on page 82, is a description
of what "creating linkages" might include (See
http://www.caalusa.org/ensureamericasfuture.pdf).  I think it can be
done from a community-based vantage point.

As I read through the experience in your state, Art, I see a lot of
very valid concerns that I hear often:  dividing meager resources in a
way that diminishes services for one group over another; establishing a
service system that replicates the kind of formal structure that
alienated many learners as young people, etc.  What to do?  

Some states, like Maine, are looking to add resources, especially for
adult transition.  The Maine legislature is working on the structure to
do that and then will need to set aside the funding.  Each is a big step
without assured success.   Nationally, adult education programs with
transition components tend to stage-in the replication of the
college-environment at a point when students are committing to that next
step.  So, there are ways that create transition pathways that don't
have to match the experience you describe but no one way to get us all
there.

Cynthia Zafft, Coordinator
National College Transition Network
World Education, Inc.
www.collegetransition.org