NLA Discussion: Meeting the Needs of Out-of-school Youth

[David J Rosen]

On Thu, 22 Feb 2001, Norene Peterson wrote:

> ....We have the youth and adults side by side and hope that our
> adults provide some good role-modeling and even vice-versa.  Isn't that what
> education is all about anymore--learning how to use resources? ....

Norene, and other NLA Colleagues,

Some would argue that to meet the needs of young adults we need separate
programs, that the talents, attitudes and skills needed to work 
effectively with youth -- to help them grow and develop as well as learn
-- are different for those needed to be effective with adults  Others
would argue that the same qualities in teachers of young adults are needed
to work effectively with adults.

I wonder if you, other teachers, counselors and program administrators,
and researchers who may have informed views on this question could explain
why you think young adults (16-22 year olds) should not -- or should -- be
in separate programs.  Alternatively, what are the conditions needed for
a successful program which includes young adults and adults? 

Finally, what are the policy implications?  Should we advocate for more
programs for young adults?  Should we advocate for more funding to expand
existing adult education programs to expand to serve more young adults?
And does it make a difference whether these are adult basic/secondary
education programs or if they are ESL/ESOL programs?

David J. Rosen
<DJRosen at world.std.com>



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