[NLA] Increased Number of Young Adults in Adult Education Programs

[Dwyoho@aol.com]

In a message dated 3/8/02 1:20:33 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
DJRosen at theworld.com writes:


>  Rumors abound that high schools would rather have some of their 'problem 
> students' enroll 
> in a GED program rather than stay on their campuses.
> 

When I was a high school principal, I sometimes "guided" troublesome students 
aged 17 and above to leave the school and enter adult ed.  Yes, I pushed them 
out.  I knew adult ed was not appropriate for them and I doubt that many 
actually enrolled in adult ed programs, but some did.  The problem was that I 
felt I had no other choice.  There were no alternatives, and other students 
were profoundly affected by the disruptive presence of these students in the 
school.  There were also students who initiated the change themselves.  They 
thought a GED would be an easier and quicker route to getting an education.  
I rarely disabused them of that idea.

I am certain this was, is, not unusual.  Recently in our state there has been 
a resurgence of an old idea, the "alternative school" approach for dealing 
with these students.   For better or worse, many of these alternative 
programs have been co-located with adult ed, and sometimes the adult ed 
administrator is also assigned the task of administering the alternative 
program as well!  

What are the implications for policy?


Deborah W. Yoho
Executive Director, Greater Columbia Literacy Council
Co-Moderator, NIFL-Health Discussion Group
921 Woodrow Street
Columbia, SC  29205
803-765-2555  Fax:  803-799-8417  dwyoho at aol.com
Agency email:  litcola at mail.com
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