No subject

misunderstandings, was ... the idea that the AELS
is a temporary, remedial, second-chance education system that will go away
once the K-12 system is fixed.
 
Clearly, Pam’s comments indicate that the idea that I referred to as a
misunderstanding is not confined to those outside the adult literacy
education field, and that has led me to wonder how many agree with the
position that Pam has taken, that is, once the K-3 or K-12 system is
fixed, there will be no need for the AELS."

Giving Pam the benefit of the doubt, she might be forgiven for perhaps
unconsciously absorbing a view that is indeed prevalent, both in and out of
the field.  Too often I have listened to well-meaning practictioners
justify funding for AELS as an opportunity to "invest"  in the future
productivity of adult workers, assuming that these adults are unproductive
now.  Indeed, this is the premise behind the entire WIA. I recognize this
as the business model that many on this list oppose, but others have
swallowed the premise, (and with it the associated stereotypes) hook, line
and sinker.    Thank you, Tom, for identifying one more opportunity to
reposition our own thinking away from the influence of this cynical notion.
I challenge all advocates to think hard about the "seeds of destruction"
you may be sowing, even unconsciously, when making the argument that adult
ed "pays for itself" (even though it does), and America should help these
poor downtrodden helpless people who are a drain on the system.  Here is a
place when our good friends in community ed can be our natural allies, who
are more likely to make the case that lifelong learning has intrinsic value.

Although, by the way, I have also heard community educators argue for
community education as a "funding mechanism" for the AELS.  More
destructive seed planting.... 

Deborah W. Yoho
Co-moderator, NIFL-Health Listserv
President, SC Adult Literacy Educators
Executive Director, Greater Columbia Literacy Council
2728 Devine Street,  Columbia, SC  29205
803-765-2555   Fax  803-779-8417   dwyoho at earthlink.net