The National Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) joined together with adult schools, adult learners, community partners, business leaders, legislators, and friends of adult education, to amplify their successes!

During this week, the Sweetwater District is given this opportunity to recognize, honor, and promote the role of adult schools as a primary resource in the education of the nation’s adult learners. Adult schools provide opportunities for adult students to continue their educational goals by providing multiple courses and pathways that support the growth of literacy in formalized educational settings. This is accomplished by offering a multitude of classes focused on literacy skills including: high school diploma, general education diploma, post-secondary and college entrance opportunities, career technical education preparation, workforce development and job placement.

Adult school educators are urged to plan activities during the week of September 16-20, 2024, that celebrate the successes of adult education through literacy development, which is the foundation in adult learners’ lives.

• One out of five adults in the United States struggles with foundational reading, writing, digital and numeracy skills, and fewer than 10% of adults in need of literacy support are receiving services through public funding. 
• Foundational adult literacy skills are clearly linked to sustained income growth, better healthcare access, improved job prospects for justice-involved and returning citizens, and stronger language and literacy skills among children.
• 1 in 3 employers say that their average employee does not have the literacy skills needed to do their job well, and 2 in 5 say that low literacy is widespread in their company.

Adult education week is celebrated to raise awareness of the value of adult education and family literacy, and to increase support for these programs. Some reasons for celebrating adult education week include: 

• Breaking intergenerational poverty: Adult education can help families break the cycle of poverty and build stronger communities. 

• Lifelong learning: Lifelong learning is essential for civic health and economic justice. 

• Parent literacy: A parent’s literacy is important for their child’s success in school. 

• Preparing for the future: Adult education programs can help people prepare for high school equivalency exams, explore career paths, and improve their skills. 

• Being productive citizens: Adult education programs can provide people with the skills they need to be productive citizens, workers, and family members