Adult basic education to receive $300,000 funding increase statewide for FY25
Adult basic education to receive $300000 funding increase statewide for FY25 Delaware First Media
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The Adult Basic Education Force Releases Final Report on Recommendations to Increase Funding and Support for Adult Basic Education (ABE) in the First State
The Adult Basic Education Force has published its final report, providing recommendations to enhance funding and support for adult basic education (ABE) in the First State. The report emphasizes the importance of aligning these efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Increased Funding Proposed by Governor Carney
State Sen. Darius Brown (D-Wilmington), Co-Chair of the Adult Basic Education Task Force, announces that Governor John Carney has recommended a $300,000 increase in ABE funds. This funding will restore the program to its 2017 funding level. The proposed amount includes a cost-of-living adjustment and one-time funding to reduce the number of adult education students on the waiting list.
Addressing the Waiting List and Language Diversity
Maureen Wheelan, Director of Adult and Prison Education Resources at the Department of Education, reveals that there are currently over 800 adults on ABE program waiting lists. Among them, 95% are multi-language learners. The increased funding will help reduce the waiting list and support English proficiency programs.
Expanding English Proficiency Programs
Kelly Whaley, Director of Adult Education at Sussex Tech, highlights the significance of the increased funding in expanding English proficiency programs. Currently, all English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are at full capacity. Whaley plans to increase the number of offerings by opening a new site at North Georgetown Elementary and adding at least 10 new classes.
Growth in Enrollment and Language Learners
This year, Sussex Tech has seen a substantial increase in enrollment. The English as a Second Language (ESL) program has experienced a 100% increase, with 1,029 students enrolled. Additionally, there has been a 69% increase in adult basic education students in GED programs, with 317 students currently enrolled. These numbers align with the goals set in the 2022 Delaware’s English Learner’s Strategic Plan, which reports a 433% increase in English learner students over the past 25 years and a 597% increase in Sussex County alone.
Importance of Adult Basic Education in Sussex County
Sussex County is particularly in need of adult basic education programs, as it is home to the four towns with the highest percentage of residents without a diploma in Delaware. Whaley emphasizes that education is crucial for individuals to overcome poverty. Sussex Technical Education aims to provide not only academic skills but also additional literacy skills, English as a Second Language, civics, and workforce training.
Success of GED Program Graduates
Last year, Sussex Tech had 49 GED earners, and 89% of them went on to pursue higher education, post-secondary training, military service, or higher-paying jobs. This demonstrates the positive impact of adult basic education programs on individuals’ future prospects.
Additional Recommendations from the Task Force
The Adult Basic Education Task Force proposes several additional recommendations to further enhance ABE programs:
- Aligning ABE educator salaries with recent public school salary increases.
- Exploring financial support options for ABE students.
- Improving the link between ABE and other public education programs.
- Strengthening governance and oversight of ABE programs.
- Engaging employers to tailor ABE programs to meet their needs.
- Ensuring ABE programs are considered in future decision-making on education issues.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.6: Ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy | – Number of adults enrolled in adult basic education programs – Number of adults enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) programs – Number of adults enrolled in GED programs |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development | – Number of adults completing ABE programs and transitioning to higher education or better job opportunities |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training | – Number of young adults enrolled in ABE programs |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | – Number of multi-language learners enrolled in ABE programs – Number of ABE programs tailored to meet the needs of employers |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 4: Quality Education
The article addresses the issue of adult basic education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, which are part of the broader goal of ensuring quality education for all.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article mentions the importance of ABE programs in helping adults acquire the skills needed for better job opportunities, connecting it to the goal of promoting decent work and economic growth.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article highlights the need to address educational inequalities by providing ABE programs for multi-language learners and tailoring them to meet the needs of employers, aligning with the goal of reducing inequalities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 4.6: Ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy
The article emphasizes the importance of ABE programs in improving literacy and numeracy skills for adults, particularly those enrolled in ESL and GED programs.
Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development
The article mentions the goal of ABE programs to help students learn additional literacy skills, English as a Second Language, civics, and workforce training, aligning with the target of promoting sustainable development.
Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training
The article highlights the importance of ABE programs in providing education and training opportunities for young adults, contributing to the target of reducing the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
The article emphasizes the need to provide ABE programs for multi-language learners and tailor them to meet the needs of employers, promoting social and economic inclusion as outlined in the target.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article provides several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of adults enrolled in adult basic education programs
- Number of adults enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) programs
- Number of adults enrolled in GED programs
- Number of adults completing ABE programs and transitioning to higher education or better job opportunities
- Number of young adults enrolled in ABE programs
- Number of multi-language learners enrolled in ABE programs
- Number of ABE programs tailored to meet the needs of employers
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.6: Ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy | – Number of adults enrolled in adult basic education programs – Number of adults enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) programs – Number of adults enrolled in GED programs |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development | – Number of adults completing ABE programs and transitioning to higher education or better job opportunities |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training | – Number of young adults enrolled in ABE programs |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | – Number of multi-language learners enrolled in ABE programs – Number of ABE programs tailored to meet the needs of employers |
