Continuing Education/Adult Learning

When we think of a state's responsibility to educate we most likely think of kindergarten through 12th grades. However, it does not stop there. The majority of state education funding is spent on K-12 however the state has programs to help those adults with high school diplomas and maybe even some college. These are often the people that go between low and middle classes throughout their lives. These are the people in society that get stuck in jobs that pay too little and don't advance. The states usually want to see this cycle break so that society improves overall.

According to the Workforce Investment Act of 1998: “The term ‘adult education’ means services or instruction below the postsecondary level for individuals (A) who have attained 16 years of age, (B) who are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under State law, and (C) who (i) lack sufficient mastery of basic educational skills to enable the individuals to function effectively in society, (ii) do not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and have not achieved an equivalent level of education, or (iii) are unable to speak, read, or write the English language.”

Other areas of continuing education take in courses such as GED testing preparation and English education for those that speak other languages. Some states are even offering some job skill training because they see the need in society to provide further skills that allow people not only job placement but advancement and possible careers with good retirements.

As more studies are done states are realizing that education does in fact equal economic development. For this reason there are major focuses on literacy and job skill training.