The forthcoming Biden-Harris administration has outlined a vision of “building back better,” with a focus on economic recovery and racial equity at the forefront. Recognizing education as a cornerstone of societal progress, advocacy organizations emphasize its pivotal role in addressing systemic inequities. In this context, adult career and technical education emerges as a linchpin for fostering family-sustaining employment and empowering individuals to actively engage in community life.
While postsecondary credentialing remains a vital component of the education landscape, it’s imperative to ensure inclusivity by addressing the needs of adults who may not yet be ready for such pursuits. Adult basic education, encompassing literacy, numeracy, English language acquisition, and digital skills, is essential for providing foundational support to individuals aged 16 and above. Alarmingly, a significant portion of the adult population lacks fundamental literacy and numeracy skills, with communities of color bearing a disproportionate burden.
To realize the vision of an inclusive education system, several key recommendations are proposed:
Integration of Adult Basic Education: A cohesive, lifelong formal education and training system must be established, spanning childhood through adulthood. This integrated framework aims to dismantle the entrenched disparities in education outcomes linked to race/ethnicity, language proficiency, and socioeconomic status. By offering clear pathways and benchmarks for skill development, such a system ensures equitable access to quality employment and community engagement opportunities. National Infrastructure Projects: National initiatives focused on digital inclusion and community infrastructure are essential to empower adults in accessing education and career development opportunities. Bridging the digital divide through expanded broadband access and digital skills training is crucial, particularly in underserved communities. Similarly, investments in transportation, housing, childcare, and healthcare infrastructure bolster participation in adult education and enhance community resilience. Reorientation of Accountability Measures: A shift towards competency-based accountability in adult basic education is advocated, moving away from a narrow focus on standardized test scores. This approach recognizes and celebrates diverse learning objectives beyond traditional academic milestones, encompassing holistic outcomes such as health literacy, parental engagement, and civic participation. By embracing a multifaceted assessment framework, adult education programs can better support learner success and societal advancement.
In conclusion, the National Coalition for Literacy and the Open Door Collective underscore the importance of these recommendations in advancing educational equity under the new administration. Collaborative efforts between advocacy groups and government agencies are essential to realize the vision of an inclusive recovery, where education serves as a catalyst for social transformation.