JOBS Evaluation: Adult Education for People on AFDC: A Synthesis of Research

摘要

This report summarizes knowledge about adult education for adults who recieve Aidto Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Adult education is defined as Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult Secondary Education (ASE), GED readiness, or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. It is estimated that between 500,000 and 600,000 AFDC recipients participate in ABE or ASE programs that receive funds through the Adult Education Act (AEA), and between 150,000 and 200,000 participate in ESL programs. The report finds that: (1) The Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) program targets large numbers of people on AFDC for adult education; (2) adult education courses for AFDC recipients vary substantially in content, ranging from traditional instruction to more innovative approaches; (3) some adult education programs offer instruction 25 hours or more per week, while others offer less than 10 hours; (4) large proportions (often more than 40 percent) of AFDC recipients do not complete adult education courses.