According to the Indiana Business Research Center, American Community Survey 2010-1014, released by the U.S. Census Bureau in December 2015, there are 22,396 adults aged 18-64 without a high school diploma or equivalent (HSE) in Region 10 (Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Scott and Washington counties). Of those, 4,941 are between the ages 18-24, and 17,455 are between the ages 25-64. Most of these adults can improve their level of education by enrolling in a free adult education class.
The goal for adult education in Indiana is to double its enrollment in the next five years. In Region 10, the enrollment in five years should be at least 2,000 students. In order to reach that goal, every adult education program and the community it serves will need to work hard to bring new students into the free classes.
Fortunately, our schools are doing a good job, and the high school graduation rates are climbing each year. However, there are still too many people in our community who do not possess a high school diploma or equivalency (HSE). Some have been home schooled and did not take the final assessments; some had personal problems with poverty, drugs, alcohol or violence; some moved away and did not finish their high school education when they returned; and some received a certificate of completion instead of a diploma. There are numerous barriers that prevent people from graduating, but in adult education, the goal is to take a person at their current level and assist them in overcoming the barriers to acquire the high school equivalency and transition to postsecondary education or training that will lead to a self-sustaining occupation.
Many people who enroll in adult education are ready to pass the HSE within six to eight weeks. Each student begins by taking a short assessment which tells exactly which areas the student needs to work on to reach the level of passing. Adult education is customized for the learner. Each student uses an individual learning plan, works at his or her own speed, and can work at home when class is not in session. The more time students put into this work, the faster they are ready to pass the HSE exam. The exam consists of five sections: Math, Social Studies, Science, Reading and Writing. The HSE is a rigorous exam, and passing all parts of the test is equal to receiving a high school diploma.
Classes also consist of career assessments and workplace readiness skills in preparation for employment. Transition Specialists and other agency partners assist the students (many who already have a diploma) with workplace preparation skills such as resume writing, job searches, job applications and interviewing skills. Adult education students can be referred to WorkOne, Goodwill, Vocational Rehabilitation, Literacy, and other Consortium partnering agencies who are committed to helping adults reach their academic and career goals. Adult education students can also prepare for college, using online tools to help them pass Accuplacer, the entrance exam for Ivy Tech Community College.
As the Director of Adult Education in Region 10, I challenge the citizens in our six county area to spread the word to family members, coworkers, neighbors and friends that adult education offers free classes to help adults obtaining the HSE and prepare for postsecondary training and employment. When our workforce is better educated and trained, our entire community benefits. Class information is available by calling 812-981-3777 or online at:
- http://www.region10adulteducation.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/Region10AdultEducation
- https://twitter.com/Region10AdultEd
The Scott County Economic Development Corporation serves as the Region 10 Adult Education service provider and fiscal agent.
by Angela Kirlin
Angela Kirlin is the Adult Education Director for Region 10 which includes Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Scott and Washington counties.
