Adult education in California began in 1856 during the early years of statehood in the basement of St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco. Then, as now, many adult students were immigrants, learning to speak English and studying subjects as varied as drafting, bookkeeping, and elementary academics.
During the early years of the twentieth century, the demand for adult education soared, but its existence was threatened when the then Superintendent of Instruction refused to grant funds to Humboldt Evening School by arguing that adult schools were not separate entities of public education, and therefore were not entitled to state appropriations. The State Supreme Court ruled otherwise, and adult education became firmly established as part of public education, spawning a 156 year-old institution.
Sadly, the existence of adult education in California is being threatened once again, at a time when its services and programs are most needed. More than 20 percent of California’s adults, 5.3 million people, lack a high school diploma or GED certificate. Half these adults have less than a ninth grade education, which is more than twice the national average. According to the National Center for Education Statics, nearly a quarter of the state’s adults are functionally illiterate, one third of high school youth drop out before graduation, and three million adults do not possess basic English skills.
Adult schools have historically provided crucial services to the community by offering students the opportunity to complete a high school diploma, participate in job skills training, learn or improve English language skills, and prepare for college; all on a remarkably lean budget. The need for adult education is perhaps more important today than ever before and it is imperative that government, the community, and all levels of education work together to promote a populace that is skilled, literate, and prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
To learn more about your community adult school, visit www.goldenoakadultschool.com.