Student Learning - Adults and their children

Hi- I have been an adult school principal for the last seven years, and have spent the last 23 years as a career adult school teacher, coordinator, and administrator. My two children are successful products of a very fine California public school district. Both are university graduates, and both are teaching today.

I would like to address the issue of Student Learning from the perspective of the needs of low-income, immigrant adults and their children.

New census data indicate that over five million adults in our state do not have a high school diploma, and that this number is on the rise, yet a diploma is now a prerequisite for getting an entry-level job. Millions of Californians lack the English skills that they need to be successful. Statewide adult school enrollment and attendance data demonstrate that adults are anxious to continue their education to get a better job, to make more money and to provide a better, more stable life for their families. But to make it possible for these students to attend school we must ensure that:

·	The classes are taught by well-trained, credentialed, quality teachers; the curriculum is based on current model standards; and the environment is welcoming and supportive,
·	The classes are offered in convenient locations in the communities where the students live, (Adult schools have access to K-12 facilities in the evenings.)
·	Classes are free,
·	The course of study is relevant to their lives, and integrates basic skills with the skills they need for work, including computer skills, and to help their families, and
·	Babysitting with a school readiness focus is provided.

In order to ensure the success of the children who are born into homes in which parents have little education or limited English skills we must support strong family literacy programs. Parents want to help their children be successful in school, and our master plan should support their efforts. When parents and children learn together they share and value their education. Children whose parents are literate and involved in their local schools achieve more and have higher test scores.