Declining Enrollment in Federally Funded Adult Education: Critical Questions for the Field

Author(s): Amy Pickard – Indiana University

This essay highlights the decline in enrollment in federally funded adult basic education (ABE), adult secondary education (ASE), and adult English Language (EL) programs.

The data shows a consistent and significant decrease in the number of adults participating in these programs since the 1990s, with a notable decline of 65.8% in ABE/ASE enrollment and 49.2% in EL enrollment since the standardized reporting began in the year 2000-2001.

The article aims to draw attention to the long-term nature of these trends, raise important questions, and encourage further exploration and discussion on the topic.

ALE Journal – Volume 4, Issue 2

Go to Resource