Helping Adult Learners Make the Transition to Postsecondary Education

Summary

As part of a series funded by the U.S. Department of Education, this background paper discusses the challenges Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs must address in developing and implementing transition services. The paper provides compelling evidence showing the importance of postsecondary education for potential employees in the current job market. It shows the strong correlations between educational attainment and substantial benefits in terms of adults’ greater earnings and lower rates of welfare dependence. The report also provides policy makers and adult education stake-holders with approaches to transitioning students to postsecondary education to include:

identifying the target population for postsecondary programs;
developing an array of services which include academic preparation, counseling activities, and mentoring; as well as
establishing collaborative partnerships.

This background report asserts that assisting ABE participants in their transition to postsecondary education requires shifts in state policy as well as more systematic processes in ABE programs for developing information and procedures for linking with postsecondary institutions. This assistance includes enhanced curriculum, new services, and collaborative relationships within and outside their institutions. The author recommends that effective transition assistance is best provided using different types of resources through various mechanisms. These include additional instruction provided to enhance learners' academic skills; counseling offered for financial aid, stress and time management, and study skills; and through mentors who provide encouragement and support.

Citation

Alamprese, J. (2005). Helping Adult Learners Make the Transition to Postsecondary Education. U. S. Department of Education. Office of Vocational and Adult Education.

Retrieved From

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/pi/AdultEd/transpost.pdf