Educators with Clarkston’s adult education program should be excited. Last year the completion rate for the program was 74.74 percent, the highest it’s been in the past five years. But teachers aren’t excited- they’re worried.
The adult ed program is one of many areas severely hurt by recent cuts in funding to educational programs in Michigan.
This year’s funding was cut by 75 percent from last year. With a budget of $42,000 for the entire school year, program coordinators are taking the good news with a grain of salt. Last year’s program, which had to be reduced in size, had 77 participants. The year before had 193.
‘This is really hard to see,? Marilyn Allyn, director of Clarkston adult and community education, said. ‘This is a program that has graduated to many people. This is a really scary time for adult ed in the state of Michigan.?
Adult ed currently offers classes to adults over the age of 20 on a variety of topics, ranging from vocational skills, English classes and courses needed to receive a graduated equivalency degree. Classes are held three times during the week at various buildings throughout the school district.
Due to the cuts in funding, program officials have been forced to consolidate classes into bigger groups and reduce the amount of choices a student has with the curriculum. And for the first time instructors are turning students away to keep classes as small as possible. This year’s budget has already been accounted for both semesters.
‘What we’re finding is that we have more people than we can serve,? Allyn said.
So far the program’s ‘English as a second language? courses are full and operating above the number of students the district has funding for.
‘It’s amazing, but there’s more that need it and we can’t help them,? Ally said.
Currently 52 people are enrolled in ESL courses. The group meets at the South Sashabaw Early Childhood center.
The budget constraints have not only cut the number of students in the program but what kind of students they are in the classroom. Last year program officials decided to accept only students who could finish a track quickly.
‘The people we have now are hard workers,? Allyn said.
It is still too early to determine if the increased completion rate is a result of the smaller classes and student selection, according to Allyn.
Program completion is based on the following criteria: Graduated, passed the GED, completed an entire course, ESL students who improved on tests or people who established a personal goal at the beginning of a class and saw it through.
School district officials have been supportive of the program and its needs, but with cuts for all entities of the district, not much can be done.
‘It’s really hard to ask for money against K-12,? Allyn said. ‘Clarkston’s doing everything they can to maintain its programs for students.?
Allyn worries that the smaller program will have a greater impact than merely increased class size. According to Allyn, adult literacy rates directly impact the educational abilities of children with parents who cannot read.
‘Adult ed was that vehicle that was really strong and supported adult literacy, and in turn families,? Allyn said.
Clarkston isn’t the only district facing problems with its adult ed program. Neighboring community Waterford recently began charging its students for each class they enrolled in. The cost is $200 per course.
‘It’s not just Clarkston facing this, it’s every district around us,? Allyn said.
The adult ed program was at its peak during the 1970s and early 1980s. Enrollment ranged anywhere from 200 to 300 students at a given time and featured a variety of programs and courses.
Seeing the change in current events is hard for Allyn to watch. She’s been with the district since 1979.
‘We don’t know what’s going to happen next year, we’re just struggling to maintain,? Allyn said. ‘I don’t see things improving and that’s what’s sad about this.?
While many know about the budge constraints placed on K-12 education, Allyn has found that people often aren’t aware of the problems adult ed faces.
‘You don’t really think about it (adult ed) until you need it,? Allyn said. Unless you’re the it affects, I don’t think people know about adult ed.?
Allyn and other district officials will keep watchful eyes on how the program does this year before establishing a plan for the 2005-2006 school year.
‘We always say there’s no child left behind,? Allyn said. ‘Well, I kind of hope there’s no adult left behind, either.?