STATE HOUSE - Legislation sponsored by Rep. Nancy C. Hetherington (D-Dist. 28), that amends the "Adult Education Act of 1981" and establishes an adult education public policy stressing the adoption of values and goals, passed the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
"This is an important piece of legislation that provides adult learners with much needed support," said Representative Hetherington, whose district covers parts of Cranston and Warwick. "Adults who seek to better themselves educationally are courageous individuals. We should encourage such behavior, not hinder such actions. We should facilitate the process in order to include a greater amount of adult learners."
The much debated Hetherington legislation ('99-H 5866 Sub A as amended), that basically outlines the needs of adult learners, was discussed by many representatives on the House Floor prior to a vote in favor of the legislation.
The term "adult learner" refers to someone studying for a General Equivalency Diploma or General Education Development (GED) education or lower. In Rhode Island, one out of five adults read below the sixth grade reading level.
The bill says the educational needs of adults as well as young people shall be addressed, that a coordinated adult education delivery system shall be provided and maintained on a statewide basis and public funds already allotted to adult educational programs support that delivery system. In addition, the bill also calls for all adult education services to practice eight values required to preserve the needs of adult learners:
* Adult learners shall be treated with respect.
* Adult learners shall be included in policy development.
* Adult learners shall be offered services that are cost-effective and that meet their educational needs.
* Adult learners shall have access to testing, evaluation and accommodated for learning and/or other disabilities.
* Adult learners shall be informed about the education choices available to them.
* Adult learners shall participate in decisions about their educational process.
* Adult learners shall be provided with educational programming commensurate with their abilities, including but not limited to basic skills, vocational education and/or secondary education or its recognized equivalent.
* Adult learners shall receive consistent quality in their education.
Unlike any other state in the country, Rhode Island will become the first state in the nation to adopt such legislation, if the bill is enacted into law.
The passage of the bill capped off a week of activities organized by many adult literacy groups to celebrate "Adult Education Week" (May 15 - 22). Mock legislative sessions and the 9th Annual Walk for Literacy were two of the successful events held at the State House to benefit adult literacy organizations.
The Hetherington bill was transferred to the Senate where it will be considered by the Senate Health, Education and Welfare Committee.
