Book Description

This report points out that the U.S. is virtually alone among industrialized countries in having no officially recognized body through which a dialog can be sustained on adult education matters. Furthermore, the delivery system is too often prevented from delivering needed services by its near-total dependence on tuition income. Activities of the National Advisory Council speak to these and other national issues, describing public hearings, meetings with concerned officials and representatives, and recommendations for action. The report recommends to the President that the Executive Branch activate its leadership potential in educational planning, policy, and program development for the unserved and underserved adult learner; expand the scope of NIE (National Institute of Education) research activities; and encourage ICA (International Communications Agency) support for adult and continuing education. The Congress is requested to reauthorize Title 1 of the Higher Education Act to improve ways of meeting adult learning needs. Congress, the report emphasizes, should find ways to encourage and support those who are unable to study full-time and who are discriminated against economically. Appendixes include an executive summary and discussion of federal policies for postsecondary continuing education, an analysis of the current federal role in support of such education, and a summary of public hearings on Title 1. (CP).