In the 21st century economic landscape, many argue the importance of a college degree, as entry into many occupations now requires advanced credentials. Pursuing a college degree costs time and money, often presenting barriers to those pursuing the dream. Prior learning assessment (PLA) offers a solution to spend less time and money earning a…

WVAdultEd programs provide adults with the opportunity to acquire and improve functional skills necessary to enhance the quality of their lives as workers, family members, and citizens. Educational services are available at no cost to the learners and are designed to meet the educational needs of the individual. Certified adult education…

College and universities underwent tremendous shifts in the latter part of the 20th century caused in part by the shrinking pool of college ready 18 year-olds. Concerned about diminishing enrollments and lost revenue from traditionally-aged students, administrators at faith-based, tuition-driven universities instituted adult degree completion…

Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, comprises three primary units that each serve a distinct population: the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is a residential college for roughly 2,800 traditional-age undergraduates; the College of Adult and Professional Studies and Graduate School (CAPS/GS) serves roughly 2,200 adult learners at both the…

Programs for adults learning English vary widely in size and scope. Some are large, multilevel programs, such as the Arlington Education and Employment Program (REEP) in Virginia, which has more than 45 staff members, over 100 volunteers, and an array of student services for the 7,500 learners served annually at the program's 7 locations. Others…

The rapid growth in online and virtual learning opportunities has created culturally diverse classes and corporate training sessions. Instruction for these learning opportunities must adjust to meet participant needs. "Online Course Management: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications" is a comprehensive reference source for the…

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University--Worldwide serves more than 36,000 online students across the globe, many of whom are military and other non-traditional students, offering 34 undergraduate, graduate, and professional education/workforce certificate programs, presented both online and via blended delivery modes. The centralized model of online…

Presents the author's observations on the growth of continuing education, problems of definition, the identification of its constituency, and the status of continuing education programs in the academic world. (SK)

Prior learning assessment programs are characterized as having a highly individualized service or a more standardized pattern. Three model programs are described: Webster College in St. Louis, Adelphi University in Garden City, Long Island, and Sinclair Community College in Dayton. (Author/MLW)

The Educational Services Program of the Navy provides an opportunity for enlisted personnel to earn a high school diploma, for career personnel to pursue an advanced educational program, and for officers to work on baccalaureate or advanced degrees. This is a manual of information about the G.I. Bill, available counseling, tuition aid, program…

Guidelines for starting a public school adult education program are presented and discuss the collection of basic data on community characteristics, community involvement, program administration and funding, curriculum, teacher hiring, program-school relationship, enrollment, policies, and community advisory board. (LH)

Higher education institutions are creating academic centers or institutes run for and by older adults, often retired professionals. The organizations are quasi-independent and organize their own programs. While they are usually attached to continuing education divisions, they are also seen as a community service. (MSE)

Perspectives on the adult nontraditional student are offered. Nontraditional students usually have multiple commitments, are not campus focused, and participate in informal learning. Needs of the nontraditional/adult learner concern the following areas: service and support, personal/social development, academic preparation, academic…

Functions of the continuing education office of a higher education institution are discussed. Continuing education offices usually offer not-for-credit courses, including personal enrichment and specialized professional courses. Summer sessions are the major activity of the office, and conferences may also be conducted by off-campus groups and…

A study was conducted to compare the Rhode Island Adult Basic Education (ABE) program with the ABE programs of other states and U.S. possessions. (The purpose of this study was to collect data on specific program variables which were not addressed by the National Advisory Council on Adult Education's 1978 Summary Report.) The data, pertaining only…