Adult Learning: Then & Now
Adult education as a concept first cropped up in the 1800s. Initially, adult education programs were focused primarily on promoting literacy skills and providing cultural education to new immigrants. In the early 20th century, vocational training and adult basic education programs became more prevalent. In the years post-WW2, the government began implementing policies to provide ongoing federal funding for adult ed programs. Today, adult education programs nationwide support millions of learners each year in attaining their education and career goals.
Literacy
Vocational Training
Digital Skills
Manage course enrollment, data analysis, NRS reporting & more.
myOneFlow is the only adult education management solution that offers adult ed providers a single platform for students, staff, admin & external partners.
The Many Types of Adult Education
Adult learners have incredibly diverse backgrounds, goals, and barriers to overcome. A wide variety of programs make up the adult ed ecosystem that serves these individuals.
![adult basic education](https://www.myoneflow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/unseen-studio-s9CC2SKySJM-unsplash%20(1).jpeg?width=640&height=225&name=unseen-studio-s9CC2SKySJM-unsplash%20(1).jpeg)
Adult Basic Education
ABE courses focus on basic literacy and numeracy skills and are designed to bring students up to an eighth-grade competency level.
![adult secondary education](https://www.myoneflow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/burst-kUqqaRjJuw0-unsplash.jpeg?width=640&height=225&name=burst-kUqqaRjJuw0-unsplash.jpeg)
Adult Secondary Education
Adult secondary education focuses on grades 9-12 equivalency, preparing students for degree attainment.
![high school equivalency](https://www.myoneflow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-g%C3%BCl-i%C5%9F%C4%B1k-2292837.jpeg?width=640&height=225&name=pexels-g%C3%BCl-i%C5%9F%C4%B1k-2292837.jpeg)
High School Equivalency
These programs prepare learners to take high school equivalency tests, such as GED, HiSET, and TASC, and obtain an HSE degree.
![english as a second language](https://www.myoneflow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/95de7c31-63d5-4ad6-bdda-9002efd79139-1.jpeg?width=640&height=225&name=95de7c31-63d5-4ad6-bdda-9002efd79139-1.jpeg)
English as a Second Language
ESL courses are designed to help non-native English speakers learn or improve their English language skills.
![adult literacy](https://www.myoneflow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/thought-catalog-mmWqrsjZ4Lw-unsplash.jpeg?width=640&height=225&name=thought-catalog-mmWqrsjZ4Lw-unsplash.jpeg)
Adult Literacy
Literacy programs help adult native and non-native English speakers improve their reading skills, often in conjunction with other programs.
![career and technical education](https://www.myoneflow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/45464833-d9f3-419b-9d8e-3967a5bbc3ec-1.jpeg?width=640&height=225&name=45464833-d9f3-419b-9d8e-3967a5bbc3ec-1.jpeg)
Career & Technical Education
CTE programs prepare learners for entry into a specific career pathway, often through learning a trade skill.
4 min read
How to Actually Track WIOA Co-Enrollments: Using Better Data to Drive Workforce Equity
Jan 30, 2025
4 min read
Workforce Development + Adult Education: Collaboration for Maximum Impact
Mar 22, 2024
4 min read
5 Emerging Trends in Adult Education
Sep 27, 2023
Are you in the Network?
Join the nation's premier network of students, job seekers, service and training providers.