City Council Member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend) yesterday outlined a vision for increasing adult education enrollment, retention and graduation rates through providing wrap-around services that make it easier for students to earn their Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) formerly the General Educational Development (GED) State High School Equivalency Diploma.
At the same time, Treyger blasted the city’s inadequate efforts to serve 2 million New Yorkers without a high school diploma.
“In New York City, thousands of adult learners enroll in adult educational programs. It’s crucial we do everything possible to make sure adult learners have all the resources they need. If we want adult learners to complete courses, we have to offer supports,” said Treyger, a former public high school social studies teacher and chair of the Council’ Education Committee.
Under Treyger’s reimagined plan, adult learners would get guidance counselors and social workers, as well as free childcare, MetroCards, meals and snacks, and other critical services.
The plan is based on a program that Treyger piloted in his district where there was a 100% increase in enrollment and a 120% increase in attendance rate when the adult education course offered wraparound supports. There has also been a steady year-over-year gain in students taking and passing the TASC. The per student funding rate increased by 97% from FY18 – FY20.
“After increasing supports, enrollment and attendance in adult education increased tremendously in my district. We need to set up all students, regardless of age, with the supportive services necessary for positive outcomes,” said Treger.
Treyger unveiled his plan following a city council oversight hearing on the experience of New Yorkers enrolled in adult education and adult literacy programs. Advocates, students, city agencies and representatives from the New York City library system testified at the hearing on adult education and literacy programming.
Across the city, thousands of adult learners enroll in adult education programs and courses at New York City libraries, the City University of New York (CUNY), the Department of Education (DOE) and the Department for Youth and Community Development (DYCD). These programs include English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education (ABE), High School Equivalency (HSE) courses, and Career and Technical Education (CTE).
Despite the wide range of city agencies supporting adult learners, research shows that 25% of city residents are functionally illiterate, meaning that they don’t have the literacy skills necessary for most jobs and many everyday situations.
Despite the millions of city residents who could benefit from adult education and literacy programs, only a small fraction are currently being served. Additionally, data shows that the number of people taking and passing the State’s HSE exam declined significantly since 2010. While approximately 44,000 New York residents took the HSE exam from 2010 to 2012, only about 27,000 residents took this exam from 2015-2017.
“We are tremendously grateful for our partnership with Council Member Treyger, who has worked with us to create a supportive and successful Adult High School Equivalency (HSE) program in Coney Island,” says Dr. Liliana Polo-Mckenna, CEO of Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow. “By identifying and then addressing barriers to furthering constituents’ educational attainment, such as food insecurity, childcare access, and transportation costs, consistent class attendance nearly quadrupled and more students are on their way to their HSEs and living wage jobs.”
The benefits of adult education are clear. According to Literacy New York, minimum wage employees’ wages increased by 18-25% within 18 months of completing an adult education program. Most importantly, individuals with adult education experience improved health and life expectancy as well as an increased quality of life for their children and dependents.
