Councilmember Perry Fights for Adult Education

Receives Unanimous Support for Resolution in Support of Adult Education at the LAUSD

 

LOS ANGELES, CA – Councilwoman Jan Perry received unanimous support for a resolution she authored in support of funding adult education programs at the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The adult education program provided by the LAUSD is in jeopardy with the potential closure of 24 adult community schools.

 

“We cannot afford to lose these critical programs that so many rely on. It will be detrimental to the students and the families of Los Angeles who have used adult education to supplement their education and assist with career development,” said Councilwoman Jan Perry.  “Adult education helps break the cycle of poverty for tens of thousands of people. It affords a vital second chance for adults that seek to reconnect with an education center to complete their high school education and find job training that reflects job market opportunities.”

 

Over the last several years, the LAUSD has seen substantial decreases in State funding, with continued decreases likely to occur into the future. As a result of decreased State funding, LAUSD is considering closing adult community schools, affecting more than 255,000 adult education students, including high-school dropouts earning their general-education diplomas (GED), students taking English as a second language, and career development in local communities.

 

LAUSD officials have stated that they have cut $2 billion in the last three years and currently have a $560 million deficit, with another $500 million looming next year. Revenue short-falls threaten every LAUSD program, but dramatic cuts to adult education threaten the future of adults seeking opportunities in a challenging work environment. Future cuts would further threaten the long-term economic recovery efforts of the Los Angeles region.

 

According to a 2003 Report by the Workforce Literacy Project, Los Angeles has the highest rate of undereducated adults of any major U.S. metropolitan area. In fact, low-literacy rates reached 65% on the Eastside and 84% in South Los Angeles

 

 

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