Unveiling the Value of Adult Foundational Education: Learner-Centered Goals and Outcomes

• In Event: A Bird's Eye View of Adult Learning: Understandings at Scale

Abstract

Adult foundational education (AFE) provides U.S. adults with opportunities to learn English, improve literacy and numeracy skills, prepare for high school equivalency exams, and gain workplace skills. Despite its importance, support for AFE has declined, necessitating an examination of its value to funders and partners. This study investigates the goals and outcomes of 793 adult learners in AFE programs, revealing diverse motivations beyond traditional measures. We identified five learner groups based on their goals, with significant unexpected outcomes reported. These findings highlight AFE's broad benefits, including personal well-being and social inclusion, and advocate for a learner-centered return on investment (ROI) perspective. This comprehensive understanding can inform policy, enhance funding, and improve program design to better meet adult learners’ needs.

Authors

• Jungeun Lee, Pennsylvania State University

• Margaret Becker Patterson, Research Allies for Lifelong Learning