The Value of Texas
Adult Basic Education Programs

Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs are funded by the Texas Education Agency as authorized under Title II of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, also referred to as the Adult and Family Literacy Act, and the Texas Education Code, Chapter 29, Subchapter H, Section 251-257 along with the Texas Administrative Code, State Board of Education Rule, Chapter 89, Subchapter B.

What is Adult Basic Education?

Adult Education programs in Texas are funded through a combination of state and federal funds, with local programs providing significant in-kind resources. Texas Adult Basic Education is administered through the office of Texas LEARNS, the Texas Adult Education and Family Literacy Partnership. Adult Basic Education grants provide comprehensive English literacy services with basic instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics to adult learners.

In addition, adult education programs provide workplace literacy services and family literacy services. Performance indicators include: placement in, retention in, or completion of, post-secondary education, training, employment or career advancement in addition to receipt of a high school diploma or GED. In communities across the Lone Star state, adult students gain the education necessary to find and keep jobs working in the highly-skilled occupations that increasingly characterize the Texas economy. ABE programs help Texans build a strong foundation of academic skills in order to fulfill their roles as workers, parents, and citizens/community members.

How Do Adults Participate in Adult Basic Education Programs?

There are several qualifications an individual must meet in order to be eligible to participate in an adult basic education class. He/she must be at least 16 years of age or older. Additionally, he/she must lack a high school diploma and/or function at or below the eighth grade level, and is not currently enrolled in secondary school. There are sites at schools, churches, community-based organizations, workforce development centers, colleges, and libraries in communities throughout Texas. Enrollment is easy and adult education services are free to the student.

What is the Need for Adult Basic Education in Texas?

There are 3.8 million adults in Texas without a high school diploma. In addition, the state has 6.5 million residents who speak a language other than English at home, almost double the national percentage, composing 38.6% of the Texas population. In 2004-2005, 95% of students enrolled in the ABE programs had less than a ninth grade education and 20% of the students were 16 to 21 years of age while 62% of the adults were 25 to 59 years of age.

There were 123 providers with 1,560 sites in state of Texas for 2004-2005. Out of the 123 providers, 56 were Adult Basic Education Programs and 67 were English Literacy and Civics Programs in the state. The 1,560 sites served 132,213 adults in Texas for 2004-2006. With the current allocated resources, Texas is only serving 3.5% of the 3.8 million in need of adult basic education services.

Who Provides Adult Basic Education in Texas?

Adult Education providers are funded by the Texas Education Agency through a competitive, rigorous process. Eligible applicants must demonstrate proven effectiveness in providing adult students with the key components of the Adult Basic Education program. Since most adult education students also work, the classes must be community-based, easy to enroll in, and convenient to attend. Eligible applicants can include: local education agencies, community-based organizations, including volunteer literacy organizations, institutions of higher education, including community and junior colleges, public or private non-profit agencies and institutions, libraries, public housing authorities, and consortiums of agencies and organizations. Currently, 24 Community Colleges, 20 Independent School Districts, 8 Education Service Centers, 1 Community Based Organization, and Harris County Department of Education are fiscal agents for programs.

In addition, Project GREAT Centers, Adult Education and Family Literacy Regional Centers of Excellence, were created to train teachers and administrators in order improve the quality of instruction to the adult learners. The eight GREAT Centers are regional professional development and teacher training centers that are linked through a central literacy clearinghouse and resource center. Through collaborative planning with the adult education administrators and teachers, Project GREAT Centers ensure that all regional training is customized to meet the needs of the programs in those particular regions in addition to leading programs on the development of statewide content standards, best practices, and creditionals of adult education instructors.

What is the Adult Basic Education Investment in Texas?

Adult Education programs apply for federal and state fund allocated by geographical areas with a required 25% state match. Approximately $ 39 million in state and federal funds were allocated to adult education providers in 2004-2005. Out of the $ 39 million, $ 6.87 million allocated was from state appropriated funds, and $ 32.13 million was federal funds. The average cost of services was $ 302.58 per student in Texas. The total amount allocated to the GREAT Centers in Texas was $1.98 million in 2004-2005.