Illinois task force examines adult education

NORMAL, Ill. (AP) - A new task force created by the Illinois Community College Board will be looking for ways to improve adult education and help increase the number of students that move from basic education classes to post-secondary career training.

The Statewide Task Force on the Future of Adult Education and Literacy was created earlier this year as a result of legislative action, The Pantagraph reported.

"Adult education isn't about getting students a high school equivalency certificate anymore," said task force chairwoman Karen Hunter Anderson. "It's about preparing them for training programs that can get them good jobs."

Improvements being considered include greater development of soft skills and career readiness, such as resume writing, interviewing, communication and time management, said board spokesman Matt Berry. He said other potential goals include identifying successful pilot programs and expanding them statewide and fostering lifelong focus.

More than 1.2 million adults in the state don't have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, according to the college board.

"You're trying to get them through the pipeline faster and into the workforce . but there's also a need for the more advanced skills required in today's economy," Berry said.

The group held its first meeting on Oct. 23. The panel has until Jan. 31 to turn in a final report.

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Information from: The Pantagraph, http://www.pantagraph.com