Governor Charlie Crist has issued a proclamation recognizing September 2009 as Florida Adult and Family Literacy Month, drawing attention to the value of lifelong learning, literacy for all citizens, and the contributions adult education and literacy programs provide in local communities.  

Adult education programs and literacy providers serve more than 400,000 adults annually in Florida. In Alachua County, the Adult Education program served more 1700 adults (persons at least 16 years old) during the last school year.  Program offerings include English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and GED (General Education Development) Preparation classes. The program administers the GED test locally. It also gives students the opportunity to earn the credits they need for a standard high school diploma.   

“Many people don’t realize how large our ‘school’ is,” said Cheryl Allen, the district’s adult education specialist.  “We have 22 teachers at 20 different sites throughout Alachua County.  Our teachers are certified, dedicated, and love working with adult students.”

“Adult Education gives those who didn’t make it through school the first time out a second chance,” said Joanne Rockwood, an ABE (Adult Basic Education) teacher who is starting her 16^th year teaching with the Adult Education Program. “For many students, coming back to school is a huge step, and we want to welcome them in a friendly, non-threatening way.”

Last year the adult education program tested more than 700 residents of Alachua County for the GED diploma, and 372 of them passed the test. Another group of about 100 students at the Alachua County Department of the Jail were also tested, and about 40 passed.   

GED testing occurs at the Downtown Public Library with cooperation from Terri Hutchinson, Alachua County’s Literacy Coordinator.  “We’re very pleased to be able to host GED testing here at the library,” said Hutchinson. “The school district refers students here to our literacy (tutoring) program when necessary, and I refer interested persons to the Adult Education program. It’s a great collaboration.”

Charles Wise, the supervisor of Adult Education and the district’s GED Chief Examiner said the program is extremely rewarding, achieving great things with a small staff.

“Students are extremely grateful when they achieve their goal of getting that diploma, as well they should be,” he said. “We hold graduation exercises each year, and the graduates, parents, friends and family come out and have a great time.  They enjoy being recognized for their accomplishment.”

Allen says she hopes Governor Crist’s proclamation will help raise awareness about adult education and what it has to offer.

“We are here to help people get the diploma they’re longing for,” she said. “Our motto is ‘Adult Education…..moving you forward,’ and that’s what we do”

For more information about Adult Education in Alachua County, call (352) 955-7632