Promoting education and achievement of adults learning English
Digests
Education for Adult English Language Learners in the United States: Trends, Research, and Promising Practices
Part VIII: Conclusion
Currently, 46% of the adult basic education population served in federally funded programs is comprised of English language learners. Population projections for the next 10 years indicate that the number of adult English language learners in the United States will continue to grow. The adult education system is committed to providing high-quality instruction for this population. The current emphasis on learner assessment and program accountability, professional development for practitioners, program and content standards, transitions to postsecondary and vocational education and the workplace, and uses of technology will help meet this goal. However, more research needs to be conducted and disseminated on how adults learn English, what instructional and assessment methods are most useful, how practitioners implement professional learning in the classroom, and how technology can be best used for learner instruction and teacher training. In addition, support for efforts in all of these areas is needed from federal, state, and local agencies and practitioners.