Adult/Continuing Education

Continuing education provides a wide variety of learning and leisure opportunities for adults. Often these offerings are fee-based and may include the following:
•Adult Basic Education (ABE) – opportunities for adults in need of literacy skills, basic skills development or refresher basics in reading, writing, and math. In addition to basic skills and literacy, ABE provides instruction for adults with limited English language skills through English as a Second Language programs. Further down the continuum of ABE is the high school equivalency program that prepares a student to take the Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) exams. Adult Basic Education is provided by qualified educators and further enhanced by the use of trained volunteers.
•College Credit Classes – often a community college or university will offer campus credit classes at a K-12 school facility. College staff or adjunct staff may teach this type of outreach program. Another method of instruction is distance learning, as the college provider utilizes satellite capability, or perhaps the fiber optics network available from the Iowa Communications Network.
•Adult Learning and Leisure Opportunities – many community education models provide non-credit classes for a more informal learning opportunity. These may include such things as cake decorating, financial planning, or a foreign language class. There are many offerings in the exercise area, i.e. aerobics, swimming, etc. Adult learners often take these classes to improve their knowledge in a particular area or for the sheer pleasure and enjoyment.