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Valerie Fischer - State Director
Jolli Marcellais -
Administrative Assistant
Phone: 701/328-2393
Fax: 701/328-4770
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, Adult Education and Family Literacy Unit, promotes and supports free programs that help adults over the age of 16 obtain the basic academic and educational skills they need to be productive workers, family members, and citizens. Adult education classes provide a second opportunity for adult learners committed to improving their academic and life skills.
The mission of North Dakota Adult Education is consistent with Title II of the Workforce Investment Act to provide adult education and literacy services to:
- assist adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency;
- assist adults who are parents to obtain the educational skills necessary to become full partners in the educational development of their children; and
- assist adults in the completion of a secondary school education.
Adult Education provides resources for instruction to assist adults to master the basic educational skills needed for effective functioning in society and to speak, read, and write English. Instruction is also provided to prepare for the GED test. Reading, math, communication, computer literacy and other basic skills, English Language Skills, Workplace Education, and GED instruction services are available in each of North Dakota’s Adult Learning Centers.
Under the Workforce Investment Act Title II, Adult Education programs may serve adults who:
- are at least 16 years of age;
- are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in a secondary school under State Law; and
- who
- lack sufficient mastery of basic educational skills to enable the individuals to function
effectively in society;
- do not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and have not achieved an equivalent level of education; or
- are unable to speak, read, or write the English language.
Over the past several years, ND Adult Learning Centers have served between 1,800 – 2,500 students per year. The 2005-2007 census data estimates 56,000 individuals in ND are without a high school diploma (age 19-24 year old: 7,379; 25 and older: 49,355). Approximately 1,000 additional individuals are added to this list every year as a result of high school dropouts. This past year (2007-08), ND ALC’s served 1,800 students: 1,297 students received their GED – General Educational Development (843 ages 16-19), 71 went immediately into post secondary education and 228 obtained/retained employment.
According to the US Census, individuals who receive a GED will earn $9,671 more annually than those who do not. This in turn, improves an individual’s economic status, spending patterns and tax contributions. National statistics show that the United States has the strongest economy in the world because of adult education programs. North Dakota needs every able body in the workforce – ALC’s can provide a trained worker in a reasonable time that meets the needs of employers.
If students don’t receive at least a high school diploma or GED, North Dakota will have to deal with:
- Fewer qualified employees who can fill open positions in the workplace;
- Fewer students who enroll in post secondary programs;
- Fewer enlistees for military service; and/or
- More individuals who will need public assistance and utilize state programs
Should you not find what you need on this website, please contact the Adult Education Office at (701) 328-2393. Our office is located on the 9th floor of the State Capitol Building and office hours are 8:00 – 4:30 Monday through Friday. |
