Adult Education: A State Director's Perspective. 'Where Are We Now?' 'Where Are We Headed?' Forum: COVID-19 and the Future of Adult Education

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused increasing economic and physical vulnerability of many Americans. There has also been a surge in poverty, housing insecurity, food insecurity, long-term unemployment, and challenges with health care access and use. This first article in the forum examines how the field of adult education continues the pattern of evolving to meet the needs of its respective community and the nation. For example, family literacy classes are offered to help improve the economic outlook of families and assist parents in supporting their children's academic needs. Workplace classes provide an opportunity for employees to improve basic academic skills and increase work productivity on the job. Additionally, correctional education gives those in institutional settings a chance to earn their high school equivalency diploma so that, upon release, they can reenter society and increase their chances of obtaining a job. This article considers an approach that comprehensively fosters student-centered environments, provides professional development for teachers, promotes adult education, and builds and expands partnerships.