Las Vegas Graduate Wins National Award for Adult Education
Introduction
Professor Lisa F. Bentson, the program manager of the College & Career Readiness Institute (CCRI) of Luna Community College in Las Vegas, N.M., received exciting news that one of her recent graduates had been selected as the winner of the highest national honor for an Adult Education student. This was a significant achievement as it was the first time a graduate from Luna Community College or any New Mexico Adult Education program had received this recognition.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
About Adult Education
Adult Education programs, historically known as “GED programs,” serve not only high school dropouts but also individuals seeking to improve their basic life skills, critical thinking capacity, and confidence. These programs prepare students for high school equivalency exams and provide pathways to careers or higher education.
The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that in 2021, approximately two million students dropped out of high school, highlighting the need for Adult Education programs to support individuals who have left the traditional education system.
Samuel’s Journey
Samuel Gabaldon, a graduate of Luna’s program, overcame significant challenges to pursue his education. Diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia in sixth grade, Samuel faced years of hospitalizations and chemotherapy, leaving him bedridden for over seven years. Despite these obstacles, Samuel joined Luna’s College & Career Readiness Institute (CCRI) with doubts about his ability to attend classes and obtain his high school equivalency.
However, Samuel excelled in the program, completing the required exams within a year and achieving some of the highest scores in CCRI’s history. Alongside his studies, he volunteered as a tutor, mentor, and cheerleader for fellow students.
Recognition and Impact
Samuel’s selection as the Adult Learner of the Year by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) garnered widespread excitement and pride within the New Mexico Adult Education community. Amber Gallup, the Director of the Adult Education Division for the New Mexico Higher Education Department, commended Samuel and Luna CCRI staff for their resilience and dedication. The recognition brings attention to the innovative approaches and success of New Mexico’s Adult Education programs.
Jamie Trujillo, executive director of the New Mexico Adult Education Association, expressed admiration for Samuel’s achievements and emphasized the significance of his award for both Samuel and the entire state’s Adult Education system. The recognition highlights the importance of providing competitive wages for Adult Education professionals and addressing the barriers faced by programs, staff, and students.
Next Steps
Samuel has been accepted into the University of New Mexico to study Civil Engineering. Inspired by a visit to the New Croton Dam, he aspires to contribute to projects that benefit future generations. Winning the Adult Learner of the Year award not only brings honor but also provides Samuel with a $2,000 award to support his college expenses. He will also attend COABE’s national conference to share his story and advocate for Adult Basic Education.
Despite moving forward in his own journey, Samuel remains connected to CCRI, frequently visiting the campus to offer assistance and support. His experience and passion have led him to become an advocate for Adult Education, aiming to dispel misconceptions and promote the importance of these programs.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses the importance of Adult Education programs in providing basic adult life skills, preparing students for careers or college, and addressing the high school dropout rate. These issues are connected to SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Additionally, the article highlights the need for competitive wages for Adult Education professionals, which relates to SDG 8’s target of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Lastly, the article mentions the barriers and misconceptions faced by adult education programs and advocates for reducing inequalities in access to education, aligning with SDG 10.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
- SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.
The article emphasizes the importance of providing equal access to quality education for adult learners, which aligns with SDG 4.3. It also highlights the need for competitive wages for Adult Education professionals, which relates to SDG 8.5’s target of achieving decent work for all. Lastly, the article advocates for reducing inequalities in access to education and addressing misconceptions about adult education, which aligns with SDG 10.3.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of adult learners enrolled in Adult Education programs
- Number of adult learners who successfully complete high school equivalency exams
- Percentage of adult learners showing measurable skill gains
- Comparison of wages for Adult Education professionals with other educators
The article mentions that Adult Education programs in New Mexico served nearly 10,000 students and graduated 655 students with high school equivalency credentials. These numbers can be used as indicators to measure progress towards SDG 4.3. Additionally, the article states that 56% of students enrolled in New Mexico Adult Education programs showed measurable skill gains, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 10.3. The article also highlights the issue of low wages for Adult Education professionals, which can be compared with wages for other educators to measure progress towards SDG 8.5.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university. | – Number of adult learners enrolled in Adult Education programs – Number of adult learners who successfully complete high school equivalency exams |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | – Comparison of wages for Adult Education professionals with other educators |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard. | – Percentage of adult learners showing measurable skill gains |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: rdrnews.com
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